Ghana Team Journal

Quote of the day:

It was only a sunny smile,

And little it cost in the giving.

But like the morning light, it scattered the night

And made the day worth living

-Anon

Journal by: Janine

Today was the day we were going into the community. I had awakened early as we were leaving by 9. Amo came to make sure I was up. He had told me that Rick was nowhere to be found! He wasn’t answering his door or phone and we had to wait for the manager to arrive at the hotel to open his room. We weren’t sure if he went for a walk or was still sleeping. I finished getting ready and had my breakfast. Rick was still nowhere to be found. It was past 8am and we were getting worried. Low and behold around 9am, Rick showed up. He had over slept! We quickly got ready for the taxi and then headed out. After a short rest we had our first team meeting. We brainstormed characteristics for an effective team to help us through out the program. We then had lunch followed by another rest. Then the real excitement of the day started.

After a small trek into the community we stopped at the Palace to greet the chiefs. We were invited to walk with them to a funeral that was going on down the road. Rick and I were very fortunate to have this opportunity. So we strolled down and we walked around the funeral shaking hand with the guests attending. Having learnt a few phrases only at lunchtime, Rick and I had trouble remembering them, especially now with all these people talking to us at the funeral. Slightly overwhelming but we tried our best.

We sat for a little and watched the local tradition of the funeral. We watch people dance to the music that was playing and the children fool around. Then we headed back to the palace. The chiefs so kindly and respectfully welcomed us into the community of Senchi Ferry. We followed the customs of the ceremony by telling: who were are and where we were from. Janine from Winnipeg, Canada and Rick from Colorado, USA. During the service, we conversed with some of the local teachers from the schools. We learnt more of the area and regular practices. A few pictures were taken at the end of the ceremony and we then headed back to the guesthouse.

Dinner was served shortly after and then we called it a day. Well Janine did. Rick was up all night again!