internet cafe in Accra

hello!

So the "umbilical cord" has been cut, as my professor said yesterday. She has left me! haha ... in good hands, though. Right now I'm staying with a couple in Mampong. They have to be some of the coolest people I've ever met-- and their two daughters are so cute! They're bursting with creativity and ideas, but not showy about it. They're just genuinely excited about all the "projects" that they have on the go. They live in the beautiful mountains, with a breathtaking view. They call it their "bush" because it's more secluded, and there they have all kinds of experimental farming going on, besides their business in Accra. They will be my "haven" during the internship, and I'll be spending this coming week with them, as well as another week halfway through the program. They're very comfortable to talk to and be around.

Yesterday, before coming to Mampong, I also stopped in at the town where I will be spending most of my time. I'm a little paranoid about giving out info on the internet, so I will just call it "the town" -- I know some of you are laughing, but my mom is probably very proud of me! The town is so different from Accra, the main city. Much more rural and a lot less English! I will be learning some Twi for sure! My professor and I met with the pastors there, which was good. I met some of the assistants, who are around my age and very friendly. I also dropped off my stuff at "Auntie Jo's", where I will be staying. I have a pretty big living area!


I visited the school in the town, and it was so funny! The kids all crowded around their classroom windows, staring at me. I felt like a freak of nature or something ... They called out, "Hello!", "Good morning!", "Welcome to Ghana!" -- laughing as they made silly faces and practiced their English.

I took some pictures in the town -- with kids, with the Queen Mother, and the group of pastors. I'm wearing this white hate to keep the sun away, and I think I look so dorky. It reminds me of those black and white pictures of early missionaries or something ... Yup. that's me. Tall and white and dorky -- soon I'll have a sunburn to match! My prof said, at least I'm not wearing khaki shorts with the socks pulled up ... haha

Last night I got strangely homesick. It was strange because I've been away from home without contact for longer than three days before! I knew it would come, but so quickly? I think it was because I was tired, and don't really feel "settled" in one spot yet? I don't know. I'm eager to get more comfortable with people and places. Right now every day is another round of new faces, but soon I will (hopefully) have friends. But I talked to Isaac on the phone, and felt a lot better after that! Also, I opened my Bible to Psalm 46 (I think) and it was all about how the "God of Jacob is always with us", etc.

Today I went with Suzanne and Michael (the couple in Mampong) to their office. I had some good chats with Suzanne about the educational system and churches here in Ghana, which makes me want to maybe do a video interview with her later on? Hm. I also tried this donut-like food -- very good! Suzanne said I'm going to get fat here -- they eat a lot of dense breads. But I am eating lots of fruit -- Sonja should be jealous. Pineapple, avacado, "pawpaw" (papaya), plaintain ...

anyways -- gotta go. Please keep me in your prayers. Love you all!

Erica

i've arrived

hello everyone! (or hello to the two people that care to read this! haha)

so I am writing this from Accra, Ghana. I'm watching my Internet time adding up, so this message won't be long.

Travel was okay -- lonely, though, to be surrounded by strangers :( But I felt better when I read the card Mom had sent, with Scripture from Isaiah 51 (I think) reminding me that I am in God's hands. The good-byes at the airport were a lot harder than I thought. I had thought that it would sink in later, and I would be that girl sitting on the plane crying, hours later. But instead the tears came right then and there, and with every hug it got worse.

But upon arriving, my fears and stress have melted into excitement and optimism for these next three months. From the minute I saw her in the airport, my professor has been shuttling me around, introducing me to people, and making sure I'm comfortable. When we got to her parents' house, I was caught up by her mother in a big hug. Her mother said, "Welcome home!" Once we got inside, she told me, "You have two homes now. You have a home in Canada and a home in Ghana. You are always welcome."

She's made me feel very welcome, and has insisted on feeding me lots of good food and tea! I told her I will have to let my mother know that someone is making sure I eat a lot!

Anyway -- off to the town tomorrow. Gotta go! Love and miss you all!

Erica

leaving on a jet plane

Only a few hours left in Canada ...

I can't believe how quickly September 21st came! I've been so busy with a million little things. My mirror has been plastered with post-it notes and I've tucked little reminders to myself everywhere, as things come to mind. Today I was surprised how many "loose ends" there still were. After a great weekend with friends and family (and one last breakfast with Isaac), I was busy stuffing those last little extras into my suitcase -- a favourite mug and earl grey tea, for example! Then there was the daunting task of meeting the weight limits ... rearranging and repacking my suitcases, wrestling them onto the weight scale (which I'm sure is inaccurate) and then rearranging again.

Isaac is apparently a professional packer, and has been rolling and folding things for me :) My mom has been trying to convince me to bring as much health supplies as possible, but I had to draw the line at packing pills just in case someone had a heart attack ...

So now I am finally ready to go (I hope). The hours are dwindling between now and my flight and there are butterflies in my stomach. Reading emails from my professor (who is in Ghana now) makes it more real and very exciting. It's strange to think that I'll be there with her soon!

Erica