The students, Elizabeth, Lauren, and Katie are amazing! They ask some of the most insightful questions. Their assistance in the the processing of the participates, ensuring everyone's flights are booked and they travel without delay should become a premium on E-BAY, HSN or QVC.
They are the best! BRAVO!
Lena
Thursday, January 24, 2008
HASE 2008 Conference
The conference is going well. There are so many brilliant minds in one room, all meeting to achieve the same goal of making a difference in Africa. To listen to them is certainly a privilege, but to sit at a meal and have a conversation is even better. The exchange of dialogue, the insight of these men-is without a doubt most impressive. Mind mapping...it is a concept that does not appeal to my way of processing information. However, being a part of this process in the background and listening to the way thoughts, perceptions, and ideas are shared is without a doubt helping me grow a truly global perspective of my daily environment-and of Africa.
Members of the panel are from Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria-they have traveled the world. They know the history of their native countries and the countries they have traveled. There is a representative from the Global Fund, Project CURE, WHO, PHDs doing research analysis, members of both domestic and forgein military commands, contractors, everyone hoping to learn how to work together, developing and understanding a process in a crisis.
What I see is it is the development of personal relationships that get things done. Individuals putting aside their egos to support what is needed. This is a lesson we can all benefit from. And, if these men and women and others like them continue to share their thoughts a DIFFERENCE can and WILL be made.
Lena
Members of the panel are from Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria-they have traveled the world. They know the history of their native countries and the countries they have traveled. There is a representative from the Global Fund, Project CURE, WHO, PHDs doing research analysis, members of both domestic and forgein military commands, contractors, everyone hoping to learn how to work together, developing and understanding a process in a crisis.
What I see is it is the development of personal relationships that get things done. Individuals putting aside their egos to support what is needed. This is a lesson we can all benefit from. And, if these men and women and others like them continue to share their thoughts a DIFFERENCE can and WILL be made.
Lena
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Atlantic Ocean
On the east coast we all love the idea of walking on the beach-the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. Today, I touched the Atlantic Ocean, more than 5,000 miles form the shores of America. I have come full circle from the shores my ancestors once walked. It is difficult to imagine their journey. As I sat on the stones of the shore I marveled at seeing what they saw and feeling at home.
I am told that I look like the Fonti people. That my manner is that of the Ashanti--I don't know what tribe's blood runs through my veins, I do know I feel Africa in my soul.
I am meeting Africans from all over the continent. I walked to today with my new son from Nigeria. He will return to his home tomorrow and I will remain another week. We both speak of how it is just not enough time to experience GHANA.
Lena
I am told that I look like the Fonti people. That my manner is that of the Ashanti--I don't know what tribe's blood runs through my veins, I do know I feel Africa in my soul.
I am meeting Africans from all over the continent. I walked to today with my new son from Nigeria. He will return to his home tomorrow and I will remain another week. We both speak of how it is just not enough time to experience GHANA.
Lena
Making a connection with Ashesi University
We are making visits to many locations, the conference will begin on Monday. There is a lot of work to do, but we aren't sure what the nature of it all will be. So, we make our visits and we wait for the next task. Lauren has told you a bit about our visit to Ashesi University and the students. I can also say I was impressed with the interaction of the students and the enthusiaum they so in the classroom.
I meet with the Director of Admissions and a member of the faculty to discuss the possibility of an exchange agreement with VWC. The Academic Dean was not available, so I am looking forward to a call so that I can tour more of the campus and continue the discussion.
It will take a very special student to come to Ghana. Ghana is not like the USA things are not always convenient. Every thing takes longer than you think it will take. Many things are not what we would consider modern in the USA. If you want it done your way GHANA is not the place for you.
If you want to learn about African culture, to experience the culture, the people the food, and aspects of American culture, if you are flexible then GHANA may be for you. I want to come back. It is expensive, but I would welcome the opportunity to come and teach in one of the primary schools.
Think about GHANA....if you want to learn more visit www.ghana.com
Lena
I meet with the Director of Admissions and a member of the faculty to discuss the possibility of an exchange agreement with VWC. The Academic Dean was not available, so I am looking forward to a call so that I can tour more of the campus and continue the discussion.
It will take a very special student to come to Ghana. Ghana is not like the USA things are not always convenient. Every thing takes longer than you think it will take. Many things are not what we would consider modern in the USA. If you want it done your way GHANA is not the place for you.
If you want to learn about African culture, to experience the culture, the people the food, and aspects of American culture, if you are flexible then GHANA may be for you. I want to come back. It is expensive, but I would welcome the opportunity to come and teach in one of the primary schools.
Think about GHANA....if you want to learn more visit www.ghana.com
Lena
Really Not a Simple Journey
Well, yesterday was the first time I had the opportunity to post in a while. I talked about the journey up North and the fact that travel is not really simple in Ghana. So, now let me share with you our journey back to Accra.
We left the North at 4:00 a.m. so as to avoid the traffic and perhaps reach Accra in time for dinner before 8:00 pm. We finally arrived at midnight, some 20 hours later and without the benefit of dinner along the way. A one hour drive just outside of the capital turned into 5 hours or more. Of course, everyone needed to use the toilet and we were hungry. Mike, Alan, and Anthony decided the side of the road did not look too bad as an optional toilet facility as we had no imagination of when we would get out of this huge traffic jam. Now, when I say traffic jam, I really mean jam. Some drivers decided to drive on the wrong side of the road into the on coming traffic. It was a measure I am pleased to say our driver did not take. As we wait, some of us are not so patient- we are hungry, we are tired, and we just want to be off of the bus.
Some of the drivers and passengers in the cars in front and behind us decide to have a meal and do a bit of shopping as they wait for the massive mess of traffic to begin to move along. You see, here you can buy almost anything on the side of the road. You want some new pots and pans, someone is caring them on the crown of their heads and you can purchase them. You want some toilet paper someone will sell you a role. You need some fruit, peppers or yam, you can buy it there is a young girl, an old woman, a young boy someone willing to sell.
It is difficult to complain about being hungry when you see people on the side of the road trying to earn $3.00 a day for their survival. Things are also put into perspective when it comes to what we complain about on a day to day basis in the States. After our trip, I don't think that I will complain about traffic again. Lena
We left the North at 4:00 a.m. so as to avoid the traffic and perhaps reach Accra in time for dinner before 8:00 pm. We finally arrived at midnight, some 20 hours later and without the benefit of dinner along the way. A one hour drive just outside of the capital turned into 5 hours or more. Of course, everyone needed to use the toilet and we were hungry. Mike, Alan, and Anthony decided the side of the road did not look too bad as an optional toilet facility as we had no imagination of when we would get out of this huge traffic jam. Now, when I say traffic jam, I really mean jam. Some drivers decided to drive on the wrong side of the road into the on coming traffic. It was a measure I am pleased to say our driver did not take. As we wait, some of us are not so patient- we are hungry, we are tired, and we just want to be off of the bus.
Some of the drivers and passengers in the cars in front and behind us decide to have a meal and do a bit of shopping as they wait for the massive mess of traffic to begin to move along. You see, here you can buy almost anything on the side of the road. You want some new pots and pans, someone is caring them on the crown of their heads and you can purchase them. You want some toilet paper someone will sell you a role. You need some fruit, peppers or yam, you can buy it there is a young girl, an old woman, a young boy someone willing to sell.
It is difficult to complain about being hungry when you see people on the side of the road trying to earn $3.00 a day for their survival. Things are also put into perspective when it comes to what we complain about on a day to day basis in the States. After our trip, I don't think that I will complain about traffic again. Lena
Military Hospital and Ashesi University
The room was entirely green.
Dark green curtains covered every wall, and the space that peeked between was a lighter shade of green plaster. The small couches that all 9 of us squeezed ourselves into were green. The men who stood before us, as we rose and stood close together to shake hands individually with each official there, were dressed in brown and green camoflauge, or solid green uniforms with prestigious adornments.
We were at the 37 Military Hospital. Guides took us on a tour around the place after we nodded our heads to each important name there. We were impressed by the emmaculate cleanliness and the very new, modern feeling of the hospital, completely different to the rugged rural hospital and research center we had stayed in at Navrongo.
We got to meet with the head of the information database there. I felt bad for him, because we entered his office and, since there were not nearly enough chairs, stood in a confronting half circle around him, notepads balanced on our forearms, firing questions like flashes of light in an interrogation setting, each one coming before he had even finished answering the last. Most of us were unaware of our overwhelming presence, but Katie, Liz and I noticed and had to stand back and sort of laugh. The Defense Dept. is not quite adept at informal, comfortable interviews. I can't blame them, their minds were on each question they wanted to ask, and we were getting a lot of good information, which was exciting to them.
We ate lunch back at the Kofi Annan, and then Beachley, Brooke, Liz, Katie and I went to the Ashesi University to meet with "participants," which were mostly students, two international ones from American University, and two professors. The room we were in was long and fairly thin, with tiny desks gathered too close together, and reaching end to end of the three walls, with a little bit of space between them and the white board on the fourth wall. The students were already there, and had been waiting for about a half hour for us (Ghana time was generous).
We handed out consent forms, and then a survey called the Lickert Survey, which assesses cultural and demographic characteristics (originally in order to conduct better business interactions,) but more importantly, we were there to receive feedback on the students' thoughts about organized aid systems and Ghana's role in the process.
When Brooke had collected the surveys, Beach got to the front of the class and spoke eloquently and articulately, communicating exactly what we were doing and what we wanted to hear from them. He used the white board behind him for efficient diagrams of the way aid systems work, and possible hitches that come up in the flow of money and information. He opened to the students at the end with a well-timed, "Your turn." Beach is clearly a Communications professor, and an efficient one.
They began slowly. They talked about people at the top of the chain neglecting to listen to those at the bottom, who know exactly what is needed. They talked about trust, the lack of it on both ends of the spectrum, and the resulting problems. One guy talked about money being given to "this white man" to do something, and "this white man" to do something else, so that the money is only a fraction of what it was when it reaches those who need it.
One of the American girls was very confronting about what exactly we were going to do with all of this information, and whether or not the "data" we were collecting would be put on a shelf and begin to collect dust. Brooke answered that our results would be delivered to the four-star level, the highest it can go.
Towards the end, the students talked a lot about their most pressing concern, the importance of Ghana being a self-sufficient country, able to stand on its own feet and deal with its own problems without dependence on foreign/international aid. Beach did a great job mediating, getting the participants to really think and take the conversation very far.
It abruptly ended, however, due to a lack of time. But everyone was so enthused afterwards that many stayed behind to talk with us about their continued thoughts on the whole matter.
One student who had been about to speak up gave his ideas to Liz, Katie and I as we listened. He talked about the importance of educating the young generation, and how the education systems in Ghana are focused on success only, and leave no room for creativity and originality. They do not breed people who could be capable of an original or unique idea, and that, he said, was what would make Ghana really successful. He cited Japan as an example, how the Japanese "got their act together" after WWII, without Western help, and became one of the most powerful and successful countries.
Lena and Brooke talked with the students as well, about exchange programs with Ashesi and VWC, and about their majors, and ideas for the future. It was very inspiring and reassuring that these young students were the upcoming generation for Ghana, because it gives us all hope to see such bright and talented people who care about their country. It is something I do not see enough in America. Had we talked about the same problems in a class back home, not many students would speak up (just look at a typical philosophy class). A student back home would not know anything about Ghana, either, whereas the students here knew everything about American politics and culture. It impressed us all, and gave us a better understanding of how stable the country is and will be in the future.
~Lauren
Dark green curtains covered every wall, and the space that peeked between was a lighter shade of green plaster. The small couches that all 9 of us squeezed ourselves into were green. The men who stood before us, as we rose and stood close together to shake hands individually with each official there, were dressed in brown and green camoflauge, or solid green uniforms with prestigious adornments.
We were at the 37 Military Hospital. Guides took us on a tour around the place after we nodded our heads to each important name there. We were impressed by the emmaculate cleanliness and the very new, modern feeling of the hospital, completely different to the rugged rural hospital and research center we had stayed in at Navrongo.
We got to meet with the head of the information database there. I felt bad for him, because we entered his office and, since there were not nearly enough chairs, stood in a confronting half circle around him, notepads balanced on our forearms, firing questions like flashes of light in an interrogation setting, each one coming before he had even finished answering the last. Most of us were unaware of our overwhelming presence, but Katie, Liz and I noticed and had to stand back and sort of laugh. The Defense Dept. is not quite adept at informal, comfortable interviews. I can't blame them, their minds were on each question they wanted to ask, and we were getting a lot of good information, which was exciting to them.
We ate lunch back at the Kofi Annan, and then Beachley, Brooke, Liz, Katie and I went to the Ashesi University to meet with "participants," which were mostly students, two international ones from American University, and two professors. The room we were in was long and fairly thin, with tiny desks gathered too close together, and reaching end to end of the three walls, with a little bit of space between them and the white board on the fourth wall. The students were already there, and had been waiting for about a half hour for us (Ghana time was generous).
We handed out consent forms, and then a survey called the Lickert Survey, which assesses cultural and demographic characteristics (originally in order to conduct better business interactions,) but more importantly, we were there to receive feedback on the students' thoughts about organized aid systems and Ghana's role in the process.
When Brooke had collected the surveys, Beach got to the front of the class and spoke eloquently and articulately, communicating exactly what we were doing and what we wanted to hear from them. He used the white board behind him for efficient diagrams of the way aid systems work, and possible hitches that come up in the flow of money and information. He opened to the students at the end with a well-timed, "Your turn." Beach is clearly a Communications professor, and an efficient one.
They began slowly. They talked about people at the top of the chain neglecting to listen to those at the bottom, who know exactly what is needed. They talked about trust, the lack of it on both ends of the spectrum, and the resulting problems. One guy talked about money being given to "this white man" to do something, and "this white man" to do something else, so that the money is only a fraction of what it was when it reaches those who need it.
One of the American girls was very confronting about what exactly we were going to do with all of this information, and whether or not the "data" we were collecting would be put on a shelf and begin to collect dust. Brooke answered that our results would be delivered to the four-star level, the highest it can go.
Towards the end, the students talked a lot about their most pressing concern, the importance of Ghana being a self-sufficient country, able to stand on its own feet and deal with its own problems without dependence on foreign/international aid. Beach did a great job mediating, getting the participants to really think and take the conversation very far.
It abruptly ended, however, due to a lack of time. But everyone was so enthused afterwards that many stayed behind to talk with us about their continued thoughts on the whole matter.
One student who had been about to speak up gave his ideas to Liz, Katie and I as we listened. He talked about the importance of educating the young generation, and how the education systems in Ghana are focused on success only, and leave no room for creativity and originality. They do not breed people who could be capable of an original or unique idea, and that, he said, was what would make Ghana really successful. He cited Japan as an example, how the Japanese "got their act together" after WWII, without Western help, and became one of the most powerful and successful countries.
Lena and Brooke talked with the students as well, about exchange programs with Ashesi and VWC, and about their majors, and ideas for the future. It was very inspiring and reassuring that these young students were the upcoming generation for Ghana, because it gives us all hope to see such bright and talented people who care about their country. It is something I do not see enough in America. Had we talked about the same problems in a class back home, not many students would speak up (just look at a typical philosophy class). A student back home would not know anything about Ghana, either, whereas the students here knew everything about American politics and culture. It impressed us all, and gave us a better understanding of how stable the country is and will be in the future.
~Lauren
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Simple Journey
We traveled to the North to visit a research center, do some interviews, and visit an orphanage. It was to be a simple journey. We were asked to be ready to leave at 7:00 a.m. The driver arrived and as with all things in Ghana there was a negotiation on price. When finally there was no agreement on the charges for our journey other arrangements were made. So, now it is almost 10:00 or later and we are suppose to be there before 4:00, in Kumasi-I am to meet with someone from the University. The arrangements where made Stateside and confirmed when we arrived on Saturday and again earlier in the day. Well, it was after 9:00 or 10:00 when we finally arrived in Kumasi, a very long day! We are told we must be ready to leave at 7:00 and breakfast before. There was trouble with checking out and one begins to wonder..Is it always like this? Nothing moves fast.
There is certainly lots of movement, cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles, buses and vans in every direction. But everything takes time and you can only move forward as the car ahead moves forward or motions you to pass. This is something unique to me, one driver motioning to help another. However, everything is unique about this journey. We finally arrive at our destination late Tuesday evening, we are greeted with a meal and beverages. The food is excellent and so is the hospitality. One we are settled we know that we have another full day on Wednesday and we must meet the staff at the Research Center. Our orientation of the facility and the meeting of the staff, a tour of the hospital and meetings with various others rounds out a full day.
But,the day is not over- we want to see a bit of the North and deliver some gifts to the orphanage- again- travel time here is very different- the orphanage is down a dirt road-then again so is everything. There are not highways and paved roads like we experience in the USA. People don't walk around naked or live in trees-yet, life here is very different-complex and simple in the same moment. You see, people do live in mud and grass huts-at least what we would call huts- this does not mean they are poor. Nor, does it mean that they do not send their children to school it only confirms the fact that life is lived differently in different parts of the world. I am amazed! We saw a funeral procession- all the women of the village were caring water form the well to the home of the family where someone had died. You see, everything here from birth to death is about the family and the community.
Another thing that is different are some of the roadside consciences we have in the USA have not reached the continent of Africa. There are no rest stops and I have not seen a MacDonald's or Cracker Barrel so that we could get a quick meal or stop to relieve one's self. But, I can now say I have relieved myself on the side of the road in the USA, New Zealand and Australia. I have purchased toilet paper to relieve myself in a toilet that did not flush and I have used a Muslim squat room/I am sure there is a proper name. No, the travel is not easy, but it is not an experience that I would trade for the world.
We are all different on the bus, Brooke is a Social Psychologist and a widow, Beech is 62 and has been married more than 40 years, Bob is here with his daughter, Anthony was born here, Elizabeth who I continue to call Brooke has not traveled a lot internationally, Lauren will be leaving for Argentina a few days after we get back, Mike is in his 40's with a wife and 2 daughters, Alan is divorced and remarried for more than 25 years with 2 adult sons, and me I am a divorced African American grandmother.
You should hear us on the bus-we are just like a family-we tease one another, we take pictures and laugh at each other sleeping, I think some one is even counting how many times I say I need to use the restroom on the side of the road. Most of all we are growing as individuals. You can tell when you hear a conversation between Beech and Lauren or Brooke and Alan. Or me, as I quiz Waheed about the culture.
I have been asked if someone could buy me- I know he was joking- so we laughed-but some asked me if they could give me their daughter to live with me in America. This may sound strange unless you understand that in Ghanaian culture those with less allow children to live with someone with more to allow the child greater opportunities. So, this is a gift from the mother to the child and the child when educated with help support the family.
Lena
There is certainly lots of movement, cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles, buses and vans in every direction. But everything takes time and you can only move forward as the car ahead moves forward or motions you to pass. This is something unique to me, one driver motioning to help another. However, everything is unique about this journey. We finally arrive at our destination late Tuesday evening, we are greeted with a meal and beverages. The food is excellent and so is the hospitality. One we are settled we know that we have another full day on Wednesday and we must meet the staff at the Research Center. Our orientation of the facility and the meeting of the staff, a tour of the hospital and meetings with various others rounds out a full day.
But,the day is not over- we want to see a bit of the North and deliver some gifts to the orphanage- again- travel time here is very different- the orphanage is down a dirt road-then again so is everything. There are not highways and paved roads like we experience in the USA. People don't walk around naked or live in trees-yet, life here is very different-complex and simple in the same moment. You see, people do live in mud and grass huts-at least what we would call huts- this does not mean they are poor. Nor, does it mean that they do not send their children to school it only confirms the fact that life is lived differently in different parts of the world. I am amazed! We saw a funeral procession- all the women of the village were caring water form the well to the home of the family where someone had died. You see, everything here from birth to death is about the family and the community.
Another thing that is different are some of the roadside consciences we have in the USA have not reached the continent of Africa. There are no rest stops and I have not seen a MacDonald's or Cracker Barrel so that we could get a quick meal or stop to relieve one's self. But, I can now say I have relieved myself on the side of the road in the USA, New Zealand and Australia. I have purchased toilet paper to relieve myself in a toilet that did not flush and I have used a Muslim squat room/I am sure there is a proper name. No, the travel is not easy, but it is not an experience that I would trade for the world.
We are all different on the bus, Brooke is a Social Psychologist and a widow, Beech is 62 and has been married more than 40 years, Bob is here with his daughter, Anthony was born here, Elizabeth who I continue to call Brooke has not traveled a lot internationally, Lauren will be leaving for Argentina a few days after we get back, Mike is in his 40's with a wife and 2 daughters, Alan is divorced and remarried for more than 25 years with 2 adult sons, and me I am a divorced African American grandmother.
You should hear us on the bus-we are just like a family-we tease one another, we take pictures and laugh at each other sleeping, I think some one is even counting how many times I say I need to use the restroom on the side of the road. Most of all we are growing as individuals. You can tell when you hear a conversation between Beech and Lauren or Brooke and Alan. Or me, as I quiz Waheed about the culture.
I have been asked if someone could buy me- I know he was joking- so we laughed-but some asked me if they could give me their daughter to live with me in America. This may sound strange unless you understand that in Ghanaian culture those with less allow children to live with someone with more to allow the child greater opportunities. So, this is a gift from the mother to the child and the child when educated with help support the family.
Lena
A perception unlike any other
A crowded bus.
Nine people.
One mission.
Our mission throughout this trip is to discover what Africa is really about. To understand who these people really are; and what it is that we, America, can do to help. But, I wanted to know not just what "we" could do it was important to know what "I" could do to help. What could I give in the form of myself that would be beneficial to this enormous place. Any college student in my position could agree that giving in the form of currency is unlikely, but what could I leave behind to help, not just the people of Ghana, but the people of Africa. What I have found through my weeks journey is that the learning has overwhelmed the helping but the helping was found through my understanding. With every conversation I engage in I discover more about a place that I never really knew. Sure I have read text books, newspapers, and researched the continent before I arrived, but nothing becomes truly clear until spoken from the mouths of those who eat, breathe, and sleep it day in and day out. So to hear from their lips that just my understanding alone was helping their people be understood throughout the world made my trip more meaningful. I have learned so much from the people of Africa in only a weeks time, but I have also learned so much more about myself and my role in this humanitarian project. The people of Africa are trying to stand on their own two feet, they are moving in a direction of a better nation. They have the same thoughts, feelings, and aspirations like any other and they don't need a spokes person to tell you that; all they need is for the rest of us to listen.
A man asked me a question while I was hear, "What was your impression of Africa before you left America?" "And what is your impression now that you have arrived?"
I told him this: I was not naive enough to believe that Africans lived in trees, but I was naive enough to believe that they were not as established as they are. I never thought to see a satellite dish playing ESPN or Disney on a television set in Africa; nor did I expect their to be advances in medical practices or universities full of students. But low and behold it's here. Although communication is a problem in certain instances they have the Internet. They live in million dollar homes and drive fancy cars and own businesses. They study things like biomolecular chemistry and business management. The depth of their knowledge I was naive to, but now that I have seen that they stick together to help one another, that they want to see a better Africa, and have the knowledge to do it all I have faith that Africa will prevail and come up on top. They may need some assistance from others, but we have to let them lead the way and tell us what they need. I am pleased to be experiencing all that I am in Ghana and cannot wait to return home to share it with all those around me. Not just because I have had such a wonderful experience, but it's through educating one another that builds bridges rather then spreading gaps.
-Liz-
Nine people.
One mission.
Our mission throughout this trip is to discover what Africa is really about. To understand who these people really are; and what it is that we, America, can do to help. But, I wanted to know not just what "we" could do it was important to know what "I" could do to help. What could I give in the form of myself that would be beneficial to this enormous place. Any college student in my position could agree that giving in the form of currency is unlikely, but what could I leave behind to help, not just the people of Ghana, but the people of Africa. What I have found through my weeks journey is that the learning has overwhelmed the helping but the helping was found through my understanding. With every conversation I engage in I discover more about a place that I never really knew. Sure I have read text books, newspapers, and researched the continent before I arrived, but nothing becomes truly clear until spoken from the mouths of those who eat, breathe, and sleep it day in and day out. So to hear from their lips that just my understanding alone was helping their people be understood throughout the world made my trip more meaningful. I have learned so much from the people of Africa in only a weeks time, but I have also learned so much more about myself and my role in this humanitarian project. The people of Africa are trying to stand on their own two feet, they are moving in a direction of a better nation. They have the same thoughts, feelings, and aspirations like any other and they don't need a spokes person to tell you that; all they need is for the rest of us to listen.
A man asked me a question while I was hear, "What was your impression of Africa before you left America?" "And what is your impression now that you have arrived?"
I told him this: I was not naive enough to believe that Africans lived in trees, but I was naive enough to believe that they were not as established as they are. I never thought to see a satellite dish playing ESPN or Disney on a television set in Africa; nor did I expect their to be advances in medical practices or universities full of students. But low and behold it's here. Although communication is a problem in certain instances they have the Internet. They live in million dollar homes and drive fancy cars and own businesses. They study things like biomolecular chemistry and business management. The depth of their knowledge I was naive to, but now that I have seen that they stick together to help one another, that they want to see a better Africa, and have the knowledge to do it all I have faith that Africa will prevail and come up on top. They may need some assistance from others, but we have to let them lead the way and tell us what they need. I am pleased to be experiencing all that I am in Ghana and cannot wait to return home to share it with all those around me. Not just because I have had such a wonderful experience, but it's through educating one another that builds bridges rather then spreading gaps.
-Liz-
Navrongo Health Clinic & St. Mary's Orphanage
Lauren here. We just got back last night from having traveled to the north to stay at the Navrongo Health Clinic, in the Upper East District known as Bolgstanga, which lies on the border of Ghana and Burkina Faso. We had the opportunity to meet with the director of the health clinic there, and many of the officials in different areas like PR, technology, research, as well as the doctors who help make a place like this run.
The Navrongo Health Clinic is set up to treat people of the district, but also to do research into health problems and possible solutions. We got to ask the director and an entire room of officials questions about the problems that they face in performing these tasks. Many of the problems are universal ones in health care systems, such as the process of receiving funding and using it where it is needed; collecting a database on the people treated and cataloguing all of the citizens (which has to account for possible migrants from Burnika Faso who might be giving Ghanaian addresses); and working with other programs and systems who are trying to do the same thing, help people, but in a different way. An example of the last one would be an NGO who wanted to do research into malaria, and a government-funded project on malaria, both of which would use the same facility for their research. Who would pay for the microscopes? How do they organize the time needed to use certain equipment, how do they share information about the same area? Malaria, by the way, is considered the biggest health issue in Ghana.
Many of these problems have come up time and again in our data collecting, and we will expand on this as the meetings with Partners International begin next week. The idea of going to these little rural health clinics though, and consulting people who are out in the field witnessing the struggles of Ghana, is that we are bringing to our following set of meetings a "bottom-up" version of events. We are not going to the sources of funding, the distributors, or any of the "up" people. We are starting on the ground, in the field, seeing the results of research and what is needed for Ghana to become a self-sustaining country not dependent upon outside help. This is the true goal of Ghana, and the goal that people want, whomever we ask. (Of course, when you think about it, this is the goal of every struggling country.)
Our other big stop before we left was St. Mary's Orphanage, which is helped by the clinic, but not associated with it. The director was very happy that we wanted to see the orphanage, and upon arrival, we knew why.
The road to the orphanage was red, bumpy, and small. We shuddered and bounced our way along until we pulled up next to a small white home. Two or three children peered at us curiously from the other side of the yard, along a yellow and green wall. One man walked a little bit closer and eyed the driver, who got out and spoke with him. The driver got back in.
Wrong house. The orphanage had moved next door.
We turned around, and lumbered our bulky bus around to the neighboring place, stopping infront of an open metal gate. We clambered out, Lena grabbing a bad filled with gifts for the children. I had a video camera, and everyone else had digitals by their side.
We entered, and were introduced to Sister Mary, an old woman in a blue habit who shook each of our hands warmly. "You are welcome," she repeated to each of us.
Her smile grew as much as the crowd of children when we presented our gifts upon a table in the open courtyard of the orphanage: coloring books galore, colored pencils, regular pencils and pens, crayons, journals, some glider planes, and small electronic handheld games. Nothing huge or significant, but to the eyes of the children gazing at the vibrant display of gifts laid before them, it might have been gold, frankincense and myrrh.
We took pictures, the children, Sister Mary and us standing behind the laden table and trying not to look like we were squinting in the bright, afternoon sun. We talked with Sister Mary, who couldn't wring our hands or thank us enough. The children were curious about us. They gathered around Liz as she showed them images of them on her digital camera, and smiled when they recognized themselves on the little screen. They pulled with tiny fingers at Katie's many bracelets and necklaces, all glinting in the sun with equal vibrance to the toys. The little ones too tiny to run around, who were held by children no older than 13 on one angled hip, stared with big, dark eyes, only offering a smile after we had earned it by shaking their hand with one finger or making a silly face.
It was touching, and in so many ways reminiscent of my time in Vietnam, staring into the eyes of children who have seen too much of the world for their young lives. When it was time to say goodbye, every child waved and laughed and ran with us to the bus, trailed by Sister Mary who shook hands with each of us one last time. I had made it a point to ask her, when we first arrived, for her permission to video tape. I thanked her again at the end, and also, more importantly, for her efforts spent at the orphanage caring for these children. She looked particularly pleased and touched to hear this, for I don't think anyone had yet been so specific in their gratitude.
We boarded the bus and continued waving our goodbyes until we finally pulled back onto the torturous red road. It was then that we looked around at each other, all of us changed by this experience. It didn't matter if it was someone's first time in an orphanage in a developing country, or if like me, we had seen these powerful realities before. We were all speaking of the movement we felt in our hearts, and grateful for each other to share it with.
The best part about it was that we did not come empty-handed.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Look at this! Look at this! I have Africa all over my hand!...
...And Kudos to anyone who actually caught the reference in the title. This is Katie, rebel without a clue, posting from Ghana. We just came in the boarders a couple of days ago and it's all ready been an incredible experience. The people here are so warm and friendly and welcoming, it's just been wonderful. Some of the incidents have been interesting in a slightly *ahem* different way (I've only been here a few days and people have all ready tried to kidnap me twice).
So far, the whole experience has been indescribable, but I'll do my best. It's amazing to be so surrounded by another culture, especially one as exciting and fascinating as the African culture. There's never a shortage of picturesque sights, whether it's the sight of goats being herded on the side of a busy road or women in beautiful, colorful and traditional dresses walking around balancing baskets on their head with impressive ease. The music, the food, the language... It's all so great and it's enough to make your head spin in the best of all possible ways. There isn't enough time for me to go into everything. Even saying that I could write a book about it isn't strong enough. When you travel to another country, you usually find that you have so much to say about the experience that you could fill volumes and volumes and still have more to add.
However, jumping into another culture can sometimes be a bit difficult. It's an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything, though, and it's a valuable one. It's highly important to know of other cultures and customs, to be aware of them and to understand them. However, there will always be little things that are harder to take than others. One of the only things I'm having trouble adjusting to is how friendly people are physically. Don't get me wrong, it's not necessarily a bad thing. I've only had a few disconcerting physical incidents. One of the aforementioned attempted kidnappers just grabbed my wrist as I was walking by him and wouldn't let go until I managed to pull away from him. Another one came up and talked to me and put his arm around me and tried to lead me away from the rest of the group. (So, heads up for this kind of thing.) What I'm mainly talking about is that people are very open to hugs and touching, which is never something I've been very big on with people I don't know. Unless I know people really well, I don't like to be touched or to have them in my personal space (which is, barring any extenuating circumstances at least arms reach). I'm not used to vendors coming up to me and grabbing my sleeves or people that I've just met hugging me. Again, this isn't a bad thing, it's just hard for me to adjust to, but it's something that I'm going to have to work on. It's just the culture of Ghana and, from what I've seen, the culture of Africa in general. They're very warm and welcoming to everyone, which is great. It's nice to hear someone shout, "You are welcome! You are family! To you when you enter their house or church.
Over all, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and we're only a few days in. I've met such wonderful people that I hope to keep in my life through some form of contact and that have truly broadened my view. It's impossible not to feel at home here sometimes, even though I'm an ocean away. Maybe that's the true essence of what it is to travel. It breaks down the walls and barriers that we think we have around us to separate us from others and shows us that those barriers were never real, anyway. Traveling shows us just how much we really are a family and how we can enrich each other's lives exponentially. We can gain and impart so much from and to each other, and we can find so much common ground. Hopefully, this trip will continue to be as amazing as it has been. The truth is, I'm just jazzed to be here.
Well, that's about all from me for now. I'll stop rambling. Serious points to anyone who actually stuck with this post for this long.
Catch you on the flipside.
Katie Out.
So far, the whole experience has been indescribable, but I'll do my best. It's amazing to be so surrounded by another culture, especially one as exciting and fascinating as the African culture. There's never a shortage of picturesque sights, whether it's the sight of goats being herded on the side of a busy road or women in beautiful, colorful and traditional dresses walking around balancing baskets on their head with impressive ease. The music, the food, the language... It's all so great and it's enough to make your head spin in the best of all possible ways. There isn't enough time for me to go into everything. Even saying that I could write a book about it isn't strong enough. When you travel to another country, you usually find that you have so much to say about the experience that you could fill volumes and volumes and still have more to add.
However, jumping into another culture can sometimes be a bit difficult. It's an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything, though, and it's a valuable one. It's highly important to know of other cultures and customs, to be aware of them and to understand them. However, there will always be little things that are harder to take than others. One of the only things I'm having trouble adjusting to is how friendly people are physically. Don't get me wrong, it's not necessarily a bad thing. I've only had a few disconcerting physical incidents. One of the aforementioned attempted kidnappers just grabbed my wrist as I was walking by him and wouldn't let go until I managed to pull away from him. Another one came up and talked to me and put his arm around me and tried to lead me away from the rest of the group. (So, heads up for this kind of thing.) What I'm mainly talking about is that people are very open to hugs and touching, which is never something I've been very big on with people I don't know. Unless I know people really well, I don't like to be touched or to have them in my personal space (which is, barring any extenuating circumstances at least arms reach). I'm not used to vendors coming up to me and grabbing my sleeves or people that I've just met hugging me. Again, this isn't a bad thing, it's just hard for me to adjust to, but it's something that I'm going to have to work on. It's just the culture of Ghana and, from what I've seen, the culture of Africa in general. They're very warm and welcoming to everyone, which is great. It's nice to hear someone shout, "You are welcome! You are family! To you when you enter their house or church.
Over all, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and we're only a few days in. I've met such wonderful people that I hope to keep in my life through some form of contact and that have truly broadened my view. It's impossible not to feel at home here sometimes, even though I'm an ocean away. Maybe that's the true essence of what it is to travel. It breaks down the walls and barriers that we think we have around us to separate us from others and shows us that those barriers were never real, anyway. Traveling shows us just how much we really are a family and how we can enrich each other's lives exponentially. We can gain and impart so much from and to each other, and we can find so much common ground. Hopefully, this trip will continue to be as amazing as it has been. The truth is, I'm just jazzed to be here.
Well, that's about all from me for now. I'll stop rambling. Serious points to anyone who actually stuck with this post for this long.
Catch you on the flipside.
Katie Out.
We are all Africans.
We have all come home to mother Africa.
Asalaam Aleikum. Peace be unto you.
This is Dr. Mike, a Lutheran professor visiting with the team in West Africa. I live in Oregon, and am a professor at OSU. Maybe some of us came to the West only 200 years ago or so, or maybe we came 10,000 years ago. But we are all from Africa, black, white, rainbow. This is our home, and maybe it is time for us to pay our respects to our mother. Not easy, actually, because it has been a long time since these prodigal children have been home.
So we landed, were assaulted by the heat and humidity, were greeted by the most gracious people, were required to lose all track of any western notions of time, The food is a wide variety of chicken, fish, peanuts, pepper sauce, and probably some of the best beer you can taste. At least, better than Miller's Lite.
Some see us as coming to bring some form of help. Others see us as bringing only bandaids. But all are glad to see us. The look in the eyes of our beholders show a full range of trust and caution. I met a young man on the streets who was selling figurines. He said his name is Joseph. He was in my face with lots of challenges, the kind that are communicated with humor, but really carry the undercurrent of skepticism of a young black man of poverty to an older white man of privilege. It is an ancient paradigm, one that bespeaks of the nature of 1st world-3rd world relationships. I experience the discomfort of my own privilege, one that I really haven't earned. He is comfortable with his poverty, one that he really didn't deserve. It took a while. Standing there on the street amongst vendors of stuff, foods, cloths, trinkets, cabs honking their horns, babis banging against mothers' backs, etc. and so on. He asked me what I am doing here. I told him that I am here to do nothing more than to listen. And I asked him to tell me what is on his mind. He did. It wasn't as happy as the general image that most people want to portray. He talked of the great distance between his people and his government, another group of closed, insulated and privileged people. He talked about the intrusions he has experienced at the hands of the United States around the world. He talked about how the rest of the world never listens to Africa. I told him again that here I stand, only to listen. He talked some more, expressed the realization that there was little that anyone could -- or would -- do to effect changes in this world. I agreed. The he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. A black African kissing the cheek of a white, retired, balding college professor from Oregon.
He thanked me for listening. He said that nobody ever did that, and he wanted to do it again. He asked me how he could change things. I asked him if he could read. Yes. Then, I said to read all that he could get his hands on. Newspapers, magazines, anything. Consume all that he could. The forget about changing things for himself and his running partners. If he truly wanted to effect change, then find children younger than he, those still with some innocence in them, and tell them what he has read. Focus his power to the next generation. Be the bringer of the freedom of the mind. Then he will sleep the sleep of a righteous man.
He kissed me again. He promised that he would do just that. We parted, these two beings from different worlds, brothers, friends.
It's nice to be home.
Dr. Mikie
We have all come home to mother Africa.
Asalaam Aleikum. Peace be unto you.
This is Dr. Mike, a Lutheran professor visiting with the team in West Africa. I live in Oregon, and am a professor at OSU. Maybe some of us came to the West only 200 years ago or so, or maybe we came 10,000 years ago. But we are all from Africa, black, white, rainbow. This is our home, and maybe it is time for us to pay our respects to our mother. Not easy, actually, because it has been a long time since these prodigal children have been home.
So we landed, were assaulted by the heat and humidity, were greeted by the most gracious people, were required to lose all track of any western notions of time, The food is a wide variety of chicken, fish, peanuts, pepper sauce, and probably some of the best beer you can taste. At least, better than Miller's Lite.
Some see us as coming to bring some form of help. Others see us as bringing only bandaids. But all are glad to see us. The look in the eyes of our beholders show a full range of trust and caution. I met a young man on the streets who was selling figurines. He said his name is Joseph. He was in my face with lots of challenges, the kind that are communicated with humor, but really carry the undercurrent of skepticism of a young black man of poverty to an older white man of privilege. It is an ancient paradigm, one that bespeaks of the nature of 1st world-3rd world relationships. I experience the discomfort of my own privilege, one that I really haven't earned. He is comfortable with his poverty, one that he really didn't deserve. It took a while. Standing there on the street amongst vendors of stuff, foods, cloths, trinkets, cabs honking their horns, babis banging against mothers' backs, etc. and so on. He asked me what I am doing here. I told him that I am here to do nothing more than to listen. And I asked him to tell me what is on his mind. He did. It wasn't as happy as the general image that most people want to portray. He talked of the great distance between his people and his government, another group of closed, insulated and privileged people. He talked about the intrusions he has experienced at the hands of the United States around the world. He talked about how the rest of the world never listens to Africa. I told him again that here I stand, only to listen. He talked some more, expressed the realization that there was little that anyone could -- or would -- do to effect changes in this world. I agreed. The he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. A black African kissing the cheek of a white, retired, balding college professor from Oregon.
He thanked me for listening. He said that nobody ever did that, and he wanted to do it again. He asked me how he could change things. I asked him if he could read. Yes. Then, I said to read all that he could get his hands on. Newspapers, magazines, anything. Consume all that he could. The forget about changing things for himself and his running partners. If he truly wanted to effect change, then find children younger than he, those still with some innocence in them, and tell them what he has read. Focus his power to the next generation. Be the bringer of the freedom of the mind. Then he will sleep the sleep of a righteous man.
He kissed me again. He promised that he would do just that. We parted, these two beings from different worlds, brothers, friends.
It's nice to be home.
Dr. Mikie
Ghana, Africa
Hey this is Liz, I have been in Africa for only two days now and already I am hooked on the culture. The dancing, music, singing and conversation seems so much more passionate then it does in the U.S. The belief system that the Ghanians have is so powerful that its contagious! Not that I am ready to go join a convent, but their undeniable belief in the power of God and the Holy Spirit is inspiring to take a second look at my own faith and the things that I do and do not value in life. One of the most inspiring things that I have heard while here, was said by a doctor/pilot who studies in the U.S. but visits his family in Ghana every few years, he said "My greatest joy in life is to see people alive." Something so simple, but yet so overlooked by many; this man also sees so much death being a doctor that he has an even greater appreciation for life, but instead of people thanking him for saving lives he thanks them for the strength they give him to keep on living. I think that is something that many of us forget; that we need each other to survive. So for now keep on appreciating each other and the lives of those around you for you never know when they will be gone!
Church in Africa
I really did come HOME! Church is church and God is God no matter where you are in the world, but worship, I always thought was unique to my personal experience. It is not! Most of my life I have heard that the worship experience in the Black church is born out of the memories of our African ancestors who where enslaved. Well, yesterday, I found this to be the truth. Every aspect of the worship was my experience at home and yet I had come home. So, the experience was somehow new and fresh and alive in a way I had not experienced before. The church building was not some grand house of worship, it was a building of brick and mortar with open space to the outside, inviting all to join in the service. There was music-music I had not heard since long ago, music that I knew all he words to, not the contemporary songs we hear today. The old Negro spirituals with African drums, a trumpet, keyboards, and voices of my African sisters and brothers sharing their love of God with all of us.
We were each introduced to the congregation after the service and welcomed to Ghana. After Church we went to lunch at the Ambassador's home. Although, Ghana is a poor country, all of the people are not poor. The Ambassador lives in a lovely home and invited members of the community to meet with our group and to have lunch. The lunch was sooooooo. good that I don't have the words to express how good it was. But, I can tell you that I loved every mouthful! During the course of lunch I thanked the Ambassador and told her the prayer she prayed for our stay and journey was the prayer of my heart. She prayed that our children and our children's children would have the desires of their hearts and that GOD would meet and supply all their needs in life and watch over and protect them. I felt that she had heard my prayer for my son and family, it was as if God gave breath to what I had only thought. I told her how much I enjoyed the service and loved the fact that the choir sung the old songs. The only one they had not sung was Amazing Grace and it was one of my favorites. Little did I know that she would ask the guest to sing the song for me. What a privilege. Then she asked if I would like to hear another and I asked to her My Eye is on the Sparrow, not knowing that it was a favorite for her. This journey is becoming a personal and spiritual journey. We have no TVs and are busy most of the time, so we talk and reflect. I feel blessed. I am THANKFUL to be here. Certainly, GOD has richly blessed us all to be here. Lena
We were each introduced to the congregation after the service and welcomed to Ghana. After Church we went to lunch at the Ambassador's home. Although, Ghana is a poor country, all of the people are not poor. The Ambassador lives in a lovely home and invited members of the community to meet with our group and to have lunch. The lunch was sooooooo. good that I don't have the words to express how good it was. But, I can tell you that I loved every mouthful! During the course of lunch I thanked the Ambassador and told her the prayer she prayed for our stay and journey was the prayer of my heart. She prayed that our children and our children's children would have the desires of their hearts and that GOD would meet and supply all their needs in life and watch over and protect them. I felt that she had heard my prayer for my son and family, it was as if God gave breath to what I had only thought. I told her how much I enjoyed the service and loved the fact that the choir sung the old songs. The only one they had not sung was Amazing Grace and it was one of my favorites. Little did I know that she would ask the guest to sing the song for me. What a privilege. Then she asked if I would like to hear another and I asked to her My Eye is on the Sparrow, not knowing that it was a favorite for her. This journey is becoming a personal and spiritual journey. We have no TVs and are busy most of the time, so we talk and reflect. I feel blessed. I am THANKFUL to be here. Certainly, GOD has richly blessed us all to be here. Lena
Third day, first post
We are leaving soon, so I must be quick, but already I have discovered the same problem that we encountered in Vietnam - I can't seem to find the time to post a blog! We have already done so much, met so many people, where do I begin?
I suppose at the beginning.
The first thing I did when we arrived was offend the people of Ghana.
We were in customs at the airport. Our bags were being checked and checked again, suspiciously. A man was talking to me on the side about surfing in Ghana, and the beaches and islands nearby. He asked if I was part of that big group behind me, and I replied something along the lines of, "Yes, all those crazy people over there," and I gesticulated with my hand towards the group.
Quite suddenly, we were ready to go, and I started walking towards them when a very, very tall man stepped right infront of me, arms crossed and imposing.
"Why did you call my people crazy?" he said, looking very unhappy. I stumbled and stuttered over a mix between an explanation and apology. Oh, I was talking about my friends, I didn't mean you, I'm sorry -
"It is insulting to call someone crazy in Ghana. You offend my people when you say that."
I was quite embarassed and flustered. I mumbled my apologies, and he gave a short laugh and stepped aside, reminding me not to say that again (unfortunately I've found that "crazy" is a word I use more than I thought.)
So that was our first few minutes in the country.
I think my time is up, but I will briefly give my impressions of Accra.
First, it is beautiful. And very hot, and humid. At 7 in the morning, it is about 75 degrees. In the north, where we are about to leave, it will be in the 90s. But its nice to be away from winter.
The streets here are mostly dirt, and the places where it is paved are jagged and rough, with too many potholes and mostly just one lane each way. There are SO MANY cars. Everywhere, cars. Many people travel in vans and buses, as well, packing almost 15 people in. Abandoned cars are everywhere, with "bills" or propaganda and paper ads taped to them, and peeling off, dirt coating them and tires sunk into the ground. The traffic, as a result of so many cars and the roads, is very heavy, and people here talk about it often because it is such a problem. The driving style reminds me very much of Vietnam, with cars coming uncomfortably close to other cars, ditches on the side of the road, street lights, etc.
There is a haze to the sky, because we are in the dry season (two seasons: rainy and dry.) The sun squints through the haze for most of the day, and only straight up can blue sky be seen. The beach is wonderful, flour-like sand and clear green water, with good waves too! (I plan on surfing when we get back from the north.)
The people here are incredible. They are generous, lively, and rich in personality and culture. They all love music and art. They dress in bursts of brilliant colors and patterns, tall headdresses and luxurious robes. They all dance, especially the men! The colors of the Ghanaian flag, red, yellow and green are everywhere, especially in support of Ghana for the African Cup of Nations (football). (We might attend this by the way - I hope so!)
Time to leave, in our entourage of two 15-seater (and I mean *nice* seats) vans. There are many stories still to tell, and we will transcribe them when we find the time, haha.
Peace,
Lauren
I suppose at the beginning.
The first thing I did when we arrived was offend the people of Ghana.
We were in customs at the airport. Our bags were being checked and checked again, suspiciously. A man was talking to me on the side about surfing in Ghana, and the beaches and islands nearby. He asked if I was part of that big group behind me, and I replied something along the lines of, "Yes, all those crazy people over there," and I gesticulated with my hand towards the group.
Quite suddenly, we were ready to go, and I started walking towards them when a very, very tall man stepped right infront of me, arms crossed and imposing.
"Why did you call my people crazy?" he said, looking very unhappy. I stumbled and stuttered over a mix between an explanation and apology. Oh, I was talking about my friends, I didn't mean you, I'm sorry -
"It is insulting to call someone crazy in Ghana. You offend my people when you say that."
I was quite embarassed and flustered. I mumbled my apologies, and he gave a short laugh and stepped aside, reminding me not to say that again (unfortunately I've found that "crazy" is a word I use more than I thought.)
So that was our first few minutes in the country.
I think my time is up, but I will briefly give my impressions of Accra.
First, it is beautiful. And very hot, and humid. At 7 in the morning, it is about 75 degrees. In the north, where we are about to leave, it will be in the 90s. But its nice to be away from winter.
The streets here are mostly dirt, and the places where it is paved are jagged and rough, with too many potholes and mostly just one lane each way. There are SO MANY cars. Everywhere, cars. Many people travel in vans and buses, as well, packing almost 15 people in. Abandoned cars are everywhere, with "bills" or propaganda and paper ads taped to them, and peeling off, dirt coating them and tires sunk into the ground. The traffic, as a result of so many cars and the roads, is very heavy, and people here talk about it often because it is such a problem. The driving style reminds me very much of Vietnam, with cars coming uncomfortably close to other cars, ditches on the side of the road, street lights, etc.
There is a haze to the sky, because we are in the dry season (two seasons: rainy and dry.) The sun squints through the haze for most of the day, and only straight up can blue sky be seen. The beach is wonderful, flour-like sand and clear green water, with good waves too! (I plan on surfing when we get back from the north.)
The people here are incredible. They are generous, lively, and rich in personality and culture. They all love music and art. They dress in bursts of brilliant colors and patterns, tall headdresses and luxurious robes. They all dance, especially the men! The colors of the Ghanaian flag, red, yellow and green are everywhere, especially in support of Ghana for the African Cup of Nations (football). (We might attend this by the way - I hope so!)
Time to leave, in our entourage of two 15-seater (and I mean *nice* seats) vans. There are many stories still to tell, and we will transcribe them when we find the time, haha.
Peace,
Lauren
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