Orientation - "If we went home today, the trip would be worth it!"

Team Journal - October 10, 2010

Written by: Volunteer Betty

Quote of the Of Day: "In the final analysis, our most common link is that we inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future, and we are all mortal." ~ John F. Kennedy


After breakfast, we traveled to the St. James guest house while we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Sunday in Ghana. We saw many people in their beautiful authentic colorful dresses. Others were carrying baskets of fruit on top of their heads. We listened to praise mujsic on the radio while visiting some with Eric and Vincent. People were selling watermelons, tomatoes, cocoanuts, pottery, and other things.

After lunch we participated in team building exercises. The three categories that evolved for our purposes to be here were these: 1. to help the children, 2. to encourage our own personal growth, and 3. to learn about the Ghanaian culture.

We found the guest house to be clean, comfortable, and attractive.

After walking to the palace in Senchi Ferry, we had the experience of a lifetime being welcomed by the tribal chief, the queen mother, and many major leaders of the community. We met some of the teachers and heard speeches of welcome. They were all dressed in native costumes and tribal robes.

One man told the story of this golf staff which was important to every formal occasion. It included a carving of a man climbing a tree—but he needed help—signifying that we all are in need of each other. It indicates that we are all on this earth as one.

They invoked the memory of their ancestors with an alcoholic drink poured. One unusual happening was when the serious, revered tribal chief answered his cell phone!

We have now begun to test our taste buds with the spices of Ghana mixed with rice or pasta. If I went home today, the trip would be worth it!