Reggae Benefit Concert- Thursday November 18th

I have been very fortunate to have such amazing friends and family to help me with a benefit concert, but we are trying to raise money to help build the orphanage. It is going to be in Rexburg, Idaho at the new cafe called Sammy's, which has delicious food. There is going to be the new rising artist Colter Wilson playing along with Sylvia Belford, this year's Idaho Idol along with other local performers. We will be selling T-shirts and wrist-bands, which 100% of the proceeds will go towards the project. For all donations that night, Sammy's will give a discount of buy one large shake get the second free. If you would like to donate and get a T-shirt or wrist band but are not or were not able to attend, please contact me and we will be able to figure something out

When: November 18 at 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Sammy's Cafe in Rexburg, Idaho

Since Being Home

I have been in the United States for about 7 months now. From my last post, I had to unexpectedly come home due to a medical problem. I experienced a Gaul Bladder attack but did not know that at the time. With one of the hardest decisions of my life, I decided, along with my family, that the best and safest thing to do was to head home two weeks early. It was


It was so hard to tell the kids that I had to leave early. I still remember the walk home that we had holding the kids hands as we crossed the street. We made jolof rice and watched a movie. I then told them with some of them crying. Austin, Xenia, and Simmone were there also. I made a promise to come back and I plan to be back 2012.





I also said good bye to the medical clinic and to the Incoom family. Since coming home, we have stayed in contact by phone and email. I feel very homesick but I am comforted knowing that I will be homesick no matter where I am in the world. We have had one fundraiser, that was a yard sell, that was able to raise $500 and we are currently working on another fundraiser. It will be occuring November 18 in Rexburg, Idaho @ Sammy's Restaurant. I It is called "Raggae Charity Music Night to the Raise the Roof." The children are needing a new orphanage and thanks to The Global Oppurtunity Fund, a non-profit organization I meet in Ghana, Sarah Davie Walters and a few others were able to raise around $27,000 but they still need about $3,000 to complete the orphanage. So our goal for this new fundraiser is to help " Raise the Roof"!!!

March 11th:Part 2-- Elmina Beach

Part 2

For today, I cleaned up my room and tried to search the web for a little bit until I left for Cape around noon. I met Elvis and got a ride from him and Amos. They dropped me off at Cape near where I needed to take a shared taxi to go to Elmina Beach Resort. Elmina Beach Resort is the nicest Resort in all of Ghana I think. So I met Austin and our friend Caine there because they have a pool. It only cost 4 cedi to get in. The pool was pretty good. I could have even done laps in it if I had some goggles. They even had chlorine for the pool too. And it was right by the ocean. It was so beautiful. But since there is no competition, they have a monopoly. So they charge from 90 US dollars to 300 dollars a night there. It is very nice though. I would say I have only stayed in such nice hotels in my life back at home only a handful of times. So we swam and sun bathed for awhile. It was very nice.
I then got a taxi back to Cape after having Austin and Caine being dropped off at Cape Coast University. I then tried to find powdered milk but just decided to buy evaporated milk for pancakes tonight. I also bought a corn bread thing too because I have this craving for anything with flour tonight. The pancakes turned out great though. I forgot to have Mrs. Incoom come in and have me teach her how to make it so I will do that next time.
For tomorrow, I will wake up early and do my usual routine. I have taken it easy the past week, so I need to get back on my elephant and ride. I hope the two new volunteers come. Elvis doesn’t like Germans… I mean he hates them and so he is really not excited about them coming to stay with him. So he has no interest in knowing if they are still coming. I love you and I hope to talk with you soon!!!

Mar. 11th--Trip to Kumasi

March 11, 2010

We went to Kumasi the last two days. We traveled on the Metro bus for 4 cedi’s. It turns out that only Austin and I went. A small group was actually really nice in such a big city. On the Metro, we took the back seats for more leg room. That was such a horrible idea because we hit all the bumps. The driver would slow down for the front of the bus and then would speed up and the back would hit the bumps!! We went air born two times, and I got whip lash once. The road there is just horrible. Once we got there, I found out that one of Austin’s roommates, E-fe-us, had a friend in Kumasi. His name was Junior. He is in his first year of college. He picked us up after we wandered around in Kumasi for about half an hour. Immediately, I liked Kumasi. In Accra, you feel like your life could be in danger or that your bags at least are in danger. But in Kumasi, while it is still huge, people mind their own business. So it was like Accra in that there are literally mobs of people, but people just don’t care about you or what you are doing. But they are still friendly. You just have to push your way through. And since I have never been to a large town, other than Salt Lake City which doesn’t really have mobs of people, it is a cool experience to be here and experience it. I actually don’t mind the big city so much anymore. But I still do not want to live there. So I think that Kumasi is the New York of Ghana.
Junior picked us up, drove us to our hotel named Arena Lodge. It was super nice and for a room with a fan it was 15 cedi. Austin got another room with AC for 20 cedi. It was so nice. A bed, headrest, fridge, tv, breakfast table, bathroom with toilet, shower and curtain.
After checking in and dropping some stuff off, we went to the Ashanti Palace Museum. That was so cool. I learned about the kings and mother queens. Here, only the mother’s side is considered royalty and gets the throne. We learned about how they dress with all of the goods, how they are carried in basket with four strong men, and we saw the drum from 300, 200, 100 year old drums. They were used communication drums since they didn’t have phones, they would use these drums to send signals with a distance of 5 kilometers and then the next place’s messenger would hear the news and do the same message on his drum to the next 5 kilometers. This way, all of Ghana could have the message within 3 or 4 hours. It was so cool to see them. Being so old and having so much history. We learned about Kenti cloth and how each design has a name and a meaning. We learned about other cloth designs. Some mean courage, some mean rebellion, some mean faithfulness (the moon and sun), some mean harmony (two lizards on top of each other). We then saw guns that are a hundred years old. In a movie we saw a lot of history. We read about the golden stool. The history of the Golden stool is that some leader of the Ashati tribe called up to the sky to have this stool dropped on the lap of the next king. It was a man who as a baby was born with dread locks. The stool had the meaning that the Ashanti region would not live under war if it was kept. So then when the British came, they wanted the Golden stool. So to not cause any war with the British, they gave them a replica with gold on. The British returned the stool, only after taking the gold off and keeping it for themselves.
The other thing we learned about was the sword. Some king had this sword and placed it in the ground in front of the car and said for it to stop. Since then, it has never moved. The sword has never been removed from the ground. It also stands as a witness that if it is ever removed from the ground, the Ashanti region will no longer be in peace. A small building is built around it. A business man a made a hotel on the ground, his name is Mr. G, he decided to try and dig up the sword. It is supposedly said that when he was digging around it, it disappeared for two months and then randomly came back. Then, Muhammad Ali came and tried to pull it out of the ground and he couldn’t do it. So it is similar to the American Story of Sword in the Stone except you don’t want the sword to come out.
We then went to the Cultural Center and went to a museum there and learned more of how they make food, pictures, and other old artifacts. It was very cool. I then bought some more wood carvings and a djemba drum. We then also ate at the Vic’s Bamboo Café. It is highly recommended in Bradt guide. I ordered a 4 season pizza for 11 cedi. It is super expensive but it was so good!!! I miss pizza!!!
We then went to the Open market. That place is huge. I found some great fabric that I saw Jana had and I really wanted it and I found it. I also bought 30 cedi worth of beads. They are so pretty. I am excited to bring them back. After the Market, we went back to Vic and I got a chicken and rice and bought a necklace and pineapple. Although, I bought two I think they took the second one so I got ripped off, but I should just learn from the experience. I also got a burger and fries at one of the gas stations.
We then tried to find another Metro to Cape, but it already left and then tried for an STC but there was no other ones going out. So we got a ford bus (meaning a bigger more comfortable tro-tro). It had cheater seat covers and it was 9 cedi. Very expensive because it was going to Takaradi and you have to pay the full fair. But they dropped me off at Asebu because it was at night, and I just walked home I came home and I was super tired. I set my stuff down and just quickly checked Facebook.
On the way on the tro-tro, back we met two really nice guys working with the colleges. One was British named Caine and the other was Ghanian named Cris. They are working with sister colleges. Caine has been to Ghana 5 times and about 8 other African countries. He has traveled to many other countries too. Today, Austin and I want to go to Elmina and go swimming very badly. I decided to not go to the Orphanage today because I also told the kids I wouldn’t be there until Friday and I need some time to organize and clean my things, and also some other random things that I need to do in Cape. So I think today I will organize and then go tomorrow morning and then hopefully the New Germans volunteers are here and I can start introducing them to Ghana. Maybe go to Cape Castle on Saturday. Austin wants to come along too and show them around as well. But things are going so well.
I couldn’t wait to get home and go to my bed at Asebu. I feel at home here. I really do. Not to say that I am still excited to be back in the States, but I am happier here. The next month might be long because I am anticipating the whole getting back and going to school, but it will be more enjoyable I hope.

Mar. 7th-- Tro-tro Mix-Up, Church and Football

March 7, 2010

Today has been a very surprising day. I was expecting the normal, slow-paced day, which it was, but there was a lot that happened. I woke up at 5:45 because I no longer wanted to sleep I guess but I was still tired because I could not fall asleep last night. So I laid in bed until 7. I then got up, put on a Ghanian dress and ate some rice from last night.
I then went to the roadside and picked a tro-tro to ABK for church. Little did I know they were not heading to ABK. So when we had just barely passed the turn, I looked at the maid and said “ABK? Is this going to ABK?” He said no and the driver stopped. I guess I got the maid in trouble because I didn’t have to pay anything to the junction. So I walked back to the BAK junction and didn’t have to wait at all for the next real tro-tro to ABK. Oh Ghana! I then got to church where I was greeted by Sister Elcee. I did not remember her name at first, or Sister Alice. You can imagine how many people I meet and for me to remember everyone’s name is hard, even if they have given it to me a few times. I have never been really all that good with names though. So she joking gave me a hard time. Brother and Sister Saunders then gave their quick testimonies in Fante. Even though I didn’t understand, both of their testimonies brought my eyes to tears. This is such a marvelous work! What a blessing missionaries are. I continued to read from The Miracle of Forgiveness. I have read two chapters today. The other things that I have forgotten to mention about church is that there is a crippled boy who has to walk on his hands and then a deaf, elderly man. You see it a lot in Ghana, if someone is crippled, they walk with their hands. One lady in Asebu is crippled the same way and she takes her flip flops from her feet and puts them on her hands, and then continues to put a have bucket or basket on her head and walk up hills. Today, this boy bore his testimony in church. He is always so happy. The deaf man gave the prayer last week too. I just can’t imagine what it would be like to be deaf in Ghana. The other cool thing I saw in church was that Brother Saunders told me that the lady sitting next to me was an investigator and had brought her three children three weeks ago. She said that she woke up one night when the spirit had come to her in her sleep and told her to go to this church. What a crazy story!! Everyone has a story though!!! I pray that she will continue in her investigation with the family.
After church, I waited to get a ride with the second taxi with the Saunders. Turned out he drove up on some sand and high centered the car and cut his hand trying to get it off only succeeding with the help of ten local neighbors. While waiting, I once again, got the whole history of Ghana. I think I have heard it 5 times. The Ghanian people really like to talk about their history. And I have learned that once you get a stranger talking to you, they just never stop. So I just listened and nodded for about 45 minutes. It was a one-way conversation. One I have had many times.
After church, I came home and ate oats and waited to leave with the Incooms to go watch the football match in ABK. So we went and watched Pastor’s team. It was fun to see how they use school desks as bleachers, how people cheer and yell for their team, and how they play. I got a lot on tape. It was 2 to 2. We then stayed awhile, left to go see where the team was staying. It was not a very nice place for them. They had no mattresses-- meaning sleeping on the cement; no curtains so when it rains it floods the floor they’re sleeping on. I also learned that for the 30 or so of them, it cost a little more than 1,000 cedis a month for them. That is so cheap. But then again, I even wonder how they got the money. But it is a very good project Pastor is doing. So we left after it got dark. Later than I expected. David, who I wrote that really long volunteer letter for because I thought he was going with Cosmic, turns out he was the guy from the Labardi Beach that really, I mean REALLY annoyed Annika and I. So now he is calling me. I have ignored about 30 or 40 or his calls the last week but I decided to pick up tonight. Turns out he wanted to visit Asebu to say hi and good bye before I left. I said plainly, maybe because he was just annoying me already “I am not comfortable with that. So that would actually not be okay.” He was surprised. So I said good night. He then called back asking for Scott’s email. Ahh!!! I thought he said he already signed up!!! So now he is going to call again!!! So I wish I had never had that email sent to him because I wasn’t sure if it was him or not. Well my bad.
Mrs. Incoom and I had been talking the whole day. We were talking about Bertha and how worried both of us were. There are some personal items that I will not note but I am planning on trying to help the communication barrier between Mrs. Incoom and Bertha. Bertha is not happy and both Pastor and Mrs. Incoom, me included, are worried. And I already knew that Bertha does not wish to be here or to resolve her issues with Mrs. Incoom so I was relieved when Mrs. Incoom asked me to talk to Bertha and then also be a mediator for them both to sit down and discuss. Although, I asked Berth about 20 minutes ago, when I started this email, if she could come outside with me, and she has not yet come. So I don’t know what is happening. But wish me luck on whatever happens.

Mar. 6th--Ind. Day, Toys, Confronting Georgina & Ester

March 6, 2010

Today is Ghana’s Independence day. I think I will go with the kids to Asebu’s March in the Park or something like that. Last night was interesting. With Georgina, she is a very nice lady but also very interesting. The kids were ready for bed by 9:30 but Georgina kept walking around, doing this and that and finally went to bathe. By the time she was ready for bed it was almost 1 or so. I slept on the mattress with her. Cho-Joe was so cute last night I played with him and had him fall asleep on my mattress with me until I moved him to his own bed beside us. It is such a special experience to watch a child fall asleep.
We also handed out the sunglasses and bouncy balls that Kendra gave to them. They really enjoyed it. I will put up some pictures soon. But there were only 12 items so I grabbed 4 more spinner tops from the closet to give to the kids who didn’t get the glasses or bouncy balls. They really liked them, Kendra. Thanks so much!!!
By the time is was 5:45 a.m., Georgina was up, but I wanted to sleep some more so I slept until 6 until her yelling at the kids was too much. I knew that if she was yelling, that the kids needed me in some way. Ester and Georgina got in a yelling fight. Not too big, but obviously Georgina was pulling rank on Ester about not going a good job or something. Then Georgina had Grace grab a stick. Elvis had told me that no one but him was allowed to cane the kids. So while I desperately wanted to go home and bathe and wash clothes and get ready to come back by 9, I needed to stay to make sure they were not beaten. Georgina gave two quick swipes to Joshua. I was about to say something but she was done with it. I felt bad that I didn’t say something then, but in my mind I was thinking “That is all she will do.” So she continued to lecture and lecture and yell and yell at the kids. It seems like the kids wake up being yelled at and go to school being yelled, come home being yelled at, and then fall asleep being yelled at. But I couldn’t stop the yelling. But then she started beating the beds and then she turned to Elvis and gave him two quick swipes. After the two, Elvis turned around to take his punishment from Georgina. I will never understand how a human being in the first place would beat children so much, and second, beat a child when they either cower or turn their backs. It is like hitting anyone who cannot defend themselves. I think it is disgraceful to the one beating.
When Elvis turned around I yelled “Georgina!!!’
She stopped and said “yes?”
“Are you allowed to beat the children?”
“What?”
“Are you allowed to beat the children? Elvis told me that only he was allowed to beat the children.”
“Elvis said that , huh?”
“Yes.”
“Well, the children need to get beaten. I only beat them little so they don’t spoil. If there are not beaten they will spoil.”
“You don’t need to beat children. It is not needed. When you beat them, they spoil!”
At this point, She was not happy that I was standing up to her, a young foreigner. Ester was also being the peanut gallery, finally being able to add some of her own words to how I stopped her beating the kids. When I said, “When you beat them, they spoil!’ She got very angry. I have never stood up to an adult like this before. I could hear my heart starting to beat faster and harder. I know how rude it is in America to stand up to an adult, or the elderly, but here, you must always respect the elderly. She then told me of how a European mother came here and the child was doing something bad and how the mother beat the kid.
“That was the mother’s decision to beat the child. As for me and these kids, Elvis is the only one to beat the kids.”
She then continued to protest by showing examples of how the kids spoil things. She showed me their dirty shirt and other items. I think the kids were in shock from seeing me or at least someone else stand us to Georgina. I don’t know if I did the right thing, but I am going to talk to Elvis again and see if he keeps to his word. If he backs down and says that Georgina is allowed to beat the kids, I am not sure of all I will do yet. It will take a lot of time and thought. If I say I would never recommend Asebu to any volunteers, then the children suffer. And I will not leave now because then the children suffer. So I am praying the Elvis sticks to his word.
Georgina then left for the funeral. I stayed for a little bit longer to make sure the kids started brushing and bathing. I also played some Ghanian music that they like to make the mood a little lighter. When Georgina left, she was not angry at me. She said a very friendly good bye and that she will be back later. So I believe that we are okay for now. As for Ester, I am not sure if we will ever be friends for life.. hahaha…! ^_^ The kids also told me that Ester had told Georgina that when the kids were reading a book to me that Sammy and Joseph were pulling my ears. Which the kids were not. So now Ester has lied to Georgina or has gravely mistaken herself. So I will also address Elvis about it. I pray he finds someone soon besides only Ester. The kids need more.
For the rest of the day, I went to the 6th March Parade at the Asebu School. My original plan was to go out of Asebu and experience a larger celebration but the kids wanted me to stay. Then Elvis invited for me to go with him to Cape Coast. So I kept my phone by me and took a nap. Around 3:30 I noticed he had not called. Only David from the beach who I emailed. In Ghana people call so much and just want to check up on you. For me, I find it very tiring but nice of them. So I ignored about 10 calls from him. I just get so tired talking to locals on the phone. I then talked to Pastor and found out that Elvis had already left for Cape Coast, so my plans of seeing a big Ghanian celebration was spoiled. But that’s okay. I saw a little in Asebu and I had even the older boys use my video camcorder. They felt very cool being able to use it. Even though some of the times I didn’t let them know it wasn’t recording, just because they were moving too much to make a good video. It was very interesting to see everything. I then went outside for some fresh air. The clouds and the air were giving it away that it was about to rain. And I was so excited. It had been two weeks or so since it had rained and the rain makes the night much cooler. And it smells wonderful. The thunder is so cool too. The light was off also. It reminded me of the times at the cabin when we would all just sit and count the seconds between thunderbursts. I think that nature is one of the most wonderful things a human being can experience. For the rest of the day, I will just be at home because I believe that it will rain on and off the rest of the day. So I won’t be able to head back up to the House.

More Mar 1st-- Stealing from Orphans--ugh!

March 1st, continued--
After my research, I then sat and watched tv for a little. They were watching Jurassic Park. Oh, that movie was so scary to me when I was little. I then talked with Mrs. Incoom about Elvis and the kids. I have become confused about the Ghanian culture. There is such a lack of communication and pride about the people, in general, not in everyone I am sure though. But if someone tarnishes your name, even if the gossip is not true, then the whole community will not speak or even look at you. You name will be a disgrace. The Incoom’s and Elvis and both such good people, tyring to do good in this world. But because of the lack of communication, they cannot be true good neighbors. Elvis is too busy. But I will just have to live with that part of Ghana and not fight it. I then talked with Elvis. I sat him down and we talked about Ester and how she takes advantage of the kids. She takes the money and pockets it sometimes and when Elvis buys the food in bulk, she has been giving it away. So she is stealing from the kids. If we were in America, she would be charged with a crime or at least fired. But here, it is tolerated. I do not know why. But I guess because Elvis cannot find anyone else. AHH!!!! I really just want the kids to be taken care off. But in Ghana, things take longer.
At the house, I then knew that we needed to work and not play. Even though I wanted to play, there was too much to be done. So I cleaned their rooms, because they all say “I lost my brush… I lost my shoes!!” I then washed socks and got my fingers a little sore. I then fetched about 7 or 8 pails of water. Then Elvis came and talked with the kids. It was like a council. They reported about school and the house-- if there were problems or not. It is nice that Elvis’ comes, but I wish he would do it more often. I found out that it is true that if the new orphanage is not built by the next few months time, that the kids will be left on the street-- no food, no money, no shelter, love, or safety unless something else can be figured out. So when I get back, I really pray that I can do fundraising well. I will try big and small businesses, local school and stores. Anything I can do. Because here, a hundred dollars can do so much. Even just a dollar, something so small to us, can actually feed half of my kids one dinner a night. So small a thing could help so much. I pray that since the fundraiser will be 100% of the proceeds to the kids and since it is a private donation, people might be more willing to give. But I still need to figure out all of the legal stuff for it though.
Also during the council, I had another glimpse of Heaven. I saw the kids in a different light. Their faces were glowing and a voice whispered not in words, but in feelings “These are God’s children. Just as talented, just as beautiful and smart.” I am so grateful for that reminder. I love them so much. I now have less than a month and a half. It is long yet so short.
Elvis then drove us down and bought some things for the kids at the store. I came home and called mom. At which point, I promptly wanted to cry because everything was so different. I am so grateful for my parents. They are one of the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has given me. They know how to comfort me, to love, to give me guidance. She said some very needed things to me that I needed to hear.
I am now at home and I might ask if I can have a Ghanian dish. Because for the past three weeks, I have only had spaghetti, oats, bread, PB and J and then the once pancakes and French toast. So I need a little balance. I think meat or some kind of protein.

Mar 4th-- Shrek in Chinese, Reading Books

March 4, 2010

Sleeping at the Orphanage was actually surprisingly really relaxing. I slept through the night pretty well. It was a cooler night as well. We watched Lion King II and then started Shrek in Chinese. I don’t know why it was in Chinese but the kids still wanted to watch it anyways. I thought “But you won’t understand it” but then I thought “I wonder how much they understand it in English anyways.” It is so crazy. Joseph and a few others in the same class, age 11, are learning Fante, English, French and some Tre. I don’t know any kid back at home that is being taught four languages. So it was a good reminder for me to watch Shrek in Chinese about how it is for them when I speak in too complicated of English. It was so much fun.
I help Charity and Cho-Joe. Joseph has such an attachment to me now. When the boys picked me up last, it was Sammy, Paul, Emanuel, Elvis, and Joseph. They were like body guards. When you walk the streets, you always have groups of men. And they always say something to me, day or night, in Fante. And I always ignore it even though they are hissing and kissing and “blahing” at me (all of those mean “come” in Ghana) and I just keep walking. But one guy was saying something with Obroni and his tone was all wrong. Paul, 14 and the ring leader for the kids, then started yelling and and talking back at him. I think maybe the man said something bad about me and Paul gave me back that respect. Joseph and I also hold hands all the time. They even make sure that I don’t fall walking up there. I have such bad vision that I use my phone and they hold it for me and point of rocks and walk by my side in case I fall. They are so amazing.
For the morning, we were able to sleep until 6 because there was no school. So I helped them get up and get started and then left around 6:30 because I needed to go to the clinic. I got home, ate and finished the rest of my rice porridge. I watched a little bit of a Jet Li movie and then headed to the Clinic. There, Aunti Marie was there and Reita and the other nurse. I did the usual vitals and gave one malaria test. I put in the extra effort to try and learn Fante again. Everyone around of course laughs at the Obroni but I know it is all in good jest. One of the men with his daughter made my day though. He said “You greeted us very well. You are doing a good job. Thank you.” That just lifted my spirits because all day people were snickering at the Obroni. I guess I have never been around people who speak another language and then having them laugh at me. Because I feel they are mocking me but I just have to remind myself that they don’t see white people much and they are a happy people who loves to laugh. It is just a different culture.
I got home around 11:30 after Elvis arrived at the Clinic. We are trying to get him to pay a year-old bill for the kids. He hasn’t paid for every time the kids have come. I then went to Cape Coast and used the internet and bought Christy some antibiotics. I also need to get her ear drops but I thought I forgot my wallet, which I didn’t.
I came back to home and sat down for 10 seconds and went to the House. There, I read two books with Joseph and Sammy. It was really fun seeing them read to me. It was like when Mom and Dad would read Laura Ingalls Wilder to me and then some nights I would read. It may have taken a half hour to through one page, but those were some of my fondest memories. I helped with homework and then we got out the bubbles again. It didn’t even seem like I had spent more than 3 and half hours there.
I then came home and cooked Jolof Rice. Bertha helped me. She again needed to vent and so we had a nice talk as she helped me cook the rice. I ate two bowls. I am definitely going to keep this recipe. It is very simple rice but I have always wanted to be able to cook different kinds of rice. I will now go wash because the kids made me dirtier than dirt today. And tomorrow I will sleep there again. I am actually starting to enjoy sleeping there. I use so much Deet though. I really don’t want Malaria.

Mar. 3rd-- Cute Cho-Joe, Bubbles & No Mail

March 3, 2010

Sleeping at the House was such a wonderful experience. I am starting to get to know the kids more and I think that they are starting to get to know me too. The hardest part though is that I feel like they are opening their hearts and hands to me when I should only reach for their hands. I love them so much but it is too much for such young children to create such a strong friendship only to know that you will never see them again. So I want to be a part of this wonderful family, but I believe it is for the better that I continue what I am doing; that is to love them and help them.
Sorry, hahaha, I got off track. Sleeping was good. We watched the lion King II. I am going to record a little bit of them watching tonight because it is so special. To see their faces light up and how they all just concentrate and focus and then laugh and chatter with each other. I sit behind the computer and not watch the movie because I have a better view sitting behind the screen. I get to watch the kids. The way they smile, the way they laugh, and sometimes, they way they get so sad when Moo-fa-saw died. I love them so much.
At 8:30 I sent them to bed. I forgot to have some scripture reading but tonight we will. I am sleeping there again tonight because they asked to finish the movie, and while I get so tired up there, it is helping me be happier and pass the time more enjoyably. I am happiest with my kids. Although, sleeping there is so uncomfortable. There are always people coming and going from the House. Last night a strange man came. I was about to fall asleep when I heard Ester open the door. I walked to the door to see who it was and to make sure it wasn’t the crazy man down the road who comes over a lot to yell at the kids. The man came in and I guess it is my culture to be offended that someone would just let a perfect stranger into a house at night with 16 children and a young, white women. But to them, I think it is just being friendly. I said hello in a way that wasn’t all that welcoming though… oops.
I woke up a few times to Peace purring in my ear and scratching me. Peace is the cat they have. Poor thing is always picked on and is probably going to die soon. Around here, animals are not loved usually, they are just another item on the menu or used as guard dogs. So I think me being nice to Peace for the first time has made the cat trust me. And it is so good to see that me being nice to animals has started to wear off on the kids. Cho-Joe pets Peace and even Priscilla (who is mentally disabled and Ester’s daughter) doesn’t hit it anymore. Also Cho-Joe cried only once. Cho-Joe very much likes to be touching you. He has to touch you to make sure things are okay. And when he touches you, he has to squeeze and a pinch little-- like playing with your skin. So at night, when I sleep there, I pull up his mattress and mine that I sleep on and I put my arm over him and let him fall asleep playing with my skin. It is an amazing thing to watch a baby fall asleep tugging at your skin. I love that little boy. We woke up at 5:30 and got ready for school. It was rice porridge again. No problems this morning except that Christy had an ear infection, and I brought her to the clinic. We left early enough that she could still make the bus which made me very happy knowing she would not get beaten for not showing up. But today was their last day of school this week. They just finished mid-terms and this Saturday is Holiday. They go back to school on Tuesday. It will be a very long weekend since I will be up there a lot more. I then made rice porridge for myself since I was craving it and then headed off to school.
Today I taught them Measures and Bar lines and I wrote up the Five line, Treble Clef, and then quarter notes, Half Notes, Whole Notes, and Eighth notes and had them clap each of their lengths. I think they are slowly understanding. But I really hope that the sheet music you have sent will get here soon because I want to show them what it really looks like. And by the way, I still haven’t gotten the first package. I wonder if it was lost or stolen. And also, have you gotten my letter yet? I sent it about 3 weeks ago, 5 or so days before Valentines I think.
For the rest of the day, I helped mashed red peppers at the House for dinner, then helped with homework. They have so much this weekend. Joseph, surprisingly, is getting really fond of me. He plays the tough guy but he still likes to hug me, sit next to me, even call me over from across the room to be with him or opposite, he will come to me.
After homework, we got out the bubbles again. They like them a lot. Of course Priscilla just poured out the little bit I gave her. That’s why I gave her a little though, because I knew she would eventually just throw it away. She is funny that way!!! ^_^
After bubbles, I collected them around 5:30 and went home. Elvis and I then had a meeting. I believe maybe because of me having mom talk or write to Scott. But either way, it was good to catch up. It seems that when I am out and about, I see all the things I want to change and improve and tell Elvis, but when I am with him, I can’t remember them all. So I need to do better. But Scott also texted me saying “doing ok?” Scott is so wonderful. I am so glad to have gone with Cosmic. But I called and just left a message. Hopefully he gets it.
I will go to Cape Coast tomorrow and find the internet Café and email. The Incooms were on this one month internet thing and now it has gone so I will have to email by traveling. Which is not too big of a deal, other than I will only be able to do it once or twice a week if I am lucky. But the boys should be picking me up soon so I will head up there and watch the rest of Lion King II. I love you so much and have a great night!!!

Mar. 1-- Hunger, Lazy Ester, a Lawyer

March 1st
For today, it was the first time since being here (except the first few days) that I have volunteered alone. It was pretty lonely. I really miss Annika and Theresia and Anne Louise now. I got to the House before 6:30 because I couldn’t sleep. Everyone was so quiet. I was nervous that Ester had yelled or beat them this morning. But they didn’t tell me. Maybe they were just tired. But I helped wash dishes so we could serve food. Once again it was porage for the 7th day in a row. But today’s portion was so small. And I felt so bad. I thought I had counted 16 bowls, but I must have missed one and only got 15. So I served one less. This means that Joshua got gari. I felt so bad. I tried to think of it as how many times I had served food and that I can let one little mistake slide, but I couldn’t. That just means that one kid of mine had to go a little extra hungry because I wasn’t as aware as I should have been.
I then found out that the water was almost out. I was nervous about washing and if Ester would actually do it this time. So I got the washing buckets ready. She came in and said “Oh!! We not wash! We not wash today!” I asked, “Why?” And she said “NO soap!!” I went to the corner and grabbed the soap and said “Soap!” She then said “No water!” I then went to the buckets and said “This is enough water! Ester, we wash every day. Every day we wash clothes, you and me!” And everything was almost word for word. I was not going to let her slide on this. So I sat down on my stool and waited and looked at her and invited her with a gesture of “you are going to join me.” So eventually after finishing whatever she was doing, she got the hint that I was not kidding, and she could not fool me. I have given Ester an inch and she has taken a mile. Mainly because I am a foreignor in a foreign land and I do not know everything that needs to be done, but now I know more. So after washing, I directly left, giving an impression that “Ester, now you do your job and clean. I am not here to do your job for you, only help.”
I then came home hoping there was sugar and egg. But there was not. So I had oats without sugar and toasted bread. I then had spaghetti. Here, we just have the spaghetti. No sauce. So It was a very bland breakfast.
I then got on the computer and started doing research for school. I need to find out about whether I should go to Medical school or Law school. I have always known that I should acquire the most education possible and that I could do either. But I haven’t known which I should do. But I decided that since I have been praying and studying the scriptures about this very question, I decided that maybe the Lord wanted me to study it out for myself. So even though the internet is slow, I did some research. I researched University of Utah’s School of Law program and this was the answer to my prayer. I had known there were different ways to study law-- business, criminal, patent, accounting. These kind of things, but I never knew what good you could do with a Law degree. I found out more about pro bonos and what people were doing with their degrees. Some were helping in the Middle East’s struggle with water rights, some were helping women rights in India, other in general global understanding, and the most exciting, many help with women rights, family abuse and much more in Africa. In Utah, there are study programs or something similar to go to areas in the world to help study and practice law. They even mentioned how many students even come from Ghana. I never even thought about how me being a lawyer could also become a volunteer service. Because for me, I didn’t want to get a degree in something if I could not later volunteer it. With medicine, I could go and help anywhere. But now I understand, I can help with Law too. I can become part of organizations and work for free and inform about human rights, etc. It was such a blessing. Since I was little in sixth grade and doing a report about what I wanted to be when I grow up, I researched being a lawyer. I know in my heart that I could do it and that I should do it. And now I have no doubt. It was such a blessing. So as time goes now, I will figure more and more about it. But it is strange--coming here, I would have thought a passion about becoming a doctor would be instilled in me, seeing all of the sickness and bad health care. But it isn’t so.

Feb. 27th-- Goodbye Annika, and Accra

February 27, 2010

For a quick review of the weekend, Annika, Mrs. Incoom, and I took the Metro Bus to Accra. It was a little crowed but so much nicer than a tro-tro. Mrs. Incoom got off at a village before Accra to meet Pastor. Then Annika and I were dropped off at Karnation Station. There we found a taxi for 5 cedis to Salvation Army Hostel. He didn’t know where it was so we had to get out our map and help the driver. We got there and the room was like a dorm with 7 or 8 beds. I guess it is a “hostel” meaning very cheap, but you separate into gender-based rooms. Mom said hostels are popular in Europe.
We got there and then went to eat at Papyae. It was like a fast food place. It was interesting to see the staff wearing goofy hats, red pants, and yellow striped aprons. It was like a 1990 American Fast food. We got French fries, coleslaw and fried chicken. Oh it was good. After that, we checked on the internet café. It was pretty fast. After that, we headed back and found that we had a roommate. She is from Michigan and named Sam. She is a student in Cape Coast studying African Studies and other things. It was great to talk to her because I wondered what it would be like to be a student here. She said that it was okay other than they study so hard to just memorize. They do not do outline forms or study like we usually do. It is dictation. The teacher reads from the book and the students copy word for word and then memorize. But I think that is all they know since that is the way everyone is taught. So it was good for me to see Jessica’s dorm room and how they sleep and how she likes studying to be a nurse and then talking with Sam about being a student. At first, I thought if given the chance to come to Ghana and study, I might do it. But I am having second thoughts.
For the rest of the night we went to bed early although Sam left alone at night in Accra to get food and she wasn’t back until 11 or 12. We were so worried. We asked her if she wanted us to come and told her it was dangerous, but she has been here 8 months or something, and I think maybe she has gotten too comfortable. But then again, she looks half black. So maybe it is not as dangerous. But either way, both Annika and I couldn’t sleep until she got home.
The next morning we woke up early and got ready. We tried to find food but no one was open at that early. Then we walked around and Annika got a good cup of Cappicino she said for 4 cedi 50 pesewas. Expensive. We then went next door to a place called Venus. It was a bar and grill. It was super nice. But we ordered French toast for 6 cedi and it was only two small slices. Way too much for that. We were still hungry and got some street food.
We then started to go shopping. Of course, everyone hisses and kisses at you, saying to come. All the men have lines “White girl, where are you going? White women, what is your name? Obroni, come here!” They are so persistent though. A few times, when I ignored them, a man grabbed me and pulled me to come and talk with him and have me look at what he was selling. Then another boy followed us for five minutes trying to convince us to buy a bracelet. He said “ Do you not think I am a good guy? Are you not nice? You should buy from me. We are now friends. You are my Ghanian sister.” All of these are very common. I started to look at prices for drums and played a few djembes. It was really fun. They asked me if that is how they play in the states. I said “I am not very good, but that is what I have learned” and then they showed me how they play a beat.
After shopping we went back home and then took a taxi to Labardi beach for 4 cedi. There, I decided to buy a swim suit that was the most modest I could find. And it works just fine. It covers stomach, front, legs. It works good for only 6 cedi. We then met David and he was interesting. Both Annika and I just wanted to get away from the whole “Let’s talk and meet with the Obroni” because we were so tired and wanted to come to the beach to relax. But he didn’t get the hint. Even when we said, we are tired we want to relax. And then at one point I said, “Thanks David for everything. I learned a lot, but I need to rest now. It was good talking to you. Have a good day.” He just sat there. And then started to talk again. He really likes talking. But he eventually went on his way. He seems like a great guy. Maybe next time when I am not so tired I will have enough energy to talk to a local for a few hours about Ghana traditions.
After the beach, we got a taxi to Papaye again and this time I got the rice instead of the potato because you get more food that way. I was full. We bought plantain chips on the way and water for later that night if we get hungry. When we got back to the Hostel, Jana (pronounced Ya-na) was also staying there in our room. She is a friend of Annika’s SYTO. They didn’t think they would see each other again because she left, but there they were. I really like Jana. I said that we should travel together if she wants. We then talked for a while. Well, they did mainly in German but it made me laugh. They are so funny and great people. We then met two more German girls that were staying in our room. They talked for awhile and spoke English every once in awhile. I then made a few calls and went to bed.
The light kept coming on and off the last few days. Here, they say “Light off” or “Light On” anytime the electricity goes off. So I was hoping it would stay on tonight because last night without a fan it was SOOO hot. But last night is was great. Everyone else was cold and I felt so bad once I found out. But I was still a little warm. I woke up around 5 and couldn’t get back to sleep. I think I was a little anxious. And I also had some nightmares, and then Annika said I talked in my sleep a lot. Once, I was saying, “Annika, Annika, we need to get up. We need to fetch water. The kids need to get ready to go to school.” She then said, “Lauren, we don’t need to go to the orphanage today.” And I guess I said I am sorry, I was sleeping. And went back to sleep.
For the rest of the day, we got up, got some food off the street. This time fried bread and egg. It was good. Jana and I then went to an internet café again and Annika went back to sleep. I think she hasn’t been sleeping because she is so nervous about leaving. Leaving after being here for 6 months would be a little nerve wracking. I then bought some pineapple going back. It was so good. It is sweet and always juicy here.
We then packed and then walked down the street. I said goodbye to Annika as she walked to SYTO office and Jana and I took a tro-tro to Circle. Then at circle, we eventually found a way to get to Karnation Station. A young man helped us. He was such a blessing. He even took the tro-tro form Circle to Carnation. After awhile, I found a tro-tro to Cape. And Jana was going to Winneba. So she took a different to not pay as much. By the time I got to Winneba, she was just barely leaving because the tro-tro had not yet filled up. Here, if the tro-tro is not yet full of people, you will wait until it is. So she waited 2 hours until it was full. Waiting in the car, hot and sweating. It is so unhealthy.
But then I got to Cape Coast. I called Austin about our plans for this week. He says to travel to Mole would be great. But then Bertha reminded me about their Independence Day this Saturday so I don’t know anymore if we can do it this weekend. I then went to the bank and withdrew some money and then I decided to cheer myself up by talking with a local. So I stopped by a lady who makes clothes and sells other things and we talked. I bought some things from her and we have become friends. Her name is Ottelia. Everytime I pass by now I will wave. I gave her my card. I then was tired and just wanted to go home. Once home, it was an amazing feeling. Like at home in USA, after a hard day, you just want your bed, your couch, your chair, you glass of milk. Well, when I got here, I felt at home. I had my bed, my couch my bowl. It was nice. I then unpacked. I have so many clothes to wash tomorrow. I then talked with Bertha for awhile. I ate some oats and then some PB and J. And then bought some bread. I also had some Ghanian Chocolate. I will bring some back. It tastes good and different to me.
For the rest of the night, I am watching Narnia and Bertha will cook Plantain and Beans. I am excited for her to cook because I am tired and actually, a Ghanian dish sounds good. I will then go to bed and go to church tomorrow. I haven’t gone in two or so weeks because of kids and travel so I am sure I will have to answer many questions because people are so friendly. But I was sure to tell Elder and Sister Saunders each weekend so they wouldn’t worry- just in case.

Feb 24th-- No Syrup, Pennywhistles, Annika's Party

February 24, 2010

We woke up and did the usual. This time, Ester bathed before Junior, who needed to get ready for school. So that was a little disrupting. But then she got ready for the day, and I asked her if she was going to help wash now because we always wash alone (giving the hint that you need to start helping or we will stop all together with your chores) She said she was going to take Co-Joe to the clinic to get his vaccination, part 1 of 3. But it was 7:40 a.m. ,and they wanted her at 9 so I knew that it was another way to get out of working. But that is okay for today, and we washed.
After washing, I came home and actually made homemade pancakes!!! Thanks, mom, for the recipe. I was able to get baking powder, and I used evaporated and powdered milk for the milk. They tasted pretty good!!! So it was an American breakfast today. I had scrambled eggs, four pancakes with peanut butter (no syrup and you know how much I love syrup. I should have brought a bottle) and a glass of milk.
Mrs. Incoom and I then talked about how her ICT class that she teaches is going well but that it is hard. Imagine trying to teach students how to type and how to click and drag an Icon on a computer if you have never either seen or touched a computer. So she asked if she could borrow. I said yes, knowing that she would take such good care of it. And I told her that on any day she needed it to just let me now. It is so surprising. I thought I would only come here to help the kids, but it seems that no matter where you go, your neighbors, loved ones, strangers, and even yourself will always need help. I like it. The Incooms are my family forever.
I then took a tro-tro to ABK (abakrampa) and met an old guy who insisted on getting me to Asebu. Of course he did this is thinking I would pay for him. But I laughed it off knowing that I have been asked many times to pay people’s fares. I got to Asebu and started teaching the older kids. We did the usual songs, and then I taught them music theory. We reviewed 5 lines, treble clef, notes, and then I taught them Whole note, Half Note, Quarter Note, and Eighth Note. I was concerned once I started that they would not understand, so I made up a game. I said every time I say Whole Note it means you clap four times, because in music it gets four counts. A half note gets two claps, quarter one clap, and eighth note doesn’t get a clap. So we played a game using the Pennywhistles. Again, Mom and Dad, I am so thankful for you making me learn music and then bring the Pennywhistles to Africa. You have blessed me and in turn, blessed many lives. With the Pennywhistles, I grabbed three kids from the line and then I would say Whole Note. And they would blow four times. If someone did not blow four times, they were out and the next person would come. We went through the whole class doing this until we got to the winner. I then had them blow out tunes Like Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, or Mary Had a Little Lamb, again trying to connect them to realize what music is. I am also trying to teach them not to hit or push one another. They push and shove so hard here, not like kids at home. So when they push, we stop singing or playing games. I am trying to teach them that.
I then took a tro-tro straight to Asebu, much cheaper, on 70 pesewas or known as 7000 (seven thousand) in the old currency. You need to know both here. It is strange when I hear someone say a piece of bread is 10,000. But it means only 1 cedi. I am glad they changed the currency. After that, I worked on the video I am working on for Noble, the famous gospel singer. I showed Annika and Elvis, they said it would be great. I am so grateful for Elder Miller and the Miller family for introducing me into film making. I only know the very basics, but that is so helpful here. Oh and Fred also bought me a donut thing for on the way to Asebu. It was nice of him because I was hungry. It was like a whole half a loaf cooked in oil, I think palm oil though. So it is so unhealthy but it tastes good every once in a while.
I then headed up to the House around 3. I helped hurry the kids with homework and sewed on a couple of badges to the kids uniforms. We then went to Elvis’s house to watch the rest of Lion King. Annika bought fresh fruit, watermelon, pineapple, and oranges and some ground nuts, for the kids. This was kind of her farewell party so she wanted to give the kids some things they usually never have. They actually didn’t like the watermelon too much because they are not used to it. It was good, but when it came time for her to say goodbye she cried a little. Angolina did not want to leave her side, and she started crying. I think it was Angolina’s first time having to say goodbye to a volunteer. She must have made an attachment. She stayed at the gate until I had to close the door, waiting to see the last glimpse of Annika. It was so sad. But Annika and the others are okay. Annika will call me often while I am here to check up on the kids I think. I then ate a dinner that the girls served at Elvis’s. It was a good local dish.
I then came home where Fred was not feeling well. I gave him water, a toffee for quick sugar level and a vitamin. I hope it helps. I will then have oats tonight I think for dinner and then go to bed as early as possible. Tomorrow morning, I will go to the House for a short while, interview Annika and then travel with her and maybe Mrs. Incoom to Accra in Sammy’s taxi. Sammy is a good local friend of Elvis’s. Mrs. Incoom is also going to Accra and might travel with us even on the Metro. So I will be gone until Saturday night so don’t worry about me not emailing or anything. And I will call when I get back on Saturday!!! Everyone laughs now when I am gone overnight to make sure that I have called my mom. It is really funny!!!! But it is so wonderful to know how concerned you are. But Friday will mark my half way completion. It is crazy that I have been counting up the days and now I start to count down. 3 months seems long when you think about all you could do but here, it is so short. Because there I so much to do. Some days are so long, but at the end of the day, you realize it was too short. I love the kids too much I think!!! Hahaha… it is going to be hard to say goodbye. I am not excited for it. I think it might be the hardest bye-bye for me. I love you all so much!!! Have a great night.

Feb 23-- HIV/AIDS teaching and Goodbye, Jessica,

February 23, 2010
The day started out usual. Woke up at 6 and left for the House around 6:20. We got there and found out that the place had not been cleaned by Ester. And that also Ruth was sweeping, which is Ester’s job. So we were a little disappointed in her because she is getting paid for it so we again decided to not wash again. I later found out that Junior had talked too Ester. Ester was saying out loud “Oh! Those white women did not wash the clothes this morning!” Junior said “Ester, it is your job to wash. When Goeorgina was here, you would wash.” Then Ester said “Well Georgina isn’t here.” So my assumptions were right earlier about how I was thinking that Ester was getting used to our service and was using us and not working herself.
After breakfast I went to the clinic around 8. I got there and then left for the school around 9 after taking a few vitals; someone’s blood pressure again was around 150/80. Walking up there, the nurse and I were talking. She told me that I would be giving the shots. So when we got there we sat down next to the teachers. We all opened the AIDS flyer for when they give lectures about HIV/AIDS awareness. WOW!!!! It is very blunt. Here, sex is not an uncomfortable or secretive thing. In fact, nothing really is. The culture is just blunt.
So I got there and I administered about 40 tetanus shots to young women ages from 14-18. The fear of needles is similar here. Although, I wonder since they usually never see them, I think they fear them a little more. Mrs. Incoom came up also because she teaches ICT classes there and took a few pictures too. I will try and get those to you soon.
After that, I left to go hang up my clothes. Around 11:45 I headed to Cape to Meet Jessica. Jessica is leaving to live in Accra from now on for the rest of my stay and so I wanted to take her to lunch before she left. So Instead of going straight to eat like I was planning because I needed to Met Austin to exchange pictures, she met me in the next town from where I took a taxi from Cape to Barabonsa. She met me and then we walked to her hostel. A hostel is where school students live. So this was second and third year girls hostel for the nursing school. It was crazy to see Ghanain dorms. It was like college… I guess because it was. But very small, very hot. In fact, they weren’t really rooms. The ceiling was left open to let air flow to everyone so all of the hall was connected. It was really good for me to see. To understand the differences more in Ghanain and American schools. We are so lucky in America. Even just a household living is so different. I am so appreciative of everything I have at home. I pray that I will never take advantage of the washer and dryer, my huge room, bed, running water, flushing toilet, having a door for the bathroom. Even having a mirror is a luxury too.
So we waited in her room and watched a movie and played a game for a bit until we decided to leave. We took a taxi back to the northwest side of Cape and went to a Bar and Grill to eat. Now the bars are different here. Every place is either “fast food” (which in Ghanain means 10 or 15 minutes is fast) or it is a bar or chop bar. It serves food in the day, and at night it becomes a dance place. So it is safe to go to. I got fried rice and chicken and Jessica got Potato Chips (French fries) and chicken for 6 cedi each. And we both got Alvaro Pineapple Pop. There is also this thing they do here. They have the lettuce that is cut up real small and they put ketchup and mayo on it. It is very interesting as a dressing but actually, I like it. It is only a small amount though to give it flavor.
So I bought the meal and we headed out. We had such a great talk. I am really going to miss her so much. She has become such a good friend of mine. She is smart, beautiful, talented, and a good person in general. I pray that her goals can come true and practice medicine out ide of Ghana. I also found out that she is treasurer for her class as well. So she is the kind of person to notice and care for everyone, everyone also knows her as the kindest, hard working person too. She isn’t out right out-going but she is confident. While talking today, she gave me great advice that I seem to have forgotten. I was telling her about how I couldn’t decide whether to do law or medicine and if medicine, what kind. She said “Pray to God. He knows everything.” Coming from her mouth, it meant something to me and struck me hard. That all this time I was trying to figure out something without the Lord. But Jessica invited me to come to Accra with her and travel the city some time. So I will definitely do that one of these weekends. She said she and her two cousins will go with me to the mall, which I have heard it is like an American mall.
After lunch, I took a tro-tro to Yomarnsa Junction and then another to Asebu. Of course, the usual Obroni attention. I am trying to learn patience with it because most of it is given in kindness. Getting there, I hurried to the house because I was almost an hour late. I got there and Annika was walking down with Co-Joe and Junior to give Co-Joe his vaccination shots. Ester was supposed to go to the Clinic with Co-joe this morning too. I just wonder what she does all the time because I usually don’t see her working anymore. But tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday, Co-Joe will get his vaccinations.
I then helped Ruth with her heat rash. It is just everywhere. I keep thinking about just giving them my fan but I know that I will not be able to sleep without it. I feel horrible because sometimes they cry of the itch and pain from it. So when I will leave, I will leave them my fan. I would go buy them one, but the problem is there are two rooms and you need to get a big one. So that would cost around 100 cedis to get two good fans. After we left the house, I came home and Mrs. Incoom taught me how to make fried rice. I have ALWAYS wanted to make good fried Rice. And this stuff is good. Here is how I made it:
Little oil in pot and heat. Cut up onion and brown the small onion pieces. Put in 2 cups of white Rice Uncle Sam. Mix around for a little bit. Once mixed, add water to about one or two inches above the rice, depending. Mix in Dark Soy Sauce and salt until you like the color and taste. Let cook with a lid for 15-20 minutes. Once finished, pull off heat and cover. While doing this, cut up green beans, carrot, and spring onion. Then in pan, heat up oil and place vegetables in pan until cooked. Then add a little Maggi Seasoning Sauce. Mix. Add rice. Mix. Add Maggi Seasoning Sauce until it tastes right. Then you are done.
I made it for the family tonight too. I am kind of proud and very full!!! I am so going to keep this recipe. For the rest of the night, I will finish emailing, making the fundraiser video, and working with Bertha on ICT and Mrs. Incoom with pictures. Love you and have a great day!!!

Feb 22nd-- Fries, Computers and HOT Peppers!

February 22, 2010

For dinner I ate french fries. I walked over to Elvis’s to spend some time with Annika and see if she wanted any. I told Elvis that I cooked them myself and he said “Why?” like why do you cook for yourself when they should be doing it. I said that I want to cook for myself and that I like it. I think it shocked him to see that a volunteer liked to cook most of her meals. So I finished the 2 kilo of potatoes because they were beginning to sprout. I can now see why people say Idaho has the best potatoes. They taste different here. So I can’t wait for good ‘ole Idaho potatoes.
I also taught Bertha some things on the computer. She is interested in learning how to work computers and type better so when I have free time and I am not too busy, I will teach her what I can. I also asked Mrs. Incoom if that would be alright, and she said that that would make her happy. She was teaching her before but then got too busy with Pe-Pe.
I feel asleep and then someone was at the front door trying to get in. I am not sure who it was because I was tired, and I didn’t want to get up and check it out so I just waited for awhile until I felt safe again. I think maybe it was only a neighbor trying to say hello to Pastor or something.
I then woke up a few minutes to my alarm as usual and slept for a little longer and took a shower. I then met Annika and headed up to the House around 6:20. The kids were almost all ready for school so that was super early. So all we really did was wash some clothes and dishes, and I fed Co-joe this morning. They had rice porridge, which is good because it has sugar. They like it too. We then left a little after 8. I got home and had Oats with bread. I put sugar and powdered milk in it. After breakfast I watched a little Discovery Channel. I do not watch TV that often but I decided to watch a little bit of Dirty Jobs.
I took a power nap for ten minutes and then met Annika to go to Cape Coast at 10. There she went to the internet Café, and I went to find a backpack. Berth told me it should be around 5 cedi. So when they told me 20 cedi, I knew that was more than just a rip off, but an Obroni price. So I tried to be nice and joking and be friendly with them, letting them know the bag was for Bertha, a girl in school. But they were unreasonable. So they pointed me another direction. On my way there, I met a church member, Brother Imbrah’s son. I asked him and he said that he would help bargain one for me. The bargain started at around 15 cedi for a small, simple regular backpack that would sell around 10 or 15 dollars in the US. But it was not worth 15 cedi. So he bargained and bargained for me and I again explained it was not for me. So the price got lowered to 7 cedi. I was so grateful to have him do it because I just knew I would never get a fair price because of my skin color. Sad, but true. It is how they make their money so I cannot blame them on trying to make a living.
After that, I bargained for more toffee for the kids and a little for myself too!!! ^_^ I definitely got dad’s sweet tooth!!! I also bought baking powder for pancakes. But they do not have teaspoons for measurements. So if one spoonful is a tablespoon, what would be a good comparison to a teaspoon? I will probably just guess. I also got a bra for 2 cedi because mine are being ruined pretty bad and to ruin a cheap one is better than to ruin ones I like. I then met Annika at one of the tro-tro stations. We got home and I made some spaghetti and oats. I talked to Mrs. Incoom and Pastor about teaching Berha ICT (computer training) and also about the backpack I bought her. They were excited about the idea. I told them about the weekend and they too were a little disappointed about how the kids were treated. I really enjoy the Incooms. They are lifelong friends for me. Long past I leave here, I will stay in contact with them. We talked about the next time I will come back. And I said maybe 5 years. But I want to come sooner than that. Because they said that when I come, they would house me and anyone else, like family or friends. Of course, paying for electricity and food, but they said we were invited. They really want to meet you mom and dad. They say you should just come now!!!! But I also told them that if they ever come to Idaho, that they are welcome in our home as well. I then went to meet Annika to go the House around 1:45, but there I gave Elvis the extra money from the weekend. I accidently put some of Elvis’s money mixed in with mine and I felt so bad but we re-calculated what I needed to give him, and we were okay.
Elvis was able to get some clothes for the kids, book, and toys. With some of the clothes that don’t work for the kids, he gives to the local children who do not have clothes. We then went up to the house and I started to help mash Chili Red Hot peppers or something like that, onions, and tomatoes. But I got some pepper juice just on my knuckles, and they are still burning. It feels like hot oil is on my skin, and it has been about 3 or 4 hours since I mashed them. So the peppers are extremely hot. I am just waiting for the burning to go away and also trying to not touch my face. Because it is hot and I sweat, I have touched my face a lot and the pepper has gotten and burned my face as well. But it won’t wash off so bummer. ☹
I then helped with him and played with the kids. We left around 5:30 and got home. I ate boiled plantain with beans. Mrs. Incoom will teach me fried rice tomorrow or something. We will watch a movie with the kids on Wednesday at Annika’s farewell party. She is going to have fruit salad for the kids then. For the rest of the night, I will send this email and shower, maybe watch a movie or tv and go to bed early hopefully. Because I will go to the clinic tomorrow and also go to lunch with Jessica. Jessica is one of my local friends I met. She is a nurse and will be leaving for Accra soon, and I might not see her again. That will make me sad. She has been an angel to me.

Feb 19-21 Hunger and Moree Beach

February 19-21, 2010

I think when I go home, I will miss eating their delicious homemade bread!!! I love just having to buy a whole loaf anywhere on the streets for one cedi!!! But that is just a random thought.
There were so many things that happened this weekend. Like last weekend being the most scarey, this weekend was the most frustrating yet most rewarding too. It is so strange. Being here, I am always thinking. And I think that the children, my host family, my friends, Ghana, is changing me and changing me for the better. It is so strange to be able to feel self-confidence grow inside your elf in such a short time. It is strange to start building love and concern and dedication to people you have barely known for long but know them so well already. I now feel a little bit more proud of myself. It is so strange. I am starting to see people in a different light as well as myself. I am starting to see people not just as a figure that has feelings and passions and dreams, but I am seeing them more in myself. Instead of trying to see differences in everyone, I see more similarities.
I have always wanted to be a more friendly person-- someone who you could walk up to and feel comfortable around. I don’t know all of the reasons why I feel that I am changing but I know a huge part of it is the people. The way people live here and are is so extraordinary. To me, they have so little; to them, they have just enough. To me, they used to be just too friendly and too exhausting by how much compassion they automatically have; to them it is a way of life to be a good neighbor and friend to everyone. While I have seen the poverty of a third world country and I appreciate more of what I have at home, I am more surprised now to see that maybe their daily compassion and love for each other and the Lord is something all together so different. At home, everyone I know is friendly and tried to do good. But here, you always ask how the other person is doing, you truly care. You see so many people giving all that they have to help others, when in the end, they will need help themselves again. It is this circle of compassion that has me bewildered. How can such a people be so happy by having so little and yet at home, we have so much and the communal friendship is so different? It is so hard to explain but maybe you can understand the base of what I am saying. I am particularly saying that I have fallen in love here. Everyone I pass becomes my friend. Everyone of the children in part of my family now. I now have this maternal instinct in me that needs to defend for them; take care of them. I am so thankful to be here. I feel that being in a third world country, I have never been more personally blessed in spiritual and mental growth until now. It almost seems that what we lack they have gained and what they lack we have gained.
Well, moving on from the confusing inner thoughts and back to this weekend. Friday was good. We woke up and went to the House at 6:30 as usual. Around 7 I started to look for where the food was cooking so I could help with that. I asked Ester where it was, and she started laughing. So I knew to not get angry but to also befriend her in the conversation. Anger doesn’t do much here. I asked her again, and she said that the kids were fasting. I asked why. She laughed and after asking and asking her and the kids, I found out the kids had no clue and that Ester didn’t have food to cook. I was confused because Elvis had just drive up two days before with sacks full of food. So I talked with the kids who had huddled in the back room and talking about what was happening. I then went to go talk with Ester. This is where part of my maternal instincts came in. I tried to keep calm and respectful, but I also knew that a young, white women talking to an Older local would be offensive in any way. So I asked her why. She said no food, and then she walked to the kitchen. She showed me that there was not enough ground nut powder for soup for everyone. But then I pointed to the three huge bags on the floor. She said, coffee, rice and corn. Now I realize, why would they have a body size bag of coffee? Hmm…. Anyways. Looking at that I said “You could have cooked rice. You could have cooked corn.” She looked at me like “OOookkkaaayyyy….” And then left. The kids left for school after getting their toffee that was infested by ants because it was left on the bottom of the fridge. Annika and I were SOOOO frustrated. I have never looked into so many children’s eyes that I called my own look so hungry. I knew they barely eat already and to have no food until dinner was a painful thought. So we let them go and Annika and I decided that if Ester does not want to cook, then we do not want to wash. So we said “goodbye, Ester” and in a rough voice from here after just giving her a short lecture/disappointment, she said bye. We then left her to wash all the clothes and ten beds sheets that were to be washed for the kids who were coming to Accra the next morning.
I then headed home to eat and dress to get ready to go to the beach. We wanted to go yesterday, but it didn’t work out. When I arrived at Elvis’s, Annika told me what happened when Elvis was told that the kids went hungry this morning. He went to this room, slammed the door, grabbed his phone and came back out. He called Ester, yelled at her in Fante, it must have been obvious why. He then explained to Annika that he had given her plenty of money to buy the kids food a few days ago and that she had some to cook even this morning. So it was true. She had food, but did not want to cook.
So Annika and I then left for the beach. We went to Moroee Beach. I borrowed Annika’s extra bikini bottoms and then wore a shirt on top. We bought a soda at the hotel so that we were customers and could sit on the chairs and keep our stuff there. We sunbathed for awhile and got some healthy sun. I then went to go swimming for my first time in Ghana, and second time ever in the ocean. It was so sad. It was the most trashy water I have ever seen. Plastic wrapped around my body. I would run my hands threw the water and come up with water bottles and plastic bags attached to me. But I wanted to play for a little bit longer. It tasted salty too and the water was warm. So Moree Beach is pretty nasty but I am excited for next weekend. When Annika is going to Accra to fly home and we will go to one of the nice beaches up there. I am going to try and find an appropriate swim suit here next time though.
After the beach, we called the taxi to come and pick us up. We then went back home and I washed and then headed up to the house. Elvis had said that we must choose ten kids to come to Accra to perform for a fundraiser for them. Before he said he would chose but now we do. We are the ones to look at their faces of the ones how could not come. So we decided the oldest. So it was Paul, Elvis Junior, Samuel, Joshua, Emmanuel, Joseph, Ruth, Grace, Margaret, and Angolina. We pulled them outside to tell them the plans for the weekend. Clement followed and then started crying realizing he was not going. I can understand how a child would be so upset. It would be an overnight party, and he was not chosen. It is worse than being chosen last of the recess football team. We told those going to pack their bed sheet (so kindly washed by ester ^_^), towel, sponge, toothbrush, comb, Sunday clothes (or their nicest cloths) and shoes. It was a little hassle to get them to finish. Then Clement continued to cry, and Christy was silent about it all. Pouting is one thing, but she wasn’t pouting really. She was just generally sad and that broke my heart. I didn’t want to pick and choose the kids but it had to be done. So we did not take Co-Joe, Priscilla, Christy, John, Clement or Charity. We then had the kids hurry and rush and wash their clothes and get ready so we could watch a movie.
Elvis Senior came by to talk with Ester again. I guess he is going to try and come up in the mornings to check to make sure she cooks every morning. I am nervous about Ester now. She is anger sticken that I hope she doesn’t take it out on the kids. So we brought to the kids to the Guesthouse (Elvis’ house), and they were so hungry. Junior didn’t want to come because he was to tired! Since when would these kids pass up watching a movie? NEVER!!! So I bought them bread because they hadn’t really eaten anything substantial. I hate the look in my children’s eyes when they are hungry. We then found out the Elvis had taken to key to Cape. We asked before he left, and he said it was with the girls that work there, but it wasn’t. So we called him and waited an hour. Annika and I were so frustrated. The kids had not eaten, they were promised a movie and now could not watch it. So Annika called it off, and we decided to send them home. It was getting late and they needed to bathe before eating plus they had an early morning to leave at 6:30. But they didn’t want to go. Their excitement for the day was promised and we could not deliver. I felt so bad and Annika was so frustrated so I decided to bring my laptop to the House, and we would watch Lion King there. I was so tired but it needed to be done. I then left Annika there about in tears from everything that had happened today. But I walked up with the kids.

Feb 17th--Wonderful Day, Music, Interhomly

February 17, 2010

Today was such a wonderful day. I woke up throughout the night again, but that is just usual so I think so I am getting used to it. Woke up 3 minutes before my alarm at 6 and then got up. I then met Annika to walk to the house. At the House, I was just having so much fun with the kids this morning. We got there, and then I just acted like I had known the kids for months or years. It was nice. So we helped them bathe, I washed dishes from last night’s dinner, I served the food, I gave “toffee” or candy to the kids that we bought yesterday at Cape Coast (they like the yogurt strawberry kind like me… I’ll bring some back for you to try), and then I bid them all farewell. It was nice because some mornings if one of the kids aren’t happy, them a lot of them aren’t, but today was good.
I then started to wash clothes. It was the usual hour and a half. Ester has stopped helping us wash now because I think she figures that we will do it anyways even without her help so she sometimes sweeps and mops now and gets ready for the day, but so far that doesn’t really bother me. She still helps a ton when it is needed.
I then saw that 3 kids had not eaten breakfast. Every morning they always have ground nut soup. And it is very bland so I can understand some of them just deciding to skip out. But in the future I will not hand out toffee unless they have eaten.
After washing, we left around 8:45. I walked home and cooked some oats. I then waited for pastor to drive up with me to the school. The school was SO MUCH FUN!!! I spent about an hour with the older kids and like 15 minuteswith the younger… oops…^_^ But with the older kids we sang Twinkle, Twinkle, If you’re happy and You Know It, Hokie Pokie, London Bridge, Ring around the Rosies, Mary had a Little Lamb, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, The wise man Built his House Upon the Rock, Down by the Bank of the Hankie Pankie, and then I taught them Patty Cake. So thanks to everyone who made suggestions about the children’s songs. It really helps. I then started with music theory. We reviewed five lines (meaning that there are 5 lines when your read music) Treble Clef, what a note is and then I drew out Mary had a Little Lamb in music to try and show them that what they were seeing can be written down. Like English or any other language, music is also a written language and not just spoken. But what is amazing about music, is that it is universal. So I tried to explain that to them, and I think a few of the older ones are getting it. And then I pulled out the three tin whistles I brought. Thanks mom and dad for making me bring them. I had all the kids play it. Of course, I pulled out my hand sanitizer and did the best I could to wash the mouth piece before each kids played. They really liked it. Each of them would blow the melody of Mary Had A Little Lamb. Some would move their fingers to imitate what I did before. It was super cute and super high and loud!!! ^_^ It was great. I then played a little tune to show them that the penny whistle is beautiful and to maybe interest them if any of them want to learn. I am thinking of leaving one of them here for the school. Pastor wants to get all musical instruments to show the kids what is out there and to maybe strike an interest if any of them want to play.
I then went to play with the little kids. We sung almost all the same songs and then I left so that I could catch a ride with pastor. It took about and half and a half to get home for a half hours travel because he kept stopping and talking with people, which I thought was great. It is a good example of how to be a good friend and neighbor to everyone. He then talked to me more about what he does. I found out that the Incooms have no personal income. That they came here 7 years ago knowing that Pastor would preach for free and not except money from the congregation because everyone is so poor here. He just wanted to serve them. So they say they have been blessed by people giving them things like their one small red car and their one 4 by 4 that were given to them, also Pastor is a part of many programs that sponsor and other random things. I also learned that through his organization, one of his projects is to help young women to progress in their education instead of being fooled into either teenage pregnancy (which is a problem here also like at home, except I think maybe a little bit more prominent) or else dropping out of school and having no real future. So he has sponsored 8 girls so far. He says “adopt” them. So he pays for their education. One is in the University, two are in or near high school. So I think that is wonderful. He also has a project to start teaching the women who sell items along the streets to learn marketing logistics or something similar that they can expand their business. He also stopped in Abakrampa to show me where an ICT (the computer classes they teach here) are going to be held. They want to have an internet café there to bring in more income. So students from around and also the community will be able to advance their knowledge in ICT. I haven’t seen one computer in any school yet. All they do is learn that the thumb goes on the space bar and that the left pointer finger goes on the “F” key and so forth without ever seeing a computer. It is crazy, but that is how it is. So he is trying to get computers for the classes and for the school. He says that with his program, Interhomly Academy, that he has it certified in social welfare or something so that if someone sends a computer, that shipping and handling are free and that the person who donates will be able to say it was a charitable cause. That is so great!!! He then showed me his office in Abakrampa and in Asebu. He then mentioned that he was talking with his directors of his organization that they were thinking of making me an ambassador for their organization for the United States. I asked him what that all entailed. He said that while I might be the first ambassador they have had, they have all the documentation set up and everything. So that if I was doing a fundraiser in the States, I could legally represent them. And then they also want volunteers to come and teach in the school. Everything from math, English, music, sports, art. So that when a volunteer becomes interested in coming, I will be their coordinator in the states to advise the volunteer to be coming since I have already been there. They would be housed with the Incooms or if there is a lot with another host family, would pay like I did to come, but maybe cheaper. They actually have a website that I have not checked out yet but here is the link. So I am not sure if I want to do that yet, but I am really thinking about it. Today, I started thinking about what I can do when I get back. I thought that maybe doing a one time thing to fundraiser would be good enough, maybe 500 or a thousand if I am lucky. But I started thinking, “maybe I can set up something official?” I know that I am young and in school, but maybe I can set up an organization, legitimate and all, to fundraiser and get the word out about Ghana and volunteering. I know that it takes a lot of paperwork but seeing the American group come that was only started three years by Elizabeth when she was 21 or 23, I think I could do it. They started after 6 months of paperwork, got it official, then got a board of directors and so forth. They went to high school and spoke and advertised and got volunteers that way. Now, they have made enough money to build I think 2 or 3 school buildings. So I know that maybe it doesn’t seem a lot, but to build a simple building here costs tens of thousands, and with many making only 10 dollars a day, you can imagine how hard that would be... so I will continue to think about it. But here is the link again: http://www.internationalhopefamily.webs.com/

Feb. 16th--Cooking Food, Beatings & Discipline

February 16, 2010 Part 2

Annika and I then went to Cape Coast. I bought some candy for the kids and got more powdered milk and evaporated milk. We got back and then I had lunch. I ate spaghetti and egg and then some oatmeal. I am finally cooking for myself, and I can control when I am hungry. So I am no longer worried about being hungry anymore. What a blessing. In fact, Mrs. Incoom sat me down after I got home from the House and told me to never ever worry about when and what I eat. To just feel at home and not be hungry. I was happy to have that conversation with her.
At the house, I helped do home work with a reward of 2 stickers for anyone who finished their homework. So everything was going great until Elvis Senior showed up. Then the kids ran inside to clean up their rooms. They know that if their rooms aren’t clean that they are beaten by Elvis. When Elvis showed up, Annika was helping go through all of the kids’ clothes to throw away old cloths and give them new ones. So Elvis came inside and did some talking with the kids and then started caining them. Annika said that she had to leave the room because she could not see it. I could hear it outside because I was just on the other side of the wall. Then Elvis called Annika back to tell about how Clement and Elvis and Jospeh got in a fight this morning. Clement was being so hard to work with. Then I came in wondering why no one had come back to finish their homework. I then saw Elvis beat the children. Annika was going through Joseph’s bag of clothes. And for every shirt or pants that were dirty, we would get a cain on the calf of the head. I just wanted to grab that stick and break it in half.
Then we finished homework once he left. That took awhile, but I was proud of the kids because all of them did it. Joshua got beaten today in school because his homework wasn’t done, and then Elvis Senior found out and then Elvis beat him again. So I really need to work harder to make sure the kids who have homework get it done. Then I got home and made dinner. YUMMY!!! I made a carrot, tomato, onion, and cabbage omlette. It was so good. Then I had a side of cabbage and green beans. And then more oatmeal because I was still hungry.
I then came over to Elvis’s place to hang with Annika because neither of us like to be lonely. And some good news. Elvis knows one of the most popular Ghanian Gospel singers, and he is doing a fundraiser for the kids. This weekend, we will take 10 of the oldest kids to Accra and stay over Saturday night. Sometime during our stay, there will be a performance where the kids will probably be on stage. They have it set up that if you text some number, it will automatically withdraw 50 pesewas that is put into an account that will be given to the kids. So that is a great thing to do. Plus, Annika and I will come to help take care of the children.
Well I love you all so much and thanks again for everything that you are doing. I really appreciate it!!! Love you!!! Oh, and I was thinking. I came here to love the kids, right? I came with the idea that all I could is just love the kids with all my heart. But I have realized that loving them is the easy part. It is disciplining them that is the hard part. Because they are so used to violence, you have to find a way and be creative to find a way to discipline them while being their friend yet in charge. I am learning a lot.

Feb 12th-- Scarey Tro-tros! To Akasombo

February 12, 2010

Today was the scariest day in Ghana so far. We woke up and left at 6:30. Elvis drove Annika, Theresia, and I to the bus station in Cape Coast. Everything was normal until the bus to Accra came, and then the line that we were patiently waiting for 45 minutes became one huge mob. So the three of us Obronis tried to push our way through all of the line-cutters. Even though everyone knows when a person is cutting in line, no one stops it. I would, but you can just tell that if a local can’t stop it then an Obroni certainly won’t be able to. Because when a local disagrees with something from you, sometimes they will pretend to not understand you or English anymore. Five people were in front of us when the tickets sold out. We waited 20 more minutes until we decided to get a tro-tro for 4 cedi instead of 3 with the bus.
We got the back of the tro-tro so we felt all the bumps. Since there are usually never police cars to control the speed limits, they put speed bumps everywhere, and they are so bumpy!!! Getting into Accra, it was lots of traffic. I mean lots of it!!! People as usual walk in between cars, selling candy, picture frames watches, hangers, feminine products, everything!
Once we got off the tro-tro the fun began. The city was huge with lots of people. Not as friendly as Asebu, and we had to walk with our bags in front of us. We said a sad but happy goodbye to Thereseia and tried to find a tro-tro to Akosombo. . After being told many different things and running around, we took a tro-tro to the circle and got a tro-tro to Akosambo. Again, people misdirect you sometimes, and someone even said that we should head back to the first station we were at because no one here was going to Akasombo, but we found someone.
Again we got the back of the tro-tro. Except the traffic was worse, and the road was terrible. I even got a headache just from how bumpy it was. It then started to rain and thunder. Before it rained though, we were almost into two accidents because the driver was crazy and wouldn’t use his brakes earlier; he would slam on them when it was just close enough. When it started to rain, the driver hit a boy going about 40 or 50 miles per hour. I didn’t know what happened until the driver hit the brakes and launched everyone forward, and I saw the boy roll off the side of the road in pain. Annika and I were so scared and unsure of what to do. I was expecting the driver or the maid (the person who collects money) to get out and help him, but they did nothing. They sat there and just watched. The boy was walking around holding his stomach and hand. He then threw up. I asked “Are you not going help?” “Are you going to bring him to the hospital?” Finally, without assistance, the school boy, around 17, walked to the car and got in. I heard no “sorry’s” or “are you okay” kind of words. We just turned around, and then I figured we were driving to the hospital. We asked the maid, and he said yes. So with the rain and everything, the windows fog so much because of the humidity and you cannot see. No wonder the driver hit him! He can’t see. He didn’t roll down his windows because it was raining so he just uses a rag to wipe the windshield so he can see out.
On the way to the nearest hospital, 45 minutes away, he would swerve because he couldn’t see. Now I understand why people are nervous about tro-tros. So we waited at the hospital for an hour until the driver came back. We wanted to ask how the boy was, but he didn’t understand our question. Being 3 ½ hours behind, we were on our way to Akasombo. Thankfully, it wasn’t too far. We were hungry and tired and wanted to shower. We stayed at the Zito Guest House for 20 cedi a night or 10 cedi a person. I got spaghetti and ordered another meal because I was so hungry, but it never came. So we showered and then went to bed around 8 or 8:30. It was a very nice place but it was a long day. I also found out that the River tour was 30 cedi. I didn’t know it was going to be that much so I will need to go to the ATM. I also washed my hair with conditioner last night. I usually don’t because it is about 9 cedi per bottle, but it felt so good so I think I might get some since I will donate my hair when I get back. I don’t want my hair to be too trashed.