hello,
So this is my "prep" week, before the literacy workshops begin. My "to-do" list:
1. Get settled. Check. I'm getting to know my way around, getting a lot of exercise walking from the church to the guest house from the guest house to the internet cafe, from the cafe to the market ... i can feel my legs getting stronger!
2. Visit the local school. Check. I spent the day there yesterday, observing and at times participating. It was very interesting -- so many children running around in their blue uniforms! Listening to them practice singing was entertaining. One thing - watching the teachers pull out the "cane" was kind of startling to see, coming from Canada. But the teachers were very welcoming to me, and I had some nice conversation with several of them there.
3. Prep for literacy workshops. Felicia, the pastor's daughter and my "assistant", has been a very valuable resource! We've spent a lot of time brainstorming, flipping through books, browsing through teaching resources at the market, locating a blackboard, etc, etc. Although -- you can only prep so much, before knowing the number of women and their literacy levels.
4. Meet with the program leaders. This was kind of interesting. Felicia and I were there, and I was all prepared with my photocopied handouts and my colored folders, etc -- five minutes before the meeting, it became clear that while I saw the leaders as volunteers, some of them viewed themselves as employees? And then I had to go lead the meeting :) Surprisingly, it wasn't really awkward. We all kind of laughed about it, but obviously they still have some questions in their minds ... I'm excited for next week, once some of these kinks have been sorted out!
So I meet with the leaders again tomorrow, and then go to a wedding with Auntie Jo on Saturday! I'm looking forward to that, and today Felicia and I picked out material and headed to the seamstress for a dress for me to wear! Being here, I love just looking at the African outfits and I knew I wanted to purchase one as a souvenir -- why not get it at the beginning , so I can get a lot of use out of it while I'm actually in Africa?
Some anecdotes:
I did laundry for the first time on Tuesday. I got out the buckets and the detergent and prepared to do it by hand. I insisted that Felicia only sit and watch, but evidently I wasn't doing a good job because after watching me for only a few minutes, she pushed me aside and started showing me how it's done! And then I took another try at it. Kwaku and his friend Isaac (good name!) came by and decided it would be entertaining to sit back and watch. And so I was bent over the bucket scrubbing my underwear with an audience who all told me that I was doing a bad job. I'll get the hang of it...
Also -- yesterday I experienced the first "lights out" to happen at night. And when is the power most likely to go out? When you're in the shower, of course (Ange, you can attest to this)! In this case, I was having my daily "bucket bath". So I was standing in the tub completely soapy when I found myself in darkness!
Fear #1: that the lizard I had seen earlier by the toilet would take this opportunity to come out!
Fear #2: I would injure myself trying to step out of the tub with my slippery feet!
I managed to get out of the tub, and was wandering around my bedroom -- soapy, bumping into furniture, standing there like a fool waiting for a streak of lightning to illuminate the location of my flashlight!
I found it and a few minutes later the power came back. I'm sorry if this is too much information for some of you readers, but ... i'm here to relate my experiences :) Don't worry, I won't give the details on my first public washroom experience --- it began with the man at the internet cafe saying, "When you come to Africa, you must do as Africans do..."
Anyway ... I'm enjoying my stay here, but at the same time miss everybody back home! I hope you are all doing well and know that I keep you in my thoughts and prayers :)
Erica
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
six minutes left!
only six minutes of internet time left
I went to church on Sunday, complete with a scarf on my head! Felicia helped translate the pastor's sermon, which was helpful, and I went up and introduced myself. I tried to use my Ghanaian name, but accidentally used the male version! haha whoops! but it was good.
so now that there's only four minutes of internet time left, my mind is blank as to what to write. I can't handle the PRESSURE!!! haha
i will be back with some more posts later, and i hope to be able to put up photos soon!
love you all!
Erica
I went to church on Sunday, complete with a scarf on my head! Felicia helped translate the pastor's sermon, which was helpful, and I went up and introduced myself. I tried to use my Ghanaian name, but accidentally used the male version! haha whoops! but it was good.
so now that there's only four minutes of internet time left, my mind is blank as to what to write. I can't handle the PRESSURE!!! haha
i will be back with some more posts later, and i hope to be able to put up photos soon!
love you all!
Erica
Saturday, October 3, 2009
i'm back
hello again,
yay! Internet! I'm in "the town" now for the next four weeks! One of the first things on the agenda? Find an internet cafe within walking distance. I'm reminding myself to be thankful for the access, in spite of the fact that it is soooo s...l...o...w. It's taken me twelve minutes to get on, read last post's comments, and open this page now. So I HOPE you all appreciate it! haha Can I make another complaint? I didn't realize every inch of my body had sweat glands until this moment ... enough said.
So this last week I was in Mampong with Michael and Suzanne. It was a great week, and my homesickness quickly disappeared. I got really comfortable there, having fun with the girls and having many hours of great conversation with Michael and Suzanne. Everything ranging from relationships to church to politics to lame jokes ... It was good. Michael made some interesting comments about the church that I may share later on ... Suzanne also introduced me to different Ghanaian foods, and I hung out with her in the kitchen a lot.
The food is different, yes. Some of the textures and spices are hard for me to swallow (ha-ha). BUT I think I'm really going to miss it. Everything is homemade with real ingredients -- there's always a pot going on the stove. It reminds me of my Baba's house or something. I tried fufu yesterday --- it was good. My attempt to eat it with my fingers wasn't very successful, though, so I went back to the spoon. I like the variations of porridge they have here (Dad, you would too -- you're also a cream of wheat fan), and of course the fried foods are good. Suzanne and Michael did give me some more familiar potatoes, apples and spaghetti.
Last Sunday we went to the Accra mall and it looked like Florida -- shining SUVs in the parking lot, ritzy shops, palm trees. On Monday I went to the PENTSOS office to touch base with the people there and eat lunch. From the second level you could see the ocean! My driver (one of Michael's assistants -- coincidentally, also named Michael) noticed my interest and so when we were done he said, "Would you like to go to the sea?" Yes! It was beautiful, and it's amazing how just watching the waves come in can make time go by so quickly. Before i knew it, 45 minutes had passed.
Later in the week, I spent two days observing in two different schools -- a public secondary school and a private primary school. It was interesting to compare that public and private. I made friends with teachers and classmates, and was especially impressed by the headmaster of the private school. I rode the crowded, bouncing bus back with Suzanne's daughter Aba. While we waited for a taxi home, I had to help her "wee-wee" behind a shop, which was kind of humorous ... Also, while we waited, many people passed by and I got called "obroni" probably a dozen times. It just means "white person" -- "Obroni, how are you?" haha It's mostly children that call me obroni -- adults walk by and say "good morning/afternoon/evening". It's kind of nice. Different from North America, where when strangers are passing you fix your eyes ahead of you -- here, everyone greets each other and asks how you're doing, how is your family, etc.
And now I am in the town. In my big empty guest rooms. They painted them before I came, which was nice of them. Upon arriving Belinda (Auntie Jo's granddaughter) and Kwayko (the houseboy?) and I struggled to set up my mosquito net. Poor Kwayko was teetering on a stool on the bedboards while Belinda and I held up the mattress. But -- it's up and so hopefully I won't get eaten by mosquitoes. After they left, I wandered about the rooms by myself. I killed a giant spider that was on the wall, and hope that will be the last encounter with any little housemates I may have? haha.
Then Felicia, the pastor's daughter, came over. She's around my age with good English -- she's going to be my "right hand woman". We talked about the literacy workshops and how we should prepare for the first leaders' meeting. And now ... we're at the cafe.
So now that I know where the cafe is, the updates should keep coming. I can walk here often (in the MORNING - NOT the heat of the day!), and it's only around 60cents an hour. I see they have skype with webcam and headsets, so I'll have to try that out at some point ...
Love you all,
Erica
PS: I was so happy to read your comments -- thank you for your encouragement!
yay! Internet! I'm in "the town" now for the next four weeks! One of the first things on the agenda? Find an internet cafe within walking distance. I'm reminding myself to be thankful for the access, in spite of the fact that it is soooo s...l...o...w. It's taken me twelve minutes to get on, read last post's comments, and open this page now. So I HOPE you all appreciate it! haha Can I make another complaint? I didn't realize every inch of my body had sweat glands until this moment ... enough said.
So this last week I was in Mampong with Michael and Suzanne. It was a great week, and my homesickness quickly disappeared. I got really comfortable there, having fun with the girls and having many hours of great conversation with Michael and Suzanne. Everything ranging from relationships to church to politics to lame jokes ... It was good. Michael made some interesting comments about the church that I may share later on ... Suzanne also introduced me to different Ghanaian foods, and I hung out with her in the kitchen a lot.
The food is different, yes. Some of the textures and spices are hard for me to swallow (ha-ha). BUT I think I'm really going to miss it. Everything is homemade with real ingredients -- there's always a pot going on the stove. It reminds me of my Baba's house or something. I tried fufu yesterday --- it was good. My attempt to eat it with my fingers wasn't very successful, though, so I went back to the spoon. I like the variations of porridge they have here (Dad, you would too -- you're also a cream of wheat fan), and of course the fried foods are good. Suzanne and Michael did give me some more familiar potatoes, apples and spaghetti.
Last Sunday we went to the Accra mall and it looked like Florida -- shining SUVs in the parking lot, ritzy shops, palm trees. On Monday I went to the PENTSOS office to touch base with the people there and eat lunch. From the second level you could see the ocean! My driver (one of Michael's assistants -- coincidentally, also named Michael) noticed my interest and so when we were done he said, "Would you like to go to the sea?" Yes! It was beautiful, and it's amazing how just watching the waves come in can make time go by so quickly. Before i knew it, 45 minutes had passed.
Later in the week, I spent two days observing in two different schools -- a public secondary school and a private primary school. It was interesting to compare that public and private. I made friends with teachers and classmates, and was especially impressed by the headmaster of the private school. I rode the crowded, bouncing bus back with Suzanne's daughter Aba. While we waited for a taxi home, I had to help her "wee-wee" behind a shop, which was kind of humorous ... Also, while we waited, many people passed by and I got called "obroni" probably a dozen times. It just means "white person" -- "Obroni, how are you?" haha It's mostly children that call me obroni -- adults walk by and say "good morning/afternoon/evening". It's kind of nice. Different from North America, where when strangers are passing you fix your eyes ahead of you -- here, everyone greets each other and asks how you're doing, how is your family, etc.
And now I am in the town. In my big empty guest rooms. They painted them before I came, which was nice of them. Upon arriving Belinda (Auntie Jo's granddaughter) and Kwayko (the houseboy?) and I struggled to set up my mosquito net. Poor Kwayko was teetering on a stool on the bedboards while Belinda and I held up the mattress. But -- it's up and so hopefully I won't get eaten by mosquitoes. After they left, I wandered about the rooms by myself. I killed a giant spider that was on the wall, and hope that will be the last encounter with any little housemates I may have? haha.
Then Felicia, the pastor's daughter, came over. She's around my age with good English -- she's going to be my "right hand woman". We talked about the literacy workshops and how we should prepare for the first leaders' meeting. And now ... we're at the cafe.
So now that I know where the cafe is, the updates should keep coming. I can walk here often (in the MORNING - NOT the heat of the day!), and it's only around 60cents an hour. I see they have skype with webcam and headsets, so I'll have to try that out at some point ...
Love you all,
Erica
PS: I was so happy to read your comments -- thank you for your encouragement!
Friday, September 25, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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
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
Monday, September 21, 2009
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
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
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