Ghana Team Journal

Quote of the day: Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness Kindness in giving creates love. ~ Lao-tzu

Journal by: Tracee Mendenhall

Still with heavy hearts, we woke up to a lot more singing and noise outside than other days. Breakfast was served at 8:30, it was an enjoyable but quite meal. Kay, Laurie, George and I decided to venture out to the community center, hopeful to find a church service. Though we arrived almost an hour and a half late, we were welcomed in and seated for the remaining hour of service. The minister was very upbeat and frequently made sure he had everyone’s attention by saying “hello” and getting a “hi” response. Members in at the service appeared to be more in touch with God than members in my church with their prayers, hallelujahs, and Amen’s.

At the end of the service, guests were asked to come up to the front to be thanked for attending and were encouraged to come back, than we were sent to follow the other minister to the back and were thanked again for coming. We also learned the four foundations of their church, prayer, kingdom, service, and baptism. He also noted he has watched us walk by his house most days. As we left a few other members thanked us for attending their service.

We returned to the guest house for a game of scrabble and another delicious lunch. After a brief conversation with Esther, we gathered our beach gear and headed out with Bless to the Sajuna Beach Club. We enjoyed a few hours of ping pong, swimming, relaxation and basketball (sorry Will).

As we were leaving we decided to head towards Akomsombo. We walked just into Akompoco and caught a trotro to the market in Akomosombo. George bought some cookies and we boarded another trotro to Akompoco and did some shopping. We were on the hunt for new flip flops for George since his were left on the taxi the night before and the driver drove off with them; only one was found this morning in the driveway, even though we looked for the other. Sandals were found, but were later given to Kay due to the fact they were ladies.

Once we finished shopping, we tried to catch another trotro back to St. James, but a taxi stopped instead and wanted 7 cedis. However, with George’s fast talking they agreed to take us back for only 2 cedis. It was a tight ride with six people crammed inside, but we made it back to the guest house safely with an hour to relax before dinner.

Over dinner we discussed our weekend trips and other various topics. We were happy to see Esther when she came to see how we were since she missed us multiple times on Saturday. We told her about our, yet again, eventful weekend and set plans for the week ahead. It is unfortunate that our time here is coming to an end in less than a week and many of us want to stay longer, but know we can’t. I am sure we will provide the community with as much help as we can this week and leave here knowing, in my opinion, that we did all that we could here and will hold the community, students, Amo, and our wonderful leader Esther in our hearts forever.