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!!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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.
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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