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)
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)
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