First Exposures | Ghana Youth Photo Project

United in Nima!!!

2009-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

After months of intense editing we have an amazing exhibition (if I do say so myself, and I will) up on the walls of SF Camerawork. The show is called United in Nima and it opened last week on January 8, 2009 with over 300 attendees!!! I just want to thank everyone who made it out and add that if you haven't seen the show yet, there are many events that are going on at SF Camerawork during the duration of the show that you can learn about at www.sfcamerawork.org, but the big one to look for is our closing party/fundraiser/silent auction and premiere of the Adobe Youth Voices multi-media piece we are working on that will incorporate imagery from both Ghana and San Francisco. That happens on March 25, 2009 from 6-9pm. Stay tuned for more details.

Big thanks and congratulations to my collaborators on this project Jamie Lloyd and Vivian Chan, and of course, the five students that made it happen; Bethany and Naomi Castro, Marcio Ramirez, Jontonnette "Star" Clark, and Karen Gochez.

college student home sick

2008-10-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out my password . Well for those who do not know I'm in college now. I attend South Carolina State University. I am SO home sick. I miss seeing tall buildings, I miss getting on stinky public transportation, I miss San Francisco Hills,I miss exploring down town San Francisco, and I really miss my nephew. South Carolina is a very laid back state,time seems to go by slow except during test lol. My school is not that bad, I am just get really homesick. When I think about San Francisco,especially when I think about first exposures. I hate that I can't be there to help create the show. I hate that I cant sit there and share my ideas, I hate that I cant reminisce with the group about Africa, I hate that Im missing out on all that fun. I hate that I'm missing everyone back home. Missing something or someone is one of the worst feelings in the world. having something but not being able to use , or missing someone and not being able to see them. I know will see everyone soon but it sucks having to wait for so long. I know every one is working very hard on the show, and i just want to say keep up the good work.

Jamie is BACK!

2008-09-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jamie I've missed you! We needed you at our Ghana meetings, but I understand that you were just recovering from---what was it that you caught again? But now that your better, we can get down to some serious business! I can't wait for the exhibit to open!!! I am sooo J-U-I-C-E-D! I just wanted to say welcome back!

HI!!!

2008-08-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

HI TO EVERYONE...
I WILL BE AT THE NEXT MEETING, AND MUST I SAY THAT THE END OF THIS SUMMER HAS BEEN SOMEWHAT COMPLICATED AND FULL OF SURPRISES FOR ME... I HAVE WANTED TO GO TO THE MEETINGS BUT SO MUCH HAS COME UP AND NOT ONLY THAT IT SEEMS LIKE THE FLU IS GOING AROUND AND I GOT SICK UP TIL NOW. I AM SAD TO HEAR THAT JONTONNETTE IS LEAVING OR IF NOT ALREADY LEFT =(
I AM HAPPY TO READ THAT THE PICTURES ARE COMING ALONG AND DEVELOPED!! I CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM AND REMEMBER ALL OF WHAT I SAW AND THE PICTURES I TOOK OF PLACES AND PEOPLE... I ALWAYS REMEMBER GHANA AND WHAT A NICE EXPERIENCE IT WAS...11
P.S. SORRY I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT YOU ERIK. THANKS FOR CARING!!

Feel Better Jamie!

2008-08-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is just a note from me on behalf of your fellow travelers that I hope you feel better and that this unpleasant souvenir from Africa goes away soon! Your strength will get you through this and know that there are many people thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Erik

first exposures ghana group reunion=memories of ghana.

2008-08-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

since we've been back from ghana, our group that went has met up three and it's felt so good to see everyone. the first time karen, jamie and vivian couldn't make it; the second time, jamie made it and the third time, vivian made it. so karen, if you're reading this, please make it to the next meeting because i miss you roomie.! plus jontonette's leaving for college soon so we've all got to get together.! anyway, getting back together has brought back all the many wonderful memories we've shared in ghana. eric started developing our film and uploading photos and too see them brought tears back to my eyes because that whole experience just touched my life in a way i'll never forget. so many of our students and friends have been calling my sister and i. i couldn't stand when they called between midnight and four in the morning at first but it's whatever because i miss them all so much. you know, it's going on a month that i've been away from ghana, and i'm still not totally adjusted. i really want to go back and i wish i could already; i'm sure a lot of us in our group feel that way. also the other day my sister discovered a song that we heard often in ghana and that just made so many memories rush back. the song is called love is wicked by brick and lace--one of fedawus' favorite songs. i remember her always singing this to us along with true love by 2face. i remember hearing this song blasting out of trotros passing. i remember this song playing out of people's houses or shops. i remember all the children singing along to it when it came on. so hearing this song quite a lot holds lots of memories--all of the music we listened to in ghana. that's one thing i miss a lot, the music. they don't sing or rap about the same things we do; their songs actually have meaning. i'm not referring to the two songs i mentioned but just in general.

now that we're back, it's basically 'full speed ahead' and no playing around with putting our show together. we have hundreds of rolls of film and thousands of digital photos to start looking at and editing down. it's gonna be quite a job, but i think we're all excited to get going on it. i'm excited to show people what we've been blessed to be able to do and share our experiences through photography. not only am i excited to show our work, but to show the student's work. i just really want to represent them right and show people that this trip was not in vain. i think we all want that; and also we aren't another group trying to send the same message of 'feed the children' or 'aids epidemic!' but we are trying to show a positive side of ghana and all the great things we had a chance to experience. because FYI, the people of ghana are very healthy--beautiful skin, nice bodies and all.! :)

so ghana youth photo project coming soon...

JANUARY 8th @ SF CAMERAWORKS.! mark your calenders, you won't wanna miss this.

BACK AT HOME, IT FEELS LIKE FOREVER THAT WE CAME BACK

2008-07-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

HI PEOPLE!!! ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAVE LOGGED ON...
IM MISSING GHANA LIKE CRAZY!!! IT WAS SO HARD GETTING TO SAY GOOD BYE TO THE KIDS AND THERE ISN'T A DAY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT WHAT IS BACK IN GHANA... THE PLANE RIDES WERE SO LONG, BUT IT WAS WORST HAVING TO SIT IN THE AIRPORT. IT GAVE ME ALOT OF TIME TO THINK. I ALSO MISS MY ROOMMATE NAOMI!!! I MISS EVERYONE!!! I WAS SO HAPPY TO BE BACK THOUGH... I MISSED MY MOM REALLY BADLY AND WAS SO HAPPY TO TAKE A HOT SHOWER AND SLEEP IN MY BED!!! I WAS SICK THE FIRST FEW DAYS BACK. I HAD REALLY BAD STOMACH PROBLEMS AND NAUSEA FOLLOWED BY HEADACHES, BUT NOW I AM MY NORMAL SELF AGAIN. AS I THINK ABOUT WHAT IS BACK IN GHANA, I ANTICIPATE THE DAY THAT I WILL GO BACK (HOPEFULLY) AND THINK ABOUT HOW TO ME, GHANA IS LIKE A SECOND HOME.
I DEFINITLY SEE HOW MY VALUES CHANGED AND THIS EXPERIENCE BROUGHT ME AND MY FAMILY CLOSER!!
I MISS EVERYONE THAT WENT ON THAT TRIP.... I LOVE YOU GUYS AND THANK YOU FOR LETTING OUR RELATIONSHIP GROW BIGGER!!
GHANA IS THE BEST, MISS YOU!!

Memories.

2008-07-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

YEAH, NO SHOWER CURTAIN, JONTONETTE!

THE COOLEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE (when the AC worked)

RICHARD, Morgan's little brother.

MORGAN!

KOJO!

ALASKA. This man right here is STRONG.

JAMES arrived EARLY the day we left for the airport. Go James!

MY CRAZY JEMILA. I MISS HER.

LEFT: MANNAN AND HIS LITTLE BROTHER HANNAN. MY SWEETHEARTS!

Abby, Mama Joanna, and Bobby. (Joanna's laughing)

I love this family. Mama Joanna and Abby made sure we were fed!

Some of the local boys in Nima. They love the camera and the camera loves them.

I MISS:

2008-07-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

::WAKING UP IN GHANA

::MY ROOMIE KAREN

::MAMMA JOANA'S HOME COOKING

::GOING TO THE INTERNET CAFE

::GOING TO OSU AND ALWAYS RUNNING INTO RAEGAN, BISMARK&THE OTHER VENDORS

::NIMA.ST KIZITOS.THE KIDS (EXCEPT FOR THE ONES WHO'VE BEEN CALLING BTWN. 12 A.M&3.!)

::JAMES&HIS TRO TRO

::MORGAN, KOJO&RICHARD.CULTURAL DANCE&DRUM CLASSES

::THE ANTICIPATION OF GOING TO A NEW PLACE OR DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT EVERYDAY

::OUR FAMILY WE MADE: ERIC, JAMIE, VIVIAN, JONTONETTE, BETHANY, KAREN, MARCIO AND I

i really miss GHANA.

nice intention but sounds a little misplaced....

2008-07-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

My friend Mike sent me this from the BBC News website when we returned. After all the poverty we saw in Ghana this seems like another case of misguided government spending. I'll get off my soapbox now, but please read on...

Erik

Ghana spends $1.4m on gold medals

By Will Ross
BBC News, Accra

The Ghanaian government spent more than $1.4m (£704,000) buying 515 gold medals from a company based in the Channel Islands, officials have confirmed.

Almost half the medals were given out last week to prominent citizens at a colourful national awards ceremony.

The government says the rest will be presented over the next four years.

The medals are intended to reward outstanding contributions to Ghana. But critics say the money would have been better spent alleviating poverty.

Eighteen-carat gold

Recipients included politicians, chiefs, business leaders and even the country's President, John Kufuor, who will step down at the end of the year.

We are suffering. As of now, some of us cannot even pay our school fees
Accra businessman

He was given the highest award, the Grand Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana.

Set in 18-carat gold, it was also the most expensive.

At $65,000 (£32,700), President Kufuor's award cost many times more than an Olympic gold medal.

This prompted one journalist to make a joke comparing Mr Kufuor to the medallion-wearing American rapper, 50 Cent.

Medals 'not extravagant'

As people woke up in Ghana to learn the cost of the medals from newspapers and radios, many were shocked and disappointed.

"We are suffering," one Accra businessman told the BBC. "As of now, some of us cannot even pay our school fees," he said.

How can the president decorate himself with such expensive jewellery when people are in dire need of basic amenities?
Dr Tony Aidoo
National Democratic Congress (NDC)

"The medals will not bring anything to the country," said another.

"They are just for individuals so the money has just gone to waste," he added.

The Deputy Information Minister, Frank Agyekum, disagreed.

"You can't put a price tag on an award which is meant to encourage, motivate and congratulate people for making a great contribution to the country," he said. "This was not extravagant."

"The remaining medals will be used for the next three to four years," he added, before noting that even beauty pageant winners are given a whole house these days.

Parliamentary enquiry

In recent years, the awarding of national honours has been a low key affair, but this year the government said it was keen to help unite the politically divided country.

Politicians from rival parties were offered medals, but the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), boycotted the event.

Not surprisingly, the NDC is now making a noise about the cost of the awards

"This was a severe misplacement of priority and an insult to the intelligence of Ghanaians," said Tony Aidoo, a senior member of the party.

"How can the president decorate himself with such expensive jewellery when people are in dire need of basic amenities?" he asked, calling for a parliamentary enquiry, and for evidence that the remaining medals really exist.

Stability 'priceless'

The fact that the head of the Ashanti Kingdom, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, could not collect his award because he was mediating a chieftaincy dispute, shows the need for nation building in Ghana.

Peace and stability are priceless on the African continent
Bright Simons, Imani Centre for Policy and Education

"Peace and stability are priceless on the African continent," said Bright Simons, of the Ghanaian think tank, the Imani Centre for Policy and Education.

"If the process had succeeded in building a lot of reconciliation across the political spectrum, it would have been worth it," he added.

Mr Simons said the intention was honourable, but suggested the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), could have managed the event better - by including members from across the political divide in an independent awards committee.

Ghanaians are also waiting to learn how the proceeds are spent from recently discovered oil in the country, estimated to total 2 billion barrels.

Those worried that Ghana may follow the lead of Angola and Nigeria will seek little comfort from news of how $1.4m has been spent on the medals. Some Ghanaians are also asking why the medals could not have been produced locally - especially as their country is Africa's second largest producer of gold.

back at home

2008-07-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

I'm back in San Francisco, and it feels very diff rent. I wish I had a little more time in Ghana. I miss every one so much. I cant wait until I'm able to go back. Its only been three days since Ive been back , and its already drama. I try to appreciate things more. I find that I don't get as mad as I use to over little things. me and my mother just got into a argument but instead of me trying to prove my point I just shut up, and let her go off. I don't feel the need to try to prove myself to anyone anymore. It take to much energy, and time. I'm miss Ghana sooooooooooooo much.

Still on Ghana time

2008-07-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just home for a little over 48 hours and I am still not over my jet lag yet. Considering the time difference is only 7 hours I am surprised I am not more adjusted. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that in Ghana there are two time zones, or ways of perceiving time, that are in effect. In Ghana there is "Ghana time" and "real time."

"Ghana time" is the way most everyone operates. When you tell someone to meet you at noon they show up at 1:00, or later, and think nothing of it. For us westerners this seems like a problem, but maybe it's how most everyone we met there stays calm and, friendly and relaxed. Maybe it's the inability to feel rushed or pressured that keeps Ghanaians more contented? Or maybe it's just accepted as a way of life and why fight it?

We began to deal with "Ghana time" almost immediately with our trotro driver James by asking him to meet us anywhere from 1-2 hours earlier than needed. This worked almost all the time with him. James was a great driver and became quite connected to our group. Always complying with the student's requests to turn up the music and always willing to talk to anyone. Once we figured out that James runs on "Ghana time" we were able to work around his schedule in most cases. Only a few times did he leave us stranded and at the mercy of ruthless street vendors swooping down on us for the sale.

Once, while waiting for James after lunch in Osu, we had forgotten to call him mid-meal to say we were ready to go and had to wait in the hot sun dealing with Bizmark, Raegan and others continually asking us to buy their wares. When our patience was being tested Jontonnette would get on the phone to him and berate him, well, more like comically harass him, to get to us NOW! It was hysterical to hear her end of the conversation. "JAMES!!! Where are you? I am dying out here. I am gonna faint in this heat! How far are you? Six minutes? You said that ten minutes ago! Why are you doing this to me? Just down the road? I don't see you! James, I'm really about to faint. I might die on the streets here if you don't come soon. I'm selling necklaces just to hang on. Get over here now!!! This is killing me!" (Note: this may not be exactly accurate, but you get the idea.) I can only guess what James was thinking listening to her diatribe, but he never hung up on her and eventually showed up with a smile. Jontonnette's humor helped keep the rest of us from getting upset.

To James's credit, when we told him we needed to be picked up super early to get to the airport he showed up earlier than requested and waited for us! I know he liked us because he gave us all his email and contact info, but never seemed to expect anything more than perhaps a friendly email. As several of the group have already commented James was a big part of our experience in Accra. Poor Jamie now has to deal with public transportation and misses him dearly I am sure. Having our own trotro driver may seem quite luxurious, but you try getting a group of 8 around Accra all day long with taxi's and public transportation. It was much cheaper, and far more entertaining, in the end to hire James and deal with "Ghana time."

I'm not so sure I am ready to be back on "real time" here at home yet. My lack of a solid night sleep may have something to do with this, but there is something to be said about a more relaxed pace and way of life. I will miss hearing "I'm coming" from our Ghanaian friends.

Last impromptu dance session with Morgan

The always smiling Kojo drums for the dancers

Experiencing the "Ghana Blues"

2008-07-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

I can't get Ghana out of my mind...

I'm still stuck in Ghana time. Yesterday, I tried to fight my tiredness but I ended up knocking out before 9:00 p.m.(which is real early for me btw). This morning I woke up around 4:30 and immediately began thinking of the children and all my friends in Nima---I miss them dearly. My first thought was, "Wow, I was just in Africa two days ago." It felt different not waking up to the roosters crowing and not hearing Jontonette wake me up saying, "Bethany! Move over!" (she was my roomie and I was a crazy sleeper). My dad says it may take awhile to get over the "Ghana Blues". He's right---I'll be thinking of my friends until the day I return to visit (hopefully with the FX crew). Lord willing that will come soon.

Visiting Raley's after sooo long...

The day after we got back from the trip, I dropped by to visit my co-workers at Raley's Supermarket. Everyone was super excited to see me back. It was a really good feeling to see courtesy clerks again (I can't wait to start work). Ahmad, my best, worked yesterday---OH MAN HE GAVE ME THE BIGGEST/WARMEST/TIGHTEST HUG EVER!!! Everyone wanted to know how the trip went and almost everyone asked me the same question: "Will you go back?" And I said "yes" every time. I still have another week off work, so I have some time to get settled in. There's so much more I want to share!!!

One thing I can say that I am NOT missing---

GETTING BIT UP BY MOSQUITOS!

(I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SWELLINGS TO GO DOWN.)

I CAN FINALLY SLEEP IN PEACE!

Alone in Accra

2008-07-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

It's been about 48 hours since Erik and the students left and I'm now slowly making my way back into reality here. I got on a public trotro for the first time in weeks and instantly missed James' clean and roomie trotro. My seat was unusually high and I kept hitting my head on the roof and the seat was not bolted to the floor so we kept rocking back and forth every time the driver hit the brakes. Where is James???

I went to Nima yesterday. It was my first trip there since the students left. The Nima kids seemed down. They were not their usual happy playful selves. I knew this trip would impact both groups but the impact was much deeper than I ever expected. In these past three weeks the SF students bonded with the Nima kids as much if not more than I have in 3 years.

The potential for these strong friendships was evident to me on the first day. I was expecting the Nima kids to be very shy but they were actually outgoing and curious to find out about the Americans. I smiled as I watched Ajara and Naomi holding hands, Yaw asking Erik question after question, and many of the young boys chasing after Marcio. That first day in Nima exceeded my expectations ten fold. It was the highlight of my trip and a day I will never forget.

The experience overall had it's ups and downs as one would expect. Ghana is not for everyone so the SF students did a great job coping with the heat, pollution and power outages. Erik & Vivian also did a great job helping with the planning and logistics. One of our biggest challenges was getting the kids out of bed in the morning. We quickly learned that they would get out of bed for the internet. So we scheduled internet time in the morning before heading off on our daily activities. Who ever came up with this idea is a genius!

This trip has been more than 2 years in the making and I can't believe it's over now. I'm excited to get back to SF to start looking at the photos and get the editing process started for our big show at SF Camerawork. I really shouldn't say it's "over" because I believe some of the SF students will return to Ghana to work with the Nima kids. When the SF students were crying on the last day I told them not to think of this as the end but the start of long friendships and many more trips to Ghana. I often tell people that you can't go to Africa just once and I think the SF students have caught the Africa travel bug.

To the SF students: You are always welcome in Ghana. AKWAABA!!!!!

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

2008-07-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'M REALLY MISSING MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME: GHANA. ACCRA. ALAJO. JOANNA, ABBY AND ALASKA. JAMES. MORGAN, KOJO &RICHARD. NIMA. ST. KIZITOS. THE KIDS. THE PEOPLE. THE VENDORS. EVERYTHING I'VE COME TO KNOW AND EVEN LOVE.

i'm really having a hard time adjusting to being back in the states. i miss ghana so much, you don't even know. i miss everything and everyone. i cried last night just thinking about my second home and not being able to wake up and be there. a rasta approached me on my last day at st. kizitos and asked if i was a native ghanaian--not only because of my name, my clothes and my jewelry but he said it seemed as if i was walking around like i was at home. it's true, i do feel at home in ghana and i really do like it, no love it way more than the states.

i have been truly humbled and see life in a whole new light. ghana has made me thankful for what i have and has made me appreciate every single thing i have going in life, even the bad stuff. i am thankful for my three-bedroom, two-bathroom home that houses ten people and sometimes more when all people have in ghana sometimes is a single room. i am thankful for my kitchen with my ghetto sink and broken cabinet when there are people in ghana who have some rocks, wood and a fire as their kitchen. i am thankful for my small bathroom with my quirky toilet when the gutter and outdoors are people's bathroom. i'm just really thankful for everything that i've been blessed with--i've gotten all that i need plus more and these people struggle from day to day to live. i'm not trying to make you feel sorry for them because that's exactly how i DON'T want you to feel. i'm happy for these people because they are in poor conditions and bad situations and may not have much, yet they go about life so positively and have this happiness that makes you envy them. i mean here we are complaining over dumb stuff while these people are struggling and we have everything and still aren't happy and they're the true meaning of contentment and they make due with what they have.! i hope one day, lord willing to return to GHANA and i can't wait for that day.

I'm back home

2008-07-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Missing my Second Home

I miss Ghana so much. I couldn't blog on our last day because it killed me that we had to leave the children so soon.. I cried for a long time---and I didn't care who saw me. If I had the choice to stay for three more weeks, I would've. There isn't a place in the world like Ghana. I know I haven't been around the world, but like there is only one me, there is only one Ghana. What I will miss the most about Ghana are the people---their charisma, their energy, their friendliness, their smiles, and their love through food, words, hugs, and a simple "hello". That made packing much more difficult---seeing an empty bedroom made me cry even harder because it will carry all those special memories. I will miss waking up in the morning to Mama Joanna cooking breakfast downstairs. By the crack of dawn, the locals are up and working, and I will miss hearing the tro-tro driver's yell out, "Kanesh! Kanesh!" (the station). I will miss walking through the black gates where Alaska greets all of us with his warm smile. The dogs in the streets are everywhere, and I won't see that out here where I live. I will miss walking to the internet cafe and hearing people call out, "Hey Obruni!" (white woman). I will miss falling asleep to the music blasting from across the street. I will miss drum/dance class---Richard, Morgan and Kojo will always be in my heart. I have never driven in taxis so much in my life---and I will miss that.

I will miss everything and everyone. Ghana is truly a magnificent country. There is an emptiness in me that only Ghana can fill. I can't describe how much it has changed me as a person. Here in America, people don't realize how much we've got it made. My sister Naomi said it right, "GHANA PUTS AMERICA TO SHAME."

Arriving at JFK airport

What a huge difference...I didn't get the same vibe coming back to America. I actually hated it.

When we went through customs and immigration first---Uggh...the officer/security guard was sooo RUDE!

Naomi and I went up to the counter together where he checked our passports. At first, Naomi and I

approached him with a huge smile(and said "hello" of course)---and what do we get??? He just looked

at us and said, "Let me see your passports." Okay so not the happiest of most people, but hey, we gave

him a benefit of the doubt...we just smiled again and handed him our passports (we had passport holders)

We hand the officer our passports and he goes, "NO, I WANT YOUR PASSPORT---JUST YOUR

PASSPORT." Okay Naomi and I stopped smiling in a quickness. I looked at her, she looked at me.

We looked at each other like, "OH NO HE DIDN'T!" Yes he did though...yes he DID!!! I simply answered

him and said, "Those are our passports." His tone sounded somewhat annoyed when he responced with,

"I SAID I WANT YOUR PASSPORT AND YOUR PASSPORT ONLY!" By that time I just kept my mouth shut

and thought about the people in Ghana---that calmed my nerves down haha. But for real though, in Ghana,

everyone smiles---IT'S CRAZY! I know I won't get that here. At the JFK airport, I smiled at people just to see

their reaction. Some smiled, some didn't. Others were too much of a hurry to even notice. Again, I just thought of all the

happy faces in Ghana...

After that incident, I couldn't wait to get home to my parents and tell them about everything. When we finally arrived at

the SFO airport, I couldn't believe how many WHITE PEOPLE I SAW---hahahahahaha. The drive back home felt weird

too. In Ghana, you won't get a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt. So when I hopped into my boyfriend's

car, I forgot to put it on until I saw him reach for his. In Ghana there are no freeways, no speed limit posts,

hardly any street lights (or working ones at that). Coming home just felt DIFFERENT---but it was also an eye opener.

I really DO HAVE IT MADE. My house isn't all that, but if I brought a friend from Nima, they would think of my house

as a mansion. I take things for granted and now I have to check myself everytime I complain about something.

C'mon I have running water---HOT WATER! I jumped in the shower last night and I thanked God for it. For three weeks, we had to deal with low water pressure that spurted out JUST cold water. I've become so used to it that the warm shower burned a little. I could finally enjoy a nice, refreshing shower---and feel CLEAN! I could finally brush my teeth and gargle with the tap water from my sink and not have to open bottles after bottles of drinking water. And man...using a washer and dryer again after weeks of handwashing and pruny fingers...I COULD'T ASK FOR MORE!!! And let me tell you----my clothes were D-I-R-T-Y. As my clothes were rinsing, I put up the lid and saw the water was black and murky. At that moment, I looked back at the time we had a power outage. There was no electricity for a couple of days. I had to handwash my clothes in the dark. Then I thought about the people in Nima...they do that everyday. What we experienced within three weeks can never match what the people in Ghana have struggled for years...and for most, the struggle will last a lifetime.

LIVING IN GHANA---WHAT A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE...

More Pictures

2008-07-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

Poem day in class

Naomi being harassed by a street vendor as we're trying to drive down the street in Osu

Jontonnette and Morgan

Group photo with the drum/dance teachers -
Kojo, Naomi, Richard, Erik
Jontonnette, Jamie, Karen, Bethany
Morgan, Marcio

Joanna, our host mother in the kitchen of our house

Kakum National Park

Bethany, Naomi & Karen

Crazy girls!!!!!

Jontonnette photographing at Cape Coast Castle

Napping at Labadi beach

Playing Oware on the first day of class

Naomi & Ajara - best friends

Karen with some of the students

At the football game

In the trotro

Firdaus and Florence at the Beach

Yaw after being buried in the sand

Marcio after being thrown in the water

Playing cards outside because the power was out and we were trying to get some fresh air

On the bus to Cape Coast

Homeward bound

2008-07-08T04:35:00.000-07:00

Just a last note to say good bye to Ghana and all the wonderful people we have met and experiences we have had. My life has been changed. Please keep checking back here in the weeks ahead as I am sure we all have more to say. Time to leave the internet cafe for the last time...

Madasi-pi Accra!

Erik

Close To The End

2008-07-08T04:31:00.000-07:00

It is the last day. WOW! How did this happen? Just because the troops are leaving tomorrow does not mean the blogging is going to stop. Keep checking in for post-trip updates. I will also finally be able to put up a proper blog now that I don't have to deal with logistics, etc. I hope you all have enjoyed the blog thus far.

OUR LAST DAY.... ='(

2008-07-08T03:48:00.000-07:00

WOW I CANT BELIEVE THE END IS APPROACHING US... I FEEL SO SAD JUST TO KNOW THAT I WON'T SEE THE KIDS UNTIL WHO KNOWS WHEN!! I FEEL THAT IN THE PAST FEW DAYS. MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE KIDS GREW TO BE BETTER. I HOPE THAT THIS WON'T BE THE LAST TIME I WILL GET TO SEE THE. IT WOULD BREAK MY HEART TO KNOW THAT IN THE FUTURE, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THEM GROW...
I FEEL THAT THIS TRIP CHANGED MY LIFE. I NOW SEE THINGS IN A DIFFERENT WAY AND VALUE MORE WHAT I HAVE. EVEN THOUGH THESE WEEKS FELT LIKE MONTHS, IT FELT GREAT GETING TO MEET A COMPLETLY DIFFERENT WORLD WHERE I FEEL WELCOME AND FULFILLED WITH WHAT I DON'T HAVE BACK AT HOME. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MY MOMMY, SINCE I BEARLY TALKED TO HER SINCE I WAS HERE!!!
I KNOW THAT I WILL BE TAKING A PART OF GHANA WTH ME AND IT WILL REMAIN WITH ME FOREVER.... GHANA WAS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME, AND GETTING TO SHARE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH PEOPLE I HAVE LOVE FOR WAS THE BEST...

Last Day

2008-07-08T03:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the Last day and I'm so upset. It has been a great 3weeks being with the kids and learning a new religion and culture. I'm really gonna miss Abu, he hs really had an attachment to me. I don't know how the rest of the day will go but as long as i see the kids, it will all be ok. I bought a lot of stuff for my family members and for myself. As you can see in the post Vivian posted, I did get thrown into the water by 3kids. I got them back at the end of the day. I am really going to miss the kdis and the people here, but I can't wait to see my Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister. Also Cousibns and Auntie's and Family.

MY DEAR AJARA;;i won't forget her

2008-07-08T03:29:00.001-07:00

dear naomi,

i hope by the grace of God you are fine. I'm using this opputunity to thank you for all what you done for me. i appreciate it. as you are going back to U.S.A, i will miss you very much. as you left yesterday i was so sad and started to cry. please come back as soon as possible. i will be very have (happy) to see you again soon. LOVE VERY MUCH. that's all what i have for you.

yours friendly

ajara

this is the letter ajara wrote and gave to me yesterday--reading it filled me with tears and i just hugged her forever. ajara really is my ultimate favorite out of the group and i'll miss her. i wish i could tell you about her and how i feel to give you an idea of who she is but i don't think it's possible. i'm really sad this is my last day and probably my last post in Ghana.

even the neighborhood kids came to see us at St. Kizitos yesterday and it just made me so happy. we also went to art centre yesterday and got to see Felix, Michael, Bizmark, Abraham, and David and their Auntie for the last time--i was happy and sad at the same time. they've been so kind to us the few times we went and i won't forget them. we also went to Osu and i got to see Bizmark, raegan, Oliver, Nyarko and the other vendors--haha, they were so irritating at first but i'll even miss them.

I LOVE GHANA AND I HOPE TO COME BACK AGAIN BUT I'M READY TO COME HOME TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

MY LAST DAY

2008-07-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I have to say goodbye to the kids . I am not feeling so well right now. I don't know how I'm going to say good bye to them, this is going to be so hard for me. I love these kids more than the word love it self. They have taught me alot while I was here. They have taught me what really matters in life. They really opened my eyes up to life it self. Africa is like a different world than America. They value what people should value in life . They dont walk around mad at the world because they live in poverty. They have so much freedom here. I feel like I'm the one who has been missing out on life and real happiness. I live in a world where only material things can make you happy but here you consider rich by the size of your family and how many friendships you have. Im going to miss my Real Home. I LOVE GHANA!!!!!!!

2 MORE DAYS LEFT

2008-07-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody , I know I haven't been on here along time, and I'm sorry. we have to come to the Internet cafe in the morning and Iam not a morning person. I ant believe we only have to more days here. I'm not ready to go home . My mentor left yesterday and i miss her so much. it seem like my things are all over the place. our group feels incomplete. Imiss you so much Vivo. I miss you regulating on me . lol . back to the trip Im SO not ready to leave but I also feel like I have learned a lot while. think Ihave become a different person on the inside and out. I can definitely see myself coming back here and visiting the kids. I have so much love for the kids I don't know how I'm going to leave them. I never felt so passionate about anyone or anything besides my family. Its like I built a new family here with in a matter of three weeks . HERE a picture of my yahaya

Two days left

2008-07-07T03:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we leave for home in less than 48 hours. Our time has flown by here...mostly good, but some tough times for sure. Through thick and thin the group has persevered for sure. Probably the hardest thing for us lately has been the near constant power outages. It's going to make packing and cleaning a bit more of a challenge. When we tell people here about the power problems, they say, "Well, this is Africa." True...

This weekend we had some great classes with the kids in Nima. Saturday we did a studio portrait day, which we realized none of us brought a digital camera that day so we have nothing to add for it until we get home. The kids from Nima helped operate the slr film cameras (for the first time really) and also dressed up for the camera and dressed up some of our group too for good measure. I can't wait to see the film.

Yesterday we had a fun class too and Bethany taught them how to do an Acrostic puzzle as part of her project that you will all have to see when we get home. I think we have been getting a lot of great images here from from all the students.

We have added extra classes to spend as much time as possible with the kids here. It's going to be sad leaving Nima tomorrow evening. I am really proud of what our group has done here with these kids. I really feel like so much of what Jamie and I hoped for with this trip has been coming to fruition. I encourage you all to keep checking back here even after we return for more thoughts on our trip!

Thank you all for reading and being a part of this trip.

Erik

Only two more days...

2008-07-07T02:58:00.000-07:00

Compassion
The congregation this time had a guest speaker. The lesson was on COMPASSION. Again, this is another great lesson to learn and grow from. By helping the children in Nima with photography is a sign of compassion. I strongly believe that our motivation comes through LOVE. Being with the kids is a reward all its own. I love the fact that the children have an opportunity to show the world what they are capable of even when all they have is a little point and shoot camera. I can't wait for the exhibition---I can't wait to tell others how much I've changed as a peron---and it's because of COMPASSION that I will always remember the people who have touched me here in Ghana.

The Weakest Internet Cafe---EVER
Yesterday morning, my sister and I were totally in the blogging mood. So we decide to hit up our regular spot down the street after church. Come to realize it, they were undergoing a bit of a remodel so we had to go next door. I was so bummed about that because I had a feeling the internet cafe right next to our usual spot would be incredibly WEAK. And it was. But I have to say, they do charge less for an hour session (our regular charges 50 peswas/ 50 cents, and the other place only charges 30 peswas/ 30 cents). When we arrived, I noticed that most, if not all the monitors or computers were off. The models looked super old anyways...but we had to work with it. So here I am all excited to get online---but my page is taking forever in a day to load! "Why is it taking sooo long???" I start getting impatient and finally tell the guy who runs the place, "Um, excuse me, but I don't think I'm connected to the internet." He comes and does all kinds of weird twirks only my dad would understand. It so happenes that my sister couldn't go online either, so we had to wait for about "two minutes" (the guy kept telling us "Oh, two minutes---two minutes.") Man I was sitting up in that hot room for about a good 30 minutes before I fell asleep on the keyboard. I wake up and still---NO CONNECTION. I ask my sister if we should just leave and take the money. She tells me, "No Beth, maybe 10 more minutes." MAN FORGET THAT! I was hungry, hot, sleepy, grumpy, mad---just FED UP! I did not just waste almost a full hour doing NOTHING! I wanted to blog sooo bad and it bothers me when I can't do it everday. Being the sweet girl that I am though, I agree to wait 10 more minutes. TEN MINUTES LATER...STILL NO CONNECTION!!! The cafe is packed now full of people...meaning more body heat!!! Okay by that time I had to get up an dsay something. I went up to the boy and told him that I had to leave because we were on a tight schedule. I asked him whether or not it would be working by the next day (today) and he nods his head yeah. He let me keep my passcode so I wouldn't have to pay him again for my next visit. I HOPE FOR HIS SAKE THAT I CAN GET ONLINE.

I don't want to leave...
I can't believe that we're leaving in two days...My heart goes out to all who have made this wonderful experience come to life. I can guarantee one thing---I don't regret accepting this oppportunity. Although we had a few bumbs along the way, I feel it only made us stronger. I can go home and have a totally different outlook on my life. At work, when my customers may annoy me, I'll just think of all the happy memories in Ghana. When a friend is in trouble, I'll be the first to run and help them. If my parents are getting on my case about something, I'll listen instead of arguing back. When I go home, I will definitely be CHANGED. And because of COMPASSION, it won't be so difficult to leave. I love the people so much that I know I will be back.

catching up on posts.

2008-07-07T02:45:00.000-07:00

wow, where do i even start. sorry i haven't posted lately--i've been so caught up in the last couple of days. only two more days...i want to cry just thinking about it. i truly love ghana and i just can't bare to leave the kids. i've grown so attached in just three weeks, you'd think i've known them their whole lives. before i get all carried away, let me rewind to the last couple of days.

cape coast:
not like home--accra.alajo.joanna and abby.alaska.nima.st. kazitos. the kids. or like james.
it seemed as if we were in a whole other part of africa...these are the words i wrote in my journal when we first arrived. cape coast isn't like accra but it's still such a great place and i did things i'd never do any other day there. let me start with day one--so we took a 3-hour bus ride which is okay. we bought a fanice and some ginger cookies, plugged in our ipods and enjoyed the ride. almost as soon as we got there and unpacked at the hotel, we went to elmina castle. that was quite an experience to actually walk on the very grounds the slaves walked on and to go through the door of no return. i came across a plaque put up that i really liked:

in everlasting memory

of the anguish of of our ancestors

may those who died rest in peace

may those who return find their roots

may humanity never again perpetuate

such injustice against humanity

we the living vow to uphold this

after the castle and being stuck in crazy traffic because of the festival, we headed to mabel's table and had a nice dinner while we looked out on the beach. the four of us girls decided to share a hotel room because cape coast hotel reminded us too much of scary movie hotels.

day 2:

this is where the adventures really started. after kicking off the day with a spanish omelet, toast and tea, we headed to kakum national park. indiana jones, king-kong and jarassic park came to my mind when i saw the shaky, narrow bridge--excuse me, the SEVEN SHAKY, NARROW bridges we had to walk across. but i have to admit, it was so much fun. we also went on a life journey nature hike, which was tiring. but hey, when am i ever going to do these things in another country right.? after the park, we headed over to han's cottage botel to eat and i TOUCHED A CROCODILE.! like really, seriously got to approach a crocodile and pet it. my heart was pumping and that is definitely something i'd never think of doing. but i did.

at night, we got to see kojo and the trinity dance group perform. they were all great and i enjoyed meeting all of them. some of my favorites were isaac, mary and martha. i will never forget them.

day 3:

next stop--cape coast castle. another amazing place...i've heard about it but to be there was just the greatest feeling. i also wrote down some great quotes here:

in memory of our ancestors who suffered the cruelest crime against humanity

we the survivors vow to ensure that such evil will never again be committed by man against man.

fear is our greatest enemy,

we must conquer it.

to conquer fear we must face it.

SANKOFA: we look to the past

to help us move forward into the future.

after that, we had to say goodbye to cape coast. i was sad yet happy to go home to accra--kinda how i feel about leaving ghana back to america.

friday:

today bethany, karen and i went with jamie to the photo store so we could run to the fabric shop. there we met a girl who i will never forget--her bright smile and patience when we'd try to get her to cut fabric that wasn't supposed to be cut. haha, sarfowa is her name. when me and bethany went back a second time, we gave her a 2 cedis extra just for being so helpful and she jumped up and hugged us both. it was so cute and such a happy moment for me. just two dollars and she was so thankful--wow, just her reaction--i won't forget. i'm excited to get clothes made at jamie's tailor's place.! then we went to go see the kids. man...i really am just in love with them. it felt so good to be back at the school with all of them and to also see the neighborhood kids who've taken a place in my heart as well. i told ajara i'd be leaving in just a few days and she ran and hugged me tight and didn't let go for a few minutes. you don't know how hard it was hard for me to not start crying. out of all the kids, she's been my little sidekick and has a very special place in my heart. i can't imagine waking up in the states and not being able to hop in a tro tro or taxi to go visit the kids...

sunday:

today's worship service really made me miss our home congregation. it was bring a friend day--we've also had a day similar at the congregation my family and i attend back home and i just loved how they were so friendly and warm to the visitors. i am so thankful for their warmness and kindness with my sister and i for the three times we went there. i'll never forget it.

haha, today one of our students, yaw (yao) wrote me a letter. he told me not to let anyone read it so i can't write it out on the blog but basically he admitted how he's liked me and hopes we come back to ghana. it was too cute--but i let him down easy.

wow, only three weeks and i love ghana. the people. the kids. everything. only two more days and i have to go home to the states. i'm trying not to think about it but whether i like it or not, it'll be time to go home. i've grown so fond of the kids and we've each touched each other's lives in a way we'll never forget. i'll even miss bizmark and the infamous raegan. :) oh and forgot to mention nyawko.! he sell really nice bracelets, bizmark makes name braclets and raegan sell necklaces and paintings and bothers us. haha, but i will NEVER forget those boys. i won't forget emmanuel always helping us out at the internet cafe. i won't forget mama joanna, abby and alaska who've opened up the guest house to us and have shown so much hospitality. i won't forget sarfowa at the fabric store. i won't forget james our driver who's always late--always "around the corner." i won't forget morgan, kojo and richard--they started off as just drum and dance instructors and now have become our friends. i won't forget all of the other people i've met in ghana. NEVER. not only have we met so many great people, but all of us on the trip have just bonded in a way that no one can ever know or replace. unfortunately, my sister, karen and jontonette have graduated from the program but i don't think we'll forget this experience we've shared with one another.

i want to thank GOD for giving me life and blessing me with so much more than i could ask for. i want to thank my family for their unconditional love and support throughout my life and still. i want to thank vivian for sacrificing her own time and money to be on this trip with us. i want to thank jamie for introducing us to so many great people and places and for starting this program then sharing it with us. i want to thank eric for bending his back for us all and helping to make the trip happen and for always creating bigger and better things for the program. he is by far the BEST at what he does and no one else can fill his shoes. i want to thank all the people who've generously donated and come through for us on this trip. i want to thank the people of ghana for embracing us with such kindness and friendliness. i want to thank the kids for loving us as much as we've loved them and for touching my life in such a powerful, magnificent and beautiful way. i'll be back to GHANA lord willing for sure one day.

James!!!

2008-07-05T05:56:00.001-07:00

Our driver James! What can I say...he's gotten us in and out of the worst conditions...dodged open sewers and hit maybe two or three pedestrians along the way but he is an excellent model! haha. he stays on the phone all the time in the same stance---the one bended leg with the side tilt going on haaha. He's funny!!! super quiet but he has his days. He acts like we have all the time in the world though...if we're running late---the blames on him. His favorite line, "I'm coming!" yeah...We tell him we need to be somewhere at 1 o'clock, he comes at 1 o'clock! But we gotta love him---his tro tro is the cleanest by far. I will truly miss him!!!

HAPPY FOURT OF JULY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!

2008-07-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Vivian!

I miss home! I hope you all had a good time on the 4th! And JEFF---HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAVE FUN! BE SAFE! SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK! LOVE YOU!!!

Man today was Vivian's last day...I'm pretty sure she's feeling it right now. We played a game last night called "Most likely to...(and you fill in the blanks)". Someone pulled out of the bag and read, "Most likely to cry when we leave Ghana." That would be the girls! I wonder what Vivian is doing on the plane...yeah...probably crying...I don't blame her. We've all shared a moment together that none of us will ever forget. The past two weeks have honestly been the worst of times and the best of times. What I'll miss most about Vivian is her sense of humor and her outgoing spirit. She has this vibe that brings life to the table. Her smile illuminates the room---it's priceless. When I had some technical difficulties, Vivian was there to handle the problem. On a hot day, she bought the ice cream---and most importantly, she knew how to talk down the $$$ when the street vendors were trying to get over. I'm glad Vivian embarked on this exciting and unforgettable journey with all of us. She will always have a place in my heart.

And Vivian, if you're reading this---thank you so much for the letter! It was like getting breakfast in bed! haha. I love it! Jontonette told me you creeped in while I was still sleeping and slipped the note on my side table. You have such a BIG heart. Thank you for everything.

THE BEACH, THE KIDS

2008-07-05T03:58:00.000-07:00

HI PPL!!
SO YESTERDAY WE SPENT A NICE DAY AT LABODI BEACH, RELAXING IT WAS SO NICE... I FELT SO RELAXED AND RELEASED ALL MY TENSION. WE WENT TO SEE THE KIDS AND ENJOYED THEIR COMPANY. I FEEL THAT NOW THEY ARE MORE COMFORTABLE AND THAT THEY TALK TO ME MORE THAN BEFORE. I LOVE TO SEE THEIR SMILES. I WAS FEELING KIND OF SAD YESTERDAY BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO SPEND FOURTH OF JULY WITH MY FAMILY. I CANT BELIEVE I MISSED OUT ON THE FIREWORKS DOWN BY FISHERMAN'S WARF!
JAMIE, ERIK, AND VIVIAN WERE SO NICE ENOUGH TO COOK A NICE DINNER FOR US!! THEY WORKED REALLY HARD, AND TURNED OUT THAT THEY ARE GOOD COOKS!! IT WAS REALLY NICE. I ALSO LIKED THE GAME WE PLAYED LOL IT JUST SHOWS HOW MUCH WE HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW OF EACH OTHER IN THESE FEW WEEKS!! I FEEL THAT ALL THE PEOPLE HERE ARE MY SECOND FAMILY. I WAS ESPECIALLY SAD TO KNOW THAT VIVIAN LEFT EARLY IN THE MORNING!! I DEFINITLY FEEL THAT VIVIAN AND I HAVE GOTTEN MORE CLOSER THAN BEFORE. SHE WILL BE MISSED UNTIL OUR RETURN... I AM LOOKING FOWARD TO HAVING FUN ON THE REMAINDER OF OUR TRIP!!!

Catching Up!

2008-07-05T03:44:00.001-07:00

Cape Coast Castle

the view from above

Cape Coast Beach

canons

unforgettable...

Kojo has the best smile and the most energy

Naomi, Kojo, Me- we're always running into each other!

Naomi and Isaac in front of Barclay's Bank

me and the girls trying to look brave for the camera

we were 40m above the ground. Tarzan would be proud.

Han's Cottage Botel- there are over 30 crocodiles there!

Living at Cape Coast

The bus ride went fairly smooth (crazy driving and a few bumps got me a little dizzy---not gonna lie). The only thing that made me mad was the fact that I had no music to listen to. My ipod was suppose to charge the night before we left, but we had ANOTHER power outage(stupendous). Hey, why not just kick back, and enjoy the scenery, right? Pssshhh...yeah and have my eyes burn and my throat all dried from the heat and the heavy smog...So I basically had to deal. Eventually I fell asleep throughout the entire bus ride there (about 2 1/2 hrs). You know what's funny to me though? How a passenger, including myself, can tell the bus driver to stop and pull over so they can use the bathroom...wait...I thought people usually did their business BEFORE a road trip...ESPECIALLY IF THEY KNOW THE DRIVE IS 3 HOURS LONG...well that's Ghanaian time for you...So I imagine you are wondering, "What kinda bus were you riding anyway?" Okay so let me tell you- the buses here run like The GreyHound buses. Only here in Ghana, space was an issue---because I was cramped!!! I had to sit next to my sister...of course I slept crazy and pushed her off the edge hahahahaha. But something came over me...I was soooo tired! The whole time, I had to keep tucking in the window curtain because the wind kept blowing it in my face! Oh! This Ghanaian girl was sitting behind me and the curtain just whipped her across the face!!! hahahahahahaha. she was sooo beautiful to me though, I tried to offer her some ginger snaps but she didn't want any...OOOOOOOOH! you know what is DEEEELISH? Ginger snap cookies with Fanice(Ghana's version of vanilla flave ice cream)...SOOOOO GOOD! It was a bad idea to eat all that because I got motion sickness---not cool. And because I was feeling a bit weezy, it made me that more impatient. I couldn't wait til we finally got off the bus!!!

Our first day in Cape Coast was OKAY (I missed Mama Joanna, Abe and Alaska sooo much). You know that feeling of settling in a new place and actually getting comfortable with the area? Yeah well that's how I feel about our place in Accra. I just didn't get the same vibe in Cape Coast...the people were more aggressive and got all up in your face--- "Where are you from?!" "Why are you here with cameras?!" "Give me money!" But whatever...our first tourist site was at the Elmina Castle- the slave import. There was a major holiday going on at the time so the place was packed! I felt sorry for the tour guide because he had to speak extra loud for all of us to hear. I watched his mouth and it got all chapped and dry haha. Despite all the noise, it was a grand experience. I learned about the slave trade in school, but never imagined myself stepping foot into one of history's most violent places. The thought of being taken away and separated from your family makes me feel very sorrowful. Living for months at a time with hardly anything to eat or drink, and being crammed into one cell with 300 other people with only a tiny hole in the wall for ventilation must've been unbearable for the African people(I don't even want to call them slaves). That type of mistreatment led to sickness and death for many of them. Escape was not an option for many---some had hope and others committed suicide. Women were raped and tortured for fun. The Europeans treated them like a bunch of animals. Being in the castle and seeing the conditions of each cell made me mad. I don't know how man can be so cruel to another human being. I was glad when the tour was finally over. The castle was a dark, evil place where no man, woman or child should ever again have to suffer.

Mabel's Table Restaurant

The view there is spectacular! I missed Joana's home cookin though---BIG TIME. But at the same token, who gets to eat and watch the waves crash at the beach? By dinner time, I was STARVIN!!! Getting there was hard because we were stuck in some major traffic---since it was a holiday, the chief's ceremony took place on the main road. I had a beef burger with cheese and chips!!! Mmmmm!!!

Living at Cape Coast Hotel

Creepy...very creepy...kinda reminds me of those abandoned hotels and then a group of friends decide they want to spend the night or two after a long drive or whatever...you know the rest...I stayed up for a minute choppin it up with Marcio...good times...BIG laughing/serious/scary moments. We talked I would say for a couple of hours, maybe longer...then retarded self decided to hear a scary story. That's when I started to really freak out. Marcio thought it was funny, but I DIDN'T AT ALL. I'm spooked easily. Let me tell you. And that same day I ran into clowns at the festival!!! So that made matters worse!!! OH NO! LET ME TELL YOU!!! Why did Jontonette and I get the room farthest from everyone else. We were on the other side of town for real. We couldn't do it...it was too far down the hallway...so we begged and pleaded to just have one room for all the girls. I kept hearing things at night too...the dogs howling and the leaves crunching and the twigs breaking---AAAH! I wanted to just get in my bed and bury my face under the sheets. All I had to do was think, "I'll be home Joanna, Abe, and Alaska in two more days."

Day 2 in Cape Coast

The Kakum Trail: Surviving the Canopy Walk---"Every beginning must have an end." SO TRUE! The walk definitely had to end or else I would've died of heat stroke!!! What an adventure though! I felt like I was on fear factor or an Indiana Jones Movie. I had to walk across SEVEN canopy bridges! Yes! My only worry was falling to the ground. I kept imagining the ropes snapping from all the swaying and extra weight. The tour guy was sweet. Of course he advised us not to look down---but I couldn't helt it! The whole time I was looking own and snapping pictures. Again, I don't know what came over me. Well c'mon, someone had to get over themselves, haha. Altogether the hike lasted a whole 1hr 1/1. When we finished, all I wanted to do was collapse to the ground or fall in a pool with ice cold water. I just had a bottle of nice refreshing water...then we went out for lunch at Han's Cottage Botel (croc botel basically). HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY: petting a grown crocodile!!! I touched the tail for a good 5 secs, yeah just 5---you think I was trying to get bit up? NO WAY! I was soooo sooo scared...it was worser than walking across the bridges!

Trinity Dance Theatre: What super fun! Kojo surprised us with a performance along with other dancers and drummers. It was a superb night. It was a bit loud- the banging and all- but still a great end to a long and strenuous day.

Cape Coast Castle: Like Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Castle hides a violent past. This time, the tour was more personal. We were able to explore more in depth since we were the only tour group there. The only positivity I feel I got out of it were the quotes written and posted in the children's library.

Sankofa: "We look to the past to help us move forward to the future."

"The face is the true mirror of the mind."

"Caring makes the difference between despair and hope. Fear is the mind's killer."

Leaving Cape Coast was a relief for me. There's really nothing to do out there. I couldn't wait to be back in Accra...

Back in Accra

2008-07-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

After three days away from Accra we are back and sadly today is Vivian's last day with us. She has been such a great addition to this trip I know everyone will be sorry when she leaves tomorrow morning. I don't know how we could have done this without her. Thanks Vivo!

We had a great time in Cape Coast enjoying nature, walking on top the the trees in Kakum on the rope suspension bridges, seeing a real live Crocodile up close, and visiting two slave castles for a dose of reality. The town of Cape Coast is much smaller and cleaner than Accra. It was nice to go walking and not feel totally dirty just going outside. Our first day we went to Elmina, just a bit up the road, and saw the massive slave castle there. We thought that since there was a festival going on it would be more fun, but nope. It was soooo crowded and crazy we barely could see the castle because of the throngs. Once we decided to leave it took forever becasue the streets were jammed with partiers. We ended up having dinner at a niceish place on the beach called mable's Table before returning to our hotel.

The next day we got up early. Yes, we actually got everyone up and out by 10. That's pretty early for us. We went to Kakum National park for a morning of hiking and walking across the Canopy rope bridges. Everyone did great despite a few fears. After lunch at Han's Cottage, with the crocodile, we went to town and met up with Kojo who happened to be there with a dance group he teaches with. We were invited to watch the group perform for a small group of American tourists at the university. It was really fun. Lots of the young dancers and drummers were so good. They made us all get up and dance at the end. Not sure if what I did was really dancing, but it was fun!

The next morning we got up and out even earlier and went to the Cape Coast Castle, another slave castle. That was much better. No crowds and a really good tour guide meant for a more meaningful experience. It is really pretty overwhelming to realize how many people these dungeons held and how they were treated. The museum there also had a lot of interesting information too.

After that it was back home on the bus to Accra. Last night I had no AC which made for a sticky evening. Hopefully today it will be back. The fan seemed to run extra slow too and the lights were dim. Maybe a brown out?

It looks like we're off to the beach and then to Nima soon, so I will say good bye for now.

Happy 4th.
Erik

Road Trip

2008-07-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

The past few days have flown by- especially since we have been away from our 'home' in Alajo for the past 3 days. We took a 3 hour bus ride to Cape Coast and Elmina, where the pace is much slower than in Accra and you are surrounded by lush plantlife and beaches. We have not seen the Nima kids in 3 days, so we all can't wait to see them in class this afternoon!

Cape Coast Castle, slave castle built by the Portuguese in the 15th century

Cape Coast fishing boats

Hiking in Kakum National Park in Cape Coast

Jontonnette showing her excitement about crossing 5 canopy bridges, suspended 40 meters above ground

Jamie crossing the first canopy bridge

Karen shooting from inside the tro-tro

Jontonnette & Marcio at the beach

My favorite meal so far: grilled tilapia and peppe at Okesan Beach.

FX group and Nima students' field trip to Tewala Beach

Marcio getting dunked by Yaw, Oliver, and Abu.

CAPE COAST/THE MOTEL/NATURE WALK

2008-07-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

CAPE COAST WAS SO NICE!! I LOVED GETTING TO KNOW ONE OF GHANA'S HISTORIC AREAS AND A TOURISTIC SPOT!! I FEEL THAT I LEARNED A LOT... AS I WAS IN THE DUNGEONS, I COULD FEEL THE SADNESS OF THE PLACE, LIKE AS IF THE EMOTIONS OF THE PEOPLE STILL REMAINES THERE AFTER SO LONG... I KNOW THAT THE CASTLE WILL DEFINENTLY BE SOMETHING THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER FROM OUR TRIP.
THE MOTEL WAS A FUNNY EXPERIENCE!! ALL OF US GIRLS ENDED UP SLEEPING IN THE SAME ROOM. JONTONNETTE AND BETHANY JOINED US, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE QUIETNESS OF THE HALLWAYS WAS SCARING US!! WE DEFINENTLY MADE SURE ALL OUR DOORS AND WINDOWS WERE SECURELY CLOSED AND LOCKED. HAHA... THE PILLOWS WERE DEFINITLY FUNKY!!!
GETTING TO GO TO THE PARK WAS EXCITING!! I HAD NOT TAKEN A LONG WALK LIKE THAT SINCE THE FIFTH GRADE!! I SAW ALOT OF INTERESTING TREES, PLANTS AND BUGS!! THE ONLY PART THAT KILLED IT FOR ME WAS THAT I KEPT SLIPPING BECAUSE IT WAS SOMEWHAT MUDDY AND MY SANDALS HAVE NO SUPPORT!! HAHAHA DEFINITLY NOT CLUMSY THOUGH!!
OH YEAH, DOD I MENTION I TOUCHED A CROCADILE AT THE RESTAURANT WE WENT TO FOR LUNCH??? I LOVED FEELING THE SCALES ON THIS BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL!! NOW I CAN SAY I TOUCHED A DANGEROUS CREATURE!! I LOVED THE EXPERIENCE!!! THESE FEW DAYS AT CAPE COAST WERE THE BEST!!!

PICTURES FROM CAPE COAST

2008-07-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

me and isaac of the trinity dance theatre.
a cute baby goat.!
statue at the crocodile botel.
steps slaves walked up and down at cape coast castle.
the fishing community and the very spot where
slaves were shipped off.

an old cannon the portugese used to protect the slave

castle from being invaded.

cute little boy that lived by the slave castle.

scary looking boys dressed up for the festival at

elmina asking for money.

the plaque from elmina slave castle.
a view of the castle through the governer's porch.
one of SEVEN narrow, rickety bridges we crossed at kakum park.
YES, I'M TOUCHING A CROCODILE. VERY SCARY MOMENT.

long lost post

2008-07-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I have been busy writing at home on my laptop and have been trying to copy it into the blog with no luck. Even Vivian, our resident blog expert, hasn't been able to figure it out. My luck! Anyway, I wanted to at least let you all know that I am still here and have been a bit sick, but on the mend. I got a cold and fever for a couple of days mostly due to lack of sleep and I'm sure a bit of the pollution here. On top of that, last week I had to go out walking late at night and my feet and ankles got bitten by ants ( I assume they were ants) and I look like I have leprosy now. Check out the picture!

Aside from the ailments things are going fine here overall. We have had fairly regular power outages and that means no A/C, fans, refrigeration or even water pressure. For some reason the A/C in my room seems to stay on when everything else goes off. I can't complain.

Hopefully at some point I will figure out how to get my original posts on line for you all as I do not have time to rewrite everything right now.

What I do want to say is that we have been really enjoying our time in Nima with the kids there and our trip to the beach the other day was really fun, even though it was one of the dirtiest beaches I have ever seen. That didn't stop the kids from having fun and swimming. Lots of smiles all the way around.

Today we go to Cape Coast and none of us may have internet access for a couple days so please don't be surprised by our brief silence online. It will be nice to get away from Accra. It is so noisy and crowded and dirty here that a visit to a smaller city will be nice. There is noise everywhere all the time. On the trotro music blasts constantly, on the streets there is music or public announcements, wherever you are there is noise and sometimes it is nice to retreat into the quiet room at home here.

Time to run back to the house and get ready to leave. We'll see you all soon.

Erik

Long Day

2008-06-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today we ran sooo many errands (well at least it felt like it). I don't know about everyone else, but I am POOPED! It's ALL BECAUSE OF the heat---the pollution---the crowdedness---the noise---I AM extremely tired!!! What a looong day---WHOOOO(wiping the sweat off my face)! When we have days like this, it makes me want to go home to Joanna's cookin and then upstairs to my room where the AC is blasting at 16 degrees! At times I want to just sprawl on my bed and take a nap. I've only had that opportunity ONCE! Jamie and Erik have so many errands in a day it's almost impossible to shut my eyes for a second! Haha...naw we get plenty of leisure time. I love it! You know what's really getting to me though??? The guys (as a matter of fact, one of the guys here at the internet cafe keeps staring at me)! SOOO annoying!!! But the guy who runs the place, Emmanuel, yeah he's great---he was born here in Ghana but his permanent home is in Virginia U.S.A. I like meeting Ghanaians who have been to America because I love to hear their stories and what they like/dislike about us haha. Speaking of Americans...I was taking a walk with Naomi and Vivian and one of the locals shouted out, "AAY! ARE YOU FROM JAMAICA?" I was like, "Okay, I'm caramel---I definitely can't pass as a Jamaican...Vivian's vanilla...and Naomi---well she can pass haha. But Jamaica though???" We told him we were from America and he was like, "Oh! Good good (stretch the 'ooo'). But that's exactly what I LOVE about the Ghanaian people. They are opened-minded, but they know what to say and when to say it. Manners here are taken very seriously. So if a Ghanaian says, "Etisen(how are you)?" you must respond with a "very fine" or a simple "I'm well thank you". I just love talking to the people because that's just how I am. When I'm feeling low or missing my family, I look at the people and that injects that warmness only family can give you. When James or Richmond(our substitute driver if James isn't available) drive us around town, I stare out the window and smile at everyone I make eye contact with. That makes my day so much more complete---putting that simple touch into a person's life. When we arrived at Nima to meet with the students( who didn't show up on time by the way---class was suppose to start at 5, but it didn't start until after 5:30), the other children who attend at other schools around the area spotted our tro-tro---man I almost cried because they had this spark---they were so happy that we came. When Richmond pulled over to park(he was our driver for the day), the kids crowded around, opened our door and started to scream and shout. THEY WERE VERY EXCITED HAHA. Many of the girls there know us and I made friends with them. When I was making my out of the tro tro, I heard one of the girls tell her friend, "Make way for Madame Beauty!" Altogether, about 6 girls pulled me down and literally jumped on me for a hug! WHAT LOVE!!! I FELT SO SPECIAL!!! When we left it just broke me to pieces...when we finally got home, I went straight to my room (you know it!) I just sat down for a few minutes and started contemplating about my future. For a second, I thought, "Where am I gonna end up 5---10 years from now?" You know you just have those random thoughts...but then I thought, "Man...where will the children end up?" That thought just made me want to stay longer! But I miss home, don't get me wrong haha. It's just I can't imagine how the children will react once we leave.

THE SEWERS!!!

2008-06-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

OKAYYYY...... WELL TODAY I FELL INTO MY FIRST SEWER! I WAS IN NIMA TRYING TO TAKE PICS OF THE KIDS THAT WERE PLAYING OUTSIDE. IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE THEIR EXCITMENT WHEN THEY SAW US PULL UP INTO THE SCHOOL! AS SOON AS I GOT OUT OF THE VAN, THEY ALL HUGGED ME AND GAVE ME HUGE SMILES! I WAS TRYING TO TAKE A FEW STEPS BACK BECAUSE SOME OF THE FIRST PICTURES I HAD TAKEN OF THESE KIDS CAME OUT TOO CLOSE TO THEIR FACES, SO I WAS TAKING STEPS BACK, WHEN THE KIDS GOT TOO CLOSE, AT THAT MOMENT I FELT MY FOOT FALL INTO AIR! NOTHING SOLID TOUCHED MY FOOT. THE MOST EMBARASSING PART WAS THAT THERE WERE QUITE A FEW PEOPLE WATCHING ME. MOST OF THE PEOPLE MADE A SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE "OOH!" BUT THE KIDS WERE SO NICE THEY MADE SURE I WAS OKAY. LUCKY FOR ME, THE SEWER WAS DRY! MY THIOUGHT AT THAT MOMENT WEAS THAT I AM SO LUCKY THAT I DID NOT FALL INTO A BIG MESS, OTHERWISE I REALLY WOULD HAVE STARTED CRYING! I JUST THOUGHT ALL YOU PEOPLE NEEDED TO KNOW THAT I WAS THE FIRST ONE FROM THE STUDENTS TO FALL NITO A SEWER, LUCKILLY DRY... =)
OH YEAH, AND JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, I FEEL THAT MY LESSON WENT PRETTY GOO EVEN IF IT WAS A LAST MINUTE CHANGE!!! THANKS ERIK!!!

Yaya

2008-06-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

hello,

Yesterday was such a great day. We went to the beach with the kids and we had so much fun. I am so in love with one of the kids in the class, his name is Yaya(BIGDADDY). He has a smile that is so innocent. He kinda reminds me of my nephew when i think about it . We sat by each other on our way to the beach. When we got there he took off his pants,his shirt.and went swimming in his spider man boxers,he looked soo cute. Yaya is like my strength here. sometimes I feel like I cant handle being here, but when I see him smile at me I gain this abstract strength. His smile is like medicine to my soul. I hate to think about when I have to leave him. He has taught me a lot since I've been here. He smiles in the mist of his poverty, he's a leader amongst his peers even though they might be older than him , and he loves photography. With his passion, determination ,and obedience. Yaya will go very Farr in life.

blog catch-up: the market, junior art club and the beach

2008-06-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

the market: art center
wow, what a cool place. the art center is a huge market where you can do one-stop shopping for anything and everything. jamie thought it would be a great place to take us for buying souvenirs
and things. all the people were really friendly and helpful when it came to finding what i needed. i
found everything plus more there--literally. even a husband...haha, yea right. one of the boys who
was helping me, asked my name. now one thing i learned if not anything is to not give my real 1st
name because they will be calling for you when they see you. so i use my middle name iesha and
that's a common name around so i don't have to respond since there are plenty of iesha's around.
so anyway, i told him my name was iesha and he dramatically fell to the floor and made this face
that cracked me up. i asked him why he was acting like that and he said he dreamt he'd marry an
iesha and i was "the one." hahahahahaha, PUHHH-LEEEASE. after that, he just wouldn't leave.!
he followed me around the whole time. in this case, i made the one exception to tell him that that
wasn't my real name but he didn't even wanna hear it after that.

besides felix, i met tons of other cool, nice people and having the name iesha played as an advantage and they gave me deals they weren't giving anyone else. i bought a neck bag &
two shirts from a guy named abraham--the two shirts cost me 10 cedis and the neck bag was
only 6 cedis--compared to 30 cedis for the two shirst and 15 for the neck bag. how'd i get that
kinda deal.? his daughter's name was iesha so he said he'd charge me cheap.! i also bought
some really cute bracelets and a keychain for under 12 cedis. i went broke for the day but also
got my money's worth. they have so many cool things and it's so much cheaper than back home
and all this stuff is handmade and one-of-a-kind, which i love.

junior art club
awww, what's not to love about these kids. they were so welcoming when we came and i just had so much fun playing games, learning new words to say in twe, hausa, ga and ewe, and just hangn
out. i taught the girls some games i used to play back in elementary in exchange for a new game
for them to teach me. we also played a game that was similar to duck duck goose so we went ahead and taught them that too.

TIGO TIGO FREE NIGHT CALL

tigo tigo free night call

areeba transfer

ontouch call me back

kasapa tigo go go tigo go

tigo tigo free night call
areeba transfer
ontouch call me back
kasapa tigo go go tigo go

*this is a hand-game based on the different cell phone companies or cell phone card companies

MY GRANDMOTHER ON MY WAIST...

she don't know how to salute

the time is on six o'clock

we are ready to brush our teeth

we are ready to comb out hair

we are ready to go to school,

school, school school girls

*this game is similar to miss mary mac; very fun

in exchange, i taught the girls slide, big mac fillet-o fish and lemonade. i loved the girls--they were a lot of fun and very energetic. the boys were just the cutest.! some of my favorites out the students were dorinda, gloria, deborah, fati, victoria, eric, mohammed, and abraham. there were two boys just hanging around that were adorable named paul and STANLEY. oh that little boy is CUTE.! don't get me wrong though, none of them take the place of my heart AJARA. NEVER. :)

the beach: tawala beach

we took all the kids, piled into two tro-tros and headed to the beach. it was nice and everyone had so much fun but it doesn't beat Labadi Beach. it was still fun playing in the water, watching the boys dump each other in the ocean (they even got Marcio), and just relaxing. yahaya was so funny looking in his little spiderman boxers just running down the way and throwing himself in the water. all the other boys like yao and steven would roll their bodies in sand then swim and rinse themselves off. seeing them play and get all wet reminded me of myself as a little kid--i don't know how they did it. some of them were in JEANS.! they knew we were going to the beach and yet, some of them still dressed like they were going out to run errands or something. i tried to ask some of them if they wanted to changed but they didn't want to and when we got to the beach almost all of them got into the water. i was wearing swim trunks and a plain t-shirt and i was only wetting my feet.! i had so much fun with the kids and it was great to get to hang out outside of class.

KELVINS KIDS/ THE BEACH!!

2008-06-30T04:31:00.000-07:00

HEY PPL!!! WHERE TO BEGIN???
GETTING TO KNOW KELVINS STUDENTS WAS THE BEST! THEY WERE SO NICE AND FRIENDLY!! SOME OF THE GIRLS WERE TEACHING ME HOW TO PLAY HAND GAMES AND A POPULAR GAME KIDS PLAY OUT HERE CALLED "AMPE" ALOT OF THEIR GAMES ARE SIMILAR TO THE ONES I REMEMBER PLAYING WHEN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. THEY TOOK ME BACK TO SO MANY MEMORIES!! IT WAS FUNNY HOW THE KIDS APPROACHED ME AND TOLD ME "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL" AND ASKED IF MY NAME WAS "MARIA CLARA" AND IF I WAS FROM VENEZUELA. I TOOK SO MANY PICTURES WITH THEM, I WAS TIRED BY THE TIME WE SAD GOOD BYE TO THEM.
YESTERDAY WAS ALSA FUN DAY! WE WENT TO THE BEACH WITH THE KIDS! IT WAS GREAT SEEING THEM SPLASH IN THE WATER, JUST HAVING FUN. NOT ONLY WAS IT FUN BECAUSE OF THEM, BUT BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH TO PHOTOGRAPH! I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT.

More flicks! More FUN!

2008-06-30T04:16:00.000-07:00

Stephen Manteh, age 16

Jemila Iddi, age 7

Nuru Karim, age 15

Yaw Asiamah, age 15

Mastura Razak, age 8

Francois Ayiefey, age 12

Learning to Pioneer It

My mom's favorite line is: "Just pioneer it!"

And I have been...absolutely.

On June 28th, at approximately 11:00 pm, we had a power outage. Yes, we had a

P-O-W-E-R O-U-T-A-G-E!!!

"NOOOOOOO!!!" we all cried out.

I could hear the thunder...the rain falling hard...and then there was a loud

BOOM!

A loud ROOOOOOAR!!! My poor friends in Nima! Haha- what am I saying? I know for a fact they can deal with no electricity because they live without it almost everyday. As for me, the only problem I had was coping with NO AIR CONDITIONING!!! Sad...sad...very sad

So that same night the power went out, we stayed up watching movies on the laptops. HAHA NAOMI AND KAREN GOT BIT UP GOOD BY THE MOSQUITOS. HAHAHAHA...I guess someone forgot to close the window...tsk...tsk...

OPEN WINDOW= ANNOYING MOSQUITO(S)= BUZZIN ALL UP IN YOUR EAR=

NO SLEEP!!!

All I know is this- I can go home and tell my mom that I actually pioneered it!!! haha.

Kindess and Humility

I attended worship services with Naomi and Karen. Check this out---we rode out to the city by ourselves for the first time---in a cab!!! Yes!!! Day by day we are learning how to get around.

The lesson on Sunday covered the issue of kindness. What a good topic to instill in us. I learned that kindess attracts. And it does. Just look at all our pictures and the many friends that we created bonds with. The power of kindness goes a long way.

"Kindness giving is kindness received."

So true.

FUN AT TAWALA BEACH

Despite all the garbage and pollution around, the beach still had potential (beauty-ful). We arrived to pick up the children at Nima around 2:30 in the afternoon. They all came running towards the tro-tros (type of mini bus) filled with excitement. Did we have fun, or did we have FUN!!! Every chance, every opportunity with the love's---I'm all for it. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that I will cherish these happy moments. I won't forget them ever.

Highlight of my day: Watching the look on every child's face- Mastura laughed and warmed up to us! After seeing her smile, I knew everyone was having a FABULOUS TIME!

At the Beach

2008-06-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

We spend the day at the beach with the kids and it was so much fun, except for the part when they threw me in the water and I was soaking wet. I got them back at the end but I did end up with a few scratches and cuts. The beach was really dirty and was filled with garbage, but just the thought of the kids having fun, getting all wet, and making the best out of it made it all better for me to forget about the garbage. I know Abu had fun at the beach because at the end of the day, he came out of the water wet, sand in every pocket, and he had the biggest smile on his face. But I am never going to pick up Abu again because everytime I do, more and more kids jump on me and it turns out to be a work out. It's so much fun and I can't wait to do my second lesson plan today.

MORE PICTURES and MY DAY

2008-06-28T06:04:00.001-07:00

me and stanley. isn't he adorable.!
me and my man
me and mohammed. handsome boy.!

me, felix and beth
beauties
cute girls.
GROUP PIC WITH MY GIRLS

THE BOYS.!

New friends.

2008-06-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

Michael and Me.

Naomi, Michael, Me

CHEESE!!!

Hannan my sweetheart!!! He melts my heart everytime.

I got up pretty early this morning because I was excited to go to the internet cafe. We try to make it a habit of posting blogs everyday, but sometimes it's difficult to squeeze that into such a tight schedule. After about 1hr 1/2 at the cafe, our driver James FINALLY arrived to pick us up (he always runds on Ghanaian time). Our first destination- the post office. After mailing out letters and purchasing a few calling cards we went out for lunch at Sunshine Salad Bar. My stomach was having major issues (aka diarrhea). Marcio gave me 3 anti-diarrhea pills so the next time I GOTTA GO, I'll take one. So for lunch, I decided to stick with fries(in Ghana they call french fries "chips"). That should trigger something...haha.

Crazy shopping day at the market!!!

I don't know if I want to go back...everyone wants you to buy from them. If we shove hard they just pull harder! On top of that, it was just a busy and hot day. I made new friends, Mama Unice(she calls me "the daughter from my stomach"), Felix Quaye (he is in love with Naomi), Abraham Sarpong (funnny!!!), Bismark (what a joker), and Michael (the boy who wants to be "best friend"). It was fun talking with all of them, so I just might be back for some last minute things.

Fun with Kelvin's Students

Kelvin is a long time friend of Jamie, so we visited with his students. They tought us some of their traditional games and songs. When it was our turn to teach them, they went crazy!!! Everyone wanted to participate in Duck-duck-duck goose!!! I think I was having just as much fun because it brought back memories from my elementary school days. The kids were great and they treated us like celebrities almost because they wanted our signatures as a keepsake. After a while I got so tired because I didn't have energy left- but the kids kept going and going!!! I played with a few of the girls and they tought me a game called, "My Grandmother". The words go like this:

My Grandmother on my waste.

She don't know how to salute.

The time si now six o'clock.

We are ready to brush our teeth.

We are ready to comb our hair.

We are ready to go to school,school, school, school

Etisen! ('How are you' in Twi)

2008-06-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

It's been 9 full days here in Ghana, but it feels as though we have been here for months. As you can see from the previous posts, we have trekked all over Accra in the short time we've been here. Our days are spent in various parts of town- at the beach, the Dubois Museum, etc., and we usually head into Nima in the late afternoon to meet the Ghanaian students for photo class. The heat and humidity are not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but that could just be because I grew up in Houston, TX. Despite the relative discomfort, everyone in the group has been doing so well with all of the walking, pollution, heat, and intermittent A/C. As Jontonnette said at dinner one night, the kids in Nima are her medicine, and she instantly feels better when she sees them.

Other highlights for me have been the Ghana vs. Gabon World Cup qualifying match, the reggae concert at Alliance Francaise, and mostly the time we've spent just sitting outside the students' homes dancing and talking with them and their parents. Our first meeting with the students and their families was truly unforgettable. Everyone was so warm and open, and I felt so grateful to be able to share in this experience based on the goodwill that Jamie has aleady established here.

One of the scariest moments for me on this trip occurred on Monday morning when I woke up to Erik pounding on my door. I am a very deep sleeper, so apparently his knocking had escalated to pounding by the time I woke up. All I heard was that my sister (and roommate) was on the phone and my mind began racing- thinking that something must be terribly wrong at home. Everything is fine now, but she was calling to let me know that San Bruno Mountain was on fire, and since we live in Brisbane, she could actually see the flames from our balcony. Evacuations in Brisbane were beginning, so she was calling to ask me what I wanted her to take with her in case she would need to evacuate as well. While the trip has been equal parts amazing and challenging, it has given me so many opportunities to remember what really matters.. good health, friends, and family. Hope you enjoy the photos.. more to come!

L-R: Marcio, Naomi, Karen, Vivian (back row), Jontonnette, Bethany, Jamie (back row) and James, our tro-tro driver/ personal DJ.

Gathering on the porch of one of our photo students' home in Nima.

Jontonnette, Karen, and Bethany with some of our students outside St. Kizito, the school in Nima where we meet for class.

Naomi teaching the first class and presenting a color wheel.

Erik helping Yaw (15 yrs. old) with his camera before heading out into the neighborhood to shoot.

L-R: Mastura and Yahaya at Jamie's birthday/ dance party.

Abdia, Ajara, Bethany, and Mastura walking through the streets of Nima after class for a photo assignment.

Many neighborhood children who want to join the class gather outside the classroom and watch through the wall openings.

L-R: Jontonnette, Vivian, Karen, Jamie, Bethany, and Naomi - girls' day out at Labadi Beach.

Jontonnette taught everyone how to do sign language before leading her photo class on using the camera to capture unique perspectives.

MORE PICTURES;;the wonderful kids

2008-06-27T03:56:00.001-07:00

my little princes;; YAHAYA and ALIWU
my boys;; YAO, NURU and STEPHEN
the boys messing around, wrestling
the coolestcool RICHARD, KOJO and MORGAN
me, ABU hugging me, and some local boys. aren't
they cute.!?

CUTE LITTLE BOYS FROM AROUND NIMA
FEDAWUS listening to 2face, a famous African artist
adorable JAMILA acting silly with mine and Karen's

sunglasses.

i just love love love these kids as you know. i had
a relapse fever but i just couldn't miss out on NIMA
because that's the one place here where i forget
about everything and all my energy is in the kids
as well as my happiness. as soon as we reached the
school, i started to feel better and by the time class
was over, my fever went way down.

Nima Children

2008-06-27T03:40:00.001-07:00

Boys...

This girl wants to be in the class so bad

Olivia(left), age 12, and Florence, age 15, are hard at work

Fedawus, age 11 concentrating to get her work done on time

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA! I had a blast teaching the class that day.

Ose Kan Photos

2008-06-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

The Blue Chair

Crystal Clear

Beautiful

2008-06-27T03:12:00.000-07:00

SO FAR, THIS WEEK HAS BEEN FUN!! WE HAD A GIRLS DAY OUT AT THE BEACH, THE BOYS STAYES BEHIND. I LOVED BEING ABLE TO BREATH THE OCEAN BREEZE AND DIPPING MY HANDS AND FEET INTO THE WATER. I WAS ALSO VERY EXCITED BECAUSE I GOT ON A HORSE FOR THE FIRST TIME! THE GUY THAT LET ME GET ON HIS HORSE GAVE ME SOMEWHAT LESSONS. WE THEN HEADED TO NIMA TO BE WITH THE KIDS. I AM LOOKING FOWARD TO TEACHING MY CLASS, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A SLGHT CHANGE OF PLAN! I FEEL THAT THIS NEW LESSON WILL BE MUCH BETTER AND EASIER FOR THE KIDS TO UNDERSTAND!

IM BAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

I'm back
Hi readers. I'm back and feeling better than ever except for one little part of my day. Today was like one of the best days of my life. The ladies went to the beach and we enjoyed ourselves. The temperature was just right, and I met me a new friend. He's a little younger than my prince charming. After the beach we headed towards Nima . This is where my day began to get really exciting.
Before entering into Nima I got some very disturbing news, which made me cried. I wasn't for sure if I was going to be able to present my lesson today, because of how I was feeling. Once I walked through the drive way I seen Yaya smile at me. At that moment all of the hurt I was felling in the inside disappeared. His smile gave me the energy to teach my lesson. The first part of class I taught the children the ABC's in American Sign Language. They where so excited to learn ALS. They helped each other with the signs, and they gave me no problems. The second part of class I told them when were out taking picture they are not allowed to look through the view finder. It was fun to see them use their creative side . My prince charming is Kojo. for Siamack LOL HERES MY REAL PRINCE CHARMING

THE MAN WHO MADE MY DREAMS COME TRUE

Kids in Nima

2008-06-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Kids in Nima are so cool and funny! My favorite is Abu, he is a 9yrs old and he is great. I gave him my lead pencil and he started to wrrite everywhere in my notebook! The other kids are great too. They all have a special talent and they are all cute. They always want us to take there picture. I already taught my class about self-portiats, and I had a team which I was to take care of, and everytime I tok a picture of something, they did the exact same thing. Here is some picture of some kids and me in class, but they aren't student, they just wanted their picture taken.

Lovin' it.

2008-06-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2008

La Badi Beach
We all had a late start in the morning, so we decided to kick it at the beach for lunch (just the gals-Erik and Marcio missed out!). When we finally arrived, Jamie got mad at one of the workers there (she's been to La Badi Beach before and got in for free). But this time the guy decided he wanted to charge us 1 cedi($1) each! It wasn't a big deal but whatever. My only concern was getting close to the water for some wind- it was SOOO HOT THERE!!! The sand was burning my feet at first but I got used to it. All I know is that I wanted to find some shade and wet my feet. But as soon as we got settled, I spotted a local with a horse!!! "A HORSE! GUYS LOOK! LET'S RIDE HIM!" I was so juiced, I dropped my bag, grabbed my camera, and ran towards the guy. He laughed because I had this big urge to get on NOOOOW!

He got the saddle ready and I asked him, "Do I have to pay?" He said, "Yes sistah, I give ride to you fo five cedis($5)."

"REALLY??? I CAN RIDE ALONG THE WATER ALL THE WAY DOWN AND BACK?"

"Of course sista, I will guide him and you can go whereva you like."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW YEAAAH!!!" [I'm such a kid.]

The ride went fairly smooth, but the bouncing and wobbling- uhuh I was NOT HAVING IT. My horse's name(yes he's mine) is Victory. He's a racer and it took a lot of hard work to train him. The guy owned him and told me that he's been in love with horses since he was 7(and I'm guessing he's at least in his late 30's now). WOW HE MUST REALLY LOVE HORSES. I was so mad when the ride was over but I was not about to pay extra for another ride. I don't love horses that much.
The girls and I just kicked back and soaked up some sun, and had lunch of course(I had grilled chicken cabobs with onions and fries---BOMB!) I was getting annoyed by all the flies though---I wish someone could invent a machine that would just burn them in mid air haha that would be the day. I loved the beach though because it gave us some time to relax and set our minds on positive things. I got to meet a group of kids from the orphanage in Accra. They were so much fun and they were happy that I wanted to take pictures of them. Oh yeah this one guy was wind surfing and he went out sooo far and them after a while I couldn't see him anymore. Hmmm wonder what happened…a shark got him I know it. Hahahahahahahahaha hope not. After we left the beach, we went to the bank and then made our way to meet our students in Nima.

Happiness
When I'm with the children, they give me joy. People that have been a part of my life have touched me too, but the children just give off a different feeling all their own. I never knew I could feel like this. They give me hope because if they can be happy with what little they have and STILL look towards a brighter future, I should be able to do the same. I don't have time to complain about using the bathroom at an outhouse or about the food not looking so good, or how bad the air smells. This is how they live everyday, and yet, they manage to survive.
When we met the children today, Jontonette taught the class the alphabet in sign language. The children participated in the activity and caught on FAST. They are so eager to learn and never turn that chance down. I was just talking with my group and I can't believe we've already made it through a whole week here. That means only 14 more days left with the children!!! I don't even want to think about leaving the them. I wouldn't care if I had to bring them all home with me. I will miss them all sooooo much. It's going to feel like losing a brother or sister 1,000 times and more. Because out here that's who we are- we are FAMILY.

GOD'S BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS;;the kids

2008-06-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

L-R: AJARA;;my heart, JAMILA;;my favorite

and MINA;;little miss attitude.

U-D: ABU and YAHAYA;; two of my prince-charmings

RIGHT: YAO;;my ultimate favorite

me and AJARA;;my heart. i love her so much.
YAHAYA;;one of my little princes
L-R: marcio, ABU and ALIWU;;two of three

princes. i love them.! they light up my day.!?

JAMILA;;ajara's junior (younger) sister.
AMDIA;;one of my princesses. isn't she BEAUTIFUL.!?

these are only some of the students. i love them with an ultimate passion. i cried today when i started thinking about the day we'd have to leave them. that's going to be a hard day. i've just met these kids and we've already touched each others lives--a beautiful feeling. not only have they extended their love and warmth to us, so have their families. i forget about everything when i'm with the kids, it's crazy. i was running a fever yesterday and when i reached NIMA and met up with the kids, i felt better for those few hours. i'll just briefly tell you a little bit about some of them to give you an idea of who they are. AJARA--words cannot describe my love for her. the first day we met up with the students, she approached me and ask me if i was Chinese because of my eyes. i laughed and laughed and told her i wasn't. we introduced ourselves and suddenly she rushed in and gave me a BIG hug. after that, i could never stop smiling and she was with me all the time. YAHAYA--what a cute, sweet, heart-warming child.every time i'd glance at him, he'd give me this smile that reached from ear to ear and he just brightens up the room. ABU and ALIWU--they're always together so i have to talk about them both. my little PRINCES.! they never used to hug people but when i come, they rush in and give me a GIGANTOID hug. we always say to each other "kenerekyao" which means you're cute or handsome or beautiful. every time i say it, they give off this contagious laugh and it just keeps you smiling. I JUST LOVE THESE KIDS--i can't say that enough. i hope you feel a taste of what i and everyone else feels when you see their pictures and read this.

More pictures!

2008-06-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

our dance/drum teachers from left to rigt: Richard, Kojo, and Morgan

Richard, Kojo, and Dijorn

me and the cuties!

crazy kids with the pregnant boy haha

Moving on to bigger and better things...

2008-06-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was pretty chill---JUST HOT. But chill. I went to the grocery store for the first time. It reminded me of my job at Raley's Supermarket. When Erik paid for the groceries, he was concerned about being overcharged for the yogurt, so I offered to do a price check. I miss bagging and all that other good stuff...

Drum lessons were so much fun. Morgan, Richard, and Kojo were at the house waiting. It was difficult at times to keep the rhythm, especially when the combinations got more complicated. Haha. I left during the middle and fell asleep...

THE ANGRY POLICE OFFICER
TELL ME WHY I ALMOST GOT TAKEN AWAY BY A POLICE OFFICER?!?! YES!!! WE WERE OUT HEADED TO LUNCH. I ONLY HAD ONE MORE SHOT LEFT ON MY ROLL SO I DECIDED TO TAKE A RANDOM PICTURE. MY SISTER JUST GOT HER HAIR BRAIDED SO I WANTED TO TAKE A PIC OF HER. SOOO STUPID OF ME!!! I DIDN'T LOOK AROUND TO SEE IF IT WAS SAFE TO TAKE A PICTURE, AND I HAPPENED TO BE POINTING IN THE DIRECTION OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS. IN GHANA, THEY WILL ARREST YOU FOR TAKING ANY PICTURES OF POLICE STATIONS, MILITARY BASES, AND OTHER IMPORTANT AND GOVERNMENT RELATED PLACES. ONE OF THE OFFICERS TOLD THE CAB DRIVER TO STOP. THE GROUP WAS IN TWO SEPARATE CARS. I WAS WITH NAOMI, ERIK, AND JAMIE. HE CAME UP AND POINTED RIGHT AT ME AND TOLD ME TO GET OUT. I TOLD THE DRIVER, "YOU NEED TO TELL HIM THAT I WASN'T TAKING A PICTURE OF HIM." WHEN THE CAB DRIVER TRIED TO EXPLAIN, THE OFFICER JUST SHOOK HIS HEAD AND GESTURED FOR HIM TO MAKE A U-TURN AND PULL OVER. THE CAB DRIVER KEPT TRYING TO TELL HIM, BUT HE WASN'T HAVING IT. THEY YELLED AT EACH OTHER FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, UNTIL OUR LIGHT TURNED GREEN. THE POLICE OFFICER SAID SOMETHING IN GHANAIAN AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE DRIVER SPED OFF...I DON'T REALLY KNOW IF HE WAS RUNNING AWAY FROM THE POLICE OR IF THEY LET US GO. GHANAIANS DON'T PLAY- THEY ARE VERY SERIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO THINGS LIKE THAT. MAN...I GOT SOOOOOO LUCKY. JAMIE ALREADY EXPERIENCED GETTING HER CAMERA TAKEN AWAY AND BEING DRAGGED TO THE JAIL WHERE SHE ALMOST GOT ARRESTED. NEXT TIME I'LL BE A LOT MORE CAREFUL!!!

PHOTO CATCH-UP;; more to come.

2008-06-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

our first group pic at JFK in New York.
plane food on delta airlines on the way to Ghana.plane photo: karen, me, beth
my first meal in Ghana at Sunshine Salad Bar.
a beautiful little girl walking down the street. love the kids.

The Best Birthday Ever

2008-06-24T15:23:00.002-07:00

My birthday was this past Sunday and it was such an amazing experience. It started with a small party in Nima. We had drinks and music and lots of dancing. Firdaus started it out with her amazing dance skills and slowly the crowed warmed up and started to jump in. When the FX students got up to show off their dance skills the crowd went wild. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the good vibes. We started class an hour late because the party was so fun. I honestly could have stayed at the party hours longer. It was the best birthday party I've ever had!

The class that day was lead by Naomi. She had a rocky stat due to a loud graduation outside but she pushed through and kept the class on track. I give her lots of credit for being the first one to experience teaching in a cross-cultural experience. I personally know how challenging it can be. Regardless of the obstacles the kids understood what she was teaching and the 2 groups had another great interaction.

After the class we went to the big stadium to see Ghana play Gabon in a soccer match. In my 4 trips to Ghana this was the first time I went to the stadium. It was so fun! I was honestly a little scared when we pulled up because there was a sea of cars and people. Will it be sold out? Will we be able to sit together? Will we lose each other? It was fine. We had amazing seats in the 4th row. The energy level was incredible. When Ghana scored or made a good play the stadium erupted with joy. Kids were doing cartwheels on the cement walkway infront of our seats. Vendors were walking through the stands selling drinks and snacks but in true African form they were carrying everything on their head.

BIG thanks to the FX crew for being a part of the best birthday ever. I'll never forget it!

-Jamie

Paitience is a virtue

2008-06-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is a reality for traveling anywhere, but here in Ghana it seems to be a necessity. Not in a bad way, but in a way that makes you need to slow down and deal with life as it comes at you. The heat and humidity have been pretty intense here and has definitely gotten to some or all of our group, but the overall spirit is to persevere and move on and do what we came here to do which is to work with the kids from the Ghana Youth Photo Project.

I don't want to say too much, because the students have been saying a lot and I think at this point it's their words that matter. I will add more of mine soon, but for now I just want to say that I have never felt so welcomed as i did the day we arrived in Nima. Not only did the students welcome us into their class, but their families, and I mean families, all welcomed us into their houses and lives. This is in no small part to the relationships and good will that Jamie has built up here. There is no other way ANY of this trip could have happened without everything she created. Never could someone, especially non-Ghanaians, just walk into Nima and be able to feel as warmly greeted as we did. That first visit to Nima was perhaps one of the most amazing moments of my life. The shear joy that was felt in Nima that day was unsurpassed, except maybe by the next day when we had a party for Jamie's birthday and it became a mad dance party with music and sodas and tons of smiles.

I want to get back to the word patience. The word came to my mind for many reasons recently, but when Vivian and I joined the Castro's for their Sunday morning church service the preacher addressed the topic of patience and it just really hit home. I haven't been to a church service in many years, but this one really inspired me for many reasons. One of the things that I think we have all learned here is that a lot of patience is required when traveling in a group like ours. There are many personalities and feelings to be considered when anyone does or says anything and I think that this service reminded me of the importance of patience and how it can help us keep on a more even keel. All this said, I feel that the group of us now here are a really strong group and I feel that the eight of us are experiencing something unlike anything we have experienced before. Now I need to catch up on some much needed sleep! I'll be back soonish...

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS AND FUN ONES

2008-06-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

I HAVE TO SAY THE SEWERS OUT HERE ARE SO EASY TO FALL INTO!! TODAY I HAVE COME CLOSE TO FALLING INTO QUITE A FEW... HERE IN GHANA IT IS SO EASY TO GET DISTRACTED!! LOL IM NOT GOING TO SAY WHAT IS MY DISTRACTION. BUT LUCKILLY I MANAGE TO KEEP MY BALANCE AND JUST LAUGH IT OFF WHEN PEOPLE STARE HAHA!! NOT ONLY THAT, I STEPPED INTO A BIG PUDDLE OF MUDDY WATER AND ALMOST SLIPPED!! TODAY I TRIED THE PIZZA OUT HERE. IT TASTES DIFFERNT THAN THE ONE WE EAT BACK AT HOME BECAUSE THEY DO NOT PUT TOMATO SAUCE IN THEM. IT WAS VERY GOOD!! THEN WE GOT TO SPEND TIME WITH THE KIDS. I ENJOYED SPENDING TIME WITH YAW AND FLORENCE. THEY ARE SO SWEET AND FRIENDLY!! NOT ONLY THAT, THE WAY THEY TAKE THEIR SELF PORTRAITS SHOWS THAT THET ARE VERY CREATIVE WITHIN WHAT IS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. THE WAY THEY WERE PHOTOGRAPHING THEMSELVES AND USING DIFFERENT ANGLES AND POSES REMINDED ME OF SOME OF MY PICTURES.

Pictures!

2008-06-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

REDONkULOS.

2008-06-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

1. why do we always run into RAEGAN.?
2. why have i only been here for a week and have gotten like 6 proposals?
3. why are most of the boys friends?
4. why is give-up and monogamous not in the boys vocabulary?
5. why am i in LOVE with the students and all the children i see, especially ajara?
6. why did we have a fantabulous night--monday night/tuesday morning playing all sorts of fun card games and changing our names to things like shaniqua (jontonette), vanilla swirl (erik), tyrone (kojo), and quiante (morgan)--to name a few and stayed up till 4:30 in the morning?
7. why did we almost get pulled over by a cop because they thought bethany was trying to take a picture of the police station, which is against the law?
8. why are all the people so unconditionally friendly and content when they live in way worse conditions than we do?
9. why am i in LOVE with GHANA?

JUST REDONkULOUS. :)
(re.donk.you.luss-rediculous)

2008-06-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Freedom,Friendship,FamilyLOVE TO ALL. Cause in time of misunderstanding we must get a hold of common ground. So we can go in a direction while looking around.
SANKOFA

Random

2008-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

haha. let me tell you something crazy though!!! In the streets, drivers are mad!!! Man I thought we would be dead by now (naw just kidding)but it can get pretty dangerous just crossing the street. That could be our ticket home- ouch. When we're walking in the dark all you hear is, "AAAAY GET OT OF DEE WAY!!!" hahahahaha. hilarious. The bright headlights hurt my eyes and all the noise from the honking and hollerin...man. But even with all the chaos, everyone seems to work systematically. They keep the flow going which is good. But then some of the drivers try to rip people off---uhuh. not cool. Well I'd rather take a cab anywhere then walk in this unbearable heat. FOR REAL THOUGH.

HEY

2008-06-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, yesterday was jamie brithday and I have to say the was the best brithday party I have ever been to. It was so much fun, I havent had fun like that in a really long time. Inaddition to Jamie's brithday party, we had our first photo class, which was lead by Naiom Castro and she did a great job. There where a lot noise but she held her ground. being with the kids has been amazing, they are so beautiful. They listened to what we have to say and they welcomed us in with open arms. we also went to a football game. I had a chance to sit by my prince charming, besides that ghana won the game , and the crowd went crazy. I dont have too much to say right now. Im not feeling to well but when I get better I will enlighten you on the trip and my thoughts. remember when we get feed back it makes us want to right more. It feels good to know that someone is out there listeining to what you have to say
xoxo STAR

Loving Ghana

2008-06-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

I love it out here, it's so great! The weather isn't as warm as I expected, but it's still pretty hot. I've met the kids in Nima, and they are amazing. It's rally different out here, I'm still trying to adapt to their culture. But the one thing I know I adapted to is the food! It's so good! It always has a spice to it so im happy about thaat. It has only been 5days out of our 3weeks here. I have so many Mosquito bites, they all look swollen and just ugly. i can't wait till we see more of the city, i just don't like walking much, it's good and all but we get so hot and sweatty. We went to the soccer game and Ghana won! Everyone has so much spirit and energy. When they made a goal, everyone got up and danced, and moved around, it was just amazing. I have been talking to a lot of people here and they all seem pretty nice, but they all won't believe that I'm only 15yrs old. I jus have my Nikon camera to grear young photagraphe named Yaw. He didnt have a reaction when I gave it to him but he looked kinda happy. Earlier that day we had a party for Jamie, we played music, dance, and had a great time. I love to be be in the cars here because everyone drives so aggressive, its just fun! But I did hit my head a few times. I can't wait to see what Ghana has in stores for me.

Catching Up!!!

2008-06-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

It's been really hectic the past couple of days. The heat is becoming a BIG pain. I'm already suffering from 16 really ITCHY mosquito bites (and yes, dad, I've been applying the repellant). I guess they really just like American blood because the whole group got bit up too. My main concern is that I wash my clothes ASAP. I hand wash the little items, but for pants and shorts- I need a machine. Fortunately, our guest house has a washing machine. Now all we have to do is buy the soap and we're set. But guess what though- if we hang dry our clothes outside, flies will lay their eggs everywhere, and basically worms would grow on our skin. THAT IS NASTY. Jamie said we can hang our wet clothes outside to dry, but we just need to iron over the material to kill off eggs...EWW EWWWW EWWW EWWWWW EW. The thought of even risking it gives me such a bad stomach ache...

SPEAKING OF STOMACH ACHE!
DAD! FOR SOME REASON I'VE BEEN HAVING SOME SERIOUS GAS! Haha. Well, you know me, I eat almost every two hours. Nooo..that can't be the reason. You know what! I think the vitamin C is giving me gas (all that acid and stuff). I've noticed everytime I swallowed like 3, my stomach erupts and then I end up feeling like I gotta go, you know?! Well, if you read this, comment back with a solution. Thank you.

Moving on to better and more exciting things...
So this past Sunday, my sister, Erik, Vivian, and I attended worship services at Nsawam Road Church of Christ (it was too bad not everyone in the group went). We missed the morning class because we didn't realize that it started at 7am. However we went to the second service which was at 10am, but only to find out that they spoke only Akan (one of the Ghanaian dialects). Fortunately though, we were able to get a translator. The language is very beautiful don't get me wrong, but I wanted to understand so I could participate. The singing was incredible, and it made me miss my family and friends back at Ocean View. If you guys are reading this---I miss you all dearly!!!

Sam, the preacher, taught a lesson about living by the Spirit. What a sweet man. Before the service began, he read each of our names outloud (since we were visiting) and had us stand up one at a time to be welcomed by all the members and friends. I felt so honored to be there, and I couldn't wait to write about this event in my journal. The lesson was very straight forward uplifting for me.

He listed 9 characteristics:
1. love
2. joy
3. peace
4. patience- (the main topic)
5. kindness
6. goodness
7. faithfulness
8. gentleness
9. self-control

"Patience will tell you, "Don't rush." That is so true. Because I am staying in a house with 8 other people, I'm going to need all the patience I can get. Sometimes it is difficult for me to develop patience, especially when I'm angry. But since I have the ability to accept disappointments and faults, I can definitely combat any negative build up. When I return home, I want to be a changed person. Practicing patience is a great start. REFLECT. UNDERSTAND. ACT.

*Nsawam Church of Christ
No. 19 Nsawam Road Kokomlemle
P.O. Bos AN 6017
Accra, Ghana
nrchurch@africaonline.com.gh
Sam Twumasi- minister
hesedt@gmail.com
www.heritagechristiancollege.com

EXCITING EXPERIENCES!!

2008-06-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

WOW THESE FIRST DAYS HAVE BEEN THE BEST!! I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT I COULD EXPERIENCE SO MUCH IN A MATTER OF A FEW DAYS! IT WAS GREAT MEETING THE KIDS!! I LOVE THEM! THEY ARE SO FRIENDLY AND SWEET! IT WAS SO NICE GETTING TO MEET THEIR FAMILIES AND SPEND TIME WITH THEM. I LOVE TO SEE THEM SMILE AND DANCE AND HAVE FUN WITH US! I CANT WAIT TO SHOW THEM MY LESSSON PLAN AND SEE WHAT PICTURES THEY TAKE!! I'M HAPPY THAT I GOT TO GO TO A SOCCER GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN GHANA!!! THE PERFORMANCES THAT WE SAW IN THE CONCERT WE WENT TO WERE ALSO VERY NICE. I AM ENJOYING EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE I AM MEETING!! THE PEOPLE OUT HERE MAKE ME FEEL SO WELCOME!! I AM SO GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF THIS WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!

Day 4

2008-06-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

First off I want to say Happy Birthday to Jamie Llyod, the woman who made this trip possible. Jamie, I hope you have a great birthday!!! Thank you for not giving up even when things got tough. The soccer game was the highlight of my day!!!

Nima
What a unforgettable moment it will be to share this time with the children. We finally got the opportunity to meet with the photography students from Nima. When we first arrived at the school, I felt something that I have never felt before. I don't know how to explain it- the children were just full of love and compassion. That made me rethink my outlook on life itself. Regardless of their misfortunes, they always smile. Their love for others is a rare type of love. The children really care about our well-being. They will ask if you are uncomfortable in any way, they will invite you into a simple conservation, and they never want you to feel like you are not welcomed. We're complete strangers from the other side of the world, and it's a good feeling to know that there are still people out there who have a heart. It just amazes me how they combat the struggles of poverty. When we visited their homes, we walked across open sewages and the ground was polluted with waste. The stench is almost unbearable. This just really shows me how blessed I am to be ME. The conditions out here come nothing close to my lifestyle. I really felt bad for the kids who weren't a part of the program. They wanted always to follow the group. They stood outside of the classroom, peeping through the open windows and asking for a camera. These kids want to be a part of something so bad and it hurts me because I can't give them that. When we went out to shoot pictures, so many children wanted to hold my hand. They all wanted to be included in a photo. It breaks my heart that they can't have the same opportunity. If I weren't so compassionate, maybe it wouldn't be sooooo difficult for me to get over everything that I am witnessing and experiencing out here.

I LEFT MY HEART IN NIMA (and playing catch up with other posts)

2008-06-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

friday

i lovve big breakfasts: oatmeal, bread, fruit and hot chocolate--all American favorites yet so different. today we went to the Dubois Center; an amazing place. thanks to my African American History class, i knew about him already. but to tour his actual home and see his artifacts and belongings was just, wow. a quote of his really caught my attention: "one thing alone i charge you. as you live, believe in life. always human beings will live and progress to greater, broader and fuller life. the only possible death is to lose belief in this truth simply because the great end come slowly because time is long."

on the way to the Internet cafe we run into...yes: BIZMARK and RAEGAN and some of their friends. it's crazy how aggressive they are, swarming around the car like flies.! when one boy tried to bother me and get me to buy bracelets for 15-dollars, raegan told him to "back off my wife." um, yea right. we tried driving away from them but raegan and the boy ran after us in the middle of traffic.! i tell you what, give-up is not in their vocabulary AT ALLLLL. when i'm finally in the cafe, a little irritated from the heat, some other guy keeps following me.! i kept moving computers and so would he. later i found out from Dijorn that he was trying to come up to me to ask my hand in marriage.!? i mean wow, these Ghanaian boys are just wayyyyyyy too much.

the highlight of my day was the dance class. kojo, richard and morgan were our instructors--the coolest people ever. what i love about it is is that they had this attitude of just having fun and not worrying about how we looked so we all had a great time. i got a wooooork-out and it felt really good. i sweat bullets and i didn't even care. at the end, i conversed with them and it's amazing what the American aspects of culture they love. for example, kujo loves noodles--he considers it a treat. we can easily go to the store or whatever and get noodles when we want.! that's what i consider so beautiful about the people--they are so simple and content with the little "treats" they get--while we're going to four-star restaurants and going on missions just to satisfy our stomachs.

usually Africans use an American name, an African name, a day name, and/or their last name. well Kojo, Richard and Morgan gave me a whole bunch. my day name is Adwoa because i was born on monday. my Ewe names are Mawufomor (God's way), Mawuenya (only God knows), and fafa (cool). My Hausa names are Sekina (star girl) and Hajia (chief's wife) and my Twe name is Kitwua (slim/skinny).

saturday

today was honestly the second best day of my life other than the day i was baptized. the day started off with a nice breakfast: eggs and--deeeeeeelish. we were going to go see the children at the orphanage but they had to cancel. so for the first time we had a chill morning. at three o'clock we left to finally meet the students. the bus ride to nima, where the students live, was eye-opening alone. compared to alajo, where we are staying and their homes, it's as if we're in a mansion. despite that, the people all looked so happy and seemed to enjoy where they lived.

as soon as we arrived to the school, i fell in love--not even with our students at first because we we waiting on them to arrive but seeing the other children there made my heart sing. one girl i met was Isabella; two words could describe her--breathtakingly gorgeous. some may not think so because she's bald, but i thought she was beautiful with her dark chocolate skin and strong-featured face and she had a beautiful voice that captures your attention. that's what turned my head, her singing--a powerhouse full of beauty. just when i thought i was filled with joy, the students came and from that point on, i couldn't help but to keep a smile on my face.

i happen to have a favorite--ajara. i fell in love with her as soon as she walked through the classroom. all of the kids are wonderful and i instantly knew that on the first day. ajara is another beauty--my little princess. while i was looking around the room, she came and sat by me. she asked for my name and i asked for hers--immediately embracing me with a warm hug once we introduced ourselves. she became my instant sidekick. today was a short day and the students briefly taught us about their country--the history, language and culture.

the memory that will live in my heart forever is going to their homes. Nima is a very poor place and where they lived was in a very poor state. yet, they enthusiastically took us in as well as their family members, pulled out plastic chairs and wooden benches from all around and just showered us with love and hospitality. i mean, i wasn't even thinking about how things looked and the bad living conditions but we all just sat around together and had a good time. some of the little girls taught me little hand games and i taught them some American hand games we played as children. i speak the honest truth when i say this was one of the best days. one of my favorites of the relatives is one of the oldest, Iesha. she is just so cool and has this energy and SMILE i lovvvve. unfortunately, we had a little concert to go to and it broke my heart to leave the kids. i know we just got here and i'm not leaving for another two weeks but i know i won't be able to bare the day i leave. i feel like they've already touched my life and i've touched theirs so i want to come back.

once upon a time there was a concert. it wasn't good. until the end when we had to leave. the end. i was a little upset at that point because we had the option of staying with the kids. overall, i was still happy to see them period.

sunday

our morning began with going to worship service--well Bethany, Erik, Vivian and myself. oh, wait; it actually began at 12:00 midnight when we wished Jamie a happy birthday and gave her a big group hug. back to worship: the population is huge.! there are over 1300 members and they can't even all quite fit in the building so there are speakers set up for people who have to sit outside and even stand upstairs and downstairs. the service was good and most importantly they followed what we do at our congregation back home. my favorite was the singing--such beautiful voices and projection. unfortunately we couldn't quite sing along because they sang in their local language but they were kind enough to do several verses in English so we could follow. also they did the same with the lesson. the English service starts at 7:30 and we didn't know that so we went to the service at 10:00 which is in the local language. nonetheless, they still translated for us which i thought was very kind.

next stop, NIMA.! before we headed to the school, we went to the student's home to celebrate Jamie's birthday. i just love them--despite their conditions, they went out and bought lots of drinks, put on some music and made the birthday very fun. jamie said it was the best birthday she had and i feel that was the best birthday i went to.! it was my day to teach the class--i wasn't too happy because there was a graduation going on so not only did i have to compete with the loudspeakers but also the people on the opposite side and all the traffic noises. my spirit was dampened but i still pushed on and remained organized. not only that, everyone pitched in to help me out and it helped a lot. the most important thing was that the students got my point and according to everyone, they did so that's what made me happy.

my lesson was on colors and how we see them in the world around us. i presented two color wheels and pictures for examples. i then let the children draw and color any ideas of what they wanted to take pictures of and that turned out great. haha, oh and i almost forgot; while i was out with the kids, three boys stopped me...TO ASK MY HAND IN MARRIAGE. first of all, i didn't get why they were all trying to ask when they were all friends. secondly, they really don't care--i said i had a husband back in the states and they said i can just fly back between Ghana and the U.S and have four husbands. what the deal.?! luckily one of the adults stepped in and scolded the boys calling them foolish--it was hilarious.!

FUTBOLLLLLLL.!

on wowzaaaaa, the absolute highlight of my day. i hated to leave the kids but i want to see me a soccer game.! wow, what an exciting game and i never watch soccer but this was crazy.! my heart was jumping as soon as we sat in the stands. i LOVE the people's energy.! all the cheering and enthusiasm. WOWWWWW.!? and to see the expression of Kojo and Morgan's faces: priceless. i guess we were supposed to be on Ghana's side of course but whatev.! i just loved the game. CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP. AWAYYYYYY.! ayyyyyy.! Ghana scored a goal and the crowds ROARRED.! i loved it.

OH. NO. WHO DID WE RUN INTO OF ALLLLLL PEOPLE.? yess, RAEGAN.!? why.? and he found us. we didn't find him.! how.? we were in a huge crowd getting goat and onion kabobs with spices sprinkled on them. deeeeeelish.! and only 1 cedi--i musta had about four.! but back to raegan; talk about stalker status.! to top it of he sat with us for the remainder of the game. just fantabulous (another one of my made-up vocab :] ) right.? well actually i don't have to worry about him now. according to him, he's "leaving me for Karen." OYE,OYE,OYE,OYE. OYE, OYE.! i love love love the crowds.! for souvenirs i bought a flag, braided rope and a wristband. sounds like i spent a fortune.? NOPE. the flag was 1 cedi, the braided rope and wristband was 50 pesua.! oh and the game was technically free but check this out, the tickets only cost 4 cedis and we can sit wherever and we got front-row seats.!

Good Times

2008-06-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Crazy School Boys (June 19,2008)

Haha! I almost forgot!!! The other day, we came across a group of young Ghanaian school boys (probably middle-schoolers). They were awesome- full of life and energy. I shot quite a few good pics of them with Marcio’s digital camera. They were too CUTE!!! They were playing soccer and ran along our van. I happened to be sitting right next to the window, when one of the boys came up, reached over inside and poked my leg! Yes! CRAZY!!! He got all smiley and laughed with all his friends. I guess that was a really BIG deal to them, haha. I hope I get to see them again.

The Calling Card Story (June 20,2008)

Okay, so on our way to the Du Bois Museum, we stopped along the way to buy calling cards. A local was selling them for 3.50 cedis (practically $3 American). I could not wait to get home so I could finally contact my peoples. But tell me why the phone cards were voided? Yes- they were useless. Jontonette, Karen, Marcio, and Naomi bought one as well. We tested our phone cards at a nearby phone booth. I was in tears because it felt like forever since the last time I spoke with my family and boyfriend. So instead of giving up and trashing our phone cards, we started to tweak the phone a bit (only 1 out of 4 worked, and there would’ve been 5, but one was totally just gone). To use the phone, we had to follow these steps: 1.) pick up the phone (haha. duh.), 2.) insert phone card (we repeated this step for the longest), 3.) dial our number (yeah, okay- if we were lucky to get that far), and 4.) wait to be connected. I can’t count how many times we lifted the phone handle. I was furious!!! It was getting late (10:30 pm), and we were all fed up. But we decided to try it one last time until…

it worked! Yaaay!!!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! WOW!!!

We thought we were seeing things. But no, it really was working. All along, it was the phone with the problem, not the card (the guy didn’t rip us off after all---I was ready to go after him too). I was anxious- I couldn’t wait to hear a familiar voice. Karen was first to talk, then Naomi, then ME (yes!), Marcio, then Jontonette. Dijorn didn’t buy one because he was convinced it would never work. HAHA BUT DID! IT DID! IT DID! That made my night! But you should’ve seen the look on the locals’ faces!!! Haha. We were hollerin and flashing our lights around like a bunch of crazy people. We were so happy that we were finally connected. Because I only had 100 units (about 15 mins worth of talking), I just decided to use it all up. I couldn’t help myself. I called my dad first and I told him about almost everything in about 20 seconds haha. There’s so much to share, but we were all pressed for time. I talked to my boyfriend after but we kept getting disconnected ( his phone is messed up). So finally I decided to contact him from a different number and we were able to talk for the remaining time (like barely 5 minutes). But regardless, I was super happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. I really miss home.

Workout Time! (June 20, 2008)
I got the most vigorous workout EVER. Yes, the moves were intense! This time I got the full hour ½ (I fell asleep the last time that’s why). If we keep this up about 3x’s a week, I can eat all I want- no worries! My calves and abs are feeling it right now. Ghanaians have TOO much energy- how can they do it? The men, women, and children walk along the street balancing baskets and sacks of rice on their heads. Whoa. Here in Africa they do it BIG. And it all seems to come naturally.

Beautiful
I didn’t realize the guest house had a sun roof. The stars are beautiful. God’s creation is truly remarkable. My family and friends back home can see the same sky, as well as the same stars (despite the time difference). It’s a comfort to me…

Joanna, the owner of the guest house, makes me feel right at home. I call her mama Joanna or Mama J. Her daughter Abe, who is also 18 like me, is such a beautiful and sweet girl. While Mama J was cooking dinner, I had a chance to join in conversation with them. We talked about family values, education as a priority and the importance of God in our lives. But we don’t exactly share the same religious values. Nevertheless, Joanna encouraged me to live a good life and told me to always trust in God. Well, she’s right- I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Him.

“You are a beautiful girl.” That’s what she told me. I love them both dearly. Abe is such a devoted daughter, full of life. Their generous nature and kind spirits have humbled me. I appreciate everything they do for us, and even with limited resources, they manage. What great character. When we leave, I will miss them.

Dinner: chicken stew and yams

Dessert: super duper juicy pineapples- the best in the world

My new names

Adwoa (ajowa)- represents the day of my birth, which was on a Monday.

Ohema- Queen Mother---yeah that’s me!

IM HERE

2008-06-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

IM HERE! i have been in Africa for 2 days now and it been great . everyone here is so beautiful. its not as hot as i thought it was going to be. when i first got off the plane i couldn't believe i was in ghana. it took a second for me to soak it all in. although its only been 2 days i have learned and felt so much from my people , and the reason i say my people is because i have seen people here who look just like my aunties, my uncles ,and my cousins,the look in their faces is filled with so much passion and beauty. i have meet me a friend and his name is bismark. hes 18 just like me and just finish high school. i asked if he was going to attend college and he told me he was going to take a year off so he could raise money for school, and i thought that was a great idea. the people here have to work extremely hard to make it to the top. some of the natives look at me and think i rich. i tyred to explain to them just because I'm American doesn't meant I'm rich. then i get looks like I'm joking. it has been very hard for me to see my people struggled the way they do. since i been here I'm already have a having a hard time trying to enjoy myself . on our way to lunch yesterday a lady and her baby was siting on a step. she ask me for money so she and her baby can eat. she was rude nor aggressive. i did refuse her the money because there were so many other beggers around i didn't know what to do. i think about that lady and her baby every time i eat or when i able to take a shower. since i been here i have been praying for my people and their poverty. it hurts my soul knowing babies are crying because their hungry, and that's hard for me to accpect. yes i love being here but my soul is crying because my people are suffering .
xoxo STAR

WOW, where to start...

2008-06-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

The second I stepped foot of the plan, a friendly Ghanaian flight member was there to welcome all of us. I felt like a celebrity because the locals wanted to meet us and talk to us. What really impressed me was the amount of respect and sincerity they had on us. What love...

Man... the heat though!!!
The air feels so thick out here!!! My first thought before we laned was, "Great, now I'm gonna sweat like crazy and my hair is gonna frizz up BIG time." Haha! Instead everything jsut felt extra sticky-ICKY. Because the air was so dense, I had to manage my breathing a little harder to keep myself from choking(yes, way! I am not kidding!)

so many people were more than happy to carry our luggage...for a tip that is =]
When Jamie finally arrived at the airport, so many guys offered to carry our luggage to the van- some just grabbed whatever we couldn't handle. At first i was like, "Awww, so sweet." But then they were like, "teep [tip], where is my teep?" Do they not realize that we're poor out in the U.S.?!?! Haha, naw, I really hae to work at the "do NOT give in" act- but it is soooooo HARD!!! You know what really hit me? The number of beggars in the streets. I guess seeing poverty in a different part of the world can create some heavy impact- and it did. My heart sank completely watching a young boy guide a blind man to a vehicle to beg for money. An elderly woman in a wheelchair had no legs! She was wheelin and tried to weave herself through traffic. I can't even count how many vendors I saw. Everyone is struggling to eat our here...

But I try to maintain a positive outlook towards everything. I can choose to pity the people here (which I do because I can't help that it's in my nature), but at the same time I should ask myself- well how do they feel? Are they happy? Just because a person doesn't have much (or seems that way), that should not become the basis of their happiness. Everyone struggles to a degree. Poverty is futile. People, as well as myself, can learn a lot from the poor.

So far, I've had a blast. I just have to get used to the housing conditions. Sometimes the water from the sink gives off barely any water. We can't drink the water out here so when I brush my teeth or wash my face, I have to get a pack of fresh drinking water (it comes in little plastic bags for 60 cents per bag. My mom told my sister Naomi and I that we just need to pioneer it, so that's what I will continue to do...but Naomi's a diva...haha. I'm serious!!! This girl was surrounded by a whole bunch of Ghanaian boys (so ridiculous...they're just like American boys haha)...a few tried to talk to me but I didn't give them the time of day. It's tooooo HOT for all that, and I get irritated easily out in the heat.

But it's all good out here, I somewhat feel at home. Last night was fun because some of the local dancers came to the house and performed for us. Our house is pretty big- we got like more than 6 bedrooms (a bathroom in each), air conditioning, tv, living room, two kitchens and a patio. Pretty awesome, huh? I still miss home though...nothing beats that. But so far everythings been real good. We just visited the WEB du Bois museum- such an uplifting experience. I finally got to purchase calling cards after that too. Haha man these Ghanain boys know how to hustle--they follow us EVERYWHERE!!! They would wait outside a restaurant until we're all done eating. I'm telling you, making a living out here involves alot of determination. It just makes me feel good about my conditions back in the states. I am so blessed- I guess it took this much for me to FINALLY figure that out.

WE ARE HERE, WE ARE HERE, WE ARE HERE.!

2008-06-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

wow, we're finally here. well we arrived yesterday but it felt like it would take forever.! it's actually really cool weather right now which I'm glad about because i cannot stand too much heat. the first day we arrived was great.! the car rides are an adventure all themselves--thankfully our driver, James knows what he's doing because the driving here in Ghana takes skill. they have NO SEAT BELTS, NO STOP SIGNS, barely any stoplights, and they drive all in each other's lanes. i share a room with Karen and might i add our rooms are great.! they all have air conditioning and sometimes a fan, each room has a bathroom and close space to put your clothes in. we decided to fully unpack and settle in as if we were home. strangely enough, i feel very at home. we also went to Sunshine Salad Bar and the food was deeeeeelishhhhh. it's a restaurant that caters to foreigners so you'd find all kinds of food from KFC wraps to Thai food to Indian food.! Although they have favorites what we eat at home, the food was very different. i ordered a meatball, cheese and tomato sauce sandwich thinking i was going to get a meatball marinara from subway. instead i got meatballs, cheese and some soupy tomatoey sauce in a bun with a salad.
oh, let me rewind for a second though, you would not believe how aggressive these African boys are. not only were they trying to hustle us out of our cash, but they were trying to ask our hands in marriage. i must admit i did give in to buying some handmade bracelets from this boy named Bizmark but his friend Raegan kept following me trying to ask me to marry him in exchange for a free poster.! don't even bother telling these boys you have a boyfriend or are married because they'll just call you liers and say you should have "variety."
the evening was the highlight of my day--these men performed for us. they did drumming and cultural dances and taught us some of the steps. the lady who is keeping us, Joanna made a delicious dinner--gelof rice and chicken. exercise and a good home-cooked meal was all i needed to knock out.
now on to today's adventures--our morning started off with a nice big breakfast. we had oatmeal, fruit, bread and hot chocolate--all American favorites yet so different in Ghana. after that we headed off to the Dubois Center, a museum of Dubois artifacts and possessions and grave. it was actually his home and was turned into a museum when he passed. one of his quotes really caught my eye: "one thing alone i charge you. as you live, believe in LIFE! always human beings will live and progress to greater, broader and fuller life. the only possible DEATH is to lose belief in this truth simply because the GREAT end comes slowly, because time is too long." this was his last statement to the world before he passed in 1963. Next we went to lunch at a restaurant called Papaye, which is supposed to be something like Popeye's i think. The food was so good and our server was very kind. On the way over here (Internet cafe), we spot Bizmark and Raegan with some of their friends and they came swarming at the van like flies. this one boy kept bothering me and Raegan told him to back off because i was his wife.! as i'm coming to the end of my post for today, i realized Raegan's waiting for me--outside.!
i love it here and i know our adventures are just beginning. i give glory to God for blessing me with life and this opportunity. I'd also like to thank Eric, Jamie and all the generous people who donated and supporters who made this possible. i am truly blessed.

So far

2008-06-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Im Happy to be in Ghana, the air is warm, and everyone is so nice. So far it has been fun, and cool. The food is great, and everyone smiles. But some people dont like it when we take their picture. The funny thing is these people have been following us the today. They stalked the girls only thought. It was funny, but bthey always try to sell us something. I stood up almost all night. I couldnt sleep because of the excitment.

FINALLY HERE... MY THOUGHTS SO FAR

2008-06-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

WOW I CANT BELIEVE I'M ACTUALLY HERE!! SO FAR, I HAVE LIKED WHAT I HAVE SEEN. I LIKE THE FACT THAT I'M GETTING TO MEET SO MANY DIVERSE PEOPLE! GHANA REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF EL SALVADOR... THE CUSTOMS, THE STORES THE STREETS, BUT ESPECIALLY THE CLIMATE. WHEN I GOT OFF THE PLANE, I LOOKED AT THE AIRPORT AND EL SALVADOR'S AIRPORT LOOKS ALOT LIKE IT. I INSTANTLY FELT SO COMFORTABLE HERE. I REALLY LIKED THE DANCERS AND THEIR DRUMMING! IT WAS NICE GETTING TO SEE IT. I ALSO LIKE THE MUSEUM WE VISITED TODAY BUT WISH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BIT LONGER. I AM REALLY LOOKING FOWARD TO GETTING TO MEET THE CHILDREN! THE CHILDREN I HAVE SEEN SO FAR ARE ADORABLE AND SO FRIENDLY! I LIKE THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE ALLOWED US TO TAKE THEIR PICTURES, AND EVEN POSE! I AM REALY ENJOYING BEING HERE AND AM ENJOYIMNG THIS EXPERIENCE!

jetlagging

2008-06-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

We made it all the way across the water this morning. After traveling for about 18 hours we made it here and were met by Jamie and our trotro driver James. It was a quick trip through immigration and customs and on to our new home for the next three weeks. It's a great place run by a nice Ghanaian woman named Joanna who is apparently a great cook. We'll find out soon since she is cooking dinner for us tonight!

It's hot, but not too bad - mid 80's, and really humid. Feeling sticky!

There are loads of street vendors that have seemed to smell us coming and surround our group of nine as we walk down the street. So much for trying to blend in! It's fine. They're pretty persistent, but a strong "no" tends to get them to back off.

My time is almost up here at the internet cafe, so I'll check back soon. Just wanted to let you all know we made it safe, sleepy and sound.

Erik

Today is the day

2008-06-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I'm just 11 hours away from Accra, Ghana. This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. We all had to meet up at the SFO airport at 4:30 in the morning!!! I didn't even sleep because i was so excited. Fortunately, my family and boyfriend got to come. I miss them to death right now. Yes, I cried, only because I won't be just "one call away". So as soon as I get to Accra, it's a MUST that I purchase a calling card and mail out postcards. But the blogspot is super cool because I can just reach out to almost anyone. Well.....I would type up a longer blog, but we're about to board!!! Keep us in your prayers! I wil lbe back on ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ghana here I come!

Less than 1 day left

2008-06-18T11:17:00.001-07:00

I just read all the blogs and comments for the first time and I got a little teary eyed. Everyone is so excited and the comments were so supportive. This trip has been 2 years in the making and we could not have done it without all the great people who supported us. Thanks again!
I came to Ghana 2 weeks early to sort things out and just in case anything fell through. Good thing I came because our original place to stay no longer had room for us. I've spent the last 2 weeks looking for a new house for the group. I called anyone and everyone I could think of and had friends of friends asking around. Finally I met Joanna and she has a brand new guest house that officially opened the day before I met her. The timing could not have been more perfect and it's such a nice place! The group is going to have TV, airconditioning, every room has it's own bathroom and hot water showers. WOW! I've never had it this good in Ghana.
I'll be meeting them at the airport in 14 hours and I'm SO excited. I can't wait to watch everyone stare out the window during the first car ride from the airport. I'm already imaging how they will be amazed at the women carrying massive amount of goods on their head with perfect balance and baby strapped to their back. The shock and bewilderment will start the minute they step off the airplane and I can't wait to experience it all again through their eyes.
I'm must admit though I am a little nervous. I have 8 obrunis (foreigners) to take care of and I'm the only one who knows their way around this city. Luckily Ghanaian people are some of the most kind and helpful people on earth so I know I will have help from all the curious onlookers.
-Jamie

The Big G

2008-06-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Although it was several weeks ago, it feels like it was only yesterday that the travel clinic told us to start taking the anti-malaria pills 2 days before leaving. As I took my first pill yesterday, it finally sank in that we are GOING!

Almost there

2008-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

It's getting down to the wire, but we are all almost ready to go. Bags are almost packed aside from about 200 rolls of film that I can't seem to figure out where their gonna go, but I'll find a place. Hoping that we get some nice tired security folks that will be patient with my request to hand check all of our film (about 400 rolls total)! It's been a long road getting to this point, but we did it and everyone is really excited.

I'm really glad that Jamie has been in Ghana for two weeks now working with her students and securing our housing situation, not to mention beginning to plan our action packed itinerary. This is going to really be an amazing experience for all of us and I feel really privileged to share this with Bethany, Naomi, Dijorn, Karen, Marcio, Jontonnette, Jamie and Vivian. Look for more words from the other side of the Atlantic soon!

Erik

Just four more days!!!!!!!

2008-06-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that our trip is only four days away. This will be my first time outside of California and on a plane. I've never been this far from home. I will miss all my family and friends. I just want to thank you all for supporting me and being dedicated to everything that I am trying to accomplish in life. Keep me updated and I'll return the favor!!!

Count Down - 4 days

2008-06-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

4 days left until the FX youth and mentors leave for Ghana. So, what are they doing 4 days before the trip of a life-time? Learning how to blog...