Day 2

Written by Jane Durkee

Woke feeling energized after a good night’s rest at Airport View Hotel. Team met for breakfast, of coffee, tea, toast, beans eggs, and sausage at 7am.
Then the comedy began as we watched the driver many helpers load our bags into the van for the drive to Senchi Ferry. We gave up to the luggage Gods that all of our bags would fit… The back door of the van would not close so ropes were employed, with great hopes that it would hold over the “rumble strips” (the African version of speed bumps).
We piled into the van with no room to spare. We were ever so thankful for the breeze from the windows since the AC did not work! There was one quick pit stop for gas. All in all, I was amazed at the quality of the roads – paved, very smooth.
After less than 2 hours, we arrived at the St James Guest House. We checked in and started our first team meeting. Esther runs an efficient, purposeful meeting – a very good facilitator. Deb provided the message of the day, Bonnie read her Day 1 Journal.
We played a name game, reviewed Global Volunteers’ policies, and then reviewed objectives. With Ed as our tape master, we filled out and posted five cards each listing our personal objectives for this service program and arranged into the following:
- To Learn/Experience the culture
- To give our time & talent
- To make friends & have fun
- To grow personally
- To teach children
After reviewing characteristics of an effective team, we broke for lunch. Another great meal, this one consisted of chicken, salad & French fries. We took a brief rest after lunch then walked to the village for our meeting with the chiefs.
The walk started at 3:30 on a rather rough path through a small field. Our team was very engaged and had a lot of fun. It was rewarding to see everyone come together for a larger purpose. My favorite phrase “the power of the people” comes to mind.
The crossed the 2 lane highway and started through a field which led us by various small huts and a high school soccer game. The people along the way very friendly, greeting us in English & Twi. It was an amazing walk – who knew of the welcome we were about to receive. We turned a corner and suddenly there were kids everywhere greeting us with hugs and handshakes. We all agreed that we had an overwhelming feeling of warmth and genuine happiness. This could easily be described as a Human Blanket of Friendship!! The kids are a variety of ages, all so interested and happy in these people with red faces (from the heat) and white skin.
The village had arranged a welcome ceremony. There were chairs set up around a clearing under some trees. They even hired a DJ for music and entertainment. Several welcome speeches were given. We shook hands with the chiefs and introduced ourselves to the village. A highlight for me was the “drama” put on by the kids, called The Life of a Child. All were proud of the children to perform for the audience
And then there was dancing! Mystery Jane got us started when a local gentleman asked her to dance. Kathleen and Bonnie jumped right in and almost instantly had many kids to dance with. It was grad a kid or two and dance. FUN!
We said farewell after final set of meetings and a tour of the soon to be
Senchi Ferry Library. Yeah Deb for all your hard work raising this money!
I would like to bottle up all the warmth and energy from this first introduction to the community and share it with the world.
Wrote this journal after dinner, looking forward to Day 3.

After dinner (at 7) it’s off to bed for most. The time differernce does not seem to be a problem for anyone.