I AM hot! Today I woke up tired and my aching muscles continue to remind me of how much work we've been doing.
We started the day by painting the classroom and kitchen at the orphanage. Everyone worked together to get the job done. My friend Issek, who I met yesterday, stopped by the orphanage with his friends, Cosco and Divine. We shared a nice conversation and they even helped us paint. I’m glad to have met some of Damongo’s youth.
We’re leaving Damongo at 5AM tomorrow and heading to Molé National Park for a day trip. We’ll be going on a safari and doing a canopy walk which is sure to be nothing short of amazing!
Monday, August 3, 2009
July 13
Tonight is pitch black in Damongo. The entire village is out of power, which is apparently a fairly common situation here. Everyone promises that it shouldn’t last more than a few hours but time will tell. The sky looks particularly beautiful tonight in the blackout. I’ve never seen the stars shine this bright. I may not have electricity but tonight I AM roasting marshmallows underneath the African sky.
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 12
I AM in Damongo. This morning we went to a church service at the orphanage led by Abraham. The children were so beautiful. They started to sing and dance which was wonderful, but the most touching part of service were the prayer requests. When asked what the orphans wanted to pray for, each and every prayer was for others. Here these children are, with next to nothing in terms of material possessions, and they continued to care about the wellbeing of others. It was so humbling.
Abraham led a wonderful service. I stared in awe as I watched how he engaged both children and adults alike. Our eyes were glued to him and I fell in love with his energy. He told the story in both English and Gonja and transitioned so effortlessly which was also very cool.
Abraham told us about the complete lack of financial support the orphanage has received from the Ghanaian government. Although he is in love with his work, the stories that he shared made the physical and emotional distress his job brings very apparent. He has sacrificed so much for those children. His passion is an inspiration to me.
After service we got a chance to play with the children. I learned some hand games and sang some songs with the kids, which was great. They are such a delight.
They’re already calling me sister Zoë. I can’t even imagine leaving this place.
After lunch, Annie and I decided to walk back to the orphanage to spend some more time with the children. However, on our way home that evening we ended up getting lost. Walking along that dark road was unnerving. Luckily, we met a young man who was carrying water on his head. When we asked where Pastor Abraham’s house was, he immediately offered to take us there. He placed his jug of water on the ground and walked us fifteen minutes in the opposite direction just to make sure we made it there safely.
That kind of generosity amazes me. Most Americans wouldn’t even take the time to give you detailed directions let alone go out of their way to physically show you where to go. Although the amount of poverty in Africa saddens me, my faith in humanity has tremendously grown in my short time being here.
Abraham led a wonderful service. I stared in awe as I watched how he engaged both children and adults alike. Our eyes were glued to him and I fell in love with his energy. He told the story in both English and Gonja and transitioned so effortlessly which was also very cool.
Abraham told us about the complete lack of financial support the orphanage has received from the Ghanaian government. Although he is in love with his work, the stories that he shared made the physical and emotional distress his job brings very apparent. He has sacrificed so much for those children. His passion is an inspiration to me.
After service we got a chance to play with the children. I learned some hand games and sang some songs with the kids, which was great. They are such a delight.
They’re already calling me sister Zoë. I can’t even imagine leaving this place.
After lunch, Annie and I decided to walk back to the orphanage to spend some more time with the children. However, on our way home that evening we ended up getting lost. Walking along that dark road was unnerving. Luckily, we met a young man who was carrying water on his head. When we asked where Pastor Abraham’s house was, he immediately offered to take us there. He placed his jug of water on the ground and walked us fifteen minutes in the opposite direction just to make sure we made it there safely.
That kind of generosity amazes me. Most Americans wouldn’t even take the time to give you detailed directions let alone go out of their way to physically show you where to go. Although the amount of poverty in Africa saddens me, my faith in humanity has tremendously grown in my short time being here.
July 11
We left the guest home at 5AM to catch our plane from Accra to Tamale, the third largest city in Ghana. We arrived in Tamale and from there took the most uncomfortable bus ride I have ever experienced in my eighteen years of life to Damongo, a small village. Damongo is only forty miles from Tamale, however the road was so terribly bumpy it took us almost three hours to arrive.
The bus was hot, stuffy, and so cramped that I bumped my head more times than I care to remember, but the entire time I tried to think about who I was doing this for. I’m sure it will be worth it.
We met two girls, Tanja and Mieka, who are students at a University in Holland. They are also volunteering in the Damongo area with us for the next four weeks. They seem very nice and even helped make the tiresome ride go by faster by teaching me some Dutch.
Once we arrived to Damongo we went to the market place, which was packed with vendors. People stared and pointed like they had never seen someone who looked like me before. It didn’t help that in Damongo, which is in Northern Ghana, they don’t speak any of the Twi language that we learned in Cape Coast. However, I found a young man who spoke some English and he was able to teach me some basic words in “Gonja.”
I think I’m going to enjoy these next twenty-one days in Damongo. Although it’s not as busy as Accra or as beautiful as Cape Coast, there are people here who need our help and I AM so ready to start working. We will be spending the majority of our time at the orphanage and the medical center over the next three weeks and I can’t wait to start making a difference.
The bus was hot, stuffy, and so cramped that I bumped my head more times than I care to remember, but the entire time I tried to think about who I was doing this for. I’m sure it will be worth it.
We met two girls, Tanja and Mieka, who are students at a University in Holland. They are also volunteering in the Damongo area with us for the next four weeks. They seem very nice and even helped make the tiresome ride go by faster by teaching me some Dutch.
Once we arrived to Damongo we went to the market place, which was packed with vendors. People stared and pointed like they had never seen someone who looked like me before. It didn’t help that in Damongo, which is in Northern Ghana, they don’t speak any of the Twi language that we learned in Cape Coast. However, I found a young man who spoke some English and he was able to teach me some basic words in “Gonja.”
I think I’m going to enjoy these next twenty-one days in Damongo. Although it’s not as busy as Accra or as beautiful as Cape Coast, there are people here who need our help and I AM so ready to start working. We will be spending the majority of our time at the orphanage and the medical center over the next three weeks and I can’t wait to start making a difference.
July 10
This morning we checked out of the Abonaba Beach Resort in Cape Coast and made our way back to Accra. Before we left the city, we stopped by the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind. There are no words that can describe just how wonderful those children are. They were all so warm and friendly and very eager to teach me sign language.
Even though the students had never heard music before, they loved to dance. The students spent some time showing me some of their favorite moves. Everyone wanted to see how Americans danced too so I showed them a few hustles, which they quickly learned.
The school also gives the students a creative outlet by offering art classes. We were able to see some of the pieces in the art gallery and I was absolutely blown away. The paintings could have easily been created by professionals. Many of us bought some of the paintings to support the students and their cause and to bring a little bit of Cape Coast home with us.
I also met their teacher named William. He was a very kind and welcoming man. I really admire him for the dedication and encouragement he has shown to the students.
The students of Cape Coast Deaf have inspired me to learn sign language. I am also very excited to write to them and send them copies of our pictures upon my return to America. These children have truly made such an impression on me and I know that we will meet again.
Driving back to Accra was very busy because of Obama’s arrival. The people of Ghana were so excited. “Barack! Barack! Barack Obama!” Music played in the streets as people celebrated his arrival that evening.
That night I met my friend Samuel, a friend I met two years ago at Grand Valley who is from Accra. It was so great to see him and to catch up. We have both grown so much since we last saw each other. He has just finished his studies at Cape Coast University and is hoping to study at an American medical school soon so I know we will meet again soon!
Even though the students had never heard music before, they loved to dance. The students spent some time showing me some of their favorite moves. Everyone wanted to see how Americans danced too so I showed them a few hustles, which they quickly learned.
The school also gives the students a creative outlet by offering art classes. We were able to see some of the pieces in the art gallery and I was absolutely blown away. The paintings could have easily been created by professionals. Many of us bought some of the paintings to support the students and their cause and to bring a little bit of Cape Coast home with us.
I also met their teacher named William. He was a very kind and welcoming man. I really admire him for the dedication and encouragement he has shown to the students.
The students of Cape Coast Deaf have inspired me to learn sign language. I am also very excited to write to them and send them copies of our pictures upon my return to America. These children have truly made such an impression on me and I know that we will meet again.
Driving back to Accra was very busy because of Obama’s arrival. The people of Ghana were so excited. “Barack! Barack! Barack Obama!” Music played in the streets as people celebrated his arrival that evening.
That night I met my friend Samuel, a friend I met two years ago at Grand Valley who is from Accra. It was so great to see him and to catch up. We have both grown so much since we last saw each other. He has just finished his studies at Cape Coast University and is hoping to study at an American medical school soon so I know we will meet again soon!
July 9
I AM getting used to waking up on a beach and having breakfast alongside the ocean.
Today we went on a canopy walk through the rainforest. I had no idea what to expect. First, we climbed about a half-mile uphill and got the chance to see the beautiful wild life of Ghana. The view was breathtaking. As it started to rain my excitement soon turned to fear. The plank that we were walking across was only wide enough to hold one foot at a time!
Luckily I made it! Never would I have thought that I'd be walking between trees in an African Rainforest.
After we left the rainforest we made our way back to Cape Coast. On our way home we stopped at a Crocodile Restaurant. We got the chance to actually touch the crocodiles. It was definitely a risk since these animals weren’t trained at all, but it made for a great photo opportunity. Quite honestly there was nothing stopping that crocodile from biting my hand off but sheer will! I know my mother’s going to love reading this!
We then went back to Samuel’s village. There was a huge rainstorm the night before and a majority of the village flooded. Fortunately Samuel and his family found temporary shelter.
While walking around the village, we found a dressmaker. She measured us and then sewed us our very own tailored outfits. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the clothing and the design. What do you think?
While we waited for our dresses, we got the chance to connect with the people. There, I led all the children in a Twi song called “Danasi” which I learned earlier that day. It was so great to see their reactions to a foreigner speaking their language and singing along with them. That is exactly why I love music. It has the power to connect individuals from all different walks of life.
I also met a young girl named Abiza. She was so smart and very kind. Today happened to be her birthday. She took me deeper within the village to her home to meet her family. It was unbelievable to see the conditions in which these people lived. Both of her parents, her three sisters, and her baby niece shared a home the size of the average American bedroom. I couldn’t even imagine living that way. The level of poverty here is really getting to me. I am too often guilty of complaining about inconsequential material things when there are billions of people around the world who don’t even have the basic necessities of life. Abiza loves to read and I cannot wait to return home and send her some books. Please let me know if you’re interested in donating anything as well. I was happy to leave the village that day with so many new brothers and sisters.
We ended our day with dinner at the beach resort. The group of us got into a somewhat intense discussion of religion, morals, and ethics. Although none of us can entirely agree on anything, we realize that we all have the same mission while we’re in Ghana: to learn as much as we can and to make a difference in the lives of the people we meet over these next few weeks.
Today we went on a canopy walk through the rainforest. I had no idea what to expect. First, we climbed about a half-mile uphill and got the chance to see the beautiful wild life of Ghana. The view was breathtaking. As it started to rain my excitement soon turned to fear. The plank that we were walking across was only wide enough to hold one foot at a time!
Luckily I made it! Never would I have thought that I'd be walking between trees in an African Rainforest.
After we left the rainforest we made our way back to Cape Coast. On our way home we stopped at a Crocodile Restaurant. We got the chance to actually touch the crocodiles. It was definitely a risk since these animals weren’t trained at all, but it made for a great photo opportunity. Quite honestly there was nothing stopping that crocodile from biting my hand off but sheer will! I know my mother’s going to love reading this!
We then went back to Samuel’s village. There was a huge rainstorm the night before and a majority of the village flooded. Fortunately Samuel and his family found temporary shelter.
While walking around the village, we found a dressmaker. She measured us and then sewed us our very own tailored outfits. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the clothing and the design. What do you think?
While we waited for our dresses, we got the chance to connect with the people. There, I led all the children in a Twi song called “Danasi” which I learned earlier that day. It was so great to see their reactions to a foreigner speaking their language and singing along with them. That is exactly why I love music. It has the power to connect individuals from all different walks of life.
I also met a young girl named Abiza. She was so smart and very kind. Today happened to be her birthday. She took me deeper within the village to her home to meet her family. It was unbelievable to see the conditions in which these people lived. Both of her parents, her three sisters, and her baby niece shared a home the size of the average American bedroom. I couldn’t even imagine living that way. The level of poverty here is really getting to me. I am too often guilty of complaining about inconsequential material things when there are billions of people around the world who don’t even have the basic necessities of life. Abiza loves to read and I cannot wait to return home and send her some books. Please let me know if you’re interested in donating anything as well. I was happy to leave the village that day with so many new brothers and sisters.
We ended our day with dinner at the beach resort. The group of us got into a somewhat intense discussion of religion, morals, and ethics. Although none of us can entirely agree on anything, we realize that we all have the same mission while we’re in Ghana: to learn as much as we can and to make a difference in the lives of the people we meet over these next few weeks.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Beautiful Ghana
I woke up with the sun this morning and enjoyed a beautiful fresh breakfast by the ocean. I was greeted with so many Ghanaian smiles, which alone would have made my day worthwhile.
It started to rain as we travelled to the Cape Coast Slave Castle that morning. I knew that visiting the slave castle would be an emotional experience but no amount of mental preparation would have made it easier. Our tour guide took us in to the slave dungeons. To experience these inhumane conditions first hand was tremendously overwhelming. To add insult to injury, the slave owners had the nerve to build their church on top of the slave dungeon, further showcasing the hypocrisy of it all.
We also stood at Dalzel’s Tower where the Governor resided. His room was conveniently placed above the female dungeon, enabling him to summon, rape, and dispose of the African women at his whim. I can only imagine the horror that took place there. And to imagine, all of these merciless and cruel occurred because of man’s ruthless desire for gold.
As I walked thru the “Door of No Return” towards the Atlantic Ocean, I could only think about the thousands of slaves who were forced thru that same door years ago. I wondered if some distant grandparent, aunt, or cousin walked that very path. I was able to take some comfort in walking back thru the door and returning to the land my ancestors were taken from.
After we left the slave castle we made our way to Cape Coast University and lunched at Sasakawa Restaurant. The chicken and joloff rice was so delicious.
After lunch our trip advisor, Janaan, introduced us to Samuel, a man she met during her last trip to Cape Coast. He was very warm and welcoming. Him and his friend Steven, took us to their neighborhood to meet their families and friends. Although the majority of the people we met spoke very little English, their smiles were worth a thousand words.
As we walked through the neighborhood, children and adults greeted us. We shouted to them using the little Twi language that we knew and they couldn’t help but to laugh. Even in the harsh conditions that these people lived in their spirit continued to shine through it. They continued to find happiness despite their circumstances, which not only inspired me but made me realize I AM fortunate.
It started to rain as we travelled to the Cape Coast Slave Castle that morning. I knew that visiting the slave castle would be an emotional experience but no amount of mental preparation would have made it easier. Our tour guide took us in to the slave dungeons. To experience these inhumane conditions first hand was tremendously overwhelming. To add insult to injury, the slave owners had the nerve to build their church on top of the slave dungeon, further showcasing the hypocrisy of it all.
We also stood at Dalzel’s Tower where the Governor resided. His room was conveniently placed above the female dungeon, enabling him to summon, rape, and dispose of the African women at his whim. I can only imagine the horror that took place there. And to imagine, all of these merciless and cruel occurred because of man’s ruthless desire for gold.
As I walked thru the “Door of No Return” towards the Atlantic Ocean, I could only think about the thousands of slaves who were forced thru that same door years ago. I wondered if some distant grandparent, aunt, or cousin walked that very path. I was able to take some comfort in walking back thru the door and returning to the land my ancestors were taken from.
After we left the slave castle we made our way to Cape Coast University and lunched at Sasakawa Restaurant. The chicken and joloff rice was so delicious.
After lunch our trip advisor, Janaan, introduced us to Samuel, a man she met during her last trip to Cape Coast. He was very warm and welcoming. Him and his friend Steven, took us to their neighborhood to meet their families and friends. Although the majority of the people we met spoke very little English, their smiles were worth a thousand words.
As we walked through the neighborhood, children and adults greeted us. We shouted to them using the little Twi language that we knew and they couldn’t help but to laugh. Even in the harsh conditions that these people lived in their spirit continued to shine through it. They continued to find happiness despite their circumstances, which not only inspired me but made me realize I AM fortunate.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Akwaaba! Welcome!
I AM in love with Ghana... and it’s only been one day!
We arrived in Accra at about 10:30AM and hit the ground running. We had a delicious lunch consisting of grilled chicken and rice. Then we got a chance to walk around the city, which was an experience all in its own. Accra is surprisingly modern, however there is still poverty around every corner. Being able to see the reality of Ghana has proved to be quite exciting but emotional as well. There are many people here who are well off financially and at the same time there are many who must beg for money just to survive. In a way, we’ve been conditioned to view poverty as a matter of fact, but when you see desperation staring at you through the eyes of a person in need, it becomes impossible to ignore. I can only hope that during the upcoming weeks I can make a tangible difference in the lives of the people that I meet.
During the afternoon, we traveled to Cape Coast, approximately a two-hour drive south of Accra. We arrived at the beach resort and once we settled in to our rooms we took a walk down to the beach. Running on an African beach and into the Atlantic Ocean was such an exhilarating and surreal experience. Hearing the sound of the waves crashing down as the wind blew against my skin I felt heaven on earth. I could have spent the rest of my life on that beach.
Barack Obama will be visiting Cape Coast on Friday. Unfortunately, this is the same day we’re set to fly to Tamale but we are going to try our best to see him. To be honest, the Ghanaian people are much more excited for his arrival than we are.
The people of Ghana have been nothing but a delight. Their hospitality and generosity is unparalleled. One observation that can be made is that the Ghanaian people love to take their times. Slow and Steady gets the job done is not just a quote here, it's a way of life. It is not uncommon to wait an hour or two before your meal is at a restaurant and another hour or so for the check to arrive. It's definitely a culture difference. I do however enjoy how everyone is so relaxed and down to earth here.
And even though things have gotten a little messy at times, I'm still having a great time!
I AM looking forward to these upcoming weeks in Ghana.
We arrived in Accra at about 10:30AM and hit the ground running. We had a delicious lunch consisting of grilled chicken and rice. Then we got a chance to walk around the city, which was an experience all in its own. Accra is surprisingly modern, however there is still poverty around every corner. Being able to see the reality of Ghana has proved to be quite exciting but emotional as well. There are many people here who are well off financially and at the same time there are many who must beg for money just to survive. In a way, we’ve been conditioned to view poverty as a matter of fact, but when you see desperation staring at you through the eyes of a person in need, it becomes impossible to ignore. I can only hope that during the upcoming weeks I can make a tangible difference in the lives of the people that I meet.
During the afternoon, we traveled to Cape Coast, approximately a two-hour drive south of Accra. We arrived at the beach resort and once we settled in to our rooms we took a walk down to the beach. Running on an African beach and into the Atlantic Ocean was such an exhilarating and surreal experience. Hearing the sound of the waves crashing down as the wind blew against my skin I felt heaven on earth. I could have spent the rest of my life on that beach.
Barack Obama will be visiting Cape Coast on Friday. Unfortunately, this is the same day we’re set to fly to Tamale but we are going to try our best to see him. To be honest, the Ghanaian people are much more excited for his arrival than we are.
The people of Ghana have been nothing but a delight. Their hospitality and generosity is unparalleled. One observation that can be made is that the Ghanaian people love to take their times. Slow and Steady gets the job done is not just a quote here, it's a way of life. It is not uncommon to wait an hour or two before your meal is at a restaurant and another hour or so for the check to arrive. It's definitely a culture difference. I do however enjoy how everyone is so relaxed and down to earth here.
And even though things have gotten a little messy at times, I'm still having a great time!
I AM looking forward to these upcoming weeks in Ghana.
Arriving to Ghana
The time is now 9:19AM – making that 5:19AM in the United States, on July 7th and I AM at this very moment traveling over African airspace, Cote D’Ivore to be exact, placing me approximately an hour from my final destination: Ghana.
There are so many emotions that I am feeling right now, excitement being the most dominant. I also feel very fortunate. The adventure that I am about to embark on is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Even though I’m already starting to miss my mama, and we haven’t even landed yet, I have a great feeling about the upcoming weeks.
Frustration has also been a major emotion for today. Our flight was delayed three times! However, while waiting for Delta airlines to get their act together, I met a girl named Jessica who happened to be carrying with her a travel size guitar. A jam session was soon underway. :] It was so cool singing and playing the guitar in the middle of JFK International Airport in New York City. I also had time to practice playing Blackbird by the Beatles, a rather fitting song given the circumstances.
The song “Blackbird” has always had a special meaning to me. This makes more sense if you recognize the fact that the term “bird” in British slang means “girl”.
“Black bird singing in the dead of night.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly.
All your life you have only waited for this moment to be free.
Black bird fly…”
Which is exactly what I am doing right now.
So what exactly am I expecting once I arrive? I still have no idea and I believe it’s better that way. I believe that my lack of expectations will only allow me to appreciate my experiences further.
Although my mind is racing and I can’t stop thinking, I am ignoring all thoughts of doubt and worry. I am ousting any “what ifs” from my mind and completely submerging myself into this moment because this moment is promised. This moment is what I have for certain. And at this moment, I AM in Ghana.
There are so many emotions that I am feeling right now, excitement being the most dominant. I also feel very fortunate. The adventure that I am about to embark on is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Even though I’m already starting to miss my mama, and we haven’t even landed yet, I have a great feeling about the upcoming weeks.
Frustration has also been a major emotion for today. Our flight was delayed three times! However, while waiting for Delta airlines to get their act together, I met a girl named Jessica who happened to be carrying with her a travel size guitar. A jam session was soon underway. :] It was so cool singing and playing the guitar in the middle of JFK International Airport in New York City. I also had time to practice playing Blackbird by the Beatles, a rather fitting song given the circumstances.
The song “Blackbird” has always had a special meaning to me. This makes more sense if you recognize the fact that the term “bird” in British slang means “girl”.
“Black bird singing in the dead of night.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly.
All your life you have only waited for this moment to be free.
Black bird fly…”
Which is exactly what I am doing right now.
So what exactly am I expecting once I arrive? I still have no idea and I believe it’s better that way. I believe that my lack of expectations will only allow me to appreciate my experiences further.
Although my mind is racing and I can’t stop thinking, I am ignoring all thoughts of doubt and worry. I am ousting any “what ifs” from my mind and completely submerging myself into this moment because this moment is promised. This moment is what I have for certain. And at this moment, I AM in Ghana.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Countdown Has Begun
Only FOUR more days until I embark on this journey to Africa. I just got the last of my vaccinations and my arms are definitely feeling sore. I'm spending the little bit of time I have left with family and friends. Four weeks is a pretty good length of time and I'm definitely going to miss my family. There's so much to do before I take off, the entire trip seems unreal. One thing is for sure though, I'm excited! :]
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