Bryan's Story

Each student in Ghanaian public schools is required to wear a uniform, but school fees have been abolished in recent years. Thus any student with enough money for a uniform (about $4) can attend school. That said, there seemed to be lots of a la carte expenses the students had to pay. For example, at the end of the term, in order to take the exams that would secure or deny their promotion to the 7th grade, each student had to pay 20 peswas for the copying of their exam (20 cents).

Victor stays behind during recess to complete his assignment

Christian and Emmanuel work on their Maths

I brought a stack of photos with me to share more about my life in the U.S. with my students. I then used these photos as prompts for a writing exercise. Here Eric writes a paragraph about the photo of my Nephew Jacob eating ice cream

Gladys prepares to ring the bell (analog) for recess. Gladys was one of the students who was obviously hungry each day. Although very bright, she didn't have much energy. During recess I would share my Cliff-bars with her and she would perk right up.

Diku relaxes on a bench during recess

Mavis, Conscious and Abigail

Priscilla learns to throw a frisbee during recess. I brought a frisbee and soccer ball with me for my students to enjoy. The school had only one ball for all 400 students.

Catch!

Helen during break

The Library at Senchi Ferry Methodist School. The selection of books was very limited, but there were plans to install electricity and install a donated computer. Its a start!

Patricia reads an old favorite

After a snack, Gladys reads during library time - she is puzzling over the concept of "Igloo" (she has never experienced a temperature lower than 75 degrees, so her concept of ice is limited to the freezer at the local market).

Gladys, Esther and Martha

Another wing of the Methodist School

I picked up a soccer ball at Target before leaving for Ghana, and I suspect it was the most popular thing I brought with me (including myself).

Who needs shoes - that is why they call it football!

Moro and Diku

Eliji

Diku was about 15 and in the sixth grade, so he tended to dominate at recess

Al-Haji, one of the few muslim students in my class, takes a shot on goal

Karen, another volunteer on our team, teaches her 5th graders the Hokey-Pokey

Bryan's Story

Classroom lighting provided by openings in the cinderblock walls

This is the classroom - tin roof, open to the outside on the sides, chalk board

Hagga poses in front of Senchi Ferry Methodist School

Bryan's Story

Mr. Ankamah is a seasoned educator with 35 years of experience teaching in Ghana. He grew up in the region east of Lake Volta, near the border with Togo, but had been teaching in Senchi Ferry for years. Actually, our local group leader, Benjamin, was in Mr. Ankamah's class back in the 6th grade!

I was welcomed into his classroom, and taught all subjects to his sixth graders for three weeks. Mr. Ankamah was present most of the time in the classroom, but on occasion left to attend to other business. My situation was common, in that I was not filling a void in the school's teaching needs, but rather invited in to assist regular teachers already in place. The Global Volunteers model is based firmly on the concept that volunteers work with local partners and participate in a cultural exchange. Thus, none of us was supposed to be working alone. That said, some of our teachers were present less than others.

After the kids got used to me, and I them, I did my best to teach Math, English Grammar, Science, PE, and yes, Ghanaian Citizenship. Each class had a very detailed syllabus, so after studying this and available text-books, I was good to go!

Bryan's Story

“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.”
- Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and famous Ghanaian

Although our team worked on multiple projects while in Ghana, most of us were placed in one of three schools in Senchi Ferry - Catholic, Bea Akoto, and Methodist. The denominational names are based on their founding years ago by missionary groups - they are now all part of the public system. From first to seventh grade, we were scattered throughout the community based on need and our preferences. I ended up working at the Methodist School, teaching 6th grade with Mr. Daniel Ankamah..

Thank you to a wonderful volunteer team!

You have accomplished so much, in the footsteps of earlier volunteer teams, continuing the legacy of service in Ghana working on the U.N. Millennium Development Goals:

• 274 hours of classroom instruction in math, social science and English provided to 125 primary school students
• 50 children immunized
• 100 hours of childcare provided
• prenatal care to 24 expectant mothers
• 110 residents provided malaria treatment
• 7 mosquito nets distributed

You are all greatly appreciated for your generous contributions! Please come back one day!
-Global Volunteers Country Manager Benjamin Tamatey

Third Week in Senchi Ferry

Reflections and Photos by Kathleen Ismail
My heart is like the sea today….swells of in and out. In, the excitement of returning home to loved ones; out, the sadness of a tide drifting away from other loved ones.

Yes, I have loved many more these last three weeks. I have loved my Obronies, the remarkable intelligent, giving, patient and open Americans who joined me on the odyssey of sharing, serving and learning in this chosen community of Senchi Ferry. We have become siblings in our family of Ghana. And just outside our St James home are the community members, whom we too have grown to love and understand as we have worked side by side during oppressively hot days to achieve the common goals that they have set for their children. It is all about health and learning…..they want their children to learn. They don’t talk about cars and fancy houses. They talk about growing a mind and serving in a fulfilling job that allows one to help family and community. And this community is a community of harmony. There are poor and less poor. There are Christians and Muslims. They live in peace and harmony. The only difference is in their dress and not in their beliefs and values. To them, God is one God to be worshipped and glorified in your manner of choice. And this, this wisdom coming from the small, unknown, unmapped village of Senchi Ferry. How Washington and Palestine and Israel could learn from these wise few.

Our day was rich, our days have all been rich. We began with a visit with the Queen Mother, the Chiefs, our Host, the teachers and construction crew. It was to be a small ceremony of thanks and parting, acknowledging each other’s contribution to each other and our joined contribution to the village of Senchi. Our Team had collected our humble gifts and presented them to the Chiefs, as required by the Global Volunteers “no individual gifts” policy. In turn, the Chiefs handed a box to each school Principal and to the head of the Clinic. The items are to be shared by all.

Knowing that the community had informed Global Volunteers of the need for team uniforms for the volleyball and soccer teams, I donated these uniforms to the Chiefs on behalf of Global Volunteers. These are gifts to the schools to be used by the players for the duration of their performance on the team.

Frances, one of the coaches, invited us to join him as he handed out the uniforms to the boys. They were thrilled. In their important game next week, they will be a team pulled together in spirit, teamwork, effort and yellow jerseys and pants to shine on their game! I am so happy.

At the closing of this morning’s ceremony with the village leaders, I was generously given a traditional outfit by Joyce, my co-teacher. She and the Queen Mother hustled me into the Queen’s chambers, where I discarded my western dress in favor of this hand made, gift of love and appreciation. I stood proud in my new outfit when cheers and clapping rang in my ears as I approached the steps to display my fine attire to the crowd.

I walked proudly through the community back to the school for a last day with “my kids”. There is no such thing as a proper good-bye and I informed the children it was not “good-bye” but “see you later”.

As always lunch was wonderful as we all gulped down our last repasts prepared by our two distinguished cooks, Monica and Millicent. Then it was off to the community for our last stroll and our last day of reading with the children. They, being a little older, know what today meant. No more of these Obronies, whom they have come to love. We all pushed back tears and did our best to have one good long and final read. As we walked our familiar path back home to the St James, the familiar band of “regulars” hung on our arms and talked about when we will be back. No one asked for anything but good memories. It was touching.

That evening the heavens opened up and it poured so hard we lost our electricity and feared losing our roof or being swept into the gutters and out to sea. It was an extraordinary downpour the likes I have never seen.

But I know why. These are the tears of heaven. We are all crying in joy for the gift of new friendships yet crying in pain as we part for distant shores. In truth, there is no sadness; so let us call this rain “the tears of joy” for when love is real and love is strong, it follows you always in that special place, your heart.

Quote of the Day:
"If your plan is for a year, plant rice. If your plan is for a decade, plant trees. If your plan is for a lifetime, educate children." 

By Confucius

The Work Continues

Back at the construction site, more progress. All the bricks and mortar are in place in the first section. I am told that on Monday we will start poring sand to level the ground. Cant’ wait!!

Lucy and I arrive at the school to a scene of eager faces, who race to greet us as they do everyday…..they hug and paw and entangle themselves into our more that welcoming arms.

Ben was kind enough to photocopy a number of projects for me so I am well prepared for the day. I remain deeply proud of my band of little learners as they enthusiastically engage in our morning of activities. I feel like an extremely proud parent of my 22 young ones when they shout out the correct answers with confidence and glee. How quickly the day goes by and we discover over lunch that Katie has had a packed morning too with a scramble of non-stop activities at the clinic this morning. She reluctantly pulled herself away and arrived home just in time for lunch.

After a quick rest, we strolled our familiar path through town to the library, where our students have gathered in anticipation of another afternoon of reading. But….hold on, girls….we have a surprise for you!

While Nana and Deb gather the boys under the shade of the trees for another tasty book, Katie and I played “hooky” with the gaggle of girls. It was our beckoning that drew them from their beloved books as we engaged them (and ourselves) in an afternoon game remembered from my childhood. It was a game of folded paper with numbers and counting with a unique message under the number of your choice. Yes, this was a learning experience for them and we all had a glorious time-sharing a game passed from girl to girl, from generation to generation and now from continent to continent.

At 3:00pm we make our journey back to tutor our kids. They are waiting for us and this time someone has the keys to open the library. Katie and Sam decided to draw tattoos on all of the kid’s arms and it’s a big success.

We are back at the ranch now at 5:30pm. The Big Party starts at 7:00pm with everyone from the Queen Mother to several Chiefs, great food and lots of wild dancing had by all. The Global Volunteers team had to say a few words about their experiences during the past two weeks and we all talked about the love of the projects and the people from the village. I could feel the love from all until Ruben asked me to dance!

As we strolled back to our peaceful little corner of Senchi, a cold drink and a shower, I couldn’t help but think that we only have a brief three days left. How did it all go by so fast? Through the gift of camera and an armload of pictures, I know I will remember this heart full, warm and beloved community. I shall sit by my fire in Vermont pouring over little faces and dooryards and grins of the elders with the wisdom streaks across their faces and know I was there.

On this day, the 25th Anniversary of the beginning of Global Volunteers I am reminded of this coming together of two worlds and this love developed between multiple people from multiple generations and say with confidence and conviction…
YES WE CAN!

Quote of the Day:
“Literacy is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her fulfill potential.” Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General September 8, 1997 International Literacy Day.


Wednesday Journal
Sam continued on to her school but the rest of us poked our heads into the junior high class to observe their religious prayers and song. They sang a beautiful hymn led by the instructor and you could see that many of the students took this time very seriously and spoke to God in their own way.

After a few minutes, I decided I’d better get moving to the clinic. I found an empty waiting room. The head nurses were having a meeting so I went to the back room to wait for the day to begin, which never really happened. I think I saw 2 patients come in all morning. So instead of dishing out meds, I engaged the 2 guys, probably in their 20s, who keep the books in a discussion about religion and politics. One of them was especially interested in my opinions on President Obama and his promises and expectations the Iraq War, religion in school and so on. It was refreshing to hear such a young person be so aware and concerned about other countries and cultures other than his own. He enjoyed comparing Ghana to the US.

After lunch we head back to the schoolyard for tutoring. I’m reading a book about bugs with my girls and we get to a story about a certain beetle that some kids will catch, tie a string around and fly it around like a kite. I start to laugh and say how silly that sounds until all of my girls are excitedly telling e how they do this! The cultural differences never cease to amaze and entertain me.

After tutoring, we go on a walk through New Akrade, the other village Global Volunteers works in. There are many children out and about, playing with soccer balls and their own homemade spin wheels. On the way back to the guesthouse, Benjamin takes us on a small detour to show us where he lives when he is not busy tending to all our wants, needs and questions. His pride in having an apartment he can call his own is apparent and we are all delighted to get a glimpse into his life outside of being our gracious team leader.
-Katie Schumacher

Quote of the Day:
“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
By J K Rowling.

Second Week in Senchi Ferry

Monday Journal

Our team was particularly tired this morning following an emotionally packed weekend viewing the former slave “castle” in Elmina. Like the Holocaust, it is unimaginable that such cruelty and human suffering could have occurred and yet the African spirit is strong and thriving.

On a lighter note, we ate our breakfast of hardboiled egg and toast and all agreed that peeling a just cooked egg was simply too daunting a task give our fatigue.

As we departed the guesthouse, we were greeted with a cooler temperature and strong breezes. We began our official day with Nana Myarko Asare at the Educational Administrative office – meeting the assistant superintendent, Mr. Kotoke, and the district superintendent Mii Cleland. Mr. Cleland oversees 62 primary schools, 31 junior high schools, 63 kgs and 5 senior highs. They all graciously thanked us for all our hard work…then we were off to our various projects.

Deb and Jack, as always worked tirelessly at the site of the future “Deb McNally Library”. Amazingly, Deb has kept pace with the community volunteers.

Kathleen, Sam and I are adapting to the chaos of teaching kg. Kathleen and Sam are naturals at the job – creatively engaging the children – while I (who can’t carry a tune or even draw) am trying my best to keep up.

I have found, as we all have, that the Ghanaian children are filled with enthusiasm and zest for leering. The children love to touch and be touched. How better to express our hope and dreams for the next generation. Katie brilliantly gave Kathleen, Sam and me bubbles to blow during recess. As the wind was particularly strong, the bubbles effortlessly floated into the air as the children chased them with glee.

Kathleen (also brilliantly) gave Katie a stash of reading glasses to take to her clinic. The staff joyously selected several of the more decorative ones – proclaiming…”I can see; I can see!”

Bonnie’s English class was cancelled so, in her endearing and inquisitive way, she engaged a Ghanaian Colleague, Francis, in a fascinating discussion encompassing culture, religion and psychotherapy.

Benjamin – in his quiet and unassuming manner – proceeds each day to fulfill our every need including gathering additional school supplies and even locating a compact disc player to share with the children.

Today was “market day” and Monica treated us to quite a feast at lunchtime – it’s simply incredible how hungry we all are after our busy mornings.

Tutoring in a quiet setting is especially gratifying as the children literally devour each and every book with amazing proficiency.

After tutoring, the ever adventurous Bonnie and Kathleen – along with children as their guides went on a tour of the village. They thoroughly enjoyed each and every aspect – even the roasting of the rats!

Deb, Jack, Katie and Sam headed to the Volta Dam in all its splendor. The day ended with another of Monica’s marvelous meals elated conversations about everyones’ day and a multitude of questions for Benjamin – which he enthusiastically answered.
-Lucy Mohler

Quote of the Day:
“If we are to achieve a richer culture, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potential and weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each human gift will find a place.” Margaret Mead (paraphrased)

The Slave Castles of Ghana

Reflections and photo by Kathleen Ismail, Ghana volunteer

I awoke to the tinkling of the phone as Nana Jack beckoned me down for our 6:30am agreed to walk upon the beach. The air was cool as we tiptoed along the water’s edge and it chased our toes climbing high onto the sand only to recede again in it’s rhythm of life. Soon we came upon a small peanut of a baby turtle who was engaged in its life-threatening crawl across the sand to the safety of the ocean. We watched as it struggled to the water’s edge only to be thrown back upon the shore by the stiff arm of an unfriendly wave. Again and again it tried unsuccessfully. Nana and I looked at each other with eyes in agreement that he would rescue this marching reptile and gently place it within the surf. Success, he was off on his way!

As we continued down the beach, we encountered a fishing ship, much like the turtle, attempting to engage the bold and resisting sea. Launching this wooden monster into the broiling surf again beckoned to Nana Jack as he dashed forward to offer his shoulder. He leaned into the boat and it slipped into the ocean as the crew clamored aboard and cheered their thanks.

All along the beach, we observed the morning rituals as the town began to awaken to its new day. Back at the hotel, we eagerly greeted our teammates and enjoyed a delightful breakfast at “our table” beside the ocean. (How quickly we’d staked our claim!). After breakfast, we headed to St Georges Castle, a very benign name for an unspeakable place. The exterior of the building was a somber sight. I hesitated going in and knew that I was not alone. Our guide, Richard, did a thorough job leading us from chamber to chamber and explaining the grizzly and gruesome events that took place behind these arrogant walls. How does one man shackle 150 men and place them in a room with a capacity for only 30. How does one man close the door and submit another man to unbearable heat and no ventilation with temperatures into the hundreds. How does one man refuse to feed or offer water to another man whose hunger and thirst has dried him to meager bones. How does one man shackle another man and drag him to a ship, stripping him of family, tradition homeland and his very soul only to be a beast of burden for another man miles away in an unfamiliar continent. Tears were upon our cheeks for we could still smell the stench of their sufferings in the thick, compassionless walls.

In our company were several black guests. All I kept saying over and over again in my heart was, “I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry.” We moved into a room with a high ceiling and overhanging balcony only to learn that it was from this balcony that the master of this imposing monster of a dungeon chose his nightly maiden for bedding each night. There hidden to the left were the stairs she would climb….alone and frightened to join this cruel stranger for a night of rape. Bloodied and cast aside, she would descend at daybreak. I thought I could take no more. As we continue to move through the rooms we came upon that balcony but I could not look over. Nana Jack stretched out his hand and beckoned me to the rail’s edge. As I reluctantly peered over, there, below me, among a small gathering of guests was a beautiful black man wearing an Obama T shirt with “Change Has Come” written on the back. It was then I realized how far we have come and, with the grace of God and under new leadership, we can continue to heal the wounds.

After a few purchases at the gift shop, we wondered off into the town. It was dense, hot and teeming with unfamiliar sounds and unfresh smells. Nana Jack, Deb, Katie and Sam selected a cool spot under the shade of the Brick House restaurant while Bonnie and I wove our way through the crowd and among the fishing boats resting along the water’s edge. A kind boy befriended us and gave us an inside look of this tightly woven community. We moved in and out of men repairing nets, children playing and mothers attending to their daily chores of washing, cleaning and cooking. Slowly but surely, Bonnie and I found our way back to our teammates and we all enjoyed a satisfying lunch together. However, one is rarely alone in Ghana for there are always the eyes of the curious children, who are fascinated by the “Obrone” and his unusual habits. Little heads with platters of food balanced atop gazed at our every movement. While most of them looked no older than 10, each had his responsibility for selling his daily wares and returning home with the meager earnings. These were young merchants with wares to be sold and a days work to be done.

After lunch, we headed back to our hotel, a place of calm and beauty. Each of us took his own path for the afternoon. At the hotel gift shop, Bonnie and I ran into a charming group of black Americans from NYC here in Ghana for a family wedding. Back were slapped and hardy handshakes all around when we discovered our NY bond. I asked one gentle giant if he were from Ghana and he replied, “I don’t know. I don’t know where I am from.” I was quickly drawn back to the experience of the morning when shackled men were dragged from their homeland and torn from their history and heritage. It was another sobering moment for me in a day of many. We parted company and headed for the beach. Nana, Deb, Bonnie and I herded together and began a slow crawl down the beach, as the bright orange ball of a sun slipped quietly behind the clouds.

This place called Ghana has truly captured my heart. Its history is unmatched. Its God is forgiving. He has placed his gentle hand on the shoulders of those who live here and love us and treat us with such honor. I love Ghana and intend to soak up all its wonder and hold it hot in my soul. Goodnight, Ghana, my special place.

Quote of the Day:
“In Everlasting Memory of the anguish of our ancestors. May those who died rest in peace. May those who return find their roots. May humanity never again perpetuate such injustice against humanity. We the living vow to uphold this.” Plack on the wall of the St. George’s Castle, Elmina, Ghana.

Senchi Ferry Report from the Field

Monday Journal

The seven o’clock breakfast call came a bit early on our first official morning her at the St. James Guesthouse. Jet lag seems to be wreaking havoc with our much-needed sleep. Nevertheless, our hearty crew started the day with great attitudes and an eagerness to begin our work in the village. After a simple breakfast of egg and toast, we loaded our backpacks and started our trek through the village. We proudly greeted the people we met with our polished command of the local TWI language. I’m quite sure that Benjamin was beaming with pride at how quickly his students learn!

We had an opportunity to visit the schools, the clinic and witness some of the amazing accomplishments of some of the previous Global Volunteer teams.

We then gathered at the palace to once again be welcomed by the chiefs and to prepare for the “Sword Cutting” ceremony on the site where the library will one day stand. After a brief gathering, we joined the construction crew already at the work site. The Chiefs performed a brief ceremony where the land is blessed, their ancestors are called upon to help bring success to this project and libations are poured which is customary to every ceremony. The head chief broke ground with an enormous ax. For me personally, this is a cherished moment, one I have been holding a vision for in my mind and heart for the past year. I feel extremely grateful for this moment.

As we all begin to feel the intensity of the African sun, we venture off to our various tasks. Katie and Lucy are off to share their love with the clinic. The rest of us find ourselves engulfed by a sea of beautiful, big-hearted, energetic children. We talk, we sing, we laugh, we play until we feel as though our bodies will collapse. It is almost noon and time to return. The walk home felt many times longer than the one to the village.

Lunch was a traditional local meal of red red and plantains.

Our afternoon activity – into Accra to visit the Artisan Market. What an amazing experience of African culture on so many levels – driving through rush hour in Accra, fabulous artwork created by the hands of skilled artisans, bright colors, pungent aromas, eager and often desperate Ghanaians hopeful of making money to feed their families. It was definitely a rich experience. Many wonderful treasures were bought back – hopefully to forever remind us of the magic of this trip.

I feel as though I’ve lived 4 days in just one. I am so grateful to be a part of this team. I am blessed by the lessons I get to learn from this experience.

- Deb McNally

Quote of the Day:
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

By Jimi Hendricks

Tuesday Journal

This morning started out with tired eyes and another delicious breakfast of eggs and toast. On our way to the village, most of the volunteers break off one-by-one to start their 1st day of school. The children are all around working and eager to continue learning. Deb and Jack stopped at the library site to begin digging the foundation, other workers are already there swinging away. Lucy and I continue to the clinic. While waiting for Grace to arrive, we hear singing and clapping in the patient waiting area.

As we walk into the room, we are welcomed to join the morning prayer. The girl leading the prayer song has a beautiful voice and everyone sings and claps along with her. It is a beautiful and powerful was to start the day. We are then welcomed to observe Charity perform pre-natal exams on the mothers that have come to the clinic – and there are many! It is a simple exam that reminds me of nursing school, where hands-on skills are taught, skills that are easily lost in today’s medical environment full of machines and computers. Although I did give a couple injections and learn how to estimate the baby’s gestational age, this morning was calm for Lucy and me. I hope that with time, I will be “getting my hands dirty” as the rest of my team is doing.

After a very American lunch of fried chicken and French fries by our fabulous cook, Monica, we headed to the bead factory. There we observed all the work and skill that goes into making beautiful beads for necklaces and bracelets that are sold there and all over the world. I was amazed at how skilled the workers were with creating the patterns, molding the shape of the bead and creating the final piece of jewelry. It seemed like tedious work but they all joked and laughed with each other. I believe everyone left with at least one piece of jewelry.

After returning to the guest hours, Deb, Bonnie, Kathleen, Sam and I decided to take a walk through the village to the Volta River. It was interesting to see the people in a different atmosphere. The women were preparing the meal while the children were playing, done with another school day. We stopped to check out the afternoon progress of the library and the men seemed to just be wrapping up their workday. Deb could hardly believe how much work had been accomplished in one day. Most of the foundation was dug and the men were smiling and eager to show Deb their work. We took pictures and praised them on their tremendous work before continuing to the river.

The river was a beautiful scene with peaceful tranquility. However we couldn’t stay long because it was quickly growing dark. We made our way back “home” trying to avoid the requests for pictures from the children since we were losing our light. They continue to be fascinated by the “Obrone” with the cameras. How strange we must look to them.

We enjoy another delicious meal as we all talk about our experiences today. As the night winds down, Kathleen, Sam and Bonnie prepare for tomorrow’s lessons, looking forward to spending time with the children again. I’m sure everyone is eager to see what the new day brings!

-Katie Schumacher

Quote of the Day:
“Determine to live life with flair and laughter.” By Maya Angelou

Wednesday Journal

I am convinced that time in Ghana works differently then back home, as if we have entered a world that moves slower, which makes you feel like you have been here for weeks when, technically and logically, you know you’ve only been here a few days. It’s not the feeling of dreadful lingering but quite the opposite; like this is home now.

A typical start to a unique day, everyday is special – eggs, toast, the usual. As we head out of the guesthouse, I feel nervous for today I am teaching alone, but excited to be a part of such an amazing community. Bonnie, Kathleen and Lucy join the screaming children of the first school, who run to us proclaiming “O-bra-nie”. The group falls into numbers and eventually everyone is working. We meet again back at the guesthouse after a hard walk through the early afternoon sun to our awaiting lunch. The free time is nice and much needed. Personally, I slept for over an hour. After a refreshing “beauty rest”, we sat for lunch, which was a local dish. Delicious as always.

After resting and eating then resting a little more, we headed out for our first day of tutoring. As a whole, I believe we all really enjoyed the smaller groups of interaction with the children. We gathered in the shade of trees and read or was read to. The children here are so bright, so special. After reading, we headed home, most with cameras in hand ready to reply to the demands of “Madam, snap me”, which means we gather up the passing children to take pictures and the show them what it looks like.

Reflecting back on today’s work and all the previous days, I am always so amazed by the unity within this group. I feel grateful to share this experience with such wise and wonderful team members. I truly feel as though this was the right trip, the right group, the right place.
-Samantha Calandrino

Quote of the Day:
“When your heart speaks, take good notes.”

By Judith Campbell

Thursday Journal

The day begins with the rooster again at 5:30am and I am up at 6:00 am, as usual.
We start our day at 7:00am with the traditional breakfast of eggs, toast and our daily treat of fruit. At 7:45am we all left for our assigned work sites.

As Deb and I returned to our work site, we were very pleased by the progress made by everyone in the village. We took a few pictures and went to work shoveling concrete into wheelbarrows so that they could be dropped off by the bricks. The ladies started to carry large tubs of water on their heads to fill up a 55-gallon drum. Our job was much easier, filling small pails of water and pouring them onto the broken bricks so that they could mix it with the cement.

The men would mix everything together to make a strong foundation. The 1st pouring of cement began into the trenches that we all previously had dug for the foundation. What a feeling…..MORE PROGRESS!!

We started our long walk back feeling tired but good. Lunch consisted of red fish, what was great since I have not had fish since 1964. At 3:00pm, we started our journey back to work, but this time I was in for a treat…..tutoring girls and boys from the sixth grade. As I watched them all read with enthusiasm, I felt they were going to be just fine in life IF someone gave them the opportunity!

At 4:30pm we started our walk back, I met a fine young man named Richard. We had a wonderful conversation until I asked him where he lived and he said, “Behind you.” “Oh!” I said, “By any chance do you have a rooster that crows every morning at 5:30am?” and he said, “Yes, I do, sir.” TO BE CONTINUED……
-Jack Dunn

Quote for the Day:
“I'm blessed for having lived through this great experience and meeting such beautiful people.”

I have fallen in love with Ghana! I am with a remarkable group of Americans who continue to respond to the call for volunteers around the world, despite and economic downturn. We're in Senchi Ferry, a remote inland village, building a library and teaching conversational English. The remarkable children are open and loving and welcome us in the classroom each morning with shouts of joy, hugs and kisses. I am astonished by their brightness as they speak both TWI (their local language) as well as English. They are so eager to learn that I feel blessed to be here to work with them as we challenge their gifted and eager minds.

My life is forever changed by this phenomenal experience. THANK YOU, Global Volunteers for offering me this "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity. To be here, sitting side-by-side with black Africans as we watch President Obama take over leadership of the United States is a gift beyond imagination. How far we as a global community have come! I will be back here again some day. I must come back!
-Kathleen Ismail, grateful and frequent Global Volunteer

President Obama's Inauguration from Ghana

Reflections by Deb McNally, Ghana VolunteerTuesday, January 20, 2009

Photos by Kathleen Ismail

In all appearances, today began as every other day. Yet for many of us, I think we knew from the moment we woke that something was very different about today. Inauguration Day in the U.S.!

We are still focused on the work before us – our service to Senchi Ferry – yet, today, a piece of our minds and hearts are back in the United States celebrating the historic moment about to unfold. I feel privileged to be in Ghana for this experience.

So, off to work we went, wind blowing with great force. Dust flying about – a rather harsh element to contend with. We witness a fire out-of-control on the mountainside. Some people will lose farmland. Another reminder of the harsh elements around us. The one thing that remains the same – a beautiful contrast to the harshness – is the heart of the people we’ve grown to love in the village. Laughter seems to flow so easily and so authentically day after day. I so often wonder what there secret is? How, in the midst of such hard work and harsh conditions does a spirit stay filed with laughter? I’d like to learn the secret for my own life.

Work goes on as usual. Kathleen and Sam work their magic with the children. Katie takes a break from the clinic to join Jack and me on the construction site. We tried our best to impress the local masons with our mortar laying skills. There are times I look at the work we do and just pray to God that the library stays standing. It’s another trust walk.

After our traditional lunch of red red and plantains, we begin preparing our living space for the Obama Party about to take place. We head to the village for our tutoring session, but we’re ever mindful of the cloice today. We were determined to return in record time so as to mot miss a single moment of the Inauguration Celebration.

It’s really difficult to put into words the experience and energy of this afternoon. The anticipation, the excitement, the hope – embracing the possibility of what can be. A smorgasbord of emotions fills the room as we all gather around the TV to witness and share the historic moment when Barack Obama becomes President.

As tears fill my eyes, I feel a sense of awe. I am proud to be American, I am proud to be a part of this team that represents a service consciousness of America, but most of all I feel proud and privileged to have members of our Ghanaian family sitting next to us sharing this moment together, This, I believe is where peace on earth begins. We watch the entire inauguration with laughter, applause, reflection and thoughtful conversation. Today an African American stood in Washington DC before millions as a beacon of hope for the possibility of change. On this same day 7 Obrones working in a village in Ghana stand as a beacon of hope for the possibility of change. What a powerful day!