ENTRY 4
Feb 12, 2009
Today was a major bummer of a day. This afternoon our external hard drive, which had all our movies were lost. I tried everything I could think of to recover them, but it didn’t work. Nothing had happened to it, either, so it was strange and quite sad. I will certainly be bringing it back to the store. I hope they let me return it.
Then, this evening, again, nothing abnormal happened, but my computer’s cord would not work. It wouldn’t charge the computer. Now, not only no movies, but no music, email, journal, nothing!!!
Aside from these two tragic events, we had a good day. We went to the church/school to teach, but we didn’t. We will next week. We also met with George regarding the dam project. Not sure what we accomplished, but it was a good meeting! J
Feb 13, 2009
Today was a good day. Nothing much during the day, but we stayed over at Franks after dinner and I had a good talk with Cecilia. She showed me all the pictures of her dresses, and one from when she was a baby. She told me about her family and then and showed me a picture from her Christian wedding. She and Frank looked so young!
While we were talking and there was an obituary on the TV of the ‘sudden’ death of a 107 year old man. He was a family member from her father’s side. She said that her grandmother lived to be 110 years old. She was never sick, slipped while doing laundry and broke her hip, she died a few days later. She also said in the villages that often people will lived to be 120, 130, sometimes even 140!!
Feb 14, 2009
Valentines Day.
Today was a fun day. First, we gave the kids a whole cedi to spend at the little store. They love going to the store across the street, and now they had their own money to spend! All during and after breakfast they kept saying Im ready to go home (aka I want to go spend my $$)
Finally, we go to the store and they each choose a pop and lots of little candies or sweets as they call them here.
Then home to rest. We are going to go to the craft village and pizza at noon.
Well, at noon, er…uh…2pm. We head to the ATM. I need to get money before we go. Well, that’s not going to happen today, BOTH ATM cards and 2 ATMs I am still getting the same message, Invalid Transaction. A quick, yet paniced call to dad and we find out that our account is fine, but some of our banks ATM cards have been compromised. Ours must have been among them. We will have to wait until Tuesday (Monday’s President day) for dad to confirm and then transfer the money to our personal account. No craft village today.
Instead we go to see the bats. There is a part of town where all the bats tend to congregate. There were a lot. This place happened to be by the Kumasi Zoo. Frank asked how much it was. Again the broonie gets the shaft. 3 cedis for each adult, the Ghanaians are only 1. Still 3 bucks for a zoo is not bad.
The zoo was small. Only about 20 exhibits, not including the 1000s of bats flying over and living in the trees above you. There was nothing fancy about the exhibits, simply cages with a sign.
There were ostriches, snakes, turtles, crocodials, lions, porcupines, baboons, monkeys, and chimps.
The chimps were by far the best part. They surpassed all monkey exhibits in the US. They would perform—hang upside down, do flips, put out their hands for food, etc… If you threw food at them they would catch it. If you didn’t---watch out! They would fling poop or spit water at you. One baboon threw it at Jody, but he blocked it with his hand. They were really neat.
After the zoo we went to pizza at a small resturaunt at a hotel. They advertized oven baked pizza and Frank says it’s pretty good.
We ordered two. One cheese and one with the works. (Ham, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, artichokes)
They only had one size, equivalent to a US small. And they were 12 cedis each (about$10). It was worth it. They were really good. Malachi ate 4 pieces—2 of which were with the works. Something he never would have done at home. The kids loved it.
After pizza we drove around for a bit and went home. When we got home a storm began. We sat out and watched it, the wind cooling us down. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
February 15, 2009 ELLI IS BORN!!
Today we spoke at a small church in Kumasi.
Daughter summed up her feelings about Sundays quite well this morning. She said, “Is it Sunday?” I said, “yes.” She said, “Oh man, Sundays are always so long!”
That is true, especially for them. They have to wear nice clothes and sit still in a long service that is really hot, with nothing to do, that is in a language they don’t understand.
Son expressed his same feelings during church. He said he felt like he wanted to go home (in Kumasi), because church was hot and long.
During church Daughter was entertaining herself by cleaning her shoes. I looked back and she has rubbed the bottom of her shoe with her hand and then looks at her hand and licks it! It was so gross, even the pastor next to her told her to not do that; it’s bad for you. Oh, that girl!
After church we went home to take a nap while we wait for lunch. Right as we are about to fall asleep and right after Malachi already had—coby comes to the door. It is time to eat.
We get up. We wake up Son. Quite reluctantly. We go over. Walk in and dinner is not ready. It’s not even close to being ready. We were not happy. It appears that Coby decided it was play time.
Finally, dinner is ready. It was so good! Cabbage and Califlour, chicken, rice and a sauce. It was a good sauce, a little spicy but not much. Son ate two helpings of it!
After dinner, we went home to finish our nap. At about 3:30 I get a text that Elli is on her way. Jenn’s in labor. After our nap, we went over to franks for a bit and visited. They were all happy to hear about Jenn and prayed for her.
We went home and waited anxiously for news. The kids prayed for Jenn and Elli. We went to bed early and slept with the phone next to us. I certainly wish I were home right now. I am so sad I am missing her birth.
Finally at about 11:30pm I get the call that she is here. I am so happy, but sad that I am not there. Now, I am anxious to get home to meet my niece.
February 16, 09 Monday
Today we went to the school to teach. I taught English. We were supposed to leave at 9, so I could have time to review the lesson before my class at 10:35am. We got to the school at 10:20am. Thankfully it was a test day. So I didn’t have to do much.
This evening we played card games with the kids. They love it. They love, love, love playing games with mom and dad. After that, we read some from swiss family robinson. Then, early to bed.
Feb 17, 09
We had the day off, so we did some pre-packing and cleaned up the room.
At dinner (which was vegetable stew with fish) we brought over the toys and gifts we had. We gave coby some rescue heros and cars. Quedru, we gave a dool with several outfits, a bottle, and feeding tray, and a purse. Lucinda, we gave a doll. We gave Linda and the baby some lotion and receiving blankets. The rest of the toys we gave to Cecilia to do what she like. She said she would bring them to the church to use in Sunday school. She said they also need toys for nursery kids.
The kids really enjoyed giving their gifts and seeing the kids play with them.
Feb 18
Today we when we went over to Frank’s we saw Lucinda playing with her doll. She was carrying it everywhere. Her mother came over just to say thank you. She was so grateful.
Today we went to the church to meet with George about canaan Life. It was a good meeting. George is a vital need for Canaan Life. Bringing management to Frank’s vision.
Linda had her baby today. Via C-section. So Frank and Cecilia and I and Malachi went to the university to see her and to get some money from the ATM.
He is so cute! Linda was still in recovery, so we didn’t stay.
Feb 19
We were supposed to teach today, both Jody and I, but the truck is broke and frank had to leave early for court, so no teaching.
We spoke to Cecilia quite awhile today about old methods of discipline. She said that in the old says, parents would mix ginger and pepper and put it by/in your nose, ears, eye, mouth.
They also beat you with a cane, either on your hand or your back or legs. If you were really bad, they would hold your arms and legs and beat you. Some parents would even take their kids to the police and have them beat you, if you were really bad.
WOW! Sure glad I wasn’t an Africa kid.
They still “beat” kids with a cane. Nothing like what was described. They may get one on the rear or the hand, but that is it. Even the schools do this. BUT, this I must say, the kids respect adults and are very well behaved.
We had a great dinner of fried chicken and yam chips. Yummy! After dinner, we all went to the hospital to see Clifford. He is so cute! Linda seems to be doing well and will come home this weekend.
This afternoon, when we were talking about going to see the baby, Son asked if the baby drank mamma’s milk. I said yes. He said, I have seen lots of baby’s drink mamma’s milk in Africa. It was so cute, and so true! There really isn’t a “bottle” option around here. Formula is WAY too expensive. Even orphan babies are usually wet nursed.
After two weeks with no water, we finally have water. Yay! But then we (and all the pastors staying for the conference) tripped a breaker. So, no power, but we have water again! The power was turned back on soon.
This weekend is the annual NTA Ghana council conference. All of Frank’s pastors come into town, and most are staying in the conference center. It will be a very busy weekend for Pastor Frank.
Feb 20
Typical day in Africa. We went to the church with frank because Jody had to teach…or not. They took a field trip! So we are in the hot office for nothing.
Frank has his pastor conference, so we will be here awhile.
During our office visit, we were served porridge. It smelled so so good, but it was the most disgusting thing I have ever eaten in my life! It burned, and was sour and bitter and spicy all at the same time.
Feb 21
Today, we went to a funeral. It was Frank’s uncle who passed away. It was quite an ordeal. A BIG ordeal.
When someone dies, the family gathers that day. Then there is a celebration one week after the death. Then, sometime after than anywhere from a few days to a month, there is the funeral, which is on a Saturday. EVERYONE comes to the funeral. First there is the burial, not as widely attended, mostly for family. But then there is the memorial portion. People come, there is LOUD music. You greet EVERYONE, shaking their hand. Then you sit and visit for a moment. Then, you are brought to a courtyard where you are fed or given drink, depending on what is being served and what time you come. Thankfully, we only had sodas. Then you go back and sit and visit. During the visiting, you make a donation. A receipt is made out, and an announcer announces who you are and what you gave. Then you sit down, and EVERYONE, comes to you and shakes your hand and says thank you.
Certain clothes are worn, and they are either red or black or a combo.
The NTA church came, about 40 in all in one group entrance, to be an example and say we are here for you in your time of need. It is one of their ways of evangelizing.
There is dancing. One person will get up and dance and people will surround them and like “brush” them with their hankie. It is their way of saying we are here to lift you up when you are down. This funeral lasts from early morning, around 5 until after dinner time, around 6/7.
Then, the next day, the family, dressed in black and white, get together for a meal of thanksgiving. This happens after church and lasts all afternoon.
Finally, the next day, the family gathers one last time to sort out family matters such as the will and take care of the funeral bill, which is paid for by the donations. Then they will decide what to do with the remaining balance. This time is also used to resolve any existing family disputes.
And, that is it for the funeral…until a year later. Then there is another big celebration, celebrating the anniversary of the death. This is always advertised by posters around town. This is also when the tombstone is put in place.
During the funeral, which was really boring for those of us who don’t speak Twi, Daughter was so board. She said it was the longest day of her life!
She was slouching all over the place, and I kept telling her to sit up and put her hands in her lap, and to sit like a lady.
After the funeral, Frank asked what I was doing, and I told him, I was reminding her to sit like a lady and to mind her manners. He said that is what he thought. A lady came to him and asked. She thought I didn’t want Daughter touching the chair, because I thought it was dirty. But then when she came over to thank us for our donation, Daughter shook everyone’s hand, so she changed her mind about being offended.
I was so hungry on the way home, but too scared to say anything, so I just prayed lord, please let them have us over for yams and chicken, but not if its anything else.
Lo and behold! Yam chips and chicken! Yay! It was like 8pm, so it was cold, but still good. We ate fast, and then we went to bed. It had been a long day.
Oh, right before the funeral, we did have jalapo rice. We had to eat fast, and didn’t really have time to finish, so Coby got his rice in a plastic bag. Son wanted more, so he got some in a plastic bag, too. He ate it all, some before the funeral and some after. He loves it. He is truly African now!
Feb 22
Today was Sunday. Our final service in Kumasi. Jody spoke on Joseph, it was great message. Very sad, though, I am ready and not ready to go home. I want to see my family, especially Elli, but I am not ready to leave here for good.
Afterwards, we napped and had peanut butter soup. We also walked to the store, and guess what we found?! Chocolate chip cookies! AWESOME! They are so so good.
Feb 23 09
Today we just hung out as we are winding down our trip. The plan is, which changes often, to leave for winneba and accra on Wed. We will stay in winneba until Sunday AM and then go to accra. We’re gonna stay in a 11 cedi/night hotel with no ac. That should be interesting.
Fried chicken again for dinner. It was pretty yum. I love it. Cecilia made fufu for herself and Jody asked if he could beat it. She agreed. They all thought it was so funny! He did Ok, but will have to work on his technique. The Collin finished the job. Making fufu is quite an art. You take boiled yam, casaba, or plantain. Place it in a wooden bowl that his wet. Then you take a large stick with a flat surface (this is usually made from bamboo) and beat it. While one person is beating it (usually a man) the other person (usually a woman) gathers and folds while adding just a bit of water with her wet hands. She also picks out any imperfections. This is all happening within the rhythm of the beating of the fufu. So, you gotta pay attention and hope the beater is, too, so that you don’t lose a finger. In about 20 minutes, you have fufu!
Feb 24 09
The past two nights neither Jody nor I have been able to sleep. Last night we were both up until 2am! We mentioned this to Frank and he said it’s home sickness. He says whenever he is about to go home the same thing happens to him. Hmm. Never knew that.
Today, Anointing came over and brought Jody a tie. It was very kind of him. We’ll miss him.
We also noticed today that there were some hot pink chicks (as in chickens) running around the yard. What is the heck?---ask Malachi would say. We asked Frank about this and he said the farmers will paint the chicks pink so that the hawks will think they are bloody and dead and will not eat them. That made me feel a whole lot better---I thought it was some sort of radioactive freak of nature!
Other than that, nothing much today. Oh, but we are not leaving tomorrow. Car problems again. We’ll leave Friday. Maybe.
Feb 25
Today we went to the Post Office box to see if our package from Susan and Krista made it. After 3 hours, we still don’t really know. Let’s just say, the Post Office workers aren’t in a hurry to help. T hey wanted a tracking number, but when we said we didn’t have one, they wouldn’t even go look to see if it came. What a bummer. They said if it comes before Friday that they will call us…I don’t have my fingers crossed. That they will call, that is.
We went to Wed night church. It was a farewell service for us, but it rained, so there was only like 5 people there. Well, at least they told us that’s why there was only 5 people!
We said good bye and gave a final word of encouragement. The lady that our church helped by a hair dryer for several years ago gave me a thank you gift. A beautiful cloth a photo and a letter of thanks. It was, of course, presented to me. One thing we have learned is that anonymous giving is not the way to go around here. Everything is a presentation followed with handshakes of thanks.
Feb 26
Today we got ready to leave. We are not leaving now until Saturday, and we will stay in Winneba until Wed. We packed up most of our things and cleaned out most of the room. We spent the rest of the day resting and spending time with Cecilia. She was making palm soup. It is quite a process. You start out with the palm nut/seed. You boil it for a day, and then all of the oils begin to come out. You press out all of the oils, and use that to make soup. It is pretty good, without the fish.
Feb 27
Papa’s birthday was today. I am pretty sure the kids were the first to say happy birthday, since they called him at like 6:30am Oregon time.
We had a very special treat today. Collin’s bother, the judge we met in Accra was in town. He lives next to frank and owns the small store we go to, which his brother runs. Well, he has a daughter who is 8. Her name is Aquia. She and Daughter played together all day. Aquia knows about Hannah Montana, and even has the DVD. So, that was WAY cool. Daughter was smitten. They played “Hannah” all day long.
Before dinner, it rained. All of the kids played on the porch during the downpour, but they didn’t stay very dry, playing in the water seeping through the gate. They had so much fun. Daughter says she is sad to be leaving Aquia tomorrow.
I can’t believe tonight is our last night in Kumasi. Two months goes by fast. Too fast.
Feb 28 Final Day
Today, we left Kumasi. It was really hard. I cried as we said good bye and as we left town. I am not ready for this adventure to be over. I am not ready to say good bye to my family here in Kumasi.
This morning, we finished the packing and cleaning up of our room. We had some fufu and packed up the car. We took some final pictures and said good bye. Gabriel will be driving us to Winneba. We were in the car and on our way by noon. The kids took a nap and 4 hours later, we were in Winneba.
Winneba is the poorest city in Ghana. It is about 45 minutes from Accra. They are known for fishing and smoked fish which they export around Ghana. It is way below the poverty line for all of Ghana.
That said, the beaches are beautiful….except for the excessive trash. We are not staying at the hotel we were told about. Instead, we are staying at a “resort” that is right on the beach. It is a pretty nice place. We feel really luck to be staying here. It is going to be fun.
We got all unpacked…unloading all 11 bags. Then we went and got some dinner at the restaurants and went and put our feet in the warm water.
Then, after showers (an over the head shower, what a treat) it was bed time…at 7:45. Our room is small with only 1 double bed, so dad and Malachi are on the floor. The ladies get the bed.
Mar 1
Final Sunday. Winneba was one of Jody’s favorite places from last time. I didn’t go last time we were here, I went to another church, so I was excited to check it out. WOW! It was LOUD and they were into it! It was a great church service. I spoke on Standing and God’s armor.
There is a blind man there, whom Jody remembers from last time. He really gets into the service and has someone watch for him so he can dance.
The service was LONG, and afterwards we went back to the hotel. They brought us dinner, jalapo rice. We ate and then spent the afternoon playing in the water. The kids loved it. They have never been able to place in the ocean without freezing.
After a swim, we got cleaned up and went to get a soda. Half the church was at the restaurants. There was a soccer game on, so we hung out at watched it while the kids played on the playground.
Mar 2 Monday
Today, we went into Accra to go to the craft market. We get there, and get out and Malachi has to go to the bathroom. He said in the car that he had to go number 2. Jody took him to the bathroom, but only accomplished #1. Ok, we are on our way. The market is always crazy, because everyone is trying to sell, and you have to not act interested and trust in your guide to barter for you, so you don’t get ripped off. I was prepared for a long day.
Well, about 30 minutes into it, Son is crying. I realize he is probably hungry, so frank buys him a soda to tie him over, but the vendor has to go and get it. In the mean time, he breaks down. His tummy hurts. He tells daddy, I gotta go, and I gotta go now. So Jody had to run with him to the bathroom. They barely made it. Poor guy is “running”. We meet up with him, and I bought him some Imodium. He WOULD NOT take it. So, this day has gone downhill FAST. So, I said, give me 10 more minutes and I will be done. I and Frank go into the market, I picked a store, and just bought what I thought would work for people. I am about to leave and run back to the car so we can take him home when I get a call. It is Jody. Son wants a lion. (He could not decide earlier). He is also feeling better. I get him a lion and we get on our way.
He is fine now, even though he has NOT taken the medicine. We decided to get some pizza on our way home. We got pepperoni pizza. Well, it was NOT pepperoni. It was cut up hot dogs on pizza. No one ate the hotdogs. They got picked off. Yuck.
We went home, took a nap, and then went to the beach again. Then some dinner and bed. Tomorrow will be our last full day here.
Mar 3
Today, Jody went to go meet some guy who is an inventor. Frank wanted to meet him. They didn’t get to meet him, you have to write a letter and request an appointment. While they were gone, the kids and I hung out, got some lunch and finished Swiss family Robinson.
When Jody got back, we spent one last afternoon at the beach. Tomorrow, we will head home. We are so very excited and so sad, too.
Mar 4-Final day.
Today we packed up and were on the road by 9am. We went into accra and went to the accra mall. WOW! It was SO COOL. It was a touch of the western world in Africa. Two supermarkets, a book store, and several European stores, with a few American ones, too. They had a real food court, and even a real movie theater with new releases. We got REAL pepperoni pizza and real ice cream. They had nice bathrooms. One in which I found a one peswe, which I needed to complete my collection. Thank you Jesus for that little gift.
After looking around for a bit, we headed to the Trade fair. We went last time on our way from accra to Kumasi We looked around for awhile, but after a bit, we were just done and ready to go home.
So, at about 4, we headed to the airport. We went to customs, and the lady asked if we had kids. We said yes, and she said OK, and passed us through. It pays to have kids when going through customs.
We got all checked in about 6, and waited. And waited. Finally, three hours later, we are on the plane. The kids fell asleep right away. Jody and I stayed up watching movies. We would sleep on the next leg.
We got to Amsterdam and were so tired! But the end was in sight. We found a bathroom and took “showers” and got new clothes on. Then we found a mc Donalds, and at 6:30am in the morning, we had hamburgers and French fries. The kids were SO SO excited. They ate it up fast.
Then, we decided to “cross into Amsterdam” so that we could go to the starbucks. We wanted to get KT and Brian a city mug. And some coffee for ourselves. First coffee in 60 days. It was SO good.
Well, about 20 minutes after our mcdonalds and starbucks binge, it was payback time. Yeah, the tummy does not like fast food and coffee after 60 days of good eating.
Finally, back on the plane. I was so exhausted. So was Jody. But neither of us slept. I think it was the combination of excitement and real movies that just needed to be watched. The kids slept for a few more hours and then watched movies the rest of the time.
Finally, we landed. We were home. It was so good to see Ellie for the first time and the look on the kids faces when they saw their nana and papa was pure joy.
We are home now, but our hearts are still there, and we are open and ready for the next chapter God has for us. When will we return? What will we do while we are here? Only time will tell, but one thing remains true. We are not our own, we are bought with a price and where HE goes, we will follow.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Update on the broonies.....
ENTRY 3
Day eighteen, Monday
Today went to go get some fabric for Elli’s dress, and go to the dress shop. Daughter and I went with Cecilia. Gabriel drove us. He is the school bus driver. Very nice guy. We go to a fabric shop. I picked out some ‘lace’ for Elli’s dress. It is not what we would think of as lace. It is the eyelet (I think that is what it’s called) type of design. It’s pretty and white. Then we pick out some material for me. I am getting dresses made for me. Not because I want any (I have a whole box full of African clothes at home that I never wear. I am all for looking native, but they just are not very comfortable.), but because I am told I need some! So, I picked out some flower pattern, the best of all the choices, and not only end up with that, but also some of the material that I chose for Elli. I guess I am now getting more than one outfit!
So, Cecilia bargains a price, says something to the driver, who comes in and pays the lady. During this whole process no one says a thing to me or even looks at me. We get in the car and go to the dress maker. We get there, and Cecilia looks at me and says, “you have the bag?”
Uh…no! No one told me to get it! So, Gabriel and I get back into the car and head back to the fabric store and pick up the bag. Now, back to the dress shop.
I pick out a pattern. Some crop pants and a shirt. I really just picked at random, because I know the chances of me actually getting that are slim, and the chances of me actually wearing it are even slimmer. I also said I wanted an outfit like Cecilia wore on Sunday—a skirt and top. She measures me. This too, still means little. You still don’t know if it will come back right. I have had outfits made every time I’ve been in Africa, and it never quite turns out like you asked or imagined. And it’s a 50 50 chance that they will fit right. But hey, I could never make something as beautiful as what they make using an old fashioned sewing machine, so who am I to complain if it isn’t perfect.
I told them I wanted a dress made for Elli. For size 3 months. I say this knowing it will come back big. I had some 1 year old clothes made last time I was here, and Malachi was able to wear them when he was 3, and Maudi when she was 4.
Back home. Back to sitting around. Frank says he will make us tomato soup and bring it over, since Jody still isn’t feeling well. It comes, and there is a whole fish floating in our tomato soup. As soon as I lifted the lid the whole room smells like fish. We…uh…weren’t hungry. Praise God for PB and J. And toilets that flush things. (A major missionary no, no. You are supposed to eat what is prepared for you out of respect. Yes, this is true, but desperate times call for a bending of the rules. One can only take so much fish!)
Day nineteen
Well, Jody is finally feeling better today! We are going to speak today at Christ the King Palace. They are having a Fulfilling your Financial Destiny seminar all this week. Jody and I are the key speakers. (They certainly didn’t choose us for our successes in this area!).
After breakfast today, we spent some time talking with Bishop. We were talking about the mindset of the people as a whole. Many are lazy in their thinking, and expect anyone who has more to take care of them. They think only of today and not tomorrow, and it has been this way for generations. Even the government depends on other governments to balance its budget and such. What a sad bondage.
We also talked about the church as a whole here. Very religious. Everyone goes to church an whoops and hollers, but there is a lack of depth and a lack of commitment to Christ.
Elli’s dress did get done today. It turned out so cute!!! Super super cute. I was going to mail it but now I am not. I don’t want to risk it getting lost. So, Jenn, you’ll have to wait. And, like I predicted, it does not look like a 3 month olds dress. More like 6-9 months. But that may be a good thing for Elli.
Service went very well. We talked about poverty and what the Bible says. After church, we got in the car, us and 6 other people! I guess we were giving them a ride. 12 people in the car. That is a new record!
After we dropped off the people, we went into Bishop’s for some tea, and a cucumber, and bread and a cheese spread. Oh, it was good. It was some fake sharp cheddar cheese spread. I am all about fake cheese. I absolutely LOVE cheese in a can, which this tasted just like. I had two pieces of bread with the cheese on it. It was awesome.
Then, home and to bed in our hot hot room. I think I am beginning to change my mind about an AC.
Day twenty.
Today was exciting! We got our package from mom and dad! We walked down to the little store around 10, and got some Pringles. Paid 2.90 USD for them, but it was SO worth it! We also got some pop in a can, and Son got Chocolate Milk. (which has way too much chocolate syrup in it, so it has a nasty after taste, but he liked it.)
Right before we got home, our phone rang and it was the post office saying we had a package!! We were super excited.
Jody called frank to tell him. He called to ask if he could pick it up, but Jody had to pick it up because it is in his name. So, Bismarck (or as we call him Bisquick) drove Jody to the post office. He had to wait forever, of course, and pay 7.30 USD in tax, but he finally came back with the package.
The kids LOVED it! Son kept asking if Daddy went to Papa and Nana’s house to get it. I told him it came in the mail, and he finally got it. Then he thought that it was pretty cool that we got mail.
They had to eat a sucker and life saver right away, and use their paper and color book right away, and read their cards over and over. And, they would not be quiet until mom shared one of her pop carts (as malachi calls them) with them. And then, of course they had to have some gum. Daughter wanted the kind from Nana’s purse.
Daddy loved his books, and I enjoyed the pop tarts and dots, but I am pretty sure I will not be able to keep them all to myself.
We are back to church again tonight. Jody’s turn to speak. He is going to talk about having plans and goals for our life and money.
Day twenty one—three weeks here!
I can’t believe we have been here for three weeks! It doesn’t seem like that long, and yet at times it seems like the days last forever!
Today was another around the house day, as we prepare for tonight. It has been SO HOT. I have hardly slept the past two days. We have decided that we are for sure going to get an AC. I am ready to go get one right now. Frank says we can go get one tomorrow.
I am the speaker tonight. I spoke on Heb 12:1-3 and running your race well and fighting off discouragement. We have had a good size crowd each night. I pray that they all received value and knowledge out of the seminar.
Day 22
Today was long and miserable, but quite adventurous, too. Yesterday, frank said be at the house by 7:30 for breakfast, and we will leave at 8. We will go see a pastor and then get the AC. We’ll be back by noon, so Jody can prepare for tonight. He is speaking at the church we went to the Sunday after we arrived when we didn’t speak, since we didn’t know we were supposed to. They were disappointed, so we are going back.
Well, unsurprisingly, that isn’t exactly how it went. We left at 8:30, and that’s not bad. We went to the village to see the pastor. But both Jody and I had forgotten he said that, so we just kept driving and driving, and we’re like what? Where the heck is this Air Conditioner? Togo? Well, we finally remembered. The village was 30 miles out of Kumasi.
On our way we passed a bus. A very full bus, I might add with people and things stacked in, on top, and on the back. I am pretty sure if they crashed, no one would be hurt, except maybe the people on the top of the bus, because they were packed in so tight.
When we got to town, we found out the pastor was on that bus on his way in to see frank. I guess they had a little miscommunication about where they were meeting. We also found out we had a flat tire. So we pulled over to put the spare on. A guy came and did it for us. Not surprisingly. People are always willing to help….as long as you tip them.
While we were waiting, a crowd began to form, as it usually does (about 50 kids and some adults). George video tapped them trying to greet the kids, who were in the car. Many asked Daughter if she would like to come live with them, and told her how beautiful she was. One touched her arm, and then she and her friends all giggled. Many boys greeted Son and said they wanted to be his friend.
George gave me the camera back, and I recorded a bit more. Once they see what you’re doing, they want to make sure you get a picture of them. Well, then I remembered that my screen flips. If I turn it, they can see themselves. Coby loves it when I do that, and so do Daughter and Son. So I decided to give it a shot. I flipped the screen, and they went bananas! They started jumping around and singing. It was so much fun!
Finally, it was time to go get that AC….or not. Let’s go look at a dam, which included a small hike. So, off we set to the dam. We take a look, chat for a bit with the dam keeper, and head back.
As we were heading to the dam, I saw an old lady sitting out in the courtyard of her house (a courtyard in the center of several houses, actually. And by house I really mean hut. At least that is a better description.) She had no top on. No big deal, just keep walking. Well, on our way back. She called out to us. She wants to greet the kids, because they are so beautiful. Frank says, go say hi to grandma. So we do. The kids go up and shake her hand; breasts down to her knees and all, out for the world to see. I thought oh great! Now I have to explain why this lady is sitting here with no shirt on and why that is OK. But, no, they didn’t even bat an eye. They didn’t even seem to notice! I asked them if they noticed anything different about her, and both of them said no! Perhaps the Holy Spirit was shielding their eyes.
Ok, back in the car. We drop off our guide, and of course, tip him. Now we are finally on our way…..and then the spare tire goes out. So we stop, and get the regular tire fixed.
Alright, tires fixed, off we go to the AC….or not. How about another dam. Alright, not to panic. It’s only 12:30. Still early. We get to the dam site, and I stay in the car. The kids have fallen asleep. About 20 minutes later, we FINALLY really head back to town.
We get to the AC place. I am in the car with the kids while Jody and Frank and George go look at the AC, and make sure it works. It works well, so Jody comes back to get the money. He gives the money to frank, and--- MAJOR mistake here--- gets back in the car WITHOUT Frank or the AC. A few minutes later, we see George and frank go down the street. About 30 minutes later, they come back, and go back to the AC place. Then, finally come to the car and tell us we are waiting on a part from another store. What? . Apparently there is no hose. We have to wait for someone to bring it from another store. So we wait some more. It is now 2:30. After waiting some more on a guy who was supposed to be there in 20 minutes, about an hour ago, we finally leave, without the AC. I am about to cry at this point, because I am SO HOT, and the kids are board so they are driving each other and me crazy, and Jody is cranky because he needs to get back to get ready for tonight (which by the way, we didn’t know about until last night after church). My only hope was a cold room, and that hope was quickly fading. The guy says he will call when the part shows up and will deliver it. Even frank isn’t confident in this. Thankfully, we had not given him any money yet. Let’s go home.
We head that way, and drop off George. We stop and pick up Cecilia. I thought Jody was going to lose it. Cecilia means many stops. And right he was. We stopped at a shop, then we stopped to look at an AC Frank spotted. Finally, we are on our way home. I think frank could tell we were getting agitated. As we are heading home, we pass a place that Jody had seen an AC when he had gone to the post office. He, to me, mentions it. Well, shouldn’t have opened his mouth, because as soon as he did we pull over to look at it! I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
A few more stops to get bread and water and eggs and we are FINALLY home. The time is now 4:30. We are hot and cranky. Jody decides that he will go by himself tonight. The kids have been in the car all day, and I need to pack for tomorrow. I decide to give the kids a shower, just to cool them down. They really liked that. In the midday the water is warm, not super cold.
After our rinse off, we head to dinner. Jody will come later. While at dinner, the AC arrives. Jody finally comes back and says it is on and our room is cooling. We hurry up and eat so we can get back to our room. When we get there, Jody stays out so the kids can play outside. I go to check out the AC. I get to the door, and I can smell something burning. I open the door, and the AC is off and the room is full of smoke. I look over, and our extension cord/power strip is melted, and there is a burn mark on the floor about ½ and inch away from the carpet. Jody came in and was not happy; it had just been one of those days. He had asked specifically if the AC was too strong for the cord. Both Frank and the AC guy said yes. Well, they were wrong. Thankfully, it was only an overload on the power strip. It didn’t damage the AC or my computer cord (which was plugged in, but the computer was not plugged into it), and it didn’t damage the outlet at all. We plugged it into the wall, and it worked fine. Our first cool night. Very worth it. Jody heads off to church; I get the room tidy, pack for our trip, and give the kids a bath. Then to bed for all of us. Even I was exhausted and couldn’t wait up for Jody.
Day 23, Saturday
Today was quite uneventful. First, something from yesterday. Since we have gotten here, every time we pass a group of kids, and sometimes adults, we hear them shouting the same thing, but we have no idea what it is. On the way home yesterday was no exception. Cecilia told us they are saying O Broonie! Which means Oh, white people or white person. So that’s us, the Broonies.
So, today, we were supposed to go to a village, Dormaa. But, Frank’s car was having issues, so it got put off to tomorrow. So, we spent the day at home. We played with the kids (Jody played hide and seek…perfect building for it…with them) and read and rested.
We went over to Franks in the afternoon and watched “Free Willie” on tv…the latest American blockbuster!! Malachi thought it was cool because it had a killing whale (what he calls killer whales).
After a lovely dinner of rice and fish sauce, we went home. We were ready to shower, it was exceptionally hot and humid today. We got the kids showered, and the water ran out…No shower for us. Yay. Perhaps the morning will bring us water.
Day 24, Sunday
Up at 4am today. We are leaving at 5am, and we wanted to take a shower, since we didn’t get to last night. We beat the trumpet blower this morning! Thankfully there was water, not much, but enough.
We are on the road by 5:30 not bad. We put the kids PJs on, and they went in that, so they could go back to sleep.
We noticed as we were driving out of town, lots of groups running with their trumpets, whistles and cow bells. So, it is just not our neighborhood that gets to wake up to this weekly pleasure. Frank says it is the latest trend with young people. They will wake up early on Sunday to run—for fitness---but then when they are done they go eat and drink, so it really is of no benefit. It is more of a social event.
We got to Dormaa at about 8:30, and pull into a filling station with a car was area, an oil change area, a mini mart, and….a hotel!! Yep, right on top of the mini mart. This should be interesting….
We check into our room, and oh, God is good. It is nice and bright and clean, has an excellent AC and cable…meaning cnn. That is really the only other channel that comes in, but it is American, so we are happy. And, to top it all off, there is a hot water heater. WOOHOO!!! Hot showers!! You never quite feel clean from a cold shower, especially one from a bucket.
Church was great. I was speaking. I had prepared what I thought was a great message. I didn’t prepare my usual way, which is writing out the statements I want to make. Instead I used the outline system. It usually doesn’t work for me that well, as I forget half the stuff I want to say, and well, that theory proved true. My message, with an interpreter, was only about 10 minutes!!! Not that it mattered. Church was still about 3 hours long, and that is when we left. They were still going when we left.
I noticed something that I haven’t seen before in Ghana, but in the Ivory Cost. When we prayed, all the women covered their heads. Frank says he has been trying to break this tradition for years, but they still insist on covering their heads. That and sitting segregated, women on one side, men on the other. I have only seen the head covering in this town, but the segregation is everywhere. He says that he will tell them sit together! They will do if for awhile, but pretty soon they are back to their segregation.
Frank sent us back to the hotel in a taxi. He knew we were tired and hot. We had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. We enjoyed the AC and CNN. The kids and I took a 3 hour nap.
Frank told us that there would be an evening service, which we didn’t know about, so Jody spent the time preparing.
We were to leave at 7. We are ready at 7 and they bring us dinner. Yam Chips. They were great; would have been even better with ketchup. He also brought Planate chips for the kids. They are like a dried banana but thinner, the size of potato chips, fried and salted. They are not that great, in my opinion, but Son LOVED them; ate two whole bags. (A bag is one serving.)
About 7:30 we head to the church. I noticed that it was extremely windy outside. Half way to church, I saw lightning. We get to the church, and they have postponed the service, because it’s going to rain. It’s not canceled, just postponed. Rain doesn’t last long, usually, so they will have it afterward. The people won’t come when it rains, but they will know to come when it stops.
By this time, it is nearing 8pm. Frank says we will go back to the hotel and wait. Jody says why don’t we drop off steph and the kids and then go back. Frank said, we can, but they really want the children to come. They love seeing the kids. He said if they would sing a song in front of the church that thousands would come to see it. Both kids said NO WAY!
It is true wherever we go the kids are the ones who get the attention from other kids and adults. They think they are beautiful. I think they probably very rarely see white children, where as white adult might be more common. One lady told me my kids had beautiful round heads!
The rain didn’t let up, so the service was cancelled. The kids were a bit freaked by the storm, but also found it fascinating. We gave the kids a bath…a real bath with hot water that they could soak in and play in. Daughter went first. Son second, and while he was in the tub, alone, the power goes out. Thankfully, Jody was right near the door. He was able to get in there before he started to freak out. I found my cell phone, to use for a light, and we got him out and dried off.
We all climb into the one king size bed, and watch a little CNN. The power comes back on, so Jody gets up to turn on the AC, but not 10 minutes later the power is off again. We decided to call it a night, even though it was only about 9:30.
Day 25, Monday
We all got up about 6:30 this morning. Not surprising considering we had a long nap and went to bed early yesterday. I took a nice hot shower. Loved every minute of it. We are SO getting a hot water heater when we live here.
We were ready to go at 7:30. Frank comes, and says we are not checking out yet. We are going to go to the border town he told us about, and then to the pastor’s home for breakfast.
We head to the boarder of the Ivory Coast. We don’t take the main road, because you have to go through all the customs and paperwork, but if you take a side road, the border control will usually let you in to visit the village. He was right. He let us right in. The village is half on the Ghana side, half on the Ivory Coast side. Before colonization, there were not nations, nor borders. There were only tribes, so there was not national line dividing the land, so these people have lived together for hundreds of years. All people born in this town have dual citizenship.
We walked right into the Ivory Coast, and almost instantly, you could see the difference. It was poorer and dirtier that even just a few houses down. IC is much more Islamic and it is French. Both French nations Jody and I have visited were much more oppressed and much poorer than the English settled nations.
We spoke to a woman whose house is on the border. She says when she sleeps her head is in the Ivory Coast and her body is in Ghana.
We get back in the car, and we drive to the official border crossing, just to see it. One thing I have noticed about Dormaa is there are many more Muslims. Not surprising considering its location.
Then, it was off to the pastor’s for breakfast. We get there, and it is a small, but nice home. We sit, and soon they come out and put a serving bowl in front of Jody and one in front of me of rice pudding. Each bowl could have easily fed 12 people. Easy. We both look at Frank and say, is this all for us? He says yes. We ask, are they expecting us to eat all of it, and he says yes, eat as much as you can. They also brought us bread and avocados. The kids serving came out of mine, because I had more than Jody. Not that it even put a dent into my portion. Malachi wouldn’t touch his. He was being a pain. He eats it at Franks. Jody was able to eat his whole bowl, and I probably ate 3/4ths. I can usually defeat things like that, but it was either, puke and eat more, or stop. I have never eaten so much rice in one sitting in my entire life. Frank said you did well, that was a lot of rice! He didn’t have the rice. He had boiled plantains dipped into the chicken sauce we had last night. I would definitely rather have all the rice.
Day 26, Tuesday
Today we stayed at home. Frank had court. After court, we went over to his house, and talked about Canaan Life and our role. I have had a lot of questions about the matter, and we were able to sit down, and really get a feel for what is going on, what will be going on, and what role we will play. The needs here are many and great.
Not long after we wrapped up our talk, Son comes running in, “my eye, my eye, it’s burning!” I see that he has a big blue spot by his eye. I ask him what he has been playing with and he says I don’t know. So I take him into the bathroom, and was his eye out. He, of course, is screaming and resisting the whole time. He is still freaking out that his eye hurts, so I go outside and ask Daughter, and she says I don’t know. Well, I look down, and there is the same blue stuff all over Maudi and all over the ground. The trail leads to a bucket full of water and laundry detergent. Next to the bucket is a bleach/soap stick. “We’re you playing in the soap?” “No” Wrong. They finally confessed, they had been playing in the soap water, and Daughter flicked water at Malachi and it got in his eye. Thankfully it was the soap and not the bleach. Many drops, and much water later, his eye is red, but fine. What will they get into next!
After that we got the kids all settled again, we watched Oprah. It’s on everyday at 5pm, and once in awhile we get to watch. We rarely, if ever watch it at home, but it’s American, so we watch. The episodes are all a few years old, and there is only a handful that repeat over and over. There was one about Katrina a few days ago, and then another with a date of 2005.
There is a station her Viasat 1. It is a new station, and has lots of American shows, current hits like Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Cosby, and Friends. And the latest blockbusters like Matrix, Swim Fan, and The Day After Tomorrow.
Then it was getting close to dinner. We prayed, Lord, please, no fish! The Lord has heard, and answered our prayer…we are having Fried Chicken and Yam Chips. Our favorite. Jody drove to the store to get Ketchup. You have to have ketchup to make the fries taste like fries. The Fried chicken is really good. It isn’t battered and fried, but it is really good.
Well, dinner was good, but we didn’t quite escape fish. Frank made us a Tomato Sauce of his own for our fries. It had tomatoes, onions, peppers, and of course, FISH!
It rained right after dinner. Not for long, but long enough to cool things down.
It is not the rainy season, so Frank says that we must have brought the rain. Gladly! We actually miss Oregon rain and cool weather.
Day 27, Wednesday
Today, was another day at home. We’re starting to go a little stir crazy, so we decided to go on a walk. We took a really long walk, about 3 miles. We walked up to a school that we can see from our house, up a hill, then down to the filling station (where we stopped for a Fan Ice) and home. We passed a sign that said Boogie Spot, and pointed up a road. We thought that was so funny, and told the kids it was a place people went to pick their nose. They of course believed us. (I’m pretty sure it’s for a Dance Club.)
Dinner was fried chicken and rice. God must really love us!!! A thunder and lightning storm started right after dinner. It rained, but only for a few minutes.
We took the kids home, and sat on the porch and watched the lightning. It was really neat, and a lot of fun. They had never done that before. Son was a little concerned that the lightning was going to sting him. He kept saying, lighting can’t sting you right? I kept telling him yes, but it almost never does. That didn’t seem to be a good enough reason for him. So, I told him it was too far away to sting anyone, and that seem to make him feel better. It was beautiful, that’s for sure!
After awhile the kids got board, so they went in to watch a movie while we stayed outside, it was nice and cool. Robert, our downstairs neighbor boy came in and watched with them. He is 14, but was fascinated with Toy Story 2 none the less,
Anointing came over and struck up a conversation with us, Jody right about that time, got a call from Brian, so I was stuck talking with the chatty cathy. Then Jody came back, and the time the movie was over, so I went inside, while Jody visited with him. He is quite a talker. Anointing is a nice guy, and faces many of the same struggles as most Ghanaians.
Day 28, Thursday
We are down to one month left. The time has flown by! I am ready to go home and not ready to go home at the same time. I think we all feel that way.
Another day spent at home, for the kids and I that is. Jody went with Frank to look at a dam building site…the one we were supposed to go look at the Sunday he was sick.
We are supposed to go to ODA tomorrow, so we spent the day cleaning our room. Aquia came over and swept for us. Then we packed, and the kids and I spent the day being lazy and playing together in our cool room.
I believe that is the thing I am most thankful for regarding this whole trip. Being in Africa is great, but more so is all the time we have been able to spend together as a family. Africa forces you to slow down. In America, we are going, going, going. There is no concept of time here (which drives me nuts), so no one is in a hurry. So, we wait, a lot. It can get annoying, but it creates a lot of family time. We are building so many memories that I will cherish forever.
Time for dinner. Chicken again! YES!!! Oh,yeah, and some fried cabbage (which by itself I love) with tomato, and FISH! It wasn’t half bad. Would have been even better without the fish.
After dinner, it was home for baths and bed. We have been experiencing a water problem. There is something wrong with our pump. So, Jody had to go to the community well to get water. He, of course didn’t actually draw it or carry it home. The neighbor did that. We don’t do anything around here. Not that we wouldn’t or don’t want to, but they don’t let us.
Right as we go to give the kids a bath, the power goes out. Thunder and lightning again. So, we get the little battery operated lantern, and head to the bathroom anyway. Nothing like a bucket shower in the dark to remind you that you are in Africa. To remind you how blessed you are to be here. We are one of the few who are blessed to be able to have all these adventures while also doing the will of God.
Day 29, Friday.
After breakfast, Frank, Daughter, and I went to the bank to get some money before our trip. That, of course meant also stopping at the church, and for gas, and for propane.
We get back, and an hour later, load up and head to ODA. Us, Frank, Cecilia and George. Nothing like spending 4 hours squished in the car. To give us all a little more room, I got in the back with Son and Daughter sat between Jody and George. The back is NOT made for adults. Even I, with no legs am quite squished, but I have a window, so it’s worth it.
ODA, if the roads were good, would probably only be an hour away, but it takes us 3 ½ to get there. Every few hundred feet you have to slow down to avoid a large pot hole, speed bump, or large truck. That is on the paved roads, of which only half of the way is.
We stopped about half way there for some coconuts. There wasn’t drinking water for sale, so we get coconut milk. Frank buys just us like 10, plus several for George, Cecilia, and himself. Seriously overkill. But, when he gets into the car, he explains why. The man who was selling them told Frank “oh there is a God, and he has answered my prayers. I prayed this morning that I would sell some coconuts.” The coconuts were 10 peswes (Ghana change). He made about 1.5 Cedis. That is about $1.23. He was very excited about his ‘successful day.’
Finally made it to Oda. Drive right up to the Pastor’s home. Get out, sit down, and discover, we are not going to a hotel. We are staying here. In a room with no fan. Talk about a mood killer when you were mentally prepared for a nice cool room.
The Pastor rents a portion of this complex. The portion we are staying in is like a boarding house. There are about 6 rooms and a sitting area. All the rooms are empty right now, so the land lady said he could use them for his guests.
Well, we greet the pastor, and his wife brings us some Malta. We have been able to dodge this nasty drink so far this trip. But, now our time is up. Malta or Malt as they call it. Is like root beer with hops and malt in it. It is non alcoholic, and very popular. It is not very tasty in our opinion, and I know that Son is going to agree with us.
Jody tries to trick him by telling him its root beer. He takes a drink and says “Yuck! That tastes like beer!” Uhhhh…ok….. So, mom has to drink his. Daughter isn’t a fan either, so Dad drinks hers.
We get settled, and they serve us dinner. Rice, cold cabbage salad with FISH, and sauce. For dessert, apples. YUM! Now, the sauce. Most interesting thing to date. It had sausage (aka Hot Dogs) so the kids were stoked about that. It also had some “beef.” Very chewy yet crunchy beef. IT WAS NOT BEEF. I believe it was snail. We asked Frank, but he didn’t have the same as us…they gave us the good stuff. He says you can’t get snails this time of year. Well, then I don’t know what the heck it was, but it was something with a small body connected to a small head. I have had snails before and they tasted and felt a lot like that. If they were not snails, I don’t really think I want to know what they were.
After dinner, we get cleaned up and head to church in the next town. It was a small church, and Jody spoke. He spoke on David and Goliath, tying it into God’s plans for us. We have been speaking mainly on that topic; his plans and purpose for us, and that he wants us to prosper and be blessed. It is such a simple message; the basics of the Gospel. But, sadly, for most it is the first time they have heard these concepts. They believe in God and that he wants to save them, but that is it. They are here, they will die, and they will go to heaven. That is about it. It breaks our hearts.
Well, while Jody is speaking, Son is entertaining himself by making up songs. He does this a lot. He is not doing it quietly. While Daughter next to me is doing the potty dance and making horrid whiney faces because she has to go. I, too, have to go desperately. The two Malta’s I drank are now sitting in my bladder begging to come out. It was seriously hot, too. But, despite all that, we had a great service and a great prayer time.
We went home, and Frank said if it’s too hot, you can bring your mattress out here (to the sitting area). So, that is what we did. It was too late to bathe the kids, so we just put them to bed on the couch.
Because Frank, even up to the last minute, was not sure of our hotel accommodations, I wasn’t feeling really secure, so I packed sheets and towels, just in case wherever we were staying was not up to par. Thank You, Holy Spirit for prompting me to do that. We used all that I brought.
I took a nice cold bucket shower, and went to bed. I was beat.
Day 30, Saturday
Today we went to a neighboring town. All of us, and the pastor, too. I don’t know the name of the town, but it was the first town where the Holy Spirit visited Ghana, and it spread from there. We went there to meet with a pastor who wants to join Bishop’s fellowship. Well, we really were just along for the ride, and just sat there while they talked.
Afterwards, we went to visit West Africa’s biggest tree. It was discovered in 1850, and was as large as it is now, supposedly, which means it is REALLY old.
They jipped off the broonies. We had to pay 10 Cedis to see the tree. Frank and Cecilia only had to pay 2. Gheesh!
Off we go on our small hike. The forest was beautiful with lots of colorful butterflies, trees, and even a large ant trail like you would see in a documentary.
The tree was quite large. Nothing compared to the redwoods. Daughter started to run right up to the tree…BIG NO NO. See, it’s not just the largest tree, but also a shrine. They worship it. They believe that if you are sick, you can pray over a coin, and put it in the tree and the gods will heal you. Or you can bring it liquor, and the gods will come and drink it and heal you or bless you (and there was a large pile of liquor bottles). If you bring the gods a meal, they will come eat it. They also believe that little dwarfs come out and sweep the forest floor by the tree, and that the leaves have power in them. They say they believe this and nothing can convince them otherwise, because these are their beliefs.
Our guide is telling us all of this. Frank isn’t interpreting a thing, since he thinks it’s a load of hooey. We are with another family of Ghanaians, who keep telling him to tell us. Finally, George gives us the heads up about what the guide is telling us.
After a few more minutes of looking at the tree we head back to the car. We go down the road, and buy some oranges. Oranges are in abundance here, but they are not eaten as we would. The top layer (meaning the color) is cut away, and then the top of the orange is cut off. You then suck out the juice, using the remaining peel as a cup, and throw away the orange. Sometimes they will slice and eat the orange, but not often. Well, I think that is a waste, so I start peeling away. The kid’s too, don’t get the concept of just sucking the juice out (probably because it is something they would be told not to do at home). The pastor comes over like a minute after we get our oranges to collect the remainders. I tell him I am not done. He looks at me peeling my orange and gives me the strangest look. He asks “Is something wrong?” I said no. He stares a bit longer and walks away.
When we get home, Frank and Cecilia went to rest. We stayed in the sitting room. No naps today, it is WAY too hot. After their naps, they come out, and we had a really good time talking for several hours. We talked about the challenges the churches face.
We also talked about the not so nice part of Ghana that everyone wants to ignore. The Upper Volta Region. The Muslim area. Curfew is at 4pm, and the region goes into police control until 6am. This is to control the violence. (Wait, I thought Islam was a peaceful religion?). Cecilia tells us it will make you cry. The people are sad, dirty, and very poor. She tells us that there is hardly any Jesus up there.
Frank also tells us that there are many villages within the bush that he believes may be unreached or have little gospel.
There are so many needs here. So much Jesus revelation and love needed. We must get back here soon.
Finally, time for showers and bed. As I am getting ready for bed, and writing an email, Maudi turns to me and says, Mom, when we move here, I am going to miss all of my friends. I said, well, aren’t you going to miss your African friends when we go home? She thinks for a minute. Then she says, “Well, if Coby has an extra suitcase, he and Quedru could come home with us. They can visit us in Portland, and then when we move, we will bring them home!” She was so proud of her idea.
Day 31, Sunday.
Today did not start out well. We got read for church, and out goes the power. No fan. It is really hot. And it does not turn back on. We are sweating, and getting cranky.
Breakfast was a first. We had ‘spaghetti’ (noodles with a red hot sauce, peas, green beans, and fish) and a custard type thing that tasted like they forgot the sugar. The kids thought it was so cool that we were eating spaghetti for breakfast. Maudi kept telling me she couldn’t wait to tell Nana.
We head to church, hot, sweaty and cranky. Church doesn’t have power either. That doesn’t really matter to them. They worship wholeheartedly, putting our bad attitudes to shame. It was by far, the best service we have to date. The Holy Spirit was there, and the people were open and responsive.
I spoke on fear, and one of the verses was Josh 1:9. Daughter was very brave, and came up and sang with mommy the be strong and courageous song. The people LOVED it. We were very proud of her. That did something in her little spirit, because since that time, she has been participating in service: clapping (way off beat), singing, raising her hands and praying. She is developing more and more each day into quite the little missionary, but more importantly than that, she is beginning to on her own, develop a relationship with Jesus. That is more important to us than anything she ever does or doesn’t do.
After church, we went back to the inferno house, ate rice with spinage and fish casserole, and got on the road. It was a long, but peaceful ride back. We were all happy to have some wind blowing in our faces once again.
Day 32, Monday
Today was a rest day. We didn’t do anything. We were all so tired. We just laid around, played soccer with the kids, and rested.
Jody scored a major victory for us. During breakfast, he told frank how much we love Aquia’s fried chicken. He told frank that he’d be happy if we had it the rest of the time. I think Frank got the hint that we were tired of fish. This statement, along with the barely touch sardines, tomatoes, and onions that were served with breakfast, I think made our point. WE HATE FISH. We didn’t before, but we do now.
We have not had fish for dinner since that time. Praise be to God.
Still no running water. It has been nearly a week. They are fixing the pump. I am pretty sure it is a few hour job, but that isn’t really relevant around here, so in the mean time, we are fetching our own water from either Frank’s or the well.
Day 33, Tuesday
Today was a Son victory day. We spent the day at home, Jody prepared for tonight. We were going to be speaking at a church we were supposed to go to during our first week.
Anyway, at dinner we had fried chicken (God bless chicken) and Jalapa rice. Jalapa rice is sort of like Mexican rice. They didn’t put as many peppers in it as they normally would, since we are a bunch of wimps, so it was really good. Son ate FOUR servings. FOUR!!! Oh, it was so nice to see him eat. Daughter liked it, too, and ate three helpings.
Service was really good. Jody spoke on talents, and how God has a plan for each of us and called all of us to use our talents for him. He talked about how God can call you and anoint you to be anything, not just a pastor. This, too, is a new concept.
Day 33 Wednesday
This evening was my most favorite we have had so far in Africa. I will always remember it.
The day itself was uneventful. We were supposed to go to the church for a meeting with
George, but Frank forgot us. I don’t know why he didn’t just turn around and come back, but he didn’t.
After dinner, a storm rolled in. It was quite a big one. We pulled out the chairs, and watched the thunder and lightning. Soon the downpour came. We could feel the mist from the porch.
Jody tells Daughter, you can go play in it if you like. She thought that was such a neat idea. So, we all head out. Within seconds we are soaked. There is a heavy downfall from the roof, and we ran in and out of it, like a heavy sprinkler. Daughter was laughing and giggling. She loved it. Son did not. He clinged to me and screamed. Jody and I really enjoyed it too. It was fun and felt really nice. How often in life to you get to play in the rain in Africa? It was one of those few moments in life of pure bliss and joy. God is so good. His little gifts to us are so amazing.
After a few minutes, the kids are starting to get cold! So we go into the bathroom and wring out all of our closes, get cleaned up, and together, sat down and watched some bugs bunny. I love the life God has blessed us with.
Day eighteen, Monday
Today went to go get some fabric for Elli’s dress, and go to the dress shop. Daughter and I went with Cecilia. Gabriel drove us. He is the school bus driver. Very nice guy. We go to a fabric shop. I picked out some ‘lace’ for Elli’s dress. It is not what we would think of as lace. It is the eyelet (I think that is what it’s called) type of design. It’s pretty and white. Then we pick out some material for me. I am getting dresses made for me. Not because I want any (I have a whole box full of African clothes at home that I never wear. I am all for looking native, but they just are not very comfortable.), but because I am told I need some! So, I picked out some flower pattern, the best of all the choices, and not only end up with that, but also some of the material that I chose for Elli. I guess I am now getting more than one outfit!
So, Cecilia bargains a price, says something to the driver, who comes in and pays the lady. During this whole process no one says a thing to me or even looks at me. We get in the car and go to the dress maker. We get there, and Cecilia looks at me and says, “you have the bag?”
Uh…no! No one told me to get it! So, Gabriel and I get back into the car and head back to the fabric store and pick up the bag. Now, back to the dress shop.
I pick out a pattern. Some crop pants and a shirt. I really just picked at random, because I know the chances of me actually getting that are slim, and the chances of me actually wearing it are even slimmer. I also said I wanted an outfit like Cecilia wore on Sunday—a skirt and top. She measures me. This too, still means little. You still don’t know if it will come back right. I have had outfits made every time I’ve been in Africa, and it never quite turns out like you asked or imagined. And it’s a 50 50 chance that they will fit right. But hey, I could never make something as beautiful as what they make using an old fashioned sewing machine, so who am I to complain if it isn’t perfect.
I told them I wanted a dress made for Elli. For size 3 months. I say this knowing it will come back big. I had some 1 year old clothes made last time I was here, and Malachi was able to wear them when he was 3, and Maudi when she was 4.
Back home. Back to sitting around. Frank says he will make us tomato soup and bring it over, since Jody still isn’t feeling well. It comes, and there is a whole fish floating in our tomato soup. As soon as I lifted the lid the whole room smells like fish. We…uh…weren’t hungry. Praise God for PB and J. And toilets that flush things. (A major missionary no, no. You are supposed to eat what is prepared for you out of respect. Yes, this is true, but desperate times call for a bending of the rules. One can only take so much fish!)
Day nineteen
Well, Jody is finally feeling better today! We are going to speak today at Christ the King Palace. They are having a Fulfilling your Financial Destiny seminar all this week. Jody and I are the key speakers. (They certainly didn’t choose us for our successes in this area!).
After breakfast today, we spent some time talking with Bishop. We were talking about the mindset of the people as a whole. Many are lazy in their thinking, and expect anyone who has more to take care of them. They think only of today and not tomorrow, and it has been this way for generations. Even the government depends on other governments to balance its budget and such. What a sad bondage.
We also talked about the church as a whole here. Very religious. Everyone goes to church an whoops and hollers, but there is a lack of depth and a lack of commitment to Christ.
Elli’s dress did get done today. It turned out so cute!!! Super super cute. I was going to mail it but now I am not. I don’t want to risk it getting lost. So, Jenn, you’ll have to wait. And, like I predicted, it does not look like a 3 month olds dress. More like 6-9 months. But that may be a good thing for Elli.
Service went very well. We talked about poverty and what the Bible says. After church, we got in the car, us and 6 other people! I guess we were giving them a ride. 12 people in the car. That is a new record!
After we dropped off the people, we went into Bishop’s for some tea, and a cucumber, and bread and a cheese spread. Oh, it was good. It was some fake sharp cheddar cheese spread. I am all about fake cheese. I absolutely LOVE cheese in a can, which this tasted just like. I had two pieces of bread with the cheese on it. It was awesome.
Then, home and to bed in our hot hot room. I think I am beginning to change my mind about an AC.
Day twenty.
Today was exciting! We got our package from mom and dad! We walked down to the little store around 10, and got some Pringles. Paid 2.90 USD for them, but it was SO worth it! We also got some pop in a can, and Son got Chocolate Milk. (which has way too much chocolate syrup in it, so it has a nasty after taste, but he liked it.)
Right before we got home, our phone rang and it was the post office saying we had a package!! We were super excited.
Jody called frank to tell him. He called to ask if he could pick it up, but Jody had to pick it up because it is in his name. So, Bismarck (or as we call him Bisquick) drove Jody to the post office. He had to wait forever, of course, and pay 7.30 USD in tax, but he finally came back with the package.
The kids LOVED it! Son kept asking if Daddy went to Papa and Nana’s house to get it. I told him it came in the mail, and he finally got it. Then he thought that it was pretty cool that we got mail.
They had to eat a sucker and life saver right away, and use their paper and color book right away, and read their cards over and over. And, they would not be quiet until mom shared one of her pop carts (as malachi calls them) with them. And then, of course they had to have some gum. Daughter wanted the kind from Nana’s purse.
Daddy loved his books, and I enjoyed the pop tarts and dots, but I am pretty sure I will not be able to keep them all to myself.
We are back to church again tonight. Jody’s turn to speak. He is going to talk about having plans and goals for our life and money.
Day twenty one—three weeks here!
I can’t believe we have been here for three weeks! It doesn’t seem like that long, and yet at times it seems like the days last forever!
Today was another around the house day, as we prepare for tonight. It has been SO HOT. I have hardly slept the past two days. We have decided that we are for sure going to get an AC. I am ready to go get one right now. Frank says we can go get one tomorrow.
I am the speaker tonight. I spoke on Heb 12:1-3 and running your race well and fighting off discouragement. We have had a good size crowd each night. I pray that they all received value and knowledge out of the seminar.
Day 22
Today was long and miserable, but quite adventurous, too. Yesterday, frank said be at the house by 7:30 for breakfast, and we will leave at 8. We will go see a pastor and then get the AC. We’ll be back by noon, so Jody can prepare for tonight. He is speaking at the church we went to the Sunday after we arrived when we didn’t speak, since we didn’t know we were supposed to. They were disappointed, so we are going back.
Well, unsurprisingly, that isn’t exactly how it went. We left at 8:30, and that’s not bad. We went to the village to see the pastor. But both Jody and I had forgotten he said that, so we just kept driving and driving, and we’re like what? Where the heck is this Air Conditioner? Togo? Well, we finally remembered. The village was 30 miles out of Kumasi.
On our way we passed a bus. A very full bus, I might add with people and things stacked in, on top, and on the back. I am pretty sure if they crashed, no one would be hurt, except maybe the people on the top of the bus, because they were packed in so tight.
When we got to town, we found out the pastor was on that bus on his way in to see frank. I guess they had a little miscommunication about where they were meeting. We also found out we had a flat tire. So we pulled over to put the spare on. A guy came and did it for us. Not surprisingly. People are always willing to help….as long as you tip them.
While we were waiting, a crowd began to form, as it usually does (about 50 kids and some adults). George video tapped them trying to greet the kids, who were in the car. Many asked Daughter if she would like to come live with them, and told her how beautiful she was. One touched her arm, and then she and her friends all giggled. Many boys greeted Son and said they wanted to be his friend.
George gave me the camera back, and I recorded a bit more. Once they see what you’re doing, they want to make sure you get a picture of them. Well, then I remembered that my screen flips. If I turn it, they can see themselves. Coby loves it when I do that, and so do Daughter and Son. So I decided to give it a shot. I flipped the screen, and they went bananas! They started jumping around and singing. It was so much fun!
Finally, it was time to go get that AC….or not. Let’s go look at a dam, which included a small hike. So, off we set to the dam. We take a look, chat for a bit with the dam keeper, and head back.
As we were heading to the dam, I saw an old lady sitting out in the courtyard of her house (a courtyard in the center of several houses, actually. And by house I really mean hut. At least that is a better description.) She had no top on. No big deal, just keep walking. Well, on our way back. She called out to us. She wants to greet the kids, because they are so beautiful. Frank says, go say hi to grandma. So we do. The kids go up and shake her hand; breasts down to her knees and all, out for the world to see. I thought oh great! Now I have to explain why this lady is sitting here with no shirt on and why that is OK. But, no, they didn’t even bat an eye. They didn’t even seem to notice! I asked them if they noticed anything different about her, and both of them said no! Perhaps the Holy Spirit was shielding their eyes.
Ok, back in the car. We drop off our guide, and of course, tip him. Now we are finally on our way…..and then the spare tire goes out. So we stop, and get the regular tire fixed.
Alright, tires fixed, off we go to the AC….or not. How about another dam. Alright, not to panic. It’s only 12:30. Still early. We get to the dam site, and I stay in the car. The kids have fallen asleep. About 20 minutes later, we FINALLY really head back to town.
We get to the AC place. I am in the car with the kids while Jody and Frank and George go look at the AC, and make sure it works. It works well, so Jody comes back to get the money. He gives the money to frank, and--- MAJOR mistake here--- gets back in the car WITHOUT Frank or the AC. A few minutes later, we see George and frank go down the street. About 30 minutes later, they come back, and go back to the AC place. Then, finally come to the car and tell us we are waiting on a part from another store. What? . Apparently there is no hose. We have to wait for someone to bring it from another store. So we wait some more. It is now 2:30. After waiting some more on a guy who was supposed to be there in 20 minutes, about an hour ago, we finally leave, without the AC. I am about to cry at this point, because I am SO HOT, and the kids are board so they are driving each other and me crazy, and Jody is cranky because he needs to get back to get ready for tonight (which by the way, we didn’t know about until last night after church). My only hope was a cold room, and that hope was quickly fading. The guy says he will call when the part shows up and will deliver it. Even frank isn’t confident in this. Thankfully, we had not given him any money yet. Let’s go home.
We head that way, and drop off George. We stop and pick up Cecilia. I thought Jody was going to lose it. Cecilia means many stops. And right he was. We stopped at a shop, then we stopped to look at an AC Frank spotted. Finally, we are on our way home. I think frank could tell we were getting agitated. As we are heading home, we pass a place that Jody had seen an AC when he had gone to the post office. He, to me, mentions it. Well, shouldn’t have opened his mouth, because as soon as he did we pull over to look at it! I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
A few more stops to get bread and water and eggs and we are FINALLY home. The time is now 4:30. We are hot and cranky. Jody decides that he will go by himself tonight. The kids have been in the car all day, and I need to pack for tomorrow. I decide to give the kids a shower, just to cool them down. They really liked that. In the midday the water is warm, not super cold.
After our rinse off, we head to dinner. Jody will come later. While at dinner, the AC arrives. Jody finally comes back and says it is on and our room is cooling. We hurry up and eat so we can get back to our room. When we get there, Jody stays out so the kids can play outside. I go to check out the AC. I get to the door, and I can smell something burning. I open the door, and the AC is off and the room is full of smoke. I look over, and our extension cord/power strip is melted, and there is a burn mark on the floor about ½ and inch away from the carpet. Jody came in and was not happy; it had just been one of those days. He had asked specifically if the AC was too strong for the cord. Both Frank and the AC guy said yes. Well, they were wrong. Thankfully, it was only an overload on the power strip. It didn’t damage the AC or my computer cord (which was plugged in, but the computer was not plugged into it), and it didn’t damage the outlet at all. We plugged it into the wall, and it worked fine. Our first cool night. Very worth it. Jody heads off to church; I get the room tidy, pack for our trip, and give the kids a bath. Then to bed for all of us. Even I was exhausted and couldn’t wait up for Jody.
Day 23, Saturday
Today was quite uneventful. First, something from yesterday. Since we have gotten here, every time we pass a group of kids, and sometimes adults, we hear them shouting the same thing, but we have no idea what it is. On the way home yesterday was no exception. Cecilia told us they are saying O Broonie! Which means Oh, white people or white person. So that’s us, the Broonies.
So, today, we were supposed to go to a village, Dormaa. But, Frank’s car was having issues, so it got put off to tomorrow. So, we spent the day at home. We played with the kids (Jody played hide and seek…perfect building for it…with them) and read and rested.
We went over to Franks in the afternoon and watched “Free Willie” on tv…the latest American blockbuster!! Malachi thought it was cool because it had a killing whale (what he calls killer whales).
After a lovely dinner of rice and fish sauce, we went home. We were ready to shower, it was exceptionally hot and humid today. We got the kids showered, and the water ran out…No shower for us. Yay. Perhaps the morning will bring us water.
Day 24, Sunday
Up at 4am today. We are leaving at 5am, and we wanted to take a shower, since we didn’t get to last night. We beat the trumpet blower this morning! Thankfully there was water, not much, but enough.
We are on the road by 5:30 not bad. We put the kids PJs on, and they went in that, so they could go back to sleep.
We noticed as we were driving out of town, lots of groups running with their trumpets, whistles and cow bells. So, it is just not our neighborhood that gets to wake up to this weekly pleasure. Frank says it is the latest trend with young people. They will wake up early on Sunday to run—for fitness---but then when they are done they go eat and drink, so it really is of no benefit. It is more of a social event.
We got to Dormaa at about 8:30, and pull into a filling station with a car was area, an oil change area, a mini mart, and….a hotel!! Yep, right on top of the mini mart. This should be interesting….
We check into our room, and oh, God is good. It is nice and bright and clean, has an excellent AC and cable…meaning cnn. That is really the only other channel that comes in, but it is American, so we are happy. And, to top it all off, there is a hot water heater. WOOHOO!!! Hot showers!! You never quite feel clean from a cold shower, especially one from a bucket.
Church was great. I was speaking. I had prepared what I thought was a great message. I didn’t prepare my usual way, which is writing out the statements I want to make. Instead I used the outline system. It usually doesn’t work for me that well, as I forget half the stuff I want to say, and well, that theory proved true. My message, with an interpreter, was only about 10 minutes!!! Not that it mattered. Church was still about 3 hours long, and that is when we left. They were still going when we left.
I noticed something that I haven’t seen before in Ghana, but in the Ivory Cost. When we prayed, all the women covered their heads. Frank says he has been trying to break this tradition for years, but they still insist on covering their heads. That and sitting segregated, women on one side, men on the other. I have only seen the head covering in this town, but the segregation is everywhere. He says that he will tell them sit together! They will do if for awhile, but pretty soon they are back to their segregation.
Frank sent us back to the hotel in a taxi. He knew we were tired and hot. We had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. We enjoyed the AC and CNN. The kids and I took a 3 hour nap.
Frank told us that there would be an evening service, which we didn’t know about, so Jody spent the time preparing.
We were to leave at 7. We are ready at 7 and they bring us dinner. Yam Chips. They were great; would have been even better with ketchup. He also brought Planate chips for the kids. They are like a dried banana but thinner, the size of potato chips, fried and salted. They are not that great, in my opinion, but Son LOVED them; ate two whole bags. (A bag is one serving.)
About 7:30 we head to the church. I noticed that it was extremely windy outside. Half way to church, I saw lightning. We get to the church, and they have postponed the service, because it’s going to rain. It’s not canceled, just postponed. Rain doesn’t last long, usually, so they will have it afterward. The people won’t come when it rains, but they will know to come when it stops.
By this time, it is nearing 8pm. Frank says we will go back to the hotel and wait. Jody says why don’t we drop off steph and the kids and then go back. Frank said, we can, but they really want the children to come. They love seeing the kids. He said if they would sing a song in front of the church that thousands would come to see it. Both kids said NO WAY!
It is true wherever we go the kids are the ones who get the attention from other kids and adults. They think they are beautiful. I think they probably very rarely see white children, where as white adult might be more common. One lady told me my kids had beautiful round heads!
The rain didn’t let up, so the service was cancelled. The kids were a bit freaked by the storm, but also found it fascinating. We gave the kids a bath…a real bath with hot water that they could soak in and play in. Daughter went first. Son second, and while he was in the tub, alone, the power goes out. Thankfully, Jody was right near the door. He was able to get in there before he started to freak out. I found my cell phone, to use for a light, and we got him out and dried off.
We all climb into the one king size bed, and watch a little CNN. The power comes back on, so Jody gets up to turn on the AC, but not 10 minutes later the power is off again. We decided to call it a night, even though it was only about 9:30.
Day 25, Monday
We all got up about 6:30 this morning. Not surprising considering we had a long nap and went to bed early yesterday. I took a nice hot shower. Loved every minute of it. We are SO getting a hot water heater when we live here.
We were ready to go at 7:30. Frank comes, and says we are not checking out yet. We are going to go to the border town he told us about, and then to the pastor’s home for breakfast.
We head to the boarder of the Ivory Coast. We don’t take the main road, because you have to go through all the customs and paperwork, but if you take a side road, the border control will usually let you in to visit the village. He was right. He let us right in. The village is half on the Ghana side, half on the Ivory Coast side. Before colonization, there were not nations, nor borders. There were only tribes, so there was not national line dividing the land, so these people have lived together for hundreds of years. All people born in this town have dual citizenship.
We walked right into the Ivory Coast, and almost instantly, you could see the difference. It was poorer and dirtier that even just a few houses down. IC is much more Islamic and it is French. Both French nations Jody and I have visited were much more oppressed and much poorer than the English settled nations.
We spoke to a woman whose house is on the border. She says when she sleeps her head is in the Ivory Coast and her body is in Ghana.
We get back in the car, and we drive to the official border crossing, just to see it. One thing I have noticed about Dormaa is there are many more Muslims. Not surprising considering its location.
Then, it was off to the pastor’s for breakfast. We get there, and it is a small, but nice home. We sit, and soon they come out and put a serving bowl in front of Jody and one in front of me of rice pudding. Each bowl could have easily fed 12 people. Easy. We both look at Frank and say, is this all for us? He says yes. We ask, are they expecting us to eat all of it, and he says yes, eat as much as you can. They also brought us bread and avocados. The kids serving came out of mine, because I had more than Jody. Not that it even put a dent into my portion. Malachi wouldn’t touch his. He was being a pain. He eats it at Franks. Jody was able to eat his whole bowl, and I probably ate 3/4ths. I can usually defeat things like that, but it was either, puke and eat more, or stop. I have never eaten so much rice in one sitting in my entire life. Frank said you did well, that was a lot of rice! He didn’t have the rice. He had boiled plantains dipped into the chicken sauce we had last night. I would definitely rather have all the rice.
Day 26, Tuesday
Today we stayed at home. Frank had court. After court, we went over to his house, and talked about Canaan Life and our role. I have had a lot of questions about the matter, and we were able to sit down, and really get a feel for what is going on, what will be going on, and what role we will play. The needs here are many and great.
Not long after we wrapped up our talk, Son comes running in, “my eye, my eye, it’s burning!” I see that he has a big blue spot by his eye. I ask him what he has been playing with and he says I don’t know. So I take him into the bathroom, and was his eye out. He, of course, is screaming and resisting the whole time. He is still freaking out that his eye hurts, so I go outside and ask Daughter, and she says I don’t know. Well, I look down, and there is the same blue stuff all over Maudi and all over the ground. The trail leads to a bucket full of water and laundry detergent. Next to the bucket is a bleach/soap stick. “We’re you playing in the soap?” “No” Wrong. They finally confessed, they had been playing in the soap water, and Daughter flicked water at Malachi and it got in his eye. Thankfully it was the soap and not the bleach. Many drops, and much water later, his eye is red, but fine. What will they get into next!
After that we got the kids all settled again, we watched Oprah. It’s on everyday at 5pm, and once in awhile we get to watch. We rarely, if ever watch it at home, but it’s American, so we watch. The episodes are all a few years old, and there is only a handful that repeat over and over. There was one about Katrina a few days ago, and then another with a date of 2005.
There is a station her Viasat 1. It is a new station, and has lots of American shows, current hits like Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Cosby, and Friends. And the latest blockbusters like Matrix, Swim Fan, and The Day After Tomorrow.
Then it was getting close to dinner. We prayed, Lord, please, no fish! The Lord has heard, and answered our prayer…we are having Fried Chicken and Yam Chips. Our favorite. Jody drove to the store to get Ketchup. You have to have ketchup to make the fries taste like fries. The Fried chicken is really good. It isn’t battered and fried, but it is really good.
Well, dinner was good, but we didn’t quite escape fish. Frank made us a Tomato Sauce of his own for our fries. It had tomatoes, onions, peppers, and of course, FISH!
It rained right after dinner. Not for long, but long enough to cool things down.
It is not the rainy season, so Frank says that we must have brought the rain. Gladly! We actually miss Oregon rain and cool weather.
Day 27, Wednesday
Today, was another day at home. We’re starting to go a little stir crazy, so we decided to go on a walk. We took a really long walk, about 3 miles. We walked up to a school that we can see from our house, up a hill, then down to the filling station (where we stopped for a Fan Ice) and home. We passed a sign that said Boogie Spot, and pointed up a road. We thought that was so funny, and told the kids it was a place people went to pick their nose. They of course believed us. (I’m pretty sure it’s for a Dance Club.)
Dinner was fried chicken and rice. God must really love us!!! A thunder and lightning storm started right after dinner. It rained, but only for a few minutes.
We took the kids home, and sat on the porch and watched the lightning. It was really neat, and a lot of fun. They had never done that before. Son was a little concerned that the lightning was going to sting him. He kept saying, lighting can’t sting you right? I kept telling him yes, but it almost never does. That didn’t seem to be a good enough reason for him. So, I told him it was too far away to sting anyone, and that seem to make him feel better. It was beautiful, that’s for sure!
After awhile the kids got board, so they went in to watch a movie while we stayed outside, it was nice and cool. Robert, our downstairs neighbor boy came in and watched with them. He is 14, but was fascinated with Toy Story 2 none the less,
Anointing came over and struck up a conversation with us, Jody right about that time, got a call from Brian, so I was stuck talking with the chatty cathy. Then Jody came back, and the time the movie was over, so I went inside, while Jody visited with him. He is quite a talker. Anointing is a nice guy, and faces many of the same struggles as most Ghanaians.
Day 28, Thursday
We are down to one month left. The time has flown by! I am ready to go home and not ready to go home at the same time. I think we all feel that way.
Another day spent at home, for the kids and I that is. Jody went with Frank to look at a dam building site…the one we were supposed to go look at the Sunday he was sick.
We are supposed to go to ODA tomorrow, so we spent the day cleaning our room. Aquia came over and swept for us. Then we packed, and the kids and I spent the day being lazy and playing together in our cool room.
I believe that is the thing I am most thankful for regarding this whole trip. Being in Africa is great, but more so is all the time we have been able to spend together as a family. Africa forces you to slow down. In America, we are going, going, going. There is no concept of time here (which drives me nuts), so no one is in a hurry. So, we wait, a lot. It can get annoying, but it creates a lot of family time. We are building so many memories that I will cherish forever.
Time for dinner. Chicken again! YES!!! Oh,yeah, and some fried cabbage (which by itself I love) with tomato, and FISH! It wasn’t half bad. Would have been even better without the fish.
After dinner, it was home for baths and bed. We have been experiencing a water problem. There is something wrong with our pump. So, Jody had to go to the community well to get water. He, of course didn’t actually draw it or carry it home. The neighbor did that. We don’t do anything around here. Not that we wouldn’t or don’t want to, but they don’t let us.
Right as we go to give the kids a bath, the power goes out. Thunder and lightning again. So, we get the little battery operated lantern, and head to the bathroom anyway. Nothing like a bucket shower in the dark to remind you that you are in Africa. To remind you how blessed you are to be here. We are one of the few who are blessed to be able to have all these adventures while also doing the will of God.
Day 29, Friday.
After breakfast, Frank, Daughter, and I went to the bank to get some money before our trip. That, of course meant also stopping at the church, and for gas, and for propane.
We get back, and an hour later, load up and head to ODA. Us, Frank, Cecilia and George. Nothing like spending 4 hours squished in the car. To give us all a little more room, I got in the back with Son and Daughter sat between Jody and George. The back is NOT made for adults. Even I, with no legs am quite squished, but I have a window, so it’s worth it.
ODA, if the roads were good, would probably only be an hour away, but it takes us 3 ½ to get there. Every few hundred feet you have to slow down to avoid a large pot hole, speed bump, or large truck. That is on the paved roads, of which only half of the way is.
We stopped about half way there for some coconuts. There wasn’t drinking water for sale, so we get coconut milk. Frank buys just us like 10, plus several for George, Cecilia, and himself. Seriously overkill. But, when he gets into the car, he explains why. The man who was selling them told Frank “oh there is a God, and he has answered my prayers. I prayed this morning that I would sell some coconuts.” The coconuts were 10 peswes (Ghana change). He made about 1.5 Cedis. That is about $1.23. He was very excited about his ‘successful day.’
Finally made it to Oda. Drive right up to the Pastor’s home. Get out, sit down, and discover, we are not going to a hotel. We are staying here. In a room with no fan. Talk about a mood killer when you were mentally prepared for a nice cool room.
The Pastor rents a portion of this complex. The portion we are staying in is like a boarding house. There are about 6 rooms and a sitting area. All the rooms are empty right now, so the land lady said he could use them for his guests.
Well, we greet the pastor, and his wife brings us some Malta. We have been able to dodge this nasty drink so far this trip. But, now our time is up. Malta or Malt as they call it. Is like root beer with hops and malt in it. It is non alcoholic, and very popular. It is not very tasty in our opinion, and I know that Son is going to agree with us.
Jody tries to trick him by telling him its root beer. He takes a drink and says “Yuck! That tastes like beer!” Uhhhh…ok….. So, mom has to drink his. Daughter isn’t a fan either, so Dad drinks hers.
We get settled, and they serve us dinner. Rice, cold cabbage salad with FISH, and sauce. For dessert, apples. YUM! Now, the sauce. Most interesting thing to date. It had sausage (aka Hot Dogs) so the kids were stoked about that. It also had some “beef.” Very chewy yet crunchy beef. IT WAS NOT BEEF. I believe it was snail. We asked Frank, but he didn’t have the same as us…they gave us the good stuff. He says you can’t get snails this time of year. Well, then I don’t know what the heck it was, but it was something with a small body connected to a small head. I have had snails before and they tasted and felt a lot like that. If they were not snails, I don’t really think I want to know what they were.
After dinner, we get cleaned up and head to church in the next town. It was a small church, and Jody spoke. He spoke on David and Goliath, tying it into God’s plans for us. We have been speaking mainly on that topic; his plans and purpose for us, and that he wants us to prosper and be blessed. It is such a simple message; the basics of the Gospel. But, sadly, for most it is the first time they have heard these concepts. They believe in God and that he wants to save them, but that is it. They are here, they will die, and they will go to heaven. That is about it. It breaks our hearts.
Well, while Jody is speaking, Son is entertaining himself by making up songs. He does this a lot. He is not doing it quietly. While Daughter next to me is doing the potty dance and making horrid whiney faces because she has to go. I, too, have to go desperately. The two Malta’s I drank are now sitting in my bladder begging to come out. It was seriously hot, too. But, despite all that, we had a great service and a great prayer time.
We went home, and Frank said if it’s too hot, you can bring your mattress out here (to the sitting area). So, that is what we did. It was too late to bathe the kids, so we just put them to bed on the couch.
Because Frank, even up to the last minute, was not sure of our hotel accommodations, I wasn’t feeling really secure, so I packed sheets and towels, just in case wherever we were staying was not up to par. Thank You, Holy Spirit for prompting me to do that. We used all that I brought.
I took a nice cold bucket shower, and went to bed. I was beat.
Day 30, Saturday
Today we went to a neighboring town. All of us, and the pastor, too. I don’t know the name of the town, but it was the first town where the Holy Spirit visited Ghana, and it spread from there. We went there to meet with a pastor who wants to join Bishop’s fellowship. Well, we really were just along for the ride, and just sat there while they talked.
Afterwards, we went to visit West Africa’s biggest tree. It was discovered in 1850, and was as large as it is now, supposedly, which means it is REALLY old.
They jipped off the broonies. We had to pay 10 Cedis to see the tree. Frank and Cecilia only had to pay 2. Gheesh!
Off we go on our small hike. The forest was beautiful with lots of colorful butterflies, trees, and even a large ant trail like you would see in a documentary.
The tree was quite large. Nothing compared to the redwoods. Daughter started to run right up to the tree…BIG NO NO. See, it’s not just the largest tree, but also a shrine. They worship it. They believe that if you are sick, you can pray over a coin, and put it in the tree and the gods will heal you. Or you can bring it liquor, and the gods will come and drink it and heal you or bless you (and there was a large pile of liquor bottles). If you bring the gods a meal, they will come eat it. They also believe that little dwarfs come out and sweep the forest floor by the tree, and that the leaves have power in them. They say they believe this and nothing can convince them otherwise, because these are their beliefs.
Our guide is telling us all of this. Frank isn’t interpreting a thing, since he thinks it’s a load of hooey. We are with another family of Ghanaians, who keep telling him to tell us. Finally, George gives us the heads up about what the guide is telling us.
After a few more minutes of looking at the tree we head back to the car. We go down the road, and buy some oranges. Oranges are in abundance here, but they are not eaten as we would. The top layer (meaning the color) is cut away, and then the top of the orange is cut off. You then suck out the juice, using the remaining peel as a cup, and throw away the orange. Sometimes they will slice and eat the orange, but not often. Well, I think that is a waste, so I start peeling away. The kid’s too, don’t get the concept of just sucking the juice out (probably because it is something they would be told not to do at home). The pastor comes over like a minute after we get our oranges to collect the remainders. I tell him I am not done. He looks at me peeling my orange and gives me the strangest look. He asks “Is something wrong?” I said no. He stares a bit longer and walks away.
When we get home, Frank and Cecilia went to rest. We stayed in the sitting room. No naps today, it is WAY too hot. After their naps, they come out, and we had a really good time talking for several hours. We talked about the challenges the churches face.
We also talked about the not so nice part of Ghana that everyone wants to ignore. The Upper Volta Region. The Muslim area. Curfew is at 4pm, and the region goes into police control until 6am. This is to control the violence. (Wait, I thought Islam was a peaceful religion?). Cecilia tells us it will make you cry. The people are sad, dirty, and very poor. She tells us that there is hardly any Jesus up there.
Frank also tells us that there are many villages within the bush that he believes may be unreached or have little gospel.
There are so many needs here. So much Jesus revelation and love needed. We must get back here soon.
Finally, time for showers and bed. As I am getting ready for bed, and writing an email, Maudi turns to me and says, Mom, when we move here, I am going to miss all of my friends. I said, well, aren’t you going to miss your African friends when we go home? She thinks for a minute. Then she says, “Well, if Coby has an extra suitcase, he and Quedru could come home with us. They can visit us in Portland, and then when we move, we will bring them home!” She was so proud of her idea.
Day 31, Sunday.
Today did not start out well. We got read for church, and out goes the power. No fan. It is really hot. And it does not turn back on. We are sweating, and getting cranky.
Breakfast was a first. We had ‘spaghetti’ (noodles with a red hot sauce, peas, green beans, and fish) and a custard type thing that tasted like they forgot the sugar. The kids thought it was so cool that we were eating spaghetti for breakfast. Maudi kept telling me she couldn’t wait to tell Nana.
We head to church, hot, sweaty and cranky. Church doesn’t have power either. That doesn’t really matter to them. They worship wholeheartedly, putting our bad attitudes to shame. It was by far, the best service we have to date. The Holy Spirit was there, and the people were open and responsive.
I spoke on fear, and one of the verses was Josh 1:9. Daughter was very brave, and came up and sang with mommy the be strong and courageous song. The people LOVED it. We were very proud of her. That did something in her little spirit, because since that time, she has been participating in service: clapping (way off beat), singing, raising her hands and praying. She is developing more and more each day into quite the little missionary, but more importantly than that, she is beginning to on her own, develop a relationship with Jesus. That is more important to us than anything she ever does or doesn’t do.
After church, we went back to the inferno house, ate rice with spinage and fish casserole, and got on the road. It was a long, but peaceful ride back. We were all happy to have some wind blowing in our faces once again.
Day 32, Monday
Today was a rest day. We didn’t do anything. We were all so tired. We just laid around, played soccer with the kids, and rested.
Jody scored a major victory for us. During breakfast, he told frank how much we love Aquia’s fried chicken. He told frank that he’d be happy if we had it the rest of the time. I think Frank got the hint that we were tired of fish. This statement, along with the barely touch sardines, tomatoes, and onions that were served with breakfast, I think made our point. WE HATE FISH. We didn’t before, but we do now.
We have not had fish for dinner since that time. Praise be to God.
Still no running water. It has been nearly a week. They are fixing the pump. I am pretty sure it is a few hour job, but that isn’t really relevant around here, so in the mean time, we are fetching our own water from either Frank’s or the well.
Day 33, Tuesday
Today was a Son victory day. We spent the day at home, Jody prepared for tonight. We were going to be speaking at a church we were supposed to go to during our first week.
Anyway, at dinner we had fried chicken (God bless chicken) and Jalapa rice. Jalapa rice is sort of like Mexican rice. They didn’t put as many peppers in it as they normally would, since we are a bunch of wimps, so it was really good. Son ate FOUR servings. FOUR!!! Oh, it was so nice to see him eat. Daughter liked it, too, and ate three helpings.
Service was really good. Jody spoke on talents, and how God has a plan for each of us and called all of us to use our talents for him. He talked about how God can call you and anoint you to be anything, not just a pastor. This, too, is a new concept.
Day 33 Wednesday
This evening was my most favorite we have had so far in Africa. I will always remember it.
The day itself was uneventful. We were supposed to go to the church for a meeting with
George, but Frank forgot us. I don’t know why he didn’t just turn around and come back, but he didn’t.
After dinner, a storm rolled in. It was quite a big one. We pulled out the chairs, and watched the thunder and lightning. Soon the downpour came. We could feel the mist from the porch.
Jody tells Daughter, you can go play in it if you like. She thought that was such a neat idea. So, we all head out. Within seconds we are soaked. There is a heavy downfall from the roof, and we ran in and out of it, like a heavy sprinkler. Daughter was laughing and giggling. She loved it. Son did not. He clinged to me and screamed. Jody and I really enjoyed it too. It was fun and felt really nice. How often in life to you get to play in the rain in Africa? It was one of those few moments in life of pure bliss and joy. God is so good. His little gifts to us are so amazing.
After a few minutes, the kids are starting to get cold! So we go into the bathroom and wring out all of our closes, get cleaned up, and together, sat down and watched some bugs bunny. I love the life God has blessed us with.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Africa 2
Day Seven
We went to the school today. Daughter got to go to class for awhile. She really liked it. The kids met the other kids. They were shy, but then I would be, too, if a million kids wanted to touch me. They would swarm around them and pet their hair and try and hold their hands. We tried to play games and interact, but it didn’t really work. All the kids wanted to do was swarm us and touch us.
This afternoon we tried skype with mom and dad. No luck. Our internet connection just isn’t strong enough. We can hear them perfectly, but they can’t hear us, and the call keeps getting dropped. Very disappointing. We will try again in the morning. Maybe we will have better luck then.
Dinner was very interesting. It was a spinage fish casserole thing. Quite strange. Didn’t taste bad, though. Son really wanted to go out and play with Cobi. He was down to just the bites of the spinage thing. Jody said, you gotta eat it. He downed it without us telling him again. Praise God! Maybe we are getting somewhere.
Day Eight—Friday
Today we took the day off to rest and prepare for Sunday.
After breakfast, Dad, who stayed up until 1 am their time waiting on us and I tried skype. No success again. L I could tell he was disappointed and upset about that. Perhaps it will work at the church or an internet café. I know this is hard, and skype would make it just a little bit easier.
For dinner we had peanut butter soup. So good. We didn’t have fu fu with it, thank God. It was rice. It would be perfect if it was all chicken with no skin and no fish! AND if they would cut back the peppers to about none!
After dinner, Coby came over and he and the kids watched kung fu panda. They all seemed to like that, but poor Coby, they kept telling him what was going t happen next!
Day Nine
Regular breakfast again, oatmeal, eggs, bread, tea. After breakfast we went back to our house. We don’t really know what to do around here half the time social wise. Do we hang out, or what? So, we just go home. We’ll figure it out eventually.
After awhile, we went and looked for bikes for the kids. We didn’t end up finding anything within what we were willing to pay. We did go back down town, and we waited on Frank, forever!!
We went into a muslim part of town. You could tell the difference. We also passed the palace.
For dinner they made us spaghetti with meatballs....but it was Ghanaian style.
Pastor Frank bought Son a cucumber. He was so excited. . They are available here, but not a part of Ghanaian’s diets. Coby had never had one. He was afraid to try it. He ate his whole slice, but didn’t ask for more. He said he liked it but I am not sure. Daughter got two slices and Son at the rest. It was fun to see the roles reversed!
Day Ten-Sunday
Our first Sunday here! After a slow week, I am ready for some action. We headed first to a smaller church that is in Kumasi, but further out. We have met the pastor before last time we were here. Jody preached there, and the pastor interpreted for him. He preached on dreams and persuing them. The church was only half done. I asked Frank how long it had been like that and he said many years.
Daughter and Son both went to kids church. Daughter went first, and Son went when he became too wrestless in church. They both liked it and had a good time. Kids church was outside under a tree.
After offering there, we went to Christ the King Palace. I was to preach there.
They took 4 offerings. The first was tithes and offering, then a worship offering, then an offering to God, and finally tithes---like for members or people with giving records. They bring it up in their record book. I’m telling you, that is the way to do it!
I spoke on purpose and being created on purpose. Frank interpreted for me. It went good, other than the kids acting up! But what can you expect. It was hot and boring and they couldn’t even understand what was going on!
Day Eleven
Today we went to the school. We were told we would teach TODAY! Eeek! I was to teach JR high English (4th grade) and Jody was to teach Math, algebra and Religion and Morals. I was to teach on paragraphs. Ok, I can handle that.
While waiting, the kids went out a few times, to face the kids. You can only do it for a few moments at a time because they want to maul the kids. They are just so excited to touch them and be their friends. At one point the head master came over with her stick and said, go away or I will beat you. Boy did those kids run!
Here at lunch time kids bring their bowl or some sort of container and a spoon (sometimes) from home. Lunch is served at the school. No brown bagging it. They ate up… whatever it was….
My class was first. It went well. I was nervous, but after I got going, it was a piece of cake, and the kids really seemed to enjoy it.
Jody enjoyed his class, too, and said the kids did as well. After our classes, we went home and took naps….we sure do sleep a lot around here.
For dinner it was left over fish. Daughter loves fish, but not fish skin (never has). We picked as much of the skin off as we could, but she still was not being cooperative. Then she took a big bite and choked on a bone. I think it was more because she was throwing a fit and upset than anything else. She gagged it all up. I took her to the bathroom, cleaned her up, gave her a pep talk, and she came out and ate it all like a champ. I was so proud of her.
Day Twelve,
Back to the school today. Jody is teaching math again. He was supposed to teach at 8 but read his schedule wrong, so they changed it to 10:30.
I received our itinerary for the rest of our time here. We are speaking tonight, wednesay, and Friday. We were supposed to travel somewhere this weekend, but it isn’t going to happen, don’t know why. (side note: our Wednesday and Friday meetings were cancelled)
They showed me a list of pastors and asked if I could set up a website for the school. After discussing it for about 20 minutes I then realized that what they wanted was email addresses, not a new website. The ‘tech’ guy showed me how to get on with Franks computer, but for whatever reason the connection in his office doesn’t work. So I used the one in the assistant’s office. His computer is SO SLOW, so I set it up on mine to see if it would be faster (and to see if skype would work). It was so much faster on my computer, but skype still didn’t work. Sad. L I was able to look at the pictures katie sent, so that was cool. Not long after I got all set up, it was time to go home, so I will have to finish tomorrow.
We went home and took a nap again. We headed over for dinner about 4, and made it just in the to watch the inauguration. Then we had dinner and headed off to our meeting. We got there at 7 and the pastor said he thought that we were coming last week, so no one was coming to see us. We waited to see who showed up. Only 3 people, so Frank decided we would go and we would reschedule. On our way to church he had said that after church he had 2 places to go the DR and somewhere else. We headed to the DR’s house, and got stuck in traffic for what seemed like forever. It was probably at least 30 minutes.
Finally, the DR’s house. We were there for about 45 minutes. Then we left and wend to some other person’s house. I have no idea who they were or why we went there so late (got there at 9). I guess it was just a house call. They gave the kids a soda, and opened up what looked like a champaing bottle for us (and they had champain glasses). Jody and I just looked at each other. Had we been on our own we probably would have just drank it to be polite, but we know that frank says Christians do not drink in Ghana, so what are we to do? When it was given to us we both smelled it and it didn’t smell like alcohol, and the he tasted it. Whew, we were safe, just sparkling fruit juice.
Day thirteen
Back to the school today, jody is to teach Religion and Morals. I set up all the email addresses, about 15. I also got our banking info and posted a blog. All of this at home would have taken about 30 minutes. Here it took me 3 hours!! I was more than aggravated.
After I was done, we went home to rest again. I am about as rested as I can be! We were supposed to speak tonight, but it was canceled.
After our rest, we went to the university to go to the ATM. On our way home, we passed the church school bus. By the smell you could tell that something was wrong. The clutch went out. Frank said it was 200 to fix it. But what they really needed was a new bus, which is about 3000.
Day fourteen
Back to the school today, but not until this afternoon. So, we hung out at the house. Frank told Jody he could drive us to school. So he did!
Cecilia had to come, because she had somewhere to be. We dropped her off at the seamstress. Jody had to drive down a very narrow roadway to do so, then he had to turn around, and ran over someone’s fabric that was drying on the ground. Actually he parked on it as he waited for Cecilia until someone told him he was on it.
I taught English again today. I finished the lesson on paragraphs and then we did irregular plural nouns. For the last 20 mintues of class we talked of America and took pictures. They had all sorts of questions about Obama and wanted to know if I voted for him. Of course all they really know about him is that he is part Kenyan, black and the president of America, so he is a mega hero in their eyes. I told them that no I did not vote for him. He is not from my political party, and he and I have opposite political views. VERY OPPOSITE!!!
I asked them what they thought of Americans and the first thing they all said was that we were rich. Oh, don’t I wish! But truly, we are rich in comparison. In comparison, the poorest American is richer than the average Ghanaian.
After class, Jody drove us back home. We picked up Cecilia first. He did a good job driving
Day Fifteen
Friday. Jody taught this morning, religion and morals, and while he did that I tested all of the email addresses and taught George (Frank’s assistant) how to use them. That took awhile. If he has such a time, I can’t imagine how they are going to teach all the pastors.
After Jody’s class, we went home. Jody drove us again today. The car wouldn’t start when we went to leave, the kids had to give us a push. Jody has never jumpstarted a car that way, but it was no problem.
Dinner was yam and lamb stew. It was so good! Tasted almost like mom’s stew. After dinner, we sat outside with Frank and talked while the kids played soccer. I saw a huge beetle/cockroach looking bug and called the kids over to take a look. It was big; the size of a quarter. While they were looking at it, it flew up and touched Daughter’s dress. They all screamed, but she freaked. She hit her clothes and hair and then jumped into my arms. It was so funny! The little kitten saw the bug and attacked it and ate it. It took Daughter a good 5 minutes to calm down.
Son was beginning to be cranky so he and dad went home. I stayed with Daughter so she could play awhile longer.
I talked to frank about wages. The min wage is 2 cedi’s a day. That is for gov workers. They bribe people to get things done so they will make more money. He says it’s quite corrupt. Other trades make more money. Like a mason. He makes about 10 cedis a day, which is considered very good. A maid who does not live with you would make about 5 cedis a day. That is not the best, considering that she has to pay about 2 cedis to get to your home. One that lives with you would make about 3.
While we were talking, I noticed that Daughter is laying down in the small pile of sand/dirt (for building) that they have been playing in, making ‘snow angels’. I was not so happy about that. She came over and was filthy. Her hair was gray she was so dirty.
Not long after that, we went home. I gave her a bath and had to wash her hair 2 times and condition it once. It was nasty. Oh, the things that girl does when she gets into her own world!
As we are settling down, I noticed that Son isn’t looking so great. I took his temp, and it was 101.7. I gave him some Tylenol, and he went to bed. He said his head hurt, too. “Like a bone is broken”. And he is stuffed up. I hope he feels better in the morning!
Jody and I are a little freaked as malaria symptoms (and the bugs love Son) are similar to flu symptoms. But it is flu season here, too.
Day sixteen,
Saturday. Son had a fitful night, and in turn so did we. He seems to feel much better today, but we are going to take it easy just in case.
Jody talked to Frank, who called his DR (the one we visited, Isaac), who told us to be on the safe side, get Son some malaria medicine. It is available over the counter. Even though they are on anti malaria, it is not 100%. Jody went with frank to get it, which means many detours along the way. He took 100 cedis with him, since we had no idea how much it was. It was 4 cedis.
Day seventeen, Sunday.
Well, it seems that Son is back to his old self. But Jody was up all night. He was “running” as they call it. It was either the bean soup or the pineapple that he ate right before bed.
Daughter seems to have a bit of the runs, too.
Well it is Sunday, so off we go, good bad or indifferent. We are at his house by 7, so we can leave by 7:30. We leave at 8:15. We are going to a town about 30 miles out of Kumasi to preach and look at a dam sight. We are going to meet a chief. Frank asks if we have anything to give. We don’t (I should have remembered that!) He says we will give him an envelope instead (i.e. money).
Jody is not feeling well, but is going to go anyway. Off we set, of course stopping several times along the way. George, Frank’s assistant is with us, and so we are nice and snug. Daughter is now feeling bad, so she is in the back laying down.
Our first stop is the church, but we don’t get out. We pick up another person. Now there are 9 in the car. We are going to meet the chief.
We get there, and greet the queen/chief mother (very important person) then the chief, then a few other guys. We shake all of their hands. They shake all of ours, after we are seated. Frank tells them why were are there (to help the people, possible dam). The chief gives us his blessing and his support and says that he will write a decree saying that if he passes then the next chief must give us his support, too.
This is the youngest chief I have met. He looks to be in his 20s. He is actually 35. Just recently have chiefs been young, as they are not looking at wisdom in age so much anymore.
The chief speaks through a spokesman, which is funny. The spokesman stands up, and the chief talks, looking at him. But the spokesman doesn’t say what he says to you. You just respond to the spokesman. Jody spoke to the chief, but used his left hand to gesture. Not something you do, which we didn’t know. Thankfully Ghanaians are very gracious.
After our meeting, we took pictures, and then off to the church. The service was long, but good. Daughter was burning up the whole time. I felt so bad for her. They brought her some crackers and coke to make her feel better. Jody wasn’t doing so hot either. He preached, but I could tell he wasn’t feeling good. He had to go to the bathroom outside in the woods, twice. Gross.
After church, we met with the church leaders. We were going to look at the dam sight but didn’t. We will come back to do that. Jody was happy, since he felt so bad. So, then we are on our way…or not. We go to the pastors house for lunch. Rice with fish (I am pretty sure that Ghanaians put fish in EVERYTHING). Daughter said her tummy hurt and she needed to go potty. The wife takes us to the potty. It is a cement square with a hole. I figure you sit on the square, but you don’t You get up on it and squat. I was going to help Daughter, but the wife insisted. Daughter wasn’t getting the whole squat thing, so the lady sat her on a small bucket, like they would use for a child to potty train.. Daughter sat there for a minute and couldn’t go. I don’t blame her. I don’t think I could have either. So after a bit she got up.
Son did good on eating. They gave him a huge bowl of rice, which I was not expecting him to eat, but he ate like 5 bites without complaining or whining, which was good.
On home we go, and yes. We stopped several times. We were about 10 minutes from home, but stuck in traffic, when Jody suddenly stuck his head out the window. At first I thought someone grabbed him or something, but no, he was throwing up. The looks on people’s faces was priceless. One guy told frank to pull over because he was puking. I guess you don’t do that on the street. You pull over to a bush.
Poor Jody, I felt so bad for him. Finally, we are home. It’s 4 o’clock. Frank insists we eat something for dinner so he is going to make tomato soup. Sounds good, but I am sure it is not campbells.
The kids all slept in the car on the way home, so they watched a movie while Jody slept. Daughter still has a temp, but seems to be feeling better. Well, Daughter, Son and Jody all had to go “running” before we settled down, and to put a cherry on top of the day, our water is not working. I think the plumber was here working on something, and forgot to turn the water back on.Dinner was in fact tomato soup, homemade. And it tasted quite good, except for the fish floating in it. Again, they put fish in everything! Our baked beans, our rice, any sauce even if it has another meat has some fish in it too, our soup, EVERYTHING! Enough with the fish already!!
Jody didn’t come to dinner, I brought dinner to him. He wasn’t hungry.
Finally, we have water. Jody flushed the toilet (the whole bathroom and hall smelled so bad!). And I gave Son a bath. Then into bed we all go. It has been a long day.
We went to the school today. Daughter got to go to class for awhile. She really liked it. The kids met the other kids. They were shy, but then I would be, too, if a million kids wanted to touch me. They would swarm around them and pet their hair and try and hold their hands. We tried to play games and interact, but it didn’t really work. All the kids wanted to do was swarm us and touch us.
This afternoon we tried skype with mom and dad. No luck. Our internet connection just isn’t strong enough. We can hear them perfectly, but they can’t hear us, and the call keeps getting dropped. Very disappointing. We will try again in the morning. Maybe we will have better luck then.
Dinner was very interesting. It was a spinage fish casserole thing. Quite strange. Didn’t taste bad, though. Son really wanted to go out and play with Cobi. He was down to just the bites of the spinage thing. Jody said, you gotta eat it. He downed it without us telling him again. Praise God! Maybe we are getting somewhere.
Day Eight—Friday
Today we took the day off to rest and prepare for Sunday.
After breakfast, Dad, who stayed up until 1 am their time waiting on us and I tried skype. No success again. L I could tell he was disappointed and upset about that. Perhaps it will work at the church or an internet café. I know this is hard, and skype would make it just a little bit easier.
For dinner we had peanut butter soup. So good. We didn’t have fu fu with it, thank God. It was rice. It would be perfect if it was all chicken with no skin and no fish! AND if they would cut back the peppers to about none!
After dinner, Coby came over and he and the kids watched kung fu panda. They all seemed to like that, but poor Coby, they kept telling him what was going t happen next!
Day Nine
Regular breakfast again, oatmeal, eggs, bread, tea. After breakfast we went back to our house. We don’t really know what to do around here half the time social wise. Do we hang out, or what? So, we just go home. We’ll figure it out eventually.
After awhile, we went and looked for bikes for the kids. We didn’t end up finding anything within what we were willing to pay. We did go back down town, and we waited on Frank, forever!!
We went into a muslim part of town. You could tell the difference. We also passed the palace.
For dinner they made us spaghetti with meatballs....but it was Ghanaian style.
Pastor Frank bought Son a cucumber. He was so excited. . They are available here, but not a part of Ghanaian’s diets. Coby had never had one. He was afraid to try it. He ate his whole slice, but didn’t ask for more. He said he liked it but I am not sure. Daughter got two slices and Son at the rest. It was fun to see the roles reversed!
Day Ten-Sunday
Our first Sunday here! After a slow week, I am ready for some action. We headed first to a smaller church that is in Kumasi, but further out. We have met the pastor before last time we were here. Jody preached there, and the pastor interpreted for him. He preached on dreams and persuing them. The church was only half done. I asked Frank how long it had been like that and he said many years.
Daughter and Son both went to kids church. Daughter went first, and Son went when he became too wrestless in church. They both liked it and had a good time. Kids church was outside under a tree.
After offering there, we went to Christ the King Palace. I was to preach there.
They took 4 offerings. The first was tithes and offering, then a worship offering, then an offering to God, and finally tithes---like for members or people with giving records. They bring it up in their record book. I’m telling you, that is the way to do it!
I spoke on purpose and being created on purpose. Frank interpreted for me. It went good, other than the kids acting up! But what can you expect. It was hot and boring and they couldn’t even understand what was going on!
Day Eleven
Today we went to the school. We were told we would teach TODAY! Eeek! I was to teach JR high English (4th grade) and Jody was to teach Math, algebra and Religion and Morals. I was to teach on paragraphs. Ok, I can handle that.
While waiting, the kids went out a few times, to face the kids. You can only do it for a few moments at a time because they want to maul the kids. They are just so excited to touch them and be their friends. At one point the head master came over with her stick and said, go away or I will beat you. Boy did those kids run!
Here at lunch time kids bring their bowl or some sort of container and a spoon (sometimes) from home. Lunch is served at the school. No brown bagging it. They ate up… whatever it was….
My class was first. It went well. I was nervous, but after I got going, it was a piece of cake, and the kids really seemed to enjoy it.
Jody enjoyed his class, too, and said the kids did as well. After our classes, we went home and took naps….we sure do sleep a lot around here.
For dinner it was left over fish. Daughter loves fish, but not fish skin (never has). We picked as much of the skin off as we could, but she still was not being cooperative. Then she took a big bite and choked on a bone. I think it was more because she was throwing a fit and upset than anything else. She gagged it all up. I took her to the bathroom, cleaned her up, gave her a pep talk, and she came out and ate it all like a champ. I was so proud of her.
Day Twelve,
Back to the school today. Jody is teaching math again. He was supposed to teach at 8 but read his schedule wrong, so they changed it to 10:30.
I received our itinerary for the rest of our time here. We are speaking tonight, wednesay, and Friday. We were supposed to travel somewhere this weekend, but it isn’t going to happen, don’t know why. (side note: our Wednesday and Friday meetings were cancelled)
They showed me a list of pastors and asked if I could set up a website for the school. After discussing it for about 20 minutes I then realized that what they wanted was email addresses, not a new website. The ‘tech’ guy showed me how to get on with Franks computer, but for whatever reason the connection in his office doesn’t work. So I used the one in the assistant’s office. His computer is SO SLOW, so I set it up on mine to see if it would be faster (and to see if skype would work). It was so much faster on my computer, but skype still didn’t work. Sad. L I was able to look at the pictures katie sent, so that was cool. Not long after I got all set up, it was time to go home, so I will have to finish tomorrow.
We went home and took a nap again. We headed over for dinner about 4, and made it just in the to watch the inauguration. Then we had dinner and headed off to our meeting. We got there at 7 and the pastor said he thought that we were coming last week, so no one was coming to see us. We waited to see who showed up. Only 3 people, so Frank decided we would go and we would reschedule. On our way to church he had said that after church he had 2 places to go the DR and somewhere else. We headed to the DR’s house, and got stuck in traffic for what seemed like forever. It was probably at least 30 minutes.
Finally, the DR’s house. We were there for about 45 minutes. Then we left and wend to some other person’s house. I have no idea who they were or why we went there so late (got there at 9). I guess it was just a house call. They gave the kids a soda, and opened up what looked like a champaing bottle for us (and they had champain glasses). Jody and I just looked at each other. Had we been on our own we probably would have just drank it to be polite, but we know that frank says Christians do not drink in Ghana, so what are we to do? When it was given to us we both smelled it and it didn’t smell like alcohol, and the he tasted it. Whew, we were safe, just sparkling fruit juice.
Day thirteen
Back to the school today, jody is to teach Religion and Morals. I set up all the email addresses, about 15. I also got our banking info and posted a blog. All of this at home would have taken about 30 minutes. Here it took me 3 hours!! I was more than aggravated.
After I was done, we went home to rest again. I am about as rested as I can be! We were supposed to speak tonight, but it was canceled.
After our rest, we went to the university to go to the ATM. On our way home, we passed the church school bus. By the smell you could tell that something was wrong. The clutch went out. Frank said it was 200 to fix it. But what they really needed was a new bus, which is about 3000.
Day fourteen
Back to the school today, but not until this afternoon. So, we hung out at the house. Frank told Jody he could drive us to school. So he did!
Cecilia had to come, because she had somewhere to be. We dropped her off at the seamstress. Jody had to drive down a very narrow roadway to do so, then he had to turn around, and ran over someone’s fabric that was drying on the ground. Actually he parked on it as he waited for Cecilia until someone told him he was on it.
I taught English again today. I finished the lesson on paragraphs and then we did irregular plural nouns. For the last 20 mintues of class we talked of America and took pictures. They had all sorts of questions about Obama and wanted to know if I voted for him. Of course all they really know about him is that he is part Kenyan, black and the president of America, so he is a mega hero in their eyes. I told them that no I did not vote for him. He is not from my political party, and he and I have opposite political views. VERY OPPOSITE!!!
I asked them what they thought of Americans and the first thing they all said was that we were rich. Oh, don’t I wish! But truly, we are rich in comparison. In comparison, the poorest American is richer than the average Ghanaian.
After class, Jody drove us back home. We picked up Cecilia first. He did a good job driving
Day Fifteen
Friday. Jody taught this morning, religion and morals, and while he did that I tested all of the email addresses and taught George (Frank’s assistant) how to use them. That took awhile. If he has such a time, I can’t imagine how they are going to teach all the pastors.
After Jody’s class, we went home. Jody drove us again today. The car wouldn’t start when we went to leave, the kids had to give us a push. Jody has never jumpstarted a car that way, but it was no problem.
Dinner was yam and lamb stew. It was so good! Tasted almost like mom’s stew. After dinner, we sat outside with Frank and talked while the kids played soccer. I saw a huge beetle/cockroach looking bug and called the kids over to take a look. It was big; the size of a quarter. While they were looking at it, it flew up and touched Daughter’s dress. They all screamed, but she freaked. She hit her clothes and hair and then jumped into my arms. It was so funny! The little kitten saw the bug and attacked it and ate it. It took Daughter a good 5 minutes to calm down.
Son was beginning to be cranky so he and dad went home. I stayed with Daughter so she could play awhile longer.
I talked to frank about wages. The min wage is 2 cedi’s a day. That is for gov workers. They bribe people to get things done so they will make more money. He says it’s quite corrupt. Other trades make more money. Like a mason. He makes about 10 cedis a day, which is considered very good. A maid who does not live with you would make about 5 cedis a day. That is not the best, considering that she has to pay about 2 cedis to get to your home. One that lives with you would make about 3.
While we were talking, I noticed that Daughter is laying down in the small pile of sand/dirt (for building) that they have been playing in, making ‘snow angels’. I was not so happy about that. She came over and was filthy. Her hair was gray she was so dirty.
Not long after that, we went home. I gave her a bath and had to wash her hair 2 times and condition it once. It was nasty. Oh, the things that girl does when she gets into her own world!
As we are settling down, I noticed that Son isn’t looking so great. I took his temp, and it was 101.7. I gave him some Tylenol, and he went to bed. He said his head hurt, too. “Like a bone is broken”. And he is stuffed up. I hope he feels better in the morning!
Jody and I are a little freaked as malaria symptoms (and the bugs love Son) are similar to flu symptoms. But it is flu season here, too.
Day sixteen,
Saturday. Son had a fitful night, and in turn so did we. He seems to feel much better today, but we are going to take it easy just in case.
Jody talked to Frank, who called his DR (the one we visited, Isaac), who told us to be on the safe side, get Son some malaria medicine. It is available over the counter. Even though they are on anti malaria, it is not 100%. Jody went with frank to get it, which means many detours along the way. He took 100 cedis with him, since we had no idea how much it was. It was 4 cedis.
Day seventeen, Sunday.
Well, it seems that Son is back to his old self. But Jody was up all night. He was “running” as they call it. It was either the bean soup or the pineapple that he ate right before bed.
Daughter seems to have a bit of the runs, too.
Well it is Sunday, so off we go, good bad or indifferent. We are at his house by 7, so we can leave by 7:30. We leave at 8:15. We are going to a town about 30 miles out of Kumasi to preach and look at a dam sight. We are going to meet a chief. Frank asks if we have anything to give. We don’t (I should have remembered that!) He says we will give him an envelope instead (i.e. money).
Jody is not feeling well, but is going to go anyway. Off we set, of course stopping several times along the way. George, Frank’s assistant is with us, and so we are nice and snug. Daughter is now feeling bad, so she is in the back laying down.
Our first stop is the church, but we don’t get out. We pick up another person. Now there are 9 in the car. We are going to meet the chief.
We get there, and greet the queen/chief mother (very important person) then the chief, then a few other guys. We shake all of their hands. They shake all of ours, after we are seated. Frank tells them why were are there (to help the people, possible dam). The chief gives us his blessing and his support and says that he will write a decree saying that if he passes then the next chief must give us his support, too.
This is the youngest chief I have met. He looks to be in his 20s. He is actually 35. Just recently have chiefs been young, as they are not looking at wisdom in age so much anymore.
The chief speaks through a spokesman, which is funny. The spokesman stands up, and the chief talks, looking at him. But the spokesman doesn’t say what he says to you. You just respond to the spokesman. Jody spoke to the chief, but used his left hand to gesture. Not something you do, which we didn’t know. Thankfully Ghanaians are very gracious.
After our meeting, we took pictures, and then off to the church. The service was long, but good. Daughter was burning up the whole time. I felt so bad for her. They brought her some crackers and coke to make her feel better. Jody wasn’t doing so hot either. He preached, but I could tell he wasn’t feeling good. He had to go to the bathroom outside in the woods, twice. Gross.
After church, we met with the church leaders. We were going to look at the dam sight but didn’t. We will come back to do that. Jody was happy, since he felt so bad. So, then we are on our way…or not. We go to the pastors house for lunch. Rice with fish (I am pretty sure that Ghanaians put fish in EVERYTHING). Daughter said her tummy hurt and she needed to go potty. The wife takes us to the potty. It is a cement square with a hole. I figure you sit on the square, but you don’t You get up on it and squat. I was going to help Daughter, but the wife insisted. Daughter wasn’t getting the whole squat thing, so the lady sat her on a small bucket, like they would use for a child to potty train.. Daughter sat there for a minute and couldn’t go. I don’t blame her. I don’t think I could have either. So after a bit she got up.
Son did good on eating. They gave him a huge bowl of rice, which I was not expecting him to eat, but he ate like 5 bites without complaining or whining, which was good.
On home we go, and yes. We stopped several times. We were about 10 minutes from home, but stuck in traffic, when Jody suddenly stuck his head out the window. At first I thought someone grabbed him or something, but no, he was throwing up. The looks on people’s faces was priceless. One guy told frank to pull over because he was puking. I guess you don’t do that on the street. You pull over to a bush.
Poor Jody, I felt so bad for him. Finally, we are home. It’s 4 o’clock. Frank insists we eat something for dinner so he is going to make tomato soup. Sounds good, but I am sure it is not campbells.
The kids all slept in the car on the way home, so they watched a movie while Jody slept. Daughter still has a temp, but seems to be feeling better. Well, Daughter, Son and Jody all had to go “running” before we settled down, and to put a cherry on top of the day, our water is not working. I think the plumber was here working on something, and forgot to turn the water back on.Dinner was in fact tomato soup, homemade. And it tasted quite good, except for the fish floating in it. Again, they put fish in everything! Our baked beans, our rice, any sauce even if it has another meat has some fish in it too, our soup, EVERYTHING! Enough with the fish already!!
Jody didn’t come to dinner, I brought dinner to him. He wasn’t hungry.
Finally, we have water. Jody flushed the toilet (the whole bathroom and hall smelled so bad!). And I gave Son a bath. Then into bed we all go. It has been a long day.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Finally, a post from Africa...
So, I was so busy running around getting all the last minute preparations done that I didn’t even have a chance to write and say we are on our way. But we are here, and in one piece. I don’t know how often I will get to post, but I will as often as I can.
You may find this quite detailed. I am journaling our whole experience while writing for the blog at the same time. I will try and cut uninteresting stuff out for you guys, depending on how much time I have to devote to editing.
Day One and Two
We are finally here. It was a very long flight, but everything went smoothly.
The only small glitch was in Amsterdam they made us check two of our carry on’s I think they thought they were mine. It was all of the kids stuff. Yes, I freaked out a bit, but then again I usually do when things are out of my control.
Everything made it to Ghana unharmed. Thank you LORD! You are faithful. I was telling Jenn that I always pray over my luggage, and have never lost a piece or had one delayed. I said I think it’s because God knows it is more than I could handle. J
We were the last ones through immigration, so we had to wait forever. We got all our bags. Including all our carry-ons we had 15 bags total. 2 of give-away stuff, 1 of food, 1 of bedding and towels, and then the rest were our regular stuff. I may have over packed on everything but the clothes but only time will tell. You just can’t run down to Wal Mart to get something if you forget it. You most likely will find it but will take all day and pay twice as much.
So, when you leave the airport, you are greeted by a few guards and hundreds of people. All that separates you from them is a fence, and a large sign telling you to beware of people who want to help you with your luggage.
One guard/worker helped us all the way to our car—unrequested (our car was in the parking lot across the street, so we had to cross the street with all our luggage). Then came along 8 other men to help us. Again, unrequested. Thankfully Pastor and Cecilia were there. We got everything in, and between Frank and us only paid out about $4.00 for the unasked for help.
We went right to our hotel. It is very nice. They had wireless internet, and gave me the code, but for whatever reason, I could not connect anyway. Bummer. We tired our cell phone, and they work like a charm. Better watch it or we could run up a bill real quick!
We were very tired, but so gross, too. So, we all took showers, cold of course, and after a snack, all of us got into the one king size bed. Note….Son not liking the cold shower. The kids were out cold within seconds. It took Jody and I a bit longer, as it was really only noonish our time. Son and Jody woke up at 4am. I woke up shortly after, and then Daughter. Yeah, our clocks are a bit screwed up. The kids played, I tried to get the internet to work, and Jody tried to get back to sleep.
Finally, breakfast time. Breakfast is included in the hotel room, so off we go, We order boiled eggs, sausage (for a little extra money), pancakes and OJ and Coffee. No pancakes today, and no OJ. Pineapple juice instead and toast instead.
Out comes the sausage….errr..uh…hot dog. Yeah, that’s right a hot dog. And, get this… the menu said 2.50 for sausage (2.5 cedi’s is the same as 2.5 dollars. Which for a Ghanaian is a lot) We didn’t know that meant per sausage, we thought per serving, which we ordered two of. They brought us 4 ‘sausages’ and it cost us 12 dollars!!
Back to the room to wait for Frank, and take a nap. When he arrived the kids were sound asleep (actually we were, too). We were going to wake them up and leave, but Frank said, No, let them sleep. We will come back at noon.
So, we all went back to sleep until noon. When he came back we reloaded the luggage. We had all of our luggage (15 pieces) in the back of his land rover/Mitsubishi Montero-like car. Then, in the back seat was all 4 of us, and in front was Cecilia and Frank. The kids think it is so neat that they don’t have car seats or seat belt. Off to Kumasi we went.
We stopped at a Judge’s house that Frank knows, used to be a pastor I believe for lunch. Yams (white like potato) and some red spicy fish sauce and boiled eggs was served. Daughter was a champ. She ate almost all of her food, and she was given quite a lot. Son at least tried it, and ate some of a boiled egg.
After lunch, we drove 51/2 hours without ever getting out of the car. We could have, but we just wanted to get it over with. The kids weren’t complaining, so we might as well take advantage of it. A full 46 hours after we left for the airport in Portland, we arrived in Kumasi. During the trip the kids just took it all in. They love it when they see someone carrying something on their head, and every goat, cow, chicken, dog and lizard deserved to be noted. Along the way, we pulled over and frank bought stuff. Kinda cool to do all your grocery shopping without getting out of your car!
When we got to their house, Frank said he was going to put us in the guest house (which we thought was the house on their property, but he was actually referring to the retreat center), but that cecilia thought we might get lonely, and so we were going to stay in their house. They were also worried that we would not feel safe. We went to look at the retreat center, and the kids stayed with Cecilia. Bad idea. When we got back, Daughter said I had a bloody nose. I said ok. You alright? Yeah. Well then Cecilia told me that Son punched her. I looked at him and he was on the verge of tears. He covered his eyes and buried his head. I told him It was OK, and we would deal with it later. Daughter said she swallowed the blood and that it still tasted yucky, but she said she didn’t cry (she really is a tuff girl when it comes down to it.)
Then Rice and some HOT red stuff and chicken. Again, Daughter was a champ. She ate everything on her plate. Son really struggled. He was tired, hungry, and it was just not good. Then Frank said would you like some chocolate milk? He said yes, and then when he found out that mean hot chocolate, he fell to pieces. There was no returning.
We took him to our room, and gave him some of our American snacks. I am so glad I decided to pack them. They are a God-send. We told them only one a day, but this day we let them have three. They deserved it. They had been thought a lot.
Then it was bath time, and again a cold shower. Son was not so happy about that. He cried and cried. Daughter, the pleaser, of course loved it. Son pretty much cried the rest of the night, and said I want to go home. He had both Mommy and Daddy in tears. We know this is a huge adjustment for them, and we wish we could make it easier.
Off to bed we go. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Day Three
Today is Sunday. We were going to take the day off, Frank told us to, but then when we went to breakfast he said they are expecting you be ready to go at 9. Then when we were about 5 minutes from the church he said, which one of you is going to share? Uh…thanks for he heads up. What’s that verse about being ready in and out of season? Yeah, so not ready. Jody and I both ended up sharing just a little bit. Daughter and Son sat with Coby (Frank’s grandson). In the congregation while we sat on the platform. They were pretty good….except that they kept playing with their water bottles. They started out with one and were fighting over it, so I went and gave them mine, so they each had one. Then they kept putting it on their heads. Finally Jody went and took them away. Two minutes later they had another one from the “water lady”.
During worship I saw something dart across the stage toward me. I stepped forward, and looked back to see a lizard (a good size one, body about 6 in) running toward me. It passed me and Frank and another guy trapped it and shooed it out the door. The kids thought that was awesome and both agreed that Papa would have screamed. Frank said another lady that was here did scream really loud when the same thing happened to her.
During church, the kids were starting to act up, so I went down to sit with them. Daughter said she had to go to the bathroom. I told her to hold it. She really had to go so after awhile, I got Jody’s attention (Son had fallen asleep on me) and he took her. He said an African lady had to show her how to squat and go on the ground. All I know is that when she came back in I asked, did you go? She said yes. I said, in a toilet? She said NO (with big eyes). I just started laughing.
OK, so this morning, we were woken up by some strange noise. Sounded sort of like a cow, but not quite. I thought it might be an elephant…in my very dazed sleepy state….and I also thought the white sand/cement outside was snow…yeah I was out of it. It eventually woke up Son, and so we were all up at 5am. A few minutes later, we hear a cow bell and singing… not a great way to start your day. And then that noise again. It turns out there is this group that each Sunday get up early and run and sing. No one likes it. The noise was a trumpet.
Oatmeal and eggs for breakfast and fried plantains. Son loves oatmeal, but wouldn’t touch it. It was not the same consistency, so he was not going for it. Neither of them liked the plantains. I don’t blame them.
After church, we went to a convenience store with three fast-food restaurants in it. A pizza place, a grilled chicken place, and a fried chicken place. We went there to get Malachi some fries. They also had a play structure just like McDonalds. By this point, Son and Daughter both had finally warmed up to Coby, and they played together the rest of the day.
The fast food is equivalent in price to fast food here, so for a Ghanaian, it is really expensive. The average Ghanaian very rarely goes out.
When we got home we had peanut butter soup. YUM!! Of course Son didn’t really like it. We ate it Ghanaian style…with our hands. Kids thought that was fun, but not for very long, and they wanted their spoons and forks back.
One thing I have noticed, it that things are more expensive than they were last time we were here. Bread is 2.50 fan ice is .50 and pop is .40 Last time fan ice was like 5 cents, and bread was a dollar. Pop was .25 cents. Frank says that they raised the minimum wage from 1 cedi to 2 cedis, and right after they experienced some major inflation. Hmmmmm…..sounds familiar….. We definitely have to be more careful with our money, as it will not go as far as it used to. In actuality, cost of living in regards to food, gas, and utilities, is quite comparable with home, it is only slightly less. Makes you wonder how they can make it on 2 dollars a day and we struggle with 8 and up per hour!
Day Four
Typical African day. We have sat around waiting. Which drives me nuts! I’ve got to put a book or bible or something in my bag. Frank had a court date today. We were supposed to be over for breakfast at 7:30, but we all woke up late! We were 30 minutes late.
After a while, we went on a walk to the fueling station which has a food mart. It is less than a mile away. We were on our way by ourselves when Rev. Bismak saw us. He was on his way to town, so he escorted us to the store. He held Son’s hand the whole way, which I think freaked him out, because he grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. Ghanaians are very touchy, and it is hard to get used to.
After our walk we came back and sat in front of the fan. After a while we started school, then Frank showed up, and we went over for lunch. It was a really good lunch chips (fried yams…sort of like fries), fish, and baked beans. Loved it. Best meal so far. We spoke with frank for a bit, I went out to check on the kids, who were playing outside with Coby. Jody came out, and we walked through the house they are building. It is HUGE.
Went back to frank, but He was gone. We were supposed to go to town. We waited and waited….finally coby went inside and when we asked him if he had seen his Grandpa, he said he was sleeping. So we came back home. The kids and coby are playing outside, and here we sit.
I want to talk with the ladies more. Esi is our ‘maid’ and her sister helps, too. I don’t know the etiquette. They are almost always working, so do I and speak with them while they work? Would it be rude if I helped? I want to build relationships and be culturally relational, but I am not sure how.
Everyone serves us here, weather we ask or not. Ghanaians are very hospitable to their visitors, and it is pretty obvious that we are visitors. They want to serve us, and denying their service is offensive. Many act this way towards their leaders (aka Bishop, as we are getting used to calling him) as well. It makes it hard to relate, at least in my American culture brain. Here I want to serve them and they are serving me.
I asked Frank at what point do we stop being visitors. He said, when we move here, people will show us the ways and then we will be on our own, but this time, we are visitors. Two months doesn’t seem like a visit, but I guess that lengthy of visits is probably normal.
After awhile, we went back over to Bishop’s house. We sat around. The kids fed the goats and tried to pet the goats, but Coby scared them away. We ate dinner. White rice and some red fish sauce. It was actually pretty good. Little spicy, but good. Son ate the rice but we had to force him to eat it….even though it was plain rice. He wanted to just be a pain.
After dinner, we visited some more and then went back to the house, because Son was beginning to act out…he was tired.
We did what has become our regular nightly routine. Baths for everyone, tidy up the room, pb and j sandwich for the kids, prayer, and then bed for the kids. Jody and I go out to our sitting area and read.
Tonight, Collin, Cobi’s Dad, came to sit with us. It was a challenging conversation. He speaks little English, so it was hard. He is so very nice. I wish we could talk with him more easily. He is about to be a dad again, Laura, his wife, Frank’s daughter is about to have a baby. I asked him if he was going to watch and, with big eyes, said, “No, no, no,no!” He laughed when we told him the dads almost always watch and cut the umbilical cord in America.
Collin is a legal clerk. He wants to be a lawyer and will be going back to school soon. He has 4 more years to go. He is 35. His brother is a judge (the one we ate lunch at his house on Saturday). His brother also owns the little store across from our place. His younger brother runs it.
This afternoon, we went to the little store for a soda. You have to drink your soda there, because they want the glass back. They have to pay if they don’t return all of the glasses to the manufacturer. So we are sitting and drinking our sodas listening to Snoop Dogg cuss up a storm. That’s right…f this and f that. Thank goodness the kids don’t know what naughty words are…at least yet. See, neither do the Ghanaians (at least the ones that don’t speak it well) so they don’t think twice about it.
Day Five
Today was as eventful as yesterday was uneventful.
After breakfast, we went to town to get a wireless card and cell phone and a fridge, and about a million other things. We were in the car for about six hours. Stopping here and there and everywhere. It was us four, frank, Cecilia, and Esi. Tried to talk to Esi, nothing. Frank says she is very shy. We got the fridge, and a garbage can, and an extension cord, a bunch of food (Cecilia got), a blender for Cecilia, and I think that’s it. All of it in the car with all of us….and right before we get home, we have to pick up their granddaughter, Crystabell (about13) from school. She got in the car, too.
While in town, we went out to lunch. We had a “continental” lunch, chicken and chips (fries). Frank, Cecilia and Esi had fufu. Lunch was expensive. 44 cedis (about 40 dollars) for all of us! Geesh!
Our first stop in town was the internet place. Now mind you, we have made about 10 stops prior to this. It seems we can’t go 2 miles without stopping somewhere. One of which was to buy us water. 10 bags of 25 baggies of water for 10 cedis. Each bag is about 16 oz. Not too shabby.
It is going to cost 220 cedis (about 200 dollars) to get it set up. (expensive, but worth it if it means contact with the outside world) I said we want to do it, but I need more Cedis first. Off we go to get cedis. But we don’t. We go to lunch. Then after lunch, we go to get a cell phone. We (meaning frank) barter for awhile. We finally decide on an old school nokia for 25 cedis…about 22 dollars. It is used (they almost all are), but will serve its purpose.
Then we go to a few other stores, look at some fridges, exchange some money, and then we finally get in the car and head back to the internet place. We get there and find out that you have to bring the computer in. It will have to wait until tomorrow.
Then we stop to get a fridge. We looked at several places (when I say places I mean sides of the road), and decided, or rather Cecilia decided on a Frigidaire with a freezer. It was 100 cedis, about 82 dollars. It is a really nice half fridge, and it works great.
We get back in the car, and head to an onion market. Yeah, all onions all day. It smelled very strong. Tons of onion stands, but all from the same truck. Like how does anyone make money? Too much competition. Anyway, an old man came up to the window and asked Jody if he could marry his daughter, so he could go to the USA. He said a bunch more, but that is all we got. We get some onions.
On we go. We stopped and got yams. We stopped and got peppers. We stopped and got a watermelon. We stopped and got bread. We stopped and bought a blender. We stopped and got a fan ice. We stopped and got an extension cord. We stopped at what seemed like every seamstress (Cecilia sells dresses) in Kumasi. We left the house at like 10:30 and got back at 6:30. It was a long day in the car. Son slept half the time on Jody. Daughter was next to me with a garbage can on her lap. Esi was in the back with the fridge and all of our groceries.
Almost home…wait, nope….we need to go get Crystabell. OK, now, finally we are on our way home.
We were beat after such a long day in the car. So not long after dinner we headed back to our room. Unfortunately it wasn’t right to bed for a little MR. that had a nap! Grr… He was up until 11pm!
Day Six
Today was productive…sort of.
After breakfast we went to our room for a bit and did some school. Then we walked to the store and bought ketchup and ice cream and pop. We went a different way this time and found a little strip of shops (i.e. booths). It is an easy walk, but part of it is uphill, not so fun.
After that we had lunch, the same as a few days before, fish and chips (fried yams). The chips are very close to fires, especially with ketchup. Son didn’t agree. He said they tasted funny.
At 2 we were to go to the internet place. Well, when we went to get into the car, we knew we were in for it---Cecilia was coming with us!! Sure enough, we stopped several places on our way to the ATM. Then we went to the Internet place. They had a bit of difficulty because of my firewall. Once I disabled that it worked right away. I really have no idea what was going on, but it got working. 220 cedis later we have the internet…..well, sort of. We had to buy some minutes. We got those. OK. Mission accomplished.
Now, back into the car…oh, no! We are headed back down town! I have no idea what for, but we waited on Cecilia for a long time. While waiting we had a coconut each. Coconut milk is not that great—sort of like sugar water, and coconuts must be eaten more raw here or something, because they are slimy. Not hard like the ones you buy in the store. Anyway, they are gross. Son, of course would have none of that. While waiting we did see a lady with a whole pallet of toilet paper on her head. That was pretty cool.
OK, we are on our way….stop. Fan Ice wholesale. Stop again, some building materials. Several more stops and seamstresses, finally home.
Two things I have learned from our two days in the car. DO NOT say you would like to get something, don’t even act interested. If you do, you will most certainly be doing it right then, and prolonging your trip.
Secondly, you hardly ever get out of your car to do anything. You just honk or call out, and they come to you. That is sort of nice.
We get home and dinner is ready. Rice, Spaghetti noodles, and red sauce. It was good, but spicy. Son is eating better if we only give him two bites worth of the foreign stuff. He doesn’t fight as much on the regular stuff. Also, Coby has been eating with us, and that really seems to be helping.
You may find this quite detailed. I am journaling our whole experience while writing for the blog at the same time. I will try and cut uninteresting stuff out for you guys, depending on how much time I have to devote to editing.
Day One and Two
We are finally here. It was a very long flight, but everything went smoothly.
The only small glitch was in Amsterdam they made us check two of our carry on’s I think they thought they were mine. It was all of the kids stuff. Yes, I freaked out a bit, but then again I usually do when things are out of my control.
Everything made it to Ghana unharmed. Thank you LORD! You are faithful. I was telling Jenn that I always pray over my luggage, and have never lost a piece or had one delayed. I said I think it’s because God knows it is more than I could handle. J
We were the last ones through immigration, so we had to wait forever. We got all our bags. Including all our carry-ons we had 15 bags total. 2 of give-away stuff, 1 of food, 1 of bedding and towels, and then the rest were our regular stuff. I may have over packed on everything but the clothes but only time will tell. You just can’t run down to Wal Mart to get something if you forget it. You most likely will find it but will take all day and pay twice as much.
So, when you leave the airport, you are greeted by a few guards and hundreds of people. All that separates you from them is a fence, and a large sign telling you to beware of people who want to help you with your luggage.
One guard/worker helped us all the way to our car—unrequested (our car was in the parking lot across the street, so we had to cross the street with all our luggage). Then came along 8 other men to help us. Again, unrequested. Thankfully Pastor and Cecilia were there. We got everything in, and between Frank and us only paid out about $4.00 for the unasked for help.
We went right to our hotel. It is very nice. They had wireless internet, and gave me the code, but for whatever reason, I could not connect anyway. Bummer. We tired our cell phone, and they work like a charm. Better watch it or we could run up a bill real quick!
We were very tired, but so gross, too. So, we all took showers, cold of course, and after a snack, all of us got into the one king size bed. Note….Son not liking the cold shower. The kids were out cold within seconds. It took Jody and I a bit longer, as it was really only noonish our time. Son and Jody woke up at 4am. I woke up shortly after, and then Daughter. Yeah, our clocks are a bit screwed up. The kids played, I tried to get the internet to work, and Jody tried to get back to sleep.
Finally, breakfast time. Breakfast is included in the hotel room, so off we go, We order boiled eggs, sausage (for a little extra money), pancakes and OJ and Coffee. No pancakes today, and no OJ. Pineapple juice instead and toast instead.
Out comes the sausage….errr..uh…hot dog. Yeah, that’s right a hot dog. And, get this… the menu said 2.50 for sausage (2.5 cedi’s is the same as 2.5 dollars. Which for a Ghanaian is a lot) We didn’t know that meant per sausage, we thought per serving, which we ordered two of. They brought us 4 ‘sausages’ and it cost us 12 dollars!!
Back to the room to wait for Frank, and take a nap. When he arrived the kids were sound asleep (actually we were, too). We were going to wake them up and leave, but Frank said, No, let them sleep. We will come back at noon.
So, we all went back to sleep until noon. When he came back we reloaded the luggage. We had all of our luggage (15 pieces) in the back of his land rover/Mitsubishi Montero-like car. Then, in the back seat was all 4 of us, and in front was Cecilia and Frank. The kids think it is so neat that they don’t have car seats or seat belt. Off to Kumasi we went.
We stopped at a Judge’s house that Frank knows, used to be a pastor I believe for lunch. Yams (white like potato) and some red spicy fish sauce and boiled eggs was served. Daughter was a champ. She ate almost all of her food, and she was given quite a lot. Son at least tried it, and ate some of a boiled egg.
After lunch, we drove 51/2 hours without ever getting out of the car. We could have, but we just wanted to get it over with. The kids weren’t complaining, so we might as well take advantage of it. A full 46 hours after we left for the airport in Portland, we arrived in Kumasi. During the trip the kids just took it all in. They love it when they see someone carrying something on their head, and every goat, cow, chicken, dog and lizard deserved to be noted. Along the way, we pulled over and frank bought stuff. Kinda cool to do all your grocery shopping without getting out of your car!
When we got to their house, Frank said he was going to put us in the guest house (which we thought was the house on their property, but he was actually referring to the retreat center), but that cecilia thought we might get lonely, and so we were going to stay in their house. They were also worried that we would not feel safe. We went to look at the retreat center, and the kids stayed with Cecilia. Bad idea. When we got back, Daughter said I had a bloody nose. I said ok. You alright? Yeah. Well then Cecilia told me that Son punched her. I looked at him and he was on the verge of tears. He covered his eyes and buried his head. I told him It was OK, and we would deal with it later. Daughter said she swallowed the blood and that it still tasted yucky, but she said she didn’t cry (she really is a tuff girl when it comes down to it.)
Then Rice and some HOT red stuff and chicken. Again, Daughter was a champ. She ate everything on her plate. Son really struggled. He was tired, hungry, and it was just not good. Then Frank said would you like some chocolate milk? He said yes, and then when he found out that mean hot chocolate, he fell to pieces. There was no returning.
We took him to our room, and gave him some of our American snacks. I am so glad I decided to pack them. They are a God-send. We told them only one a day, but this day we let them have three. They deserved it. They had been thought a lot.
Then it was bath time, and again a cold shower. Son was not so happy about that. He cried and cried. Daughter, the pleaser, of course loved it. Son pretty much cried the rest of the night, and said I want to go home. He had both Mommy and Daddy in tears. We know this is a huge adjustment for them, and we wish we could make it easier.
Off to bed we go. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Day Three
Today is Sunday. We were going to take the day off, Frank told us to, but then when we went to breakfast he said they are expecting you be ready to go at 9. Then when we were about 5 minutes from the church he said, which one of you is going to share? Uh…thanks for he heads up. What’s that verse about being ready in and out of season? Yeah, so not ready. Jody and I both ended up sharing just a little bit. Daughter and Son sat with Coby (Frank’s grandson). In the congregation while we sat on the platform. They were pretty good….except that they kept playing with their water bottles. They started out with one and were fighting over it, so I went and gave them mine, so they each had one. Then they kept putting it on their heads. Finally Jody went and took them away. Two minutes later they had another one from the “water lady”.
During worship I saw something dart across the stage toward me. I stepped forward, and looked back to see a lizard (a good size one, body about 6 in) running toward me. It passed me and Frank and another guy trapped it and shooed it out the door. The kids thought that was awesome and both agreed that Papa would have screamed. Frank said another lady that was here did scream really loud when the same thing happened to her.
During church, the kids were starting to act up, so I went down to sit with them. Daughter said she had to go to the bathroom. I told her to hold it. She really had to go so after awhile, I got Jody’s attention (Son had fallen asleep on me) and he took her. He said an African lady had to show her how to squat and go on the ground. All I know is that when she came back in I asked, did you go? She said yes. I said, in a toilet? She said NO (with big eyes). I just started laughing.
OK, so this morning, we were woken up by some strange noise. Sounded sort of like a cow, but not quite. I thought it might be an elephant…in my very dazed sleepy state….and I also thought the white sand/cement outside was snow…yeah I was out of it. It eventually woke up Son, and so we were all up at 5am. A few minutes later, we hear a cow bell and singing… not a great way to start your day. And then that noise again. It turns out there is this group that each Sunday get up early and run and sing. No one likes it. The noise was a trumpet.
Oatmeal and eggs for breakfast and fried plantains. Son loves oatmeal, but wouldn’t touch it. It was not the same consistency, so he was not going for it. Neither of them liked the plantains. I don’t blame them.
After church, we went to a convenience store with three fast-food restaurants in it. A pizza place, a grilled chicken place, and a fried chicken place. We went there to get Malachi some fries. They also had a play structure just like McDonalds. By this point, Son and Daughter both had finally warmed up to Coby, and they played together the rest of the day.
The fast food is equivalent in price to fast food here, so for a Ghanaian, it is really expensive. The average Ghanaian very rarely goes out.
When we got home we had peanut butter soup. YUM!! Of course Son didn’t really like it. We ate it Ghanaian style…with our hands. Kids thought that was fun, but not for very long, and they wanted their spoons and forks back.
One thing I have noticed, it that things are more expensive than they were last time we were here. Bread is 2.50 fan ice is .50 and pop is .40 Last time fan ice was like 5 cents, and bread was a dollar. Pop was .25 cents. Frank says that they raised the minimum wage from 1 cedi to 2 cedis, and right after they experienced some major inflation. Hmmmmm…..sounds familiar….. We definitely have to be more careful with our money, as it will not go as far as it used to. In actuality, cost of living in regards to food, gas, and utilities, is quite comparable with home, it is only slightly less. Makes you wonder how they can make it on 2 dollars a day and we struggle with 8 and up per hour!
Day Four
Typical African day. We have sat around waiting. Which drives me nuts! I’ve got to put a book or bible or something in my bag. Frank had a court date today. We were supposed to be over for breakfast at 7:30, but we all woke up late! We were 30 minutes late.
After a while, we went on a walk to the fueling station which has a food mart. It is less than a mile away. We were on our way by ourselves when Rev. Bismak saw us. He was on his way to town, so he escorted us to the store. He held Son’s hand the whole way, which I think freaked him out, because he grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. Ghanaians are very touchy, and it is hard to get used to.
After our walk we came back and sat in front of the fan. After a while we started school, then Frank showed up, and we went over for lunch. It was a really good lunch chips (fried yams…sort of like fries), fish, and baked beans. Loved it. Best meal so far. We spoke with frank for a bit, I went out to check on the kids, who were playing outside with Coby. Jody came out, and we walked through the house they are building. It is HUGE.
Went back to frank, but He was gone. We were supposed to go to town. We waited and waited….finally coby went inside and when we asked him if he had seen his Grandpa, he said he was sleeping. So we came back home. The kids and coby are playing outside, and here we sit.
I want to talk with the ladies more. Esi is our ‘maid’ and her sister helps, too. I don’t know the etiquette. They are almost always working, so do I and speak with them while they work? Would it be rude if I helped? I want to build relationships and be culturally relational, but I am not sure how.
Everyone serves us here, weather we ask or not. Ghanaians are very hospitable to their visitors, and it is pretty obvious that we are visitors. They want to serve us, and denying their service is offensive. Many act this way towards their leaders (aka Bishop, as we are getting used to calling him) as well. It makes it hard to relate, at least in my American culture brain. Here I want to serve them and they are serving me.
I asked Frank at what point do we stop being visitors. He said, when we move here, people will show us the ways and then we will be on our own, but this time, we are visitors. Two months doesn’t seem like a visit, but I guess that lengthy of visits is probably normal.
After awhile, we went back over to Bishop’s house. We sat around. The kids fed the goats and tried to pet the goats, but Coby scared them away. We ate dinner. White rice and some red fish sauce. It was actually pretty good. Little spicy, but good. Son ate the rice but we had to force him to eat it….even though it was plain rice. He wanted to just be a pain.
After dinner, we visited some more and then went back to the house, because Son was beginning to act out…he was tired.
We did what has become our regular nightly routine. Baths for everyone, tidy up the room, pb and j sandwich for the kids, prayer, and then bed for the kids. Jody and I go out to our sitting area and read.
Tonight, Collin, Cobi’s Dad, came to sit with us. It was a challenging conversation. He speaks little English, so it was hard. He is so very nice. I wish we could talk with him more easily. He is about to be a dad again, Laura, his wife, Frank’s daughter is about to have a baby. I asked him if he was going to watch and, with big eyes, said, “No, no, no,no!” He laughed when we told him the dads almost always watch and cut the umbilical cord in America.
Collin is a legal clerk. He wants to be a lawyer and will be going back to school soon. He has 4 more years to go. He is 35. His brother is a judge (the one we ate lunch at his house on Saturday). His brother also owns the little store across from our place. His younger brother runs it.
This afternoon, we went to the little store for a soda. You have to drink your soda there, because they want the glass back. They have to pay if they don’t return all of the glasses to the manufacturer. So we are sitting and drinking our sodas listening to Snoop Dogg cuss up a storm. That’s right…f this and f that. Thank goodness the kids don’t know what naughty words are…at least yet. See, neither do the Ghanaians (at least the ones that don’t speak it well) so they don’t think twice about it.
Day Five
Today was as eventful as yesterday was uneventful.
After breakfast, we went to town to get a wireless card and cell phone and a fridge, and about a million other things. We were in the car for about six hours. Stopping here and there and everywhere. It was us four, frank, Cecilia, and Esi. Tried to talk to Esi, nothing. Frank says she is very shy. We got the fridge, and a garbage can, and an extension cord, a bunch of food (Cecilia got), a blender for Cecilia, and I think that’s it. All of it in the car with all of us….and right before we get home, we have to pick up their granddaughter, Crystabell (about13) from school. She got in the car, too.
While in town, we went out to lunch. We had a “continental” lunch, chicken and chips (fries). Frank, Cecilia and Esi had fufu. Lunch was expensive. 44 cedis (about 40 dollars) for all of us! Geesh!
Our first stop in town was the internet place. Now mind you, we have made about 10 stops prior to this. It seems we can’t go 2 miles without stopping somewhere. One of which was to buy us water. 10 bags of 25 baggies of water for 10 cedis. Each bag is about 16 oz. Not too shabby.
It is going to cost 220 cedis (about 200 dollars) to get it set up. (expensive, but worth it if it means contact with the outside world) I said we want to do it, but I need more Cedis first. Off we go to get cedis. But we don’t. We go to lunch. Then after lunch, we go to get a cell phone. We (meaning frank) barter for awhile. We finally decide on an old school nokia for 25 cedis…about 22 dollars. It is used (they almost all are), but will serve its purpose.
Then we go to a few other stores, look at some fridges, exchange some money, and then we finally get in the car and head back to the internet place. We get there and find out that you have to bring the computer in. It will have to wait until tomorrow.
Then we stop to get a fridge. We looked at several places (when I say places I mean sides of the road), and decided, or rather Cecilia decided on a Frigidaire with a freezer. It was 100 cedis, about 82 dollars. It is a really nice half fridge, and it works great.
We get back in the car, and head to an onion market. Yeah, all onions all day. It smelled very strong. Tons of onion stands, but all from the same truck. Like how does anyone make money? Too much competition. Anyway, an old man came up to the window and asked Jody if he could marry his daughter, so he could go to the USA. He said a bunch more, but that is all we got. We get some onions.
On we go. We stopped and got yams. We stopped and got peppers. We stopped and got a watermelon. We stopped and got bread. We stopped and bought a blender. We stopped and got a fan ice. We stopped and got an extension cord. We stopped at what seemed like every seamstress (Cecilia sells dresses) in Kumasi. We left the house at like 10:30 and got back at 6:30. It was a long day in the car. Son slept half the time on Jody. Daughter was next to me with a garbage can on her lap. Esi was in the back with the fridge and all of our groceries.
Almost home…wait, nope….we need to go get Crystabell. OK, now, finally we are on our way home.
We were beat after such a long day in the car. So not long after dinner we headed back to our room. Unfortunately it wasn’t right to bed for a little MR. that had a nap! Grr… He was up until 11pm!
Day Six
Today was productive…sort of.
After breakfast we went to our room for a bit and did some school. Then we walked to the store and bought ketchup and ice cream and pop. We went a different way this time and found a little strip of shops (i.e. booths). It is an easy walk, but part of it is uphill, not so fun.
After that we had lunch, the same as a few days before, fish and chips (fried yams). The chips are very close to fires, especially with ketchup. Son didn’t agree. He said they tasted funny.
At 2 we were to go to the internet place. Well, when we went to get into the car, we knew we were in for it---Cecilia was coming with us!! Sure enough, we stopped several places on our way to the ATM. Then we went to the Internet place. They had a bit of difficulty because of my firewall. Once I disabled that it worked right away. I really have no idea what was going on, but it got working. 220 cedis later we have the internet…..well, sort of. We had to buy some minutes. We got those. OK. Mission accomplished.
Now, back into the car…oh, no! We are headed back down town! I have no idea what for, but we waited on Cecilia for a long time. While waiting we had a coconut each. Coconut milk is not that great—sort of like sugar water, and coconuts must be eaten more raw here or something, because they are slimy. Not hard like the ones you buy in the store. Anyway, they are gross. Son, of course would have none of that. While waiting we did see a lady with a whole pallet of toilet paper on her head. That was pretty cool.
OK, we are on our way….stop. Fan Ice wholesale. Stop again, some building materials. Several more stops and seamstresses, finally home.
Two things I have learned from our two days in the car. DO NOT say you would like to get something, don’t even act interested. If you do, you will most certainly be doing it right then, and prolonging your trip.
Secondly, you hardly ever get out of your car to do anything. You just honk or call out, and they come to you. That is sort of nice.
We get home and dinner is ready. Rice, Spaghetti noodles, and red sauce. It was good, but spicy. Son is eating better if we only give him two bites worth of the foreign stuff. He doesn’t fight as much on the regular stuff. Also, Coby has been eating with us, and that really seems to be helping.
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