So after yet another 9 months of neglecting my blog and all of you again, my lovely Aunt Beth sent me a funny email reminding me of my long lost blog! The subject was "blog -- a thing of the past" with a snapshot of my last blog post. In that post, from FEBRUARY 2012, I stated that I was only getting started with my blog again, blah blah blah & I needed reminders to update. Well obviously that didn't happen and I told a complete lie.
Well that little email got me thinking, and since today is my 25th birthday, I've decided how I want to spend my upcoming years...first have a look at my lovely rendition of Tim McGraw's "My Next Thirty Years" and then read about how I've been occupying my time for the past 9 months.
So with that said, I've changed a few of the lyrics (after the first verse).....enjoy my upcoming years :)
I think I'll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my upcoming years
Hey my upcoming years I'm gonna still have fun
I'll never forget about all the crazy things I've done
Maybe now I've conquered all my adolescent fears
And I'll do it better in my upcoming years
My upcoming years I'm gonna open a new door
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what I'm doing here
In my upcoming years
Oh my upcoming years, are gonna be so great
A little more in Ghana, then back to the good 'ole States
Get a job, even get paid and that sure will be weird
Maybe I'll remember why I volunteered
My upcoming years will be the best years of my life
Spend time with my family and maybe become a wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my upcoming years!
That simple email got me thinking about things of the past. It's crazy to think this is my 3rd birthday I'm now celebrating in Ghana -- it's more birthdays than I've ever spent away from home. I'm sure even more than when I was in college!
Speaking of the past, I'll update you a little on what the heck I've been doing for the past 9 months.
As you probably already know, I decided to stay another year in Ghana. The main reason I stayed was for the children. I have a found a previously undiscovered passion for education and children. Ghana has made me realize how fortunate I am to have had the educational opportunities I did, and I wish all children had opportunity like that. After interacting with these kids for two years, I realized they had so much potential like any child, but there were not as many opportunities for them to shine and thrive. I hope that staying an additional year I can impact a few more students to reach for their dreams and keep trying to get where they want to be!
That however did not come without major changes. Before I was a little village health educator, now I work as the schools coordinator at an NGO (Young Educators Foundation). Before I didn't have electricity, now I have a fridge, a fan AND an oven! Before I was 13+ hours away from the capital, now I live in it!!
Living in the capital has many more perks than I thought possible! It's much closer to the Western world I'm used to; in comparison to the village at least. I'm so glad I experienced village life for two years, lived (kind of) like a large majority of the world, and overcome obstacles I never thought imaginable. Life in the city has already posed challenges, perks and everything else. I still remind myself that I'm so fortunate and blessed to experience something as unique as this Peace Corps journey. Days like today, I'm especially reminded of how supportive my family and friends from back home are and how awesome my new friends and family here in Ghana are. So thank you all for making my first 25 years pretty perfect, and I'm looking forward to what my upcoming years bring! This life is such an amazing adventure, and it's a ride I don't plan on leaving soon. Much love. xoxo.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
i'm only gettin' started...
Serious slacking. That's what I have been doing on this blog. I have neglected her for close to 5 months now. Heaps has happened! (wah, that brings me back to the wonderful land of Oz...which was 4 years ago!) I'm going to make a quick list of things that have happened...to capture your attention so you want to read all about Ghana!
October...(with a little help from my iCal)...mosquito nets...grant writing...more grant writing...Halloween...
November...my birthday...malaria education...Marine Corps Ball...Accra...Thanksgiving...good food...camp planning...
December...XPRESS camp!...glorious youth...flights...AMERICA!!!...pizza...family...friends...best vacation ever...holidays...cheese...love!...Chicago...
January...New Years...best friends...shopping...Karinna...parties...snow...GHANA...more mosquito nets...ACE...dry-season gardening training...
February...Accra...National Spelling Bee...brilliant children...Super Bowl...babies...meetings...
Now can't you see why I always delay on writing my blog....all of those preceding events! They're exciting, yes...but so many happen I just let this blog slip my mind. However, I know if I don't crack down and begin serious work (as my JHS students say) I'll regret it years down the road when I can't remember memories from my service. So as of now, and as you read this, I vow to write AT LEAST once a month. If I'm not seeing my goal through, I know Gena will let me know! So please, help me, bug me to write, tell me you won't send chocolate anymore! Ok, I retract that last point, never, ever do that. Regardless the circumstances!
..................
October...(with a little help from my iCal)...mosquito nets...grant writing...more grant writing...Halloween...
 |
| Hanif, the boy twin. |
 |
| Zakia, Latif, Abdulai, Kanyiri & some student, I'm coming with his name...posing with their new LLINs! |
 |
| XPRESS campers & PCVs =) |
 |
| Mini Uni of Wollongong Reunion!! love in Chicago. |
 |
| beautiful, wonderful, refreshing SNOW! |
 |
| Reunited with my girl, Sonsuma! |
..................
Saturday, October 8, 2011
'summer' in ghana!
Due to some unforeseen technical issues, I just regained access to my blog account.
It's been a few months since my last update and plenty of new, exciting things have happened since! I know all of you faithful followers cannot wait to read what I have to say.
I'll try to do this by month, it might be easier to recall.
JUNE
June was filled with Pre-Service Training (PST) for the new group and much anticipation for Lindsay's visit in July! Knowing that I was going to be gone for pretty much all of July, I didn't want to get too much going in the village so I just enjoyed my time there with the village!
PST was a big wake-up call when we (by this i mean myself, along with a lot of my fellow ‘10-’12 PCVs) realized we were no longer the babies in the group anymore. We are now the 'senior group' in Peace Corps' Ghana! I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it...my time over here has flown by and isn't slowing down any! It was very interesting to see the curiosity of the new trainee's and attempt to answer all their questions. It made me realize how much I have adapted to this life and culture in only a year!
JULY
Lindsay's visit to Ghana! The time has finally arrived. It was hard to predict what her visit would be like, knowing I hadn't seen her (or any family member) in over a year!! I anxiously waited for her flight to land in Accra, obsessively checking the website to see when her flight left DC! Sitting in the airport, not knowing what I will do when I see her was interesting. I didn't know if I would cry, or if we'd have one of those really dramatic run into each other's arms embrace....but I knew it would be awesome! As soon as I saw her walking through customs, I just stood there smiling. A small tear was in my eye, but as soon as we said hello it was like we were never apart. I went straight into my Ghanaian attitude, telling taxi drivers to leave us alone, that we didn't need a taxi because I knew where we were going. I joked with them telling them they were going to overcharge us anyways....that I could just walk down to the junction and get a cab for a few cedis. Lindsay just cracked up, asking me if I was always like this now. I can definitely say I am very sarcastic with Ghanaians, just playing along with their stories and bringing a few smiles to my own face and theirs.
Being the wonderful little sister that I am, I put Lindsay up at one of the classiest places in Accra: The Salvation Army hostel!! There’s a first time for everything, and why not make it her first night in Ghana. We didn’t even splurge for the self-contained room; we stayed in the shared dormitory for 7 GHC (the exchange rate is 1.5 GHC = $1 USD....so around $4.67) per person. She told me she wanted to experience Ghana in the Peace Corps fashion, so I thought there was no better way than to stay at the cheap hostel straight away. We dropped our bags off and headed out in Osu to find some food. Lindsay was a bit hesitant to leave her bags in an unlocked room, but I reassured her that I had stayed at this place before and they were safe!
I was much nicer when it came to food, and didn’t make her stick her hands in a big bowl of fufu right away, we went to eat some delicious chinese food. (We had originally wanted pizza but the restaurant was closed on Mondays!) After sharing some sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, we walked down to get gelato! It just felt right being back together again, just talking about the last year of our lives. I was super excited to spend the next THREE weeks with my sister.
The next morning, after a good night’s sleep for me and a restless night’s sleep for Lindsay, we hauled our bags to the STC bus station to buy tickets to Cape Coast. We got there and of course, Lindsay was quick to experience the classic Ghanaian “hurry up and wait” complex. The bus was scheduled to leave around noon, and we didn’t take off until after 3 p.m. The bus didn’t even show up to begin boarding until after 2! We arrived safely to Cape Coast and had prior arrangements with a taxi cab to take us to Elmina to The Stumble Inn Resort!
We enjoyed a few amazing days at the resort! So relaxing, beautiful view of the ocean, chill atmosphere! We visited the historic Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, drank the absolute worst milkshakes of our lives, created our very own, unique batik fabrics, and continued to enjoy our time together! Lindsay experienced some of her first ‘local’ foods when we ate ‘red-red’, which is fried plantains with a spicy bean stew. She also found her favorite chop: street vendor rice and stew!
The day leaving Cape Coast was a normal day in Ghana for me, but it was an experience for Lindsay (to say the least). The day started at 3:30 a.m., when we were to report to the STC bus station to wait to buy our tickets to Kumasi. As always, ‘hurry up and wait’ was in full swing. We arrive to the station at 4 a.m., during the light drizzle of rain, only to find the station employees sleeping! We wait about an hour for them to wake up and finally call Takoradi (the location the bus will originally take off) to see how many tickets are left. There is enough, but of course that bus left late too. I think finally around 6:30 or 7:00 we’re en route to Kumasi. The bus was normal: extremely cold air-conditioning and loud Nigerian films blasting our eardrums.
To continue our long day of travel, once we arrived in Kumasi we planned on going straight up to Tamale (another 5-7 hours away!). We had a taxi take us to the station and the only car available was a Mercedes Bus. It’s a big passenger lorry that is not comfortable at all. Our option was take that, or wait HOURS for a big bus to fill. Thinking it wasn’t too bad, I bought our tickets and we were off. It started out fairly decent, but 4 hours in after we hadn’t been able to stretch our legs or eat lunch, things got interesting. This lead to a small disagreement regarding my transportation choice! With Lindsay hungry and uncomfortable, and my laid-back “it could be worse” attitude, we sat for the remaining 3 hours in not the best of moods. However, I can proudly say this was the only bickering that happened over the entire three weeks! We arrived to Tamale safely, somehow, and before dark we were at a hotel with air-conditioning and a pool!
The next two days of relaxation were needed after that grueling day of travel! Lindsay met some of my fellow PCVs in Tamale on Sunday Fun-day @ the pool! :) I was excited for her to meet Katie, my best pal from Three Rivers, Michigan! We introduced her to the exciting revelation of alcohol sachets! Our top choice was GOAL, a sugarcane spirit that we learned tastes much better when chilled. These sachets cost .30 pesewas each ($0.20 cents!), and contain 1 1/2 shots! She was on her way to experiencing the Peace Corps lifestyle, minus the air-conditioned hotel room and flush toilet.
After Tamale, one more long, bumpy ride was in order to finally get to Wa, in my region. This called for another early morning at the bus station, at my least favorite bus company, MetroMass. We were unfortunately seated in the back of the bus, and the seat next to ours didn’t have a backrest. The man who sat there just told Lindsay he would ‘manage’, as she quickly learned most Ghanaians do. However, we had an interesting bus ride, complaining of the terribly rough dirt road and lack of shocks on the bus with other passengers.
It was great to be in Wa, where I feel most comfortable and could show Lindsay around with ease. Finally people knew me by name, and were excited to meet my ‘piema’ (older sister). We planned on spending six full days in my village, but after the fifth day of no running water, no electricity, and extreme heat, Lindsay was more than ready to get back to ‘civilization’ a.k.a. Wa. As they say in Ghana, “She did well” and adapted to my village life much better than expected by most of our family. She was lucky enough to be in the village for market day and CWC, Child Welfare Clinic. CWC is baby weighing and immunization day, where the nurses come to the town centre and all the mothers with children under 36 months come together.
We started The World Map project at the JHS. We painted the background ocean blue and started drawing the rigorous grid-lines! This project will be fun to work on with the students once I get back from training and school resumes. Also, we hope to paint The World Map at Lindsay’s school with her students that I pen-pal with through the WorldWise program.
Also while Lindsay was in the village, we selected the final contestants for the PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief) Calendar Contest. I did HIV/AIDS education and awareness with some JHS boys and girls, in conjunction with drawing pictures. The theme for the 2012 calendar is “Protect Your Dream”, so the students drew pictures that emphasized what they would do to protect their dreams (especially by the ABCs -- abstaining from sex, being faithful to partners, and using condoms) and encourage those living with HIV to continue to pursue their dreams. The four finalists came to my house to paint their submissions on big manilla poster board and use water-based paints for the first time! It was fun watching and helping them create such beautiful pieces of art! (However, this was the day it was so hot...Lindsay was sitting in my ‘chief chair’ with a wet rag around here neck and she told me the next morning we would go to Wa, instead of staying another day!)
Next stop was PCV Britany’s village for a PEPFAR field activity at her high school and surrounding communities. Lindsay was very excited to see a high school (secondary school) in Ghana, and interact with the students. Peer educators had been selected to go into the surrounding Junior High School’s to teach their peers about HIV/AIDS. It was also my first time visiting Britany’s site and, as always, it was great to see students furthering their education.
During this stop, Lindsay also got to see how different each Volunteer’s site is. She had just come from my no electricity/no running water site, and now stepped into another PCV’s site with electricity, a big, nicely decorated house, people who fluently speak English and a set schedule. She knew she couldn’t ever survive at a site like mine, but after staying a couple nights with a fan and lights, she decided that she just might be able to cope at a ‘posh’ site like hers!
After hanging out the Senior High for a few days, we were off to Accra! We went back to the Salvation Army again, and this time was much better. Lindsay was more acclimated to my new lifestyle, and she was happy to pay 7 GHC a night, over the 70 GHC we paid in Tamale for the A/C! From Accra we met up with Chris to go to the Volta Region for the last few days of Lindsay’s trip.
Again, Lindsay got to experience the differences of Ghana. We took an air-conditioned mini-van towards Hohoe and dropped early at the junction to his village. During the few days at his village, we had a fabulous time! We made a bunch of delicious food, saw some amazing picturesque places and shared many laughs together! We went to Wli Falls, hiked Paradise Mountain, and visited a monkey sanctuary! We were hiking in such a dense, luscious tree-covered area. It was absolutely breathtaking, but of course I forgot to charge my camera so our pictures are very limited. However, we saw beautiful waterfalls and swung on vines like Tarzan and Jane! It was only my second time to the Volta Region as well, so it was great to experience such a beautiful place with Lindsay!
On our way back to Accra for the final time, we were talking about where we should sleep and Lindsay was the first to say she was willing to sleep at the Salvation Army again! Third time really is a charm, because this time she said she slept very well and didn’t lie awake all night in her small bed! Ghana really changes a person, even if it is only a three week visit! Our last night we went out to Mamma Mia’s (an amazing pizzeria!) and went back to the gelato place where we went on her first night here! I’ll never forget the amazing conversation we had at dinner that night, about how Ghana has influenced my life and now Lindsay experienced a part of my service with me. As you can tell, we had an amazing time experiencing Ghana together.
After Ghana, Lindsay now know that....
1. I’m coming really means I’m leaving.
2. White ladies are local celebrities, always.
3. You can get a good meal of rice, stew and chicken for $1.50.
4. A cold Coke is SO refreshing! (I’ll continue to add more as I think of them)
AUGUST
The morning after I dropped Lindsay off at the airport, I was on a bus to Tamale for off-site technical training with the new Trainees! I was lucky enough to be a PCV Trainer for my sector, Health, Water & Sanitation (WATSAN!). The technical training was held in the same village, Gushie, as our was one year ago, so it was fun to go back and visit the people there. The two-weeks were filled with days of lectures on behavior change, digging soak-away pits, visiting NGOs, attending baby weighing and many other sessions.
Once training was finished, I was excited to get back to my village! By this time, I had been away from my village for a good three weeks so I was more than anxious to get home. Ace, being the Ghanaian greeter he is, was one of the first to greet me as soon as I got off the lorry. He was wagging his little tail faster than you can imagine!
My visit to the village was quick, as I was back off to Accra for the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps Ghana and swearing-in event for the PCTs. The event was held at the Ambassador’s residence. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was our most distinguished guest and he gave a very inspirational speech about how a Peace Corps Volunteer influenced his own life. I keep reminding myself, although I might not see it this instant, years from now someone I crossed paths with will remember me as I am certain I will do the same with them.
After the big 50th shindig, I stayed in Accra with some other northern Ghana region PCVs to complete our Mid-Service Medical exams! It was awesome, living the dream in America, I mean Accra, again for a few more days! Kentucky Fried Chicken is now in Accra, and it tastes like home even though they don’t have mashed potatoes OR the biscuits! Accra is always filled with good times containing happy hours, cheese, dancing, and too much fun and laughing!
SEPTEMBER
FINALLY, a month where I get to just hang out at home in my village! Although I had a blast at all the events of the previous months, I was super eager to get home. Back in the village, school was starting again and yam season is in full-swing. I filled this month with malaria education for the women’s groups and mosquito net distribution! The women were so thankful, singing and dancing songs to thank the nurses and I for educating them. My favorite song that they sang translates to “our fathers punished us by not allowing us to go to school; i wish i could have gone to school to be a nurse”.
Although I was just at my mid-service medical with no complaints, September was a month of illnesses. This is going to get gross, but you all want to know what I’m doing over here. It started with a huge boil on my armpit, which was cured by antibiotics, hot compresses, and local medicine! After that disgusting mess was gone, the bees decided my house was their new home. I avoided them for a few days, but then one stung me right next to my right eye! Luckily there was no swelling and the pain went away after a bit. However, my bad health luck was still around and I got pink eye! It was just awful. I have never contracted it before and I hope I never do again. But again, antibiotics and eye drops it cleared up and now I’m alright.
OCTOBER
It’s now fall right. Football Fever. I WISH! Go Blue! Go Lions :)
This month I’m in the village again, distributing more nets and teaching mathematics at the JHS again. The World Map project is almost complete, thanks to the help of my neighbor PCV Hannah! Most of the world is drawn, with the exception of a small part of Europe, and now it’s time to PAINT! I’ll keep you updated on the process and the reactions of people when they see just how big the world really is! Peace. xoxo!
JUNE
June was filled with Pre-Service Training (PST) for the new group and much anticipation for Lindsay's visit in July! Knowing that I was going to be gone for pretty much all of July, I didn't want to get too much going in the village so I just enjoyed my time there with the village!
PST was a big wake-up call when we (by this i mean myself, along with a lot of my fellow ‘10-’12 PCVs) realized we were no longer the babies in the group anymore. We are now the 'senior group' in Peace Corps' Ghana! I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it...my time over here has flown by and isn't slowing down any! It was very interesting to see the curiosity of the new trainee's and attempt to answer all their questions. It made me realize how much I have adapted to this life and culture in only a year!
JULY
Lindsay's visit to Ghana! The time has finally arrived. It was hard to predict what her visit would be like, knowing I hadn't seen her (or any family member) in over a year!! I anxiously waited for her flight to land in Accra, obsessively checking the website to see when her flight left DC! Sitting in the airport, not knowing what I will do when I see her was interesting. I didn't know if I would cry, or if we'd have one of those really dramatic run into each other's arms embrace....but I knew it would be awesome! As soon as I saw her walking through customs, I just stood there smiling. A small tear was in my eye, but as soon as we said hello it was like we were never apart. I went straight into my Ghanaian attitude, telling taxi drivers to leave us alone, that we didn't need a taxi because I knew where we were going. I joked with them telling them they were going to overcharge us anyways....that I could just walk down to the junction and get a cab for a few cedis. Lindsay just cracked up, asking me if I was always like this now. I can definitely say I am very sarcastic with Ghanaians, just playing along with their stories and bringing a few smiles to my own face and theirs.
Being the wonderful little sister that I am, I put Lindsay up at one of the classiest places in Accra: The Salvation Army hostel!! There’s a first time for everything, and why not make it her first night in Ghana. We didn’t even splurge for the self-contained room; we stayed in the shared dormitory for 7 GHC (the exchange rate is 1.5 GHC = $1 USD....so around $4.67) per person. She told me she wanted to experience Ghana in the Peace Corps fashion, so I thought there was no better way than to stay at the cheap hostel straight away. We dropped our bags off and headed out in Osu to find some food. Lindsay was a bit hesitant to leave her bags in an unlocked room, but I reassured her that I had stayed at this place before and they were safe!
I was much nicer when it came to food, and didn’t make her stick her hands in a big bowl of fufu right away, we went to eat some delicious chinese food. (We had originally wanted pizza but the restaurant was closed on Mondays!) After sharing some sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, we walked down to get gelato! It just felt right being back together again, just talking about the last year of our lives. I was super excited to spend the next THREE weeks with my sister.
The next morning, after a good night’s sleep for me and a restless night’s sleep for Lindsay, we hauled our bags to the STC bus station to buy tickets to Cape Coast. We got there and of course, Lindsay was quick to experience the classic Ghanaian “hurry up and wait” complex. The bus was scheduled to leave around noon, and we didn’t take off until after 3 p.m. The bus didn’t even show up to begin boarding until after 2! We arrived safely to Cape Coast and had prior arrangements with a taxi cab to take us to Elmina to The Stumble Inn Resort!
We enjoyed a few amazing days at the resort! So relaxing, beautiful view of the ocean, chill atmosphere! We visited the historic Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, drank the absolute worst milkshakes of our lives, created our very own, unique batik fabrics, and continued to enjoy our time together! Lindsay experienced some of her first ‘local’ foods when we ate ‘red-red’, which is fried plantains with a spicy bean stew. She also found her favorite chop: street vendor rice and stew!
The day leaving Cape Coast was a normal day in Ghana for me, but it was an experience for Lindsay (to say the least). The day started at 3:30 a.m., when we were to report to the STC bus station to wait to buy our tickets to Kumasi. As always, ‘hurry up and wait’ was in full swing. We arrive to the station at 4 a.m., during the light drizzle of rain, only to find the station employees sleeping! We wait about an hour for them to wake up and finally call Takoradi (the location the bus will originally take off) to see how many tickets are left. There is enough, but of course that bus left late too. I think finally around 6:30 or 7:00 we’re en route to Kumasi. The bus was normal: extremely cold air-conditioning and loud Nigerian films blasting our eardrums.
To continue our long day of travel, once we arrived in Kumasi we planned on going straight up to Tamale (another 5-7 hours away!). We had a taxi take us to the station and the only car available was a Mercedes Bus. It’s a big passenger lorry that is not comfortable at all. Our option was take that, or wait HOURS for a big bus to fill. Thinking it wasn’t too bad, I bought our tickets and we were off. It started out fairly decent, but 4 hours in after we hadn’t been able to stretch our legs or eat lunch, things got interesting. This lead to a small disagreement regarding my transportation choice! With Lindsay hungry and uncomfortable, and my laid-back “it could be worse” attitude, we sat for the remaining 3 hours in not the best of moods. However, I can proudly say this was the only bickering that happened over the entire three weeks! We arrived to Tamale safely, somehow, and before dark we were at a hotel with air-conditioning and a pool!
The next two days of relaxation were needed after that grueling day of travel! Lindsay met some of my fellow PCVs in Tamale on Sunday Fun-day @ the pool! :) I was excited for her to meet Katie, my best pal from Three Rivers, Michigan! We introduced her to the exciting revelation of alcohol sachets! Our top choice was GOAL, a sugarcane spirit that we learned tastes much better when chilled. These sachets cost .30 pesewas each ($0.20 cents!), and contain 1 1/2 shots! She was on her way to experiencing the Peace Corps lifestyle, minus the air-conditioned hotel room and flush toilet.
After Tamale, one more long, bumpy ride was in order to finally get to Wa, in my region. This called for another early morning at the bus station, at my least favorite bus company, MetroMass. We were unfortunately seated in the back of the bus, and the seat next to ours didn’t have a backrest. The man who sat there just told Lindsay he would ‘manage’, as she quickly learned most Ghanaians do. However, we had an interesting bus ride, complaining of the terribly rough dirt road and lack of shocks on the bus with other passengers.
It was great to be in Wa, where I feel most comfortable and could show Lindsay around with ease. Finally people knew me by name, and were excited to meet my ‘piema’ (older sister). We planned on spending six full days in my village, but after the fifth day of no running water, no electricity, and extreme heat, Lindsay was more than ready to get back to ‘civilization’ a.k.a. Wa. As they say in Ghana, “She did well” and adapted to my village life much better than expected by most of our family. She was lucky enough to be in the village for market day and CWC, Child Welfare Clinic. CWC is baby weighing and immunization day, where the nurses come to the town centre and all the mothers with children under 36 months come together.
We started The World Map project at the JHS. We painted the background ocean blue and started drawing the rigorous grid-lines! This project will be fun to work on with the students once I get back from training and school resumes. Also, we hope to paint The World Map at Lindsay’s school with her students that I pen-pal with through the WorldWise program.
Also while Lindsay was in the village, we selected the final contestants for the PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief) Calendar Contest. I did HIV/AIDS education and awareness with some JHS boys and girls, in conjunction with drawing pictures. The theme for the 2012 calendar is “Protect Your Dream”, so the students drew pictures that emphasized what they would do to protect their dreams (especially by the ABCs -- abstaining from sex, being faithful to partners, and using condoms) and encourage those living with HIV to continue to pursue their dreams. The four finalists came to my house to paint their submissions on big manilla poster board and use water-based paints for the first time! It was fun watching and helping them create such beautiful pieces of art! (However, this was the day it was so hot...Lindsay was sitting in my ‘chief chair’ with a wet rag around here neck and she told me the next morning we would go to Wa, instead of staying another day!)
Next stop was PCV Britany’s village for a PEPFAR field activity at her high school and surrounding communities. Lindsay was very excited to see a high school (secondary school) in Ghana, and interact with the students. Peer educators had been selected to go into the surrounding Junior High School’s to teach their peers about HIV/AIDS. It was also my first time visiting Britany’s site and, as always, it was great to see students furthering their education.
During this stop, Lindsay also got to see how different each Volunteer’s site is. She had just come from my no electricity/no running water site, and now stepped into another PCV’s site with electricity, a big, nicely decorated house, people who fluently speak English and a set schedule. She knew she couldn’t ever survive at a site like mine, but after staying a couple nights with a fan and lights, she decided that she just might be able to cope at a ‘posh’ site like hers!
After hanging out the Senior High for a few days, we were off to Accra! We went back to the Salvation Army again, and this time was much better. Lindsay was more acclimated to my new lifestyle, and she was happy to pay 7 GHC a night, over the 70 GHC we paid in Tamale for the A/C! From Accra we met up with Chris to go to the Volta Region for the last few days of Lindsay’s trip.
Again, Lindsay got to experience the differences of Ghana. We took an air-conditioned mini-van towards Hohoe and dropped early at the junction to his village. During the few days at his village, we had a fabulous time! We made a bunch of delicious food, saw some amazing picturesque places and shared many laughs together! We went to Wli Falls, hiked Paradise Mountain, and visited a monkey sanctuary! We were hiking in such a dense, luscious tree-covered area. It was absolutely breathtaking, but of course I forgot to charge my camera so our pictures are very limited. However, we saw beautiful waterfalls and swung on vines like Tarzan and Jane! It was only my second time to the Volta Region as well, so it was great to experience such a beautiful place with Lindsay!
On our way back to Accra for the final time, we were talking about where we should sleep and Lindsay was the first to say she was willing to sleep at the Salvation Army again! Third time really is a charm, because this time she said she slept very well and didn’t lie awake all night in her small bed! Ghana really changes a person, even if it is only a three week visit! Our last night we went out to Mamma Mia’s (an amazing pizzeria!) and went back to the gelato place where we went on her first night here! I’ll never forget the amazing conversation we had at dinner that night, about how Ghana has influenced my life and now Lindsay experienced a part of my service with me. As you can tell, we had an amazing time experiencing Ghana together.
After Ghana, Lindsay now know that....
1. I’m coming really means I’m leaving.
2. White ladies are local celebrities, always.
3. You can get a good meal of rice, stew and chicken for $1.50.
4. A cold Coke is SO refreshing! (I’ll continue to add more as I think of them)
AUGUST
The morning after I dropped Lindsay off at the airport, I was on a bus to Tamale for off-site technical training with the new Trainees! I was lucky enough to be a PCV Trainer for my sector, Health, Water & Sanitation (WATSAN!). The technical training was held in the same village, Gushie, as our was one year ago, so it was fun to go back and visit the people there. The two-weeks were filled with days of lectures on behavior change, digging soak-away pits, visiting NGOs, attending baby weighing and many other sessions.
Once training was finished, I was excited to get back to my village! By this time, I had been away from my village for a good three weeks so I was more than anxious to get home. Ace, being the Ghanaian greeter he is, was one of the first to greet me as soon as I got off the lorry. He was wagging his little tail faster than you can imagine!
My visit to the village was quick, as I was back off to Accra for the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps Ghana and swearing-in event for the PCTs. The event was held at the Ambassador’s residence. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was our most distinguished guest and he gave a very inspirational speech about how a Peace Corps Volunteer influenced his own life. I keep reminding myself, although I might not see it this instant, years from now someone I crossed paths with will remember me as I am certain I will do the same with them.
After the big 50th shindig, I stayed in Accra with some other northern Ghana region PCVs to complete our Mid-Service Medical exams! It was awesome, living the dream in America, I mean Accra, again for a few more days! Kentucky Fried Chicken is now in Accra, and it tastes like home even though they don’t have mashed potatoes OR the biscuits! Accra is always filled with good times containing happy hours, cheese, dancing, and too much fun and laughing!
SEPTEMBER
FINALLY, a month where I get to just hang out at home in my village! Although I had a blast at all the events of the previous months, I was super eager to get home. Back in the village, school was starting again and yam season is in full-swing. I filled this month with malaria education for the women’s groups and mosquito net distribution! The women were so thankful, singing and dancing songs to thank the nurses and I for educating them. My favorite song that they sang translates to “our fathers punished us by not allowing us to go to school; i wish i could have gone to school to be a nurse”.
Although I was just at my mid-service medical with no complaints, September was a month of illnesses. This is going to get gross, but you all want to know what I’m doing over here. It started with a huge boil on my armpit, which was cured by antibiotics, hot compresses, and local medicine! After that disgusting mess was gone, the bees decided my house was their new home. I avoided them for a few days, but then one stung me right next to my right eye! Luckily there was no swelling and the pain went away after a bit. However, my bad health luck was still around and I got pink eye! It was just awful. I have never contracted it before and I hope I never do again. But again, antibiotics and eye drops it cleared up and now I’m alright.
OCTOBER
It’s now fall right. Football Fever. I WISH! Go Blue! Go Lions :)
This month I’m in the village again, distributing more nets and teaching mathematics at the JHS again. The World Map project is almost complete, thanks to the help of my neighbor PCV Hannah! Most of the world is drawn, with the exception of a small part of Europe, and now it’s time to PAINT! I’ll keep you updated on the process and the reactions of people when they see just how big the world really is! Peace. xoxo!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
snapshots
my newest obsession :)
my family's new twins
a baby boy and girl
in ghana, it's said that the first baby to come out is actually the youngest because the other baby has sent his or her sibling out first to see if the world is safe
for these two, the boy is the big brother who sent his little sister out first to make sure all was well :)
holding the twins with their mom and dad
an elder shaving the boy twin's hair
7 days after a baby is born, the naming ceremony is held. in this case, they were twins so everything has to be doubled - double food, drinks, sheep, cloth, everything! or it's taboo!
stern little bugger.
UPPER WEST!! :)
Ryan and I representing our region at the Peace Corps' 50th Anniversary Dinner at Citizen Kofi in Accra.
my favorite little girl....
fuel-efficiency stove
Friday, April 29, 2011
My Recent Distings.
Global Youth Service Day, 15th April 2011
Today the youth in my community helped celebrate and contribute to the largest service event in the world, Global Youth Service Day.
With the willingness of over 100 kids, double the amount of helpful hands, and two trash buckets, we set out to clean up the market as our service activity. For one hour, we walked around market picking up all the loose rubbish, including hundreds of pure water sachets, maybe even more polytin bags, and whatever else we could get our hands on. Tingbani followed the large mass of school kids as the ‘fireman’, lighting the numerous trash piles on fire. The market looked great after all their hard work and the market women even made comments to the kids about the great work they were doing and they also helped add their trash to the burning piles.
After we finished the service aspect of the event, we gathered back at the primary school to celebrate with some fun games and prizes. The kids split into classes to participate in various activities. The Kindergarden kids played the bucket fill race; they carried small cups of water on their heads while racing to fill a bigger bucket at the other end. It was one of the most adorable things, and the older kids definitely had a good laugh watching the small kids spilling water everywhere. Next up the P1, P2 and P3 kids played ‘The Bozo Bucket Toss’, and a few students got the homemade bean-filled sock ball into the last tiny bucket! Next race: Wheelbarrow! The P4, P5, and P6 kids learned the wheelbarrow race and wheeled their way down and back in between many laughter spills. Finally, the entire group played a big game of Sharks and Minnows. It was so fun to watch these kids having a blast, earning fun little prizes (stickers, suckers, pencils) to reward their hard work cleaning up their community!
Soak-Away Pit Construction
Construction of soak-away pits is underway around Kulkpong! With the wonderful help of Ting, I went around to educate compounds about the importance of digging a soak-away pit. We educated them on how they work, what they prevent, and showed them how to dig a proper pit. We have a long way to go still, but many people in the village are very motivated and there are some great pits already constructed. Next we’ll be head to some of the surrounding villages to spread the word.
Upper West Girls Leadership Camp
The Peace Corps’ Volunteers of the Upper West came together to host a leadership camp for girls. PCVs brought either Junior High girls to be participants or a Senior High girl to be a student leader. The camp was focused on HIV/AIDS education, leadership, girl empowerment, and the importance of staying in school. Despite my being sick for the first 2 days of the camp, everything was perfect. The girls, the sessions, the crafts, the dancing, everything. I know I enjoyed myself, and by the smiles on the girls faces, I know they had a fabulous week away from home. They were able to learn new things, make new friends, and for some girls stay away from home for the first time. While I, as a PCV, am always learning new cultural things, these girls were also able to see some of the different cultural songs and dance from different tribes in their own region.
The days were filled with sessions about the transmission of HIV, anti-stigmatization of People Living with HIV, delaying sex and ways to say no, leadership, communication, and many more topics. The girls also played sports and had daily craft activities; including football, hiking, yoga, tie ‘n dye making, calabash painting, jewelry making, and poster designing. It was a great experience for girls from all over the Upper West Region to be able to come together, meet each other, and exchange stories and learn from each other’s experiences.
The best part of the camp for me was in the end when we surveyed the girls about what they learned at the camp and they were to write who their role model was. A few of the girls wrote their Peace Corps Volunteer’s name, their father or mother, or a teacher they’ve had. I was extremely proud when a few girls wrote ‘Naama’, which is such a compliment to me. It definitely made my heart smile to know that in just a few days one can have such an impact on a young girl’s life.
Today the youth in my community helped celebrate and contribute to the largest service event in the world, Global Youth Service Day.
With the willingness of over 100 kids, double the amount of helpful hands, and two trash buckets, we set out to clean up the market as our service activity. For one hour, we walked around market picking up all the loose rubbish, including hundreds of pure water sachets, maybe even more polytin bags, and whatever else we could get our hands on. Tingbani followed the large mass of school kids as the ‘fireman’, lighting the numerous trash piles on fire. The market looked great after all their hard work and the market women even made comments to the kids about the great work they were doing and they also helped add their trash to the burning piles.
After we finished the service aspect of the event, we gathered back at the primary school to celebrate with some fun games and prizes. The kids split into classes to participate in various activities. The Kindergarden kids played the bucket fill race; they carried small cups of water on their heads while racing to fill a bigger bucket at the other end. It was one of the most adorable things, and the older kids definitely had a good laugh watching the small kids spilling water everywhere. Next up the P1, P2 and P3 kids played ‘The Bozo Bucket Toss’, and a few students got the homemade bean-filled sock ball into the last tiny bucket! Next race: Wheelbarrow! The P4, P5, and P6 kids learned the wheelbarrow race and wheeled their way down and back in between many laughter spills. Finally, the entire group played a big game of Sharks and Minnows. It was so fun to watch these kids having a blast, earning fun little prizes (stickers, suckers, pencils) to reward their hard work cleaning up their community!
Soak-Away Pit Construction
Construction of soak-away pits is underway around Kulkpong! With the wonderful help of Ting, I went around to educate compounds about the importance of digging a soak-away pit. We educated them on how they work, what they prevent, and showed them how to dig a proper pit. We have a long way to go still, but many people in the village are very motivated and there are some great pits already constructed. Next we’ll be head to some of the surrounding villages to spread the word.
Upper West Girls Leadership Camp
The Peace Corps’ Volunteers of the Upper West came together to host a leadership camp for girls. PCVs brought either Junior High girls to be participants or a Senior High girl to be a student leader. The camp was focused on HIV/AIDS education, leadership, girl empowerment, and the importance of staying in school. Despite my being sick for the first 2 days of the camp, everything was perfect. The girls, the sessions, the crafts, the dancing, everything. I know I enjoyed myself, and by the smiles on the girls faces, I know they had a fabulous week away from home. They were able to learn new things, make new friends, and for some girls stay away from home for the first time. While I, as a PCV, am always learning new cultural things, these girls were also able to see some of the different cultural songs and dance from different tribes in their own region.
The days were filled with sessions about the transmission of HIV, anti-stigmatization of People Living with HIV, delaying sex and ways to say no, leadership, communication, and many more topics. The girls also played sports and had daily craft activities; including football, hiking, yoga, tie ‘n dye making, calabash painting, jewelry making, and poster designing. It was a great experience for girls from all over the Upper West Region to be able to come together, meet each other, and exchange stories and learn from each other’s experiences.
The best part of the camp for me was in the end when we surveyed the girls about what they learned at the camp and they were to write who their role model was. A few of the girls wrote their Peace Corps Volunteer’s name, their father or mother, or a teacher they’ve had. I was extremely proud when a few girls wrote ‘Naama’, which is such a compliment to me. It definitely made my heart smile to know that in just a few days one can have such an impact on a young girl’s life.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
JUST DANCE!
A peek at the drumming and dancing from the Kente Festival in the Volta Region!
Some little girls in my village were dancing then decided to hug it out :)
"white lady, where are you going?"
The title of this blog describes a very common happening here in Ghana. I got out of the trotro, just wanting to walk to this internet cafe. However, I can't just walk somewhere without every taxi and trotro stopping to ask me where I'm going. I'm walking with another PCV and a car drives by and the mate says "white lady, where are you going?" My reply: "Black man, where are you going?" Good news is that's totally acceptable here. =)
So, after the short walk of about 5 minutes (which God forbid is just too long for white people to walk!) I'm now sitting here in a wonderful internet cafe (which is ridiculously fast) in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region waiting to go to the Peace Corps hub site for the week to participate in the PST training/scheduling for the new volunteers coming in June. Speaking of, it's absolutely, unbelievably crazy that I am already going to be seeing NEW trainees come to Ghana. I feel like I just came, and I'm now going to be the 'old' volunteer. Times flies when you're having fun :)
I tried updating a few weeks ago when I was in Wa, but the internet connection wasn't working. I have a blog typed on my computer, but unfortunately my computer is in Wa, and I'm 20 hours away in Kof. I'll type another one for you for all you faithful followers and at the request of Gena!
February 2011
Valentine's Day was the biggest highlight in February in Kulkpong. I went to the JHS (Junior High School) that morning, supplied with VAL'S day goodies for the kids. And yes, they call Valentine's Day 'VAL's Day' here. ((So it's your day Aunt Val, never let Uncle Jay tell you different.)) I had stickers, erasers, candy and valentines cards to share with the kids. They celebrate it in the regional capitals, but the people in the rural villages really don't know the meaning or why it's a holiday. So I told them that it's a day of love and all that. One kid came up to me and said "Naama, I'm the happiest kid in the whole school today." I asked the question "why, Appiah?" and he says without any hesitation "because today is Valentine's Day!!" =) It was a very successful day (other than when I handed out candy and they wanted more more more!) and I think the kids really found it interesting and fun to see how we celebrate holidays in America.
This month I also got a wonderful fence put up around my yard. It has been a lifesaver and I feel more relaxed and have tons more privacy now. It all started when my propane cylinder finished and I had to start cooking with a coal pot. Therefore, I had to cook outside and it was everyone's business what food I was cooking. I understand they are just curious, but it was time to get a fence and have some privacy. Ting was great, per usual, and got the grass fence put up while I was away on a weekend trip to Tamale. Now I'm able to sit in my yard and not have 20 kids stare at me all day, everyday. (I've learned to appreciate the small small things, like a fence, while in Ghana.)
March 2011
This month started out with a great weekend trip to Mole National Park. Although there were no elephant sitings, I got to see other wildlife and enjoy a relaxing day at the pool. When we first arrived, we were eating banku at the staff canteen and a baboon walked by with her baby. In case you're wondering, baboons carry their babies on the chests, like they are giving them a big hug. Then when the mother walks, the baby is just hanging around, literally. We also went on a guided walk through the bush with a ranger and saw he told us to look for Pumba from The Lion King. We saw plenty of Pumba's and his family members, as well as antelope, crocodiles, bush bucks and birds flying around. The park is huge, and last years rains were plenty, so the elephants have more watering holes than usual so they weren't gathering by the hotel as often. I wish I could have seen an elephant, but as our guide told us, we were unlucky that day.
Once leaving Mole, you come to a village that has the oldest mosque in West Africa. The village, Larabanga, is known for its uniquely built mosque that dates back to 1421. There is also a mystic stone on the edge of the town and it is said that the man who settled in the village went to the stone and threw a stone and where ever the stone landed a mosque would be built. Then apparently the next morning the mosque was built. {This background information on this village is only what I remember and is only as accurate as I remember.}
The daily routine in the village is still pretty normal, going to school, cooking fufu, playing with children and Ace....also, my proposal for the Malaria Campaign has been sent to Washington, so I'm just waiting to find out if I'll get the funding. In the meantime, we've been having educational talks and meetings about building soak-away pits throughout the village to stop the breeding of mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Also, the JHS kids want to start an school club and we're definitely going to have community clean-up days! YAY!
Here's some pictures from around the village...
I just came from Chris's Kente Festival in his village. He lives in the Volta Region and they weave Kente there. It's a traditional cloth and is really awesome. Unfortunately, Ghana isn't nice to me and I had some skin infections (gross, I know) and I was knocked out from antihistamines and antibiotics but now hopefully it's under control! (*fingers crossed*) However, the festival was fun and he did an amazing job. His town was so proud of him and really appreciated other volunteers coming to see their work. I've ordered an awesome Kente bag so I'll keep you all updated.
So don't be worried about my medical issues here. I'm managing and I've talked with the PC medical officers. So Aunt Beth, relax. =) I'm off to the hub site for the week to plan for the new volunteers arrival. Wow, I still can't believe I've almost been in Ghana for an entire year.
Peace&Love
xoxo
So, after the short walk of about 5 minutes (which God forbid is just too long for white people to walk!) I'm now sitting here in a wonderful internet cafe (which is ridiculously fast) in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region waiting to go to the Peace Corps hub site for the week to participate in the PST training/scheduling for the new volunteers coming in June. Speaking of, it's absolutely, unbelievably crazy that I am already going to be seeing NEW trainees come to Ghana. I feel like I just came, and I'm now going to be the 'old' volunteer. Times flies when you're having fun :)
I tried updating a few weeks ago when I was in Wa, but the internet connection wasn't working. I have a blog typed on my computer, but unfortunately my computer is in Wa, and I'm 20 hours away in Kof. I'll type another one for you for all you faithful followers and at the request of Gena!
February 2011
Valentine's Day was the biggest highlight in February in Kulkpong. I went to the JHS (Junior High School) that morning, supplied with VAL'S day goodies for the kids. And yes, they call Valentine's Day 'VAL's Day' here. ((So it's your day Aunt Val, never let Uncle Jay tell you different.)) I had stickers, erasers, candy and valentines cards to share with the kids. They celebrate it in the regional capitals, but the people in the rural villages really don't know the meaning or why it's a holiday. So I told them that it's a day of love and all that. One kid came up to me and said "Naama, I'm the happiest kid in the whole school today." I asked the question "why, Appiah?" and he says without any hesitation "because today is Valentine's Day!!" =) It was a very successful day (other than when I handed out candy and they wanted more more more!) and I think the kids really found it interesting and fun to see how we celebrate holidays in America.
This month I also got a wonderful fence put up around my yard. It has been a lifesaver and I feel more relaxed and have tons more privacy now. It all started when my propane cylinder finished and I had to start cooking with a coal pot. Therefore, I had to cook outside and it was everyone's business what food I was cooking. I understand they are just curious, but it was time to get a fence and have some privacy. Ting was great, per usual, and got the grass fence put up while I was away on a weekend trip to Tamale. Now I'm able to sit in my yard and not have 20 kids stare at me all day, everyday. (I've learned to appreciate the small small things, like a fence, while in Ghana.)
March 2011
This month started out with a great weekend trip to Mole National Park. Although there were no elephant sitings, I got to see other wildlife and enjoy a relaxing day at the pool. When we first arrived, we were eating banku at the staff canteen and a baboon walked by with her baby. In case you're wondering, baboons carry their babies on the chests, like they are giving them a big hug. Then when the mother walks, the baby is just hanging around, literally. We also went on a guided walk through the bush with a ranger and saw he told us to look for Pumba from The Lion King. We saw plenty of Pumba's and his family members, as well as antelope, crocodiles, bush bucks and birds flying around. The park is huge, and last years rains were plenty, so the elephants have more watering holes than usual so they weren't gathering by the hotel as often. I wish I could have seen an elephant, but as our guide told us, we were unlucky that day.
Once leaving Mole, you come to a village that has the oldest mosque in West Africa. The village, Larabanga, is known for its uniquely built mosque that dates back to 1421. There is also a mystic stone on the edge of the town and it is said that the man who settled in the village went to the stone and threw a stone and where ever the stone landed a mosque would be built. Then apparently the next morning the mosque was built. {This background information on this village is only what I remember and is only as accurate as I remember.}
The daily routine in the village is still pretty normal, going to school, cooking fufu, playing with children and Ace....also, my proposal for the Malaria Campaign has been sent to Washington, so I'm just waiting to find out if I'll get the funding. In the meantime, we've been having educational talks and meetings about building soak-away pits throughout the village to stop the breeding of mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Also, the JHS kids want to start an school club and we're definitely going to have community clean-up days! YAY!
Here's some pictures from around the village...
I just came from Chris's Kente Festival in his village. He lives in the Volta Region and they weave Kente there. It's a traditional cloth and is really awesome. Unfortunately, Ghana isn't nice to me and I had some skin infections (gross, I know) and I was knocked out from antihistamines and antibiotics but now hopefully it's under control! (*fingers crossed*) However, the festival was fun and he did an amazing job. His town was so proud of him and really appreciated other volunteers coming to see their work. I've ordered an awesome Kente bag so I'll keep you all updated.
So don't be worried about my medical issues here. I'm managing and I've talked with the PC medical officers. So Aunt Beth, relax. =) I'm off to the hub site for the week to plan for the new volunteers arrival. Wow, I still can't believe I've almost been in Ghana for an entire year.
Peace&Love
xoxo
Saturday, March 12, 2011
happy birthday peace corps
March 2011 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps and I'm proud to be an active volunteer in a country that has hosted volunteers since its inauguration. Ghana first hosted PCVs back in 1961 and has continued to do so, uninterrupted, for the past fifty years. You hear of other posts closing or evacuating for some months or years, but fortunately in Ghana, that has never been the case.
Friday, February 4, 2011
8.
Today marks the day of 8 months in Ghana. I arrived in Accra June 4, 2010, and these past eight months have been only the beginning of one awesome, strange, crazy ride.
Since I quickly updated last, things have been awesome in the village. I've started teaching math to the JHS (middle schoolers) forms 1 and 2. It's awesome working with these young minds and helping them out as they lack teachers. They do not have a mathematics master, as they call it, so now I've stepped in and now I'm the math master =) I'm a big fan of quizzes and ways to evaluate their process, so now I see why my teachers and professors in the past do these things! So all those times I complained we had another test or quiz, now I see the method to their madness. Also, shout-out to Carol because I'm totally going to introduce QUESTS to Ghana. Albion College: Always Thinking...all over the world.
I'm also trying to organize a camp for JHS kids with my headmaster called CAMP BALL. It stands for Beat Aids, Love Life, and it started with PCVs in the Northern Region. It's a camp that incorporates HIV/AIDS education and football (soccer, America, soccer). Right now we are trying to find a venue and we are attempting to set a date during their next school vacation. I hope it works out because my headmaster is extremely enthusiastic about this event! :)
So last time I wrote that the weather was SUPER hot, and it was, but now it has decided to cool off again. I'm not complaining whatsoever, but Ghanaians are even confused about this. It rained 2 nights ago for the first time since October or November, and it was an awesome rainstorm. Around dusk, I noticed lightning striking the sky, and I said to my neighbor, "Robert, do you think it'll rain tonight?". He replied, "no, it's too early". This was the first time a villager has been wrong about the weather forecast. They are so in-tune with the sun, moon and skies that they usually know what's going to happen. This rain was great; it cooled things down and minimized the copious amounts of dust. So one day I was sitting here, sweating profusely and the next night I was using blankets to cover up as I was sleeping. African weather continues to amaze and shock me.
Enjoy the snow storm (or BLIZZARD 2011) back home. I actually miss the cold weather and snow. I want to wear a winter coat and snuggle up with a big blanket and hot chocolate. Instead, I'll probably sweat and be dusty tomorrow. Goodnight :)
Since I quickly updated last, things have been awesome in the village. I've started teaching math to the JHS (middle schoolers) forms 1 and 2. It's awesome working with these young minds and helping them out as they lack teachers. They do not have a mathematics master, as they call it, so now I've stepped in and now I'm the math master =) I'm a big fan of quizzes and ways to evaluate their process, so now I see why my teachers and professors in the past do these things! So all those times I complained we had another test or quiz, now I see the method to their madness. Also, shout-out to Carol because I'm totally going to introduce QUESTS to Ghana. Albion College: Always Thinking...all over the world.
I'm also trying to organize a camp for JHS kids with my headmaster called CAMP BALL. It stands for Beat Aids, Love Life, and it started with PCVs in the Northern Region. It's a camp that incorporates HIV/AIDS education and football (soccer, America, soccer). Right now we are trying to find a venue and we are attempting to set a date during their next school vacation. I hope it works out because my headmaster is extremely enthusiastic about this event! :)
So last time I wrote that the weather was SUPER hot, and it was, but now it has decided to cool off again. I'm not complaining whatsoever, but Ghanaians are even confused about this. It rained 2 nights ago for the first time since October or November, and it was an awesome rainstorm. Around dusk, I noticed lightning striking the sky, and I said to my neighbor, "Robert, do you think it'll rain tonight?". He replied, "no, it's too early". This was the first time a villager has been wrong about the weather forecast. They are so in-tune with the sun, moon and skies that they usually know what's going to happen. This rain was great; it cooled things down and minimized the copious amounts of dust. So one day I was sitting here, sweating profusely and the next night I was using blankets to cover up as I was sleeping. African weather continues to amaze and shock me.
Enjoy the snow storm (or BLIZZARD 2011) back home. I actually miss the cold weather and snow. I want to wear a winter coat and snuggle up with a big blanket and hot chocolate. Instead, I'll probably sweat and be dusty tomorrow. Goodnight :)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
whoa....it's hot.
quickkk update.
1. it's HOT now. you know all those times I told you all I was freezing in Africa....well now I'm sweating profusely, constantly, in Africa. not a fair/nice trade.
2. I took Ace to the vet to snip-snipppp him, and it was the saddest thing ever. I think it's how mothers feel when their children get shots. I almost cried.
3. Aunt Beth (and Grandma, Mom, and the whole damn fam) sent me an AMAZING package (basically Target in a box) with the best Christmas memory book ever. I loved every single message from you guys.....you're all amazing as well. My roots must have came from somewhere, right?!
4. Spence and Gena, no..I didn't forget about your awesome package either. I love it. and you.
5. Everyone else feeling left out that has sent me letters and/or packages, I love you too =)
peace.love.hugs.
1. it's HOT now. you know all those times I told you all I was freezing in Africa....well now I'm sweating profusely, constantly, in Africa. not a fair/nice trade.
2. I took Ace to the vet to snip-snipppp him, and it was the saddest thing ever. I think it's how mothers feel when their children get shots. I almost cried.
3. Aunt Beth (and Grandma, Mom, and the whole damn fam) sent me an AMAZING package (basically Target in a box) with the best Christmas memory book ever. I loved every single message from you guys.....you're all amazing as well. My roots must have came from somewhere, right?!
4. Spence and Gena, no..I didn't forget about your awesome package either. I love it. and you.
5. Everyone else feeling left out that has sent me letters and/or packages, I love you too =)
peace.love.hugs.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
children are absolutely beautiful.
One of my favorite little girls in my village. She was playing house, and making sew (which is a starchy dish made of corn flour and water served with leafy soups)
=)
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