Ghana Team Journal


Monday February 22, 2010

Monday, February 22, 2010

contributed by Patty

“I expect to pass through life but once.
If therefore, there be any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,
Let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again.”
- William Penn

Today was our introduction to New Akrade and Senchi Ferry. As we walked to New Akrade Presbyterian School we were welcomed (Akwaba) by the friendly children and families.

Samuel did a nice job of explaining the projects that Global Volunteers has supported in the past as well as shared the villages hope for expansion of the marketplace and new K-6.

Fortunately for me I was able to accomplish one of my goals this week and reunite briefly with Richard, Philip and Sofia as well as Mistress Stella (the school teachers). It felt great to be welcomed.

Christopher and Conor had a chance to look at the daunting construction project. We continued our tour to visit the Junior High where the master was pleased to learn that Rod would be joining him tomorrow.

Next we walked to Senchi Ferry where we were able to stop and talk to a lot of children, mothers and workers. We all got to take lots of pictures, especially Margaret who really enjoyed stopping along the way.

Once in Senchi Ferry we went to the clinic and again I got to reunite with Sisters Comfort and Charity. Shirley, who is our resident skilled nurse, was able to get a first-hand look at local village care in Africa. Laurel was also excited about the prospect of helping out in the clinic. Amo was nice to take many pictures of the group at the clinic. For all of us it was an eye opener to local healthcare in West Africa.

Although the weather was at times overwhelmingly hot, we all seemed to be glowing from the inside as the many children gave us high fives and rallied around to have a picture with us. It is amazing that such a simple gesture can mean so much to a young child.

We got back very early for lunch for some much needed rest. The weather had taken its toll on us. Lauren went on an errand run that turned into an excursion. We now know that driving in unbearable heat isn’t a good plan. After lunch the rest of us minus Lauren (due to her already long day) but plus Rod, who looked more refreshed than the rest of us, went to the markets. The ride there was rough – hot etc etc – but the shopping was good. I especially enjoyed my conversations with Rose, who I had the pleasure of sitting with to and from, and Amo. Lastly we had dinner and went about individual nightly plans. But it should be noted that Christopher and Conor did rescue both Rose with her Hello Kitty net and Lauren from the huge spider.

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