The road to our house is stilling being worked on - has been since July. The difficulty now is that 2 of the 3 ways to access our area are completely closed off. And the last way is partially blocked. We really do anticipate that at some point we will not be able to get the car in or out of the driveway. But the worst part is that the water truck is coming tomorrow to fill our tanks and I think they are going to have more than a little trouble trying to get to the house. It should be interesting. I will take some pictures of the road to give you a better perspective.
Update for today (Thurs.) - the truck did come and somehow plowed its way down the road in spite of the workers, boards with nails, huge piles of gravel and sand and a big ditch on one side. I am so thankful they made it and we now have full water tanks. PTL. They had new hoses that were really long so they didn't even have to come into the driveway. Again I say PTL.
I will say that b/c the sun has been out baking us, the guys have been able to work on the road several days in a row. Can you imagine digging out a drainage ditch that is about 3 feet wide and 4-5 ft. deep for the length of a road about 5 blocks long? And in this heat? And by hand - just with shovels? They don't have a backhoe or anything. Anyway, they are working hard and there are several of them so I am praying that they will get the worst of it completed soon.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A day in the Volta Region
Today was the last real day that I had opportunity to take my parents to do some more site seeing. Tomorrow night they fly home via London. Can you believe it? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was asking for prayer for a safe arrival and now they are leaving? We still have so much to do and see! So today we went up to the Volta Region where they have the dam that provides our hydropower. It was really, really interesting to see it and hear about how it works, etc. I didn't realize that the water that fills the dam comes from Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ivory Coast. Additionally 8% of the electricity produced goes back to Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo. The dam is still very low despite the recent flooding in the northern region of Ghana and other countries like Burkina Faso. It should be around 280ft high but it is at 255ft. One of the reasons we still get occasional losses of electricity is b/c they can only run some of the turbines at a time instead of all of them like they would if the dam was full.
The ride to the dam and Volta Lake is really beautiful. Green trees, grasses and jungle are everywhere. Hills and rock formations are in the distance. I just can't seem to get enough of the beauty of this country. I am so glad that I have gotten to see more of it and meet people from different regions.
We ate lunch at a restaurant with a breathtaking view overlooking the dam, lake and hills. It was so quiet and peaceful. I found it so relaxing and mesmerizing. The food was pretty good also. We had a ton left over so we packaged it and decided to give the left overs to people we passed on the road home that seemed to need some food. The first recipient was the police guard at one barrier. Then we stopped the car to give it to two children who ran away as fast as they could when my mom yelled "come" from the window. (I am still laughing so hard at that I can hardly type.) You never saw two kids run so fast. Then we tried to give it to a girl who looked at Margaret with big eyes and shook her head no. Obviously they had been taught well to not take things from strange obronis who stop on the road. A young boy came up though and had no problems at all taking one package. We had two left. After passing by a few people - we couldn't have stopped without getting whiplash - we came to a small town and saw a handful of people by the road. One of the men was obviously not entirely with it mentally. So Margaret went to give him the food. At first he was walking away but then realized she was giving him food, took it, put the package on the ground and began eating it immediately. He was so hungry. The people nearby started saying thank you that we gave the food to him. I was really moved by watching him devour it. There are people like this that we see on the road side in Accra also. Actually there is a man in our neighborhood. It is hard to know if the problems are b/c of drugs or alcohol or simply mental disease but it is sad to see them. I am glad we had something to give to this man.
After having to turn around only 2 or 3 times this trip we get back to Accra. B/c it is late we decide to grab something to eat. I only mention this b/c of what happened to Michelle. Just note that she is fine and we made sure she was fine and able to laugh too before we started laughing. Margaret was having trouble sitting at her place at the table b/c of some men smoking cigars nearby. After getting a fan and trying a few different places, she finally came down to Michelle's end of the table. Being the kind person that she is Michelle told Margaret to take her place and she would go to the other end. I see Michelle walk around the table and then I see a chair on its back on the floor but I can't see Michelle. Suddenly her head pokes up from below the table and I realize that somehow when she went to sit down, the chair broke and she landed on her backside. We are all staring at her b/c I don't think anyone really saw what happened. She is staring at us and then starts to smile. Of course, as I said, we make sure she is ok and then we all break out laughing. We were so tired by then that we were a little slap happy. Anyway, it was a good laugh at the end of a good day and I am glad Michelle is ok.
On a completely different note...Christmas lights and decorations and signs are going up all over the place now. It is so weird to think of Christmas when we are all dripping in sweat and the sun is glaringly bright. But it will soon be upon us. This Friday we are having several of the single girls to our house for a sleep over. We plan to watch White Christmas and maybe even go caroling to those that live close to us. Then in the morning after eating, they are going to help us decorate the little tree Margaret and I got and put up a few other things around the house. It is going to be a lot of fun and so good for building relationships. I am grateful for the women I am getting to know bit by bit.
Well if you read this before Thursday night at 11pm Ghana-time, please pray for a safe journey home for my parents. I know they are tired but they have had a great time here. They can't stop talking about how much they enjoy Ghana. Thank you for praying.
The ride to the dam and Volta Lake is really beautiful. Green trees, grasses and jungle are everywhere. Hills and rock formations are in the distance. I just can't seem to get enough of the beauty of this country. I am so glad that I have gotten to see more of it and meet people from different regions.
We ate lunch at a restaurant with a breathtaking view overlooking the dam, lake and hills. It was so quiet and peaceful. I found it so relaxing and mesmerizing. The food was pretty good also. We had a ton left over so we packaged it and decided to give the left overs to people we passed on the road home that seemed to need some food. The first recipient was the police guard at one barrier. Then we stopped the car to give it to two children who ran away as fast as they could when my mom yelled "come" from the window. (I am still laughing so hard at that I can hardly type.) You never saw two kids run so fast. Then we tried to give it to a girl who looked at Margaret with big eyes and shook her head no. Obviously they had been taught well to not take things from strange obronis who stop on the road. A young boy came up though and had no problems at all taking one package. We had two left. After passing by a few people - we couldn't have stopped without getting whiplash - we came to a small town and saw a handful of people by the road. One of the men was obviously not entirely with it mentally. So Margaret went to give him the food. At first he was walking away but then realized she was giving him food, took it, put the package on the ground and began eating it immediately. He was so hungry. The people nearby started saying thank you that we gave the food to him. I was really moved by watching him devour it. There are people like this that we see on the road side in Accra also. Actually there is a man in our neighborhood. It is hard to know if the problems are b/c of drugs or alcohol or simply mental disease but it is sad to see them. I am glad we had something to give to this man.
After having to turn around only 2 or 3 times this trip we get back to Accra. B/c it is late we decide to grab something to eat. I only mention this b/c of what happened to Michelle. Just note that she is fine and we made sure she was fine and able to laugh too before we started laughing. Margaret was having trouble sitting at her place at the table b/c of some men smoking cigars nearby. After getting a fan and trying a few different places, she finally came down to Michelle's end of the table. Being the kind person that she is Michelle told Margaret to take her place and she would go to the other end. I see Michelle walk around the table and then I see a chair on its back on the floor but I can't see Michelle. Suddenly her head pokes up from below the table and I realize that somehow when she went to sit down, the chair broke and she landed on her backside. We are all staring at her b/c I don't think anyone really saw what happened. She is staring at us and then starts to smile. Of course, as I said, we make sure she is ok and then we all break out laughing. We were so tired by then that we were a little slap happy. Anyway, it was a good laugh at the end of a good day and I am glad Michelle is ok.
On a completely different note...Christmas lights and decorations and signs are going up all over the place now. It is so weird to think of Christmas when we are all dripping in sweat and the sun is glaringly bright. But it will soon be upon us. This Friday we are having several of the single girls to our house for a sleep over. We plan to watch White Christmas and maybe even go caroling to those that live close to us. Then in the morning after eating, they are going to help us decorate the little tree Margaret and I got and put up a few other things around the house. It is going to be a lot of fun and so good for building relationships. I am grateful for the women I am getting to know bit by bit.
Well if you read this before Thursday night at 11pm Ghana-time, please pray for a safe journey home for my parents. I know they are tired but they have had a great time here. They can't stop talking about how much they enjoy Ghana. Thank you for praying.
Water ran out today
Well this morning Margaret came to tell me that we just ran out of water. Bummer. I was hoping it would last until my parents left. But now they get to experience the full gammet of how their daughter really lives:) So no showers today. Hopefully we will have a truck tomorrow morning so that they can get ready for their flight home. You may be thinking why didn't I go ahead and fill the tanks before they got here. Well we knew the water was getting low from the last truck. The problem is that you pay for the full amount whether you need it all or not. Since it isn't that cheap, we wait until all tanks are dry and then call for the truck. Hence my parents being here when it ran out. One good thing is that the front of the driveway has yet to be fixed from the last water truck that crushed it so I don't have to worry that this next one will ruin it again. Of course it may just increase what has already been crushed but what to do. We gotta have water! Never a dull moment. Tomorrow Margaret and I will go down to the water company and see why we are still not getting city water. For some reason the most recent bill has "disconnected" on it and I don't know why. We have a credit on there and haven't received city water since July. So we will go and try to figure it out. A new experience for both Margaret and I. If you think of it, please pray that the water from the city would be restored. And also for the Sonius' as their water comes sporadically and they often have to order trucks also. Thank you!
Finally some pictures
Yea! I was able to upload some pictures showing what I have been doing with my parents here in Ghana. There are more to come. But for now go to the link on the sidebar to the online photo album. I hope you enjoy what you see.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
More with my parents
Well for some reason I can't get pictures to upload to the blog or flickr as the internet is not behaving. I will keep trying. But in the mean time I will tell you a bit of what my parents have been up to.
Sunday we went to the church that I have been attending called Asbury Dunwell. It was a good service. I was just slightly disappointed that the regular worship leader wasn't there so they didn't get to experience the really awesome music. But what they did hear was pretty good. I think they enjoyed it and they were able to meet three more friends of mine - Jane, Lindsay and Erin. After church we met Lee and Michelle and their boys for lunch at Frankies, ran home for a quick rest and change of clothes, then walked to Lee and Michelle's to ride with them to watch football. We were tired. I am thankful that we took Saturday as our day of rest. Watching the football was a lot of fun. The level of play seemed to be up a notch with good passing and even an awesome goal scored by Hassim using the bicycle kick. It was beautiful. (If you don't know what a bicycle kick is ask someone who plays soccer to give you a good description or even a demonstration!)
Yesterday we did more site seeing around town and I took them to see Amanda - the seamstress - and Yao and his brother - my favorite artists. They bought a few things. Then they decided that I needed a break and some time to rest and do a little work (I think they wanted to try and explore on their own:) - so they took a taxi and went down town to the "tourist" area and did some serious shopping. And made it back home in a taxi without a hitch. I received my birthday present early. A very practical water cooler/heater system. Sadly my stomach problems continue and even Margaret has had some so I decided it was time to do something serious about our water source. We will be getting bottled water from now on. Mom and Dad bought the expensive part - the cooler. A gift I really, really appreciate and hope takes care of the stomach issues. Today Margaret and I contacted the people for the bottles. Please pray that this would take care of these problems. Thanks!
Today Lee and my parents went golfing at the course in Accra. I haven't golfed in so long that it would have been a total exercise in frustration if I had tried at this point. I need lessons again! But everyone did really well and had a great time. Apparently for about $15 you get a caddy to take your bags and drinks, hunt your stray shots, give you the right club and even set the ball on the tee for you. My mother may never be able to golf at Countryside again! They had a really great time and I am so glad. My day was spent running around with Margaret getting stuff for the house and water as mentioned above and then to the office for a few hours of work. It was a productive day for me.
Tomorrow we are driving up to the Volta Region to see the dam and stop at a bead factory. Apparently the whole area is really beautiful. It will be Margaret, Michelle, my parents, another friend, Rebecca, and myself going. We'll have a car full but we will have fun I am sure. I'll let you know how it goes later:) And really hope to have some pictures for you.
Sunday we went to the church that I have been attending called Asbury Dunwell. It was a good service. I was just slightly disappointed that the regular worship leader wasn't there so they didn't get to experience the really awesome music. But what they did hear was pretty good. I think they enjoyed it and they were able to meet three more friends of mine - Jane, Lindsay and Erin. After church we met Lee and Michelle and their boys for lunch at Frankies, ran home for a quick rest and change of clothes, then walked to Lee and Michelle's to ride with them to watch football. We were tired. I am thankful that we took Saturday as our day of rest. Watching the football was a lot of fun. The level of play seemed to be up a notch with good passing and even an awesome goal scored by Hassim using the bicycle kick. It was beautiful. (If you don't know what a bicycle kick is ask someone who plays soccer to give you a good description or even a demonstration!)
Yesterday we did more site seeing around town and I took them to see Amanda - the seamstress - and Yao and his brother - my favorite artists. They bought a few things. Then they decided that I needed a break and some time to rest and do a little work (I think they wanted to try and explore on their own:) - so they took a taxi and went down town to the "tourist" area and did some serious shopping. And made it back home in a taxi without a hitch. I received my birthday present early. A very practical water cooler/heater system. Sadly my stomach problems continue and even Margaret has had some so I decided it was time to do something serious about our water source. We will be getting bottled water from now on. Mom and Dad bought the expensive part - the cooler. A gift I really, really appreciate and hope takes care of the stomach issues. Today Margaret and I contacted the people for the bottles. Please pray that this would take care of these problems. Thanks!
Today Lee and my parents went golfing at the course in Accra. I haven't golfed in so long that it would have been a total exercise in frustration if I had tried at this point. I need lessons again! But everyone did really well and had a great time. Apparently for about $15 you get a caddy to take your bags and drinks, hunt your stray shots, give you the right club and even set the ball on the tee for you. My mother may never be able to golf at Countryside again! They had a really great time and I am so glad. My day was spent running around with Margaret getting stuff for the house and water as mentioned above and then to the office for a few hours of work. It was a productive day for me.
Tomorrow we are driving up to the Volta Region to see the dam and stop at a bead factory. Apparently the whole area is really beautiful. It will be Margaret, Michelle, my parents, another friend, Rebecca, and myself going. We'll have a car full but we will have fun I am sure. I'll let you know how it goes later:) And really hope to have some pictures for you.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pictures are coming
I am sorry for the delay in getting pictures of our trip to Kumasi up for you to see. The internet is not working at its best right now so I can't get the pictures to upload. I will keep trying and hope to have some on soon.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
My parents and I went to visit the family of a friend of ours from my home church. It was such a wonderful visit. We met Bernice's sister, niece, nephew and mother. Not only did we enjoy meeting them but Auntie Theo gave us some pointers in proper Ghanaian culture. For example, she said the host always offers water as soon as the visitors come. And even if the visitor doesn't want anything to drink or doesn't trust the water, it is polite to take a sip or even pretend to take a sip and then set the glass back down. After the water, then juice, Malta or minerals are offered along with cookies or something small to eat. Again the visitor should take a sip and a bite even if they really don't want it. Apparently it is ok to leave the drink or food - I guess even waste it- but not ok to refuse it. If you refuse someone's offer of water, drink or food, it signifies that you are in a bad temper and have come to quarrel with the host.
I think the mother was a tad shocked that I wasn't married and didn't have children. She told me that she was going to be praying for a husband for me. Actually I believe she said a "Ghanaian husband". It is unusual in this culture to be past 30 and not married and having children. More so than in western cultures. I am definitely past 30 - maybe she thinks I need extra prayer:)
Other than the incredible traffic we went through to get to their section of town, it was a great experience and I hope to see Auntie Theo and her mother again while I am here.
I think the mother was a tad shocked that I wasn't married and didn't have children. She told me that she was going to be praying for a husband for me. Actually I believe she said a "Ghanaian husband". It is unusual in this culture to be past 30 and not married and having children. More so than in western cultures. I am definitely past 30 - maybe she thinks I need extra prayer:)
Other than the incredible traffic we went through to get to their section of town, it was a great experience and I hope to see Auntie Theo and her mother again while I am here.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Turkey Day and Birthday Presents
Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving like those in America with a turkey and all the fixin's. It was so good. My parents carried a turkey over on the airplane and it was absolutely delicious. Michelle and Eva cooked it perfectly and even today we enjoyed a turkey sandwich for lunch. I have many, many things to be thankful for and having my parents here to celebrate with me and friends was just wonderful. But life here went on as usual. Of course Thanksgiving is strictly an American holiday. As a matter of fact, I was late getting to help Michelle with the dinner b/c Kofi came to finish some work that he had started the day before. Just a regular work day in Ghana. Today doesn't even feel like the day after Thanksgiving b/c no one is up at the crack of dawn waiting in line at a favorite store to get the best deals. Just a regular day:) But since I am not much of a shopper, it is ok with me. Today if I was back in the states, my mom and I would be putting up Christmas decorations. We aren't doing that here but I do miss the tradition that she and I have. We did enjoy listening to Amy Grant belt out "Tennessee Christmas" this morning though.
Today Lee came back from our "regular" post office with a package for me. It was from one of my dearest friends, Brenda. Please don't tell her that I already opened it:) In my defense it didn't say "do not open until ..."). It is my first birthday present. Two weeks early and I loved getting it. I was surprised though that Lee brought it b/c he only went to our regular, close by post office and not the main post office that is way downtown. Apparently if a package comes in a soft, padded envelope it goes to our post office but if it is in a box it goes to the one downtown. Good knowledge to have. This birthday will be the first one celebrated in Africa since 1979! My roommate is planning some kind of shindig. Can't wait to see what she comes up with b/c she LOVES parties.
Today Lee came back from our "regular" post office with a package for me. It was from one of my dearest friends, Brenda. Please don't tell her that I already opened it:) In my defense it didn't say "do not open until ..."). It is my first birthday present. Two weeks early and I loved getting it. I was surprised though that Lee brought it b/c he only went to our regular, close by post office and not the main post office that is way downtown. Apparently if a package comes in a soft, padded envelope it goes to our post office but if it is in a box it goes to the one downtown. Good knowledge to have. This birthday will be the first one celebrated in Africa since 1979! My roommate is planning some kind of shindig. Can't wait to see what she comes up with b/c she LOVES parties.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
First week with mom and dad here
My parents arrived on Weds., Nov. 14th. They came with 7 bags and all arrived at the airport the same time they did! PTL. My roommate, Margaret, has a friend who works at the airport in security so he came with us and helped us to get into the baggage claim area to meet them. God went before us and all the bags were there and we went through customs without any difficulty. (Normally we have to wait outside the terminal for people who are arriving). We were all so excited that instead of going to bed and unpacking on Thurs. we did it all that very night - until about midnight! They brought so many wonderful things. Movies, clothes, food items, stationery, stuff for the kitchen from my storage unit, etc. etc. It was quite an ordeal for them to pack but they did it and got it all here. Oh yes and even a 22# turkey for Thanksgiving!! Still mostly frozen. We will be eating that today.
Friday morning we got up and after a slow start took off for Kumasi which is a large city about 5 hours northwest of Accra - over the hills. We made several stops and picked up 2 other people and headed to the wedding that was the purpose of the trip. We thank the Lord for Margaret's Mitsubishi spacewagon as it held all of 6 of us plus luggage fairly comfortably. We took the scenic view through the hills and it was just wonderful. (They call them mountains here and compared to sea level maybe they are but after being in Colorado they really are just hills). Very beautiful nonetheless. We made good time to Kumasi and stayed at the home of a missionary we know who uses it as a guest house. The price was so great and the accommodations just fine.
Saturday we were up very early to get ready and leave for the wedding. It was about 2 hours away - if you take the direct route. We now had 7 people in the car but no luggage so still doing ok. Quite a loud car but we were all jazzed up for a road trip and wedding. The wedding was scheduled for 10am and we found out later actually started on time. Rare for Africa. But we missed the first 1.5 hours of the wedding b/c of some seriously faulty directions that took us in almost the opposite direction of where we should have been. We got to this little church after stopping to ask directions about 5 times only to find out that there wasn't a soul in it. After a few phone calls we finally found someone who told us where the wedding really was being held so we piled back in the car and took off at NASCAR speed. (yes I have to refer to NASCAR at least once on most entries). While we retrace our steps we are frequently calling b/c nobody seems to be able to tell us exactly where the church is. We have the name of the church and the town it is in but that is it. And really we didn't have the right town until after we had driven past it by 30minutes and then had to turn around and go back. If you could have been in the car you would either have laughed hysterically or completely lost your temper (and sanctification:)) Gifty and Michael are Ghanaians and supposedly knew where we were going. So they are "yelling" at each other in Twi, Margaret is driving so fast I have to hang on to the seats to keep from smashing Gifty or my dad and we keep calling the people at the wedding to try and find out where we should be. After all is said and done we were 1.5 hours late for the wedding and missed the actual marriage ceremony but did make it for the next 1.5 hours of singing, dancing and prayers. Yes, I am not exaggerating. The wedding was over 3 hours long. I personally think it was a blessing to be a bit late:)
The people were so kind to us. We were the only "obronis" in attendance and they insisted on showing us great deference. We danced up and down the aisles with everyone and prayed for the bride and groom. It was great. I hope to have a video that gives you a small taste of it. The reception was just outside the church where we were moved from the back row to just behind the bride and groom. They didn't want us sitting in the sun and also showed us great honor and hospitality. It was very touching.
We had to leave a bit early as we still had a long drive home and didn't want to be driving too much in the dark. We came to the church with 7 in the car and left with 12 crammed in. Fortunately 4 alighted just down the road so it was only 8 going all the way to Kumasi. Everyone was pretty jazzed up but I was getting extremely tired. My dad and I were pretty quiet most of the way home while all the extroverts in the car sang and carried on. After making what seemed like 14 stops on the way back we finally arrived at the guest house. I made a bee line for my room as I was in desperate need of some quiet and solitude. (No, I am not always like that - just when I am really, really tired and have been around people - loud people - all day:))
Sunday Margaret, my parents and I go to the Methodist Church nearby. We couldn't quite follow the directions given to us and so stopped to ask a young man how to get there. He so kindly offered to take us and instead of going to his church, he just joined us at the one we were going to. It was a very formal service and in Twi. Kwasi - our helper - was good enough to give us an idea of what was going on. It was a nice ceremony with lots of singing and dancing and a strong sermon (of what I could get from the occasional English he spoke). Again we were the only obronis in the crowd and were shown great honor by being formally introduced at the front of the church to the congregation. Everyone was really so very kind.
After church we go and change and get lunch and then head down the road to the coast. It is just the 4 of us and I am glad for that. We had some great conversations, enjoyed laughing at getting lost, enjoyed God's creation and sang all the way to the coast. The highways up in this area are paved and pretty much in really good condition but they are not labeled with a name or number like the highways in the states. The main road we wanted to be on took a left - we discovered later - that we should have taken but didn't b/c there weren't any signs. Margaret had an inkling we should turn but when we stopped to ask if we were headed to "Cape Coast", the man said yes. Well we were technically headed to Cape Coast - we were just taking the extra long albeit very scenic way:) We continue down the road frequently asking for directions and getting mixed messages galore. "Go left, go straight, no go right, wait you should go back and turn" - all from the same group of people. Fortunately we are all very relaxed and know that we are at least heading south and will hit the ocean sooner or later. Finally at a police barrier we ask an officer if he can tell us exactly where we are and where we are heading. We are well west of the road we actually wanted to be on but at least now we can see on the map where we are. Before there were names on the map and names on city signs but none of them seemed to match up.
We do drive through a town called Tarkwa where they have lots of gold mines, etc. It is a cute little place that I wouldn't mind visiting again. And I have to say that I am thankful for going down the wrong road. We drove through some amazing scenery in rubber tree plantations and rain forests. It was absolutely beautiful. Pictures cannot do it credit b/c you can't feel the moisture and smell the rain. Just wonderful.
Now that we know the road we are on we see that we are nowhere near the place we had anticipated spending the night. But we are headed directly for the place on the coast that I had stayed with Lee and Michelle back in July. It was a fantastic place and so we head there. My parents gave Margaret and I a most wonderful gift. They paid for two nights for all of us at this beach resort with oceanview rooms. It was just lovely. I especially enjoyed getting up and sitting on the porch with my tea and Bible and watching and listening to the ocean. Just perfect.
My mother loves the ocean and was thrilled to be there. After spending 7 years in Liberia on the beach, it was so great for us all to be there again.
One challenging thing though was when Margaret got caught by the undertow and needed help getting back in . I know the Lord was with us b/c I am not a strong swimmer at all but I was able to grab her hand and pull while the Lord sent a wave to push and it was enough to get her moving towards shore. Of course, as the wave pushed her she landed on me and I got a good dunking but we all ended up fine and stayed much closer to shore after that. A similar thing had happened to me when I was there before so I understood how scared she was. It is really quite shallow in the area where we were so it appears that a person can go out quite far without a problem. But the undertow is strong and deceptive.
My parents roamed around a bit by themselves and were perfectly at home back in Africa. They went to a village nearby and talked with the kids and others and enjoyed it thoroughly. I am so glad they are here and enjoying Ghana. We stopped at Elmina slave castle on the way home and took an abbreviated tour. It is good for visitors to see this tour spot but I have to confess that next time I may not go inside. Even though this is only my second visit to this specific castle it just wears me out emotionally. I have toured castles 4 times and each time I find it so difficult. It is still hard to comprehend how horrible we human beings can be to each other. We did watch the movie "Amazing Grace" last night which is a fantastic movie despite also being about slavery. It gives new perspective to see the slave castles and hear about that part and then to watch this movie and hear about what happened after they left the castles. Really pulls it together but still so hard to hear and comprehend.
Yesterday we rested and did laundry and started getting ready for Thanksgiving. And today is Thanksgiving Day. We are looking forward to spending time with Lee and Michelle and several others. Next week my dad and mom will get to go golfing, we will go to my favorite market for souvenirs and we will take a day trip up to the Volta region to go to a bead factory and see the dam (new for me as well as my parents). In the middle of it all I will do some work and I will introduce my parents to my friends here. (I am thankful for the internet at the house where I am able to do quite a bit of my work after my parents are in bed:)) It is so hard to believe that they leave next week. The time sure has flown by. I have enjoyed getting to see parts of Ghana I have not been to before and to share that with my parents has been a real blessing. What a precious gift to have them here.
Friday morning we got up and after a slow start took off for Kumasi which is a large city about 5 hours northwest of Accra - over the hills. We made several stops and picked up 2 other people and headed to the wedding that was the purpose of the trip. We thank the Lord for Margaret's Mitsubishi spacewagon as it held all of 6 of us plus luggage fairly comfortably. We took the scenic view through the hills and it was just wonderful. (They call them mountains here and compared to sea level maybe they are but after being in Colorado they really are just hills). Very beautiful nonetheless. We made good time to Kumasi and stayed at the home of a missionary we know who uses it as a guest house. The price was so great and the accommodations just fine.
Saturday we were up very early to get ready and leave for the wedding. It was about 2 hours away - if you take the direct route. We now had 7 people in the car but no luggage so still doing ok. Quite a loud car but we were all jazzed up for a road trip and wedding. The wedding was scheduled for 10am and we found out later actually started on time. Rare for Africa. But we missed the first 1.5 hours of the wedding b/c of some seriously faulty directions that took us in almost the opposite direction of where we should have been. We got to this little church after stopping to ask directions about 5 times only to find out that there wasn't a soul in it. After a few phone calls we finally found someone who told us where the wedding really was being held so we piled back in the car and took off at NASCAR speed. (yes I have to refer to NASCAR at least once on most entries). While we retrace our steps we are frequently calling b/c nobody seems to be able to tell us exactly where the church is. We have the name of the church and the town it is in but that is it. And really we didn't have the right town until after we had driven past it by 30minutes and then had to turn around and go back. If you could have been in the car you would either have laughed hysterically or completely lost your temper (and sanctification:)) Gifty and Michael are Ghanaians and supposedly knew where we were going. So they are "yelling" at each other in Twi, Margaret is driving so fast I have to hang on to the seats to keep from smashing Gifty or my dad and we keep calling the people at the wedding to try and find out where we should be. After all is said and done we were 1.5 hours late for the wedding and missed the actual marriage ceremony but did make it for the next 1.5 hours of singing, dancing and prayers. Yes, I am not exaggerating. The wedding was over 3 hours long. I personally think it was a blessing to be a bit late:)
The people were so kind to us. We were the only "obronis" in attendance and they insisted on showing us great deference. We danced up and down the aisles with everyone and prayed for the bride and groom. It was great. I hope to have a video that gives you a small taste of it. The reception was just outside the church where we were moved from the back row to just behind the bride and groom. They didn't want us sitting in the sun and also showed us great honor and hospitality. It was very touching.
We had to leave a bit early as we still had a long drive home and didn't want to be driving too much in the dark. We came to the church with 7 in the car and left with 12 crammed in. Fortunately 4 alighted just down the road so it was only 8 going all the way to Kumasi. Everyone was pretty jazzed up but I was getting extremely tired. My dad and I were pretty quiet most of the way home while all the extroverts in the car sang and carried on. After making what seemed like 14 stops on the way back we finally arrived at the guest house. I made a bee line for my room as I was in desperate need of some quiet and solitude. (No, I am not always like that - just when I am really, really tired and have been around people - loud people - all day:))
Sunday Margaret, my parents and I go to the Methodist Church nearby. We couldn't quite follow the directions given to us and so stopped to ask a young man how to get there. He so kindly offered to take us and instead of going to his church, he just joined us at the one we were going to. It was a very formal service and in Twi. Kwasi - our helper - was good enough to give us an idea of what was going on. It was a nice ceremony with lots of singing and dancing and a strong sermon (of what I could get from the occasional English he spoke). Again we were the only obronis in the crowd and were shown great honor by being formally introduced at the front of the church to the congregation. Everyone was really so very kind.
After church we go and change and get lunch and then head down the road to the coast. It is just the 4 of us and I am glad for that. We had some great conversations, enjoyed laughing at getting lost, enjoyed God's creation and sang all the way to the coast. The highways up in this area are paved and pretty much in really good condition but they are not labeled with a name or number like the highways in the states. The main road we wanted to be on took a left - we discovered later - that we should have taken but didn't b/c there weren't any signs. Margaret had an inkling we should turn but when we stopped to ask if we were headed to "Cape Coast", the man said yes. Well we were technically headed to Cape Coast - we were just taking the extra long albeit very scenic way:) We continue down the road frequently asking for directions and getting mixed messages galore. "Go left, go straight, no go right, wait you should go back and turn" - all from the same group of people. Fortunately we are all very relaxed and know that we are at least heading south and will hit the ocean sooner or later. Finally at a police barrier we ask an officer if he can tell us exactly where we are and where we are heading. We are well west of the road we actually wanted to be on but at least now we can see on the map where we are. Before there were names on the map and names on city signs but none of them seemed to match up.
We do drive through a town called Tarkwa where they have lots of gold mines, etc. It is a cute little place that I wouldn't mind visiting again. And I have to say that I am thankful for going down the wrong road. We drove through some amazing scenery in rubber tree plantations and rain forests. It was absolutely beautiful. Pictures cannot do it credit b/c you can't feel the moisture and smell the rain. Just wonderful.
Now that we know the road we are on we see that we are nowhere near the place we had anticipated spending the night. But we are headed directly for the place on the coast that I had stayed with Lee and Michelle back in July. It was a fantastic place and so we head there. My parents gave Margaret and I a most wonderful gift. They paid for two nights for all of us at this beach resort with oceanview rooms. It was just lovely. I especially enjoyed getting up and sitting on the porch with my tea and Bible and watching and listening to the ocean. Just perfect.
My mother loves the ocean and was thrilled to be there. After spending 7 years in Liberia on the beach, it was so great for us all to be there again.
One challenging thing though was when Margaret got caught by the undertow and needed help getting back in . I know the Lord was with us b/c I am not a strong swimmer at all but I was able to grab her hand and pull while the Lord sent a wave to push and it was enough to get her moving towards shore. Of course, as the wave pushed her she landed on me and I got a good dunking but we all ended up fine and stayed much closer to shore after that. A similar thing had happened to me when I was there before so I understood how scared she was. It is really quite shallow in the area where we were so it appears that a person can go out quite far without a problem. But the undertow is strong and deceptive.
My parents roamed around a bit by themselves and were perfectly at home back in Africa. They went to a village nearby and talked with the kids and others and enjoyed it thoroughly. I am so glad they are here and enjoying Ghana. We stopped at Elmina slave castle on the way home and took an abbreviated tour. It is good for visitors to see this tour spot but I have to confess that next time I may not go inside. Even though this is only my second visit to this specific castle it just wears me out emotionally. I have toured castles 4 times and each time I find it so difficult. It is still hard to comprehend how horrible we human beings can be to each other. We did watch the movie "Amazing Grace" last night which is a fantastic movie despite also being about slavery. It gives new perspective to see the slave castles and hear about that part and then to watch this movie and hear about what happened after they left the castles. Really pulls it together but still so hard to hear and comprehend.
Yesterday we rested and did laundry and started getting ready for Thanksgiving. And today is Thanksgiving Day. We are looking forward to spending time with Lee and Michelle and several others. Next week my dad and mom will get to go golfing, we will go to my favorite market for souvenirs and we will take a day trip up to the Volta region to go to a bead factory and see the dam (new for me as well as my parents). In the middle of it all I will do some work and I will introduce my parents to my friends here. (I am thankful for the internet at the house where I am able to do quite a bit of my work after my parents are in bed:)) It is so hard to believe that they leave next week. The time sure has flown by. I have enjoyed getting to see parts of Ghana I have not been to before and to share that with my parents has been a real blessing. What a precious gift to have them here.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Getting change here for purchases is no small thing. If you buy something in the market, at a little road side store or from a hawker, you really need change or small bills. What amazes me is that if the seller doesn't have change, they will talk to friends nearby or other sellers to get the change they need for me. This must go on through out the day, multiple times. I have no idea how they keep it all straight but they do. Additionally, once I am known at a certain store or with a specific seller, if I don't have enough they trust me to bring it next time I come. Even if that is days or a week - no problem. And they remember what I owe them several days later. And it works the other way too. If they owe me, they remember and pay it next time I come to the store. Amazing. There may be a high illiteracy rate in Africa but most people here have an amazing memory for names, faces and money. They can also keep track of counting money while being interrupted - several times. I am seriously impressed. I don't know many people that can keep track of counting out several bills while talking to 2 or 3 other people and not make a mistake!
Today Margaret and I went to the main post office downtown. If we receive a package that is in a box, it goes to this place and we have to go get it. If a package is in a soft envelope they will deliver it the post box. But the drive down is quite a ways and parking there is very challenging. Not only for spaces but simply navigating getting in and out b/c there is little room to maneuver and little rhyme or reason to how each car parks. But we get a spot and go in. You go to one window with your slip. Then to another window to open the box and see the contents. Here the agent determines that what is in the box is acceptable and also how much you have to pay duty for the contents. That apparently is a bit ambiguous but fortunately Margaret's gift was small and the cost was minimal. So you take this receipt, leave your package on the counter there for all the world to see and go to a third window to pay. Come back to the customs agent with your paid receipt, pick up your package and go. As I stood there I was conflicted inside as I kept thinking there is a better way (or ways) to do this. But this is so easy to do in a new culture - disregard their way and assume my culture's way is better or best. To me it would seem logical to have the windows you need to proceed through be in a line and everyone follows the same order but I don't know the particulars of why things are set up the way that they are. There may be a very good reason. So as the thoughts crossed my mind, I tried to set them aside and not assume that the American way is the best way. For Ghanaians - this way works just fine!
Today Margaret and I went to the main post office downtown. If we receive a package that is in a box, it goes to this place and we have to go get it. If a package is in a soft envelope they will deliver it the post box. But the drive down is quite a ways and parking there is very challenging. Not only for spaces but simply navigating getting in and out b/c there is little room to maneuver and little rhyme or reason to how each car parks. But we get a spot and go in. You go to one window with your slip. Then to another window to open the box and see the contents. Here the agent determines that what is in the box is acceptable and also how much you have to pay duty for the contents. That apparently is a bit ambiguous but fortunately Margaret's gift was small and the cost was minimal. So you take this receipt, leave your package on the counter there for all the world to see and go to a third window to pay. Come back to the customs agent with your paid receipt, pick up your package and go. As I stood there I was conflicted inside as I kept thinking there is a better way (or ways) to do this. But this is so easy to do in a new culture - disregard their way and assume my culture's way is better or best. To me it would seem logical to have the windows you need to proceed through be in a line and everyone follows the same order but I don't know the particulars of why things are set up the way that they are. There may be a very good reason. So as the thoughts crossed my mind, I tried to set them aside and not assume that the American way is the best way. For Ghanaians - this way works just fine!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Our new store
Today Michelle and I went to the new Shoprite store over at the mall. It was so strange and really nice at the same time. The store is basically a miniature super Wal-Mart or Target. But not that small. There is the fruit and vegetable area, meat racks with the nicely packaged saran wrap and then all the aisles of kitchen stuff, dry goods, gardening tools and household things. Really amazing. I haven't seen anything even close to it here. It really felt like I was in Dominick's or Wal-Mart for just a few minutes. The whole mall looks like one in the states. Big stores like Shoprite and Game on the ends and then all these nice little specialty stores down the halls. If they put in a food court it will be so wild! You'd probably have to live here or at least have visited to understand the magnitude of these things. There are small grocery stores here and there but most nationals shop at the outdoor markets or these very tiny, hole-in-the-wall stores that line the streets. So this big mall with all its fancy aisles and workers and sale items is pretty amazing. Personally, I still prefer to go to Mr. Edcees store in Dzorwulu but the mall is nice too. At least I found the light bulbs I needed at Shoprite. And I really felt like an American at there - a nice breather. I even noticed that my walk changed and I relaxed a bit. Hey maybe I do like this more than Edcees. We will see. Of course there was country music playing throughout and that is just a bonus for this redneck princess:)
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Trying to heal
I have been a little quiet on here lately as I have not been feeling well. This weekend was spent at home trying to recover from some little bug I have picked up. My roommates have been so great in caring for me. I was bummed to miss a women's retreat over the weekend but Margaret brought me a stack of movies to watch on my computer so I didn't get too lonely. They have helped a lot. I am starting to feel a bit better but certainly not 100%. As you read this and think of me please pray for complete healing. I am trying to relax and not fight against this "unwelcome" down time God has provided. My parents come in less than two weeks and I have a lot to do. Not to mention all that needs to be done in the office. It is hard to not force myself to try to accomplish at least something even though I can't tolerate being upright for more than 10-15 minutes at a time right now. Ah to set aside my agenda and plans and schedule for something I didn't ask for and certainly don't want - doesn't come naturally. I just finished reading Hinds' Feet in High Places and the phrase "Acceptance-with-joy" keeps coming to mind. (Don't you just hate it when that happens:)) So in the midst of my asking God to please heal me so I can get busy, I am trying to relax and let go and accept with joy this side trip that I have been given. I don't know about African culture, but it isn't culturally acceptable in America to not be busy and to take the time to let our bodies heal from illness. I suspect it is generally human nature. We seem to be programmed to value busyness, even crazy busyness, over down time. If we aren't accomplishing something, then are we really valuable to life and society? These thoughts are formed from another book I read recently called The Search for Significance that challenges our "value in performance only" thinking and beliefs. I know - some of you are thinking I should stop reading. But I am glad that I have read some books recently that challenge my thinking, my assumptions and behaviors, my status quo. Well this about all my brain and stomach can handle at this moment so I am going back to bed. I am going to rest and give my body time to heal fully and try mightily to accept with joy this illness. You can pray for that too:) Thanks!