Quote of the day: Drink your water or you will be caned! – Esther, our loving country manager.

By: Daniel Chen

The morning began with a delicious breakfast of omelets, oatmeal, and toast. Esther quickly ruined my breakfast euphoria with news that Gary and I were unable to participate in construction today as the project manager had more urgent matters to tend to after the weekend’s vicious thunderstorms. As walked towards New Akrade, we were greeted by the local residents who were ecstatic to find that the team had begun learning some Twi.

We arrived at the school with sweat dripping from our faces. The headmaster welcomed us and invited us into the teacher common room, where he paired Jim, Judy, Billie, and Arla with their respective teachers. After a short tour of the school complex, we headed off to visit the Senchi Community Library where we would be spending our afternoons. The library was actually a product of 3 years’ effort of Global Volunteers.

We headed back to the school to get our first dose of teaching. Knowing I had no teaching experience, Esther tossed me into a classroom filled with energetic (and restless!) second graders. The children swarmed around me, each wanting a high five and to hold my hand. The instant the teacher came into the room, they rushed back to their desks to sit, which lasted all about 30 seconds. Note for future volunteers: if your children are misbehaving, just have Esther lay down the law! After observing the classroom for two hours, we headed back to the hotel for refuge from the blazing afternoon sun.

We departed for the library promptly while the clouds were hiding the sun. As we arrived I was overrun by a mass of children eager to touch my hair and play with my glasses. My spiky hair fascinated them; one child even threatened to follow me home to cut it off! The team quickly settled in their corners to read with the children. Judy even had a little girl sit on her lap for a full hour. Gary was entertaining his new friend with his disposable camera. I was trying my best to contain two kids who were battling for reading time. They eventually agreed to alternate between pages. Blazing through at least 6-7 books in less than 20 minutes, we eventually settled on reading the Lion King. That in itself was a reward, but more rewarding was seeing their eyes open with horror when Mufasa died and with glee when Simba retook his position on the throne.

We had to eventually say goodbye to the children and head back to the hotel for dinner. We learned more about Amo’s upbringing and his ambitions as we devoured the savory shepherd’s pie (which had some serious kick to it!). Everyone eagerly rushed back to their rooms to take a hot shower and rest up for the next day.

Quote of the Day: “Please have fun. But be safe. Or else.” – Esther

By: Gary Kennedy

Sunday was a very full day. We started with a very nice breakfast. Now our team was finally together. Esther wanted us ready to load the van at 9:00a.m. (We also exchanged our American Dollars).

We then were on our way to the St. James Guest House in New Akrade. Our ride gave us all a new perspective of how the people lived and worked in the area where our team would be connected in the next 2-3 weeks.

We got unpacked and then met up with Esther and Amo for orientation and then lunch. Amo led our Team in a Goal-Oriented Team Meeting. We established four categories: the most significant would be TO HAVE FUN!!!!, while combining the other three goals.

Esther then told us to rest until 3:30p.m.: at which time we would leave for orientation with school, the Mayor, the Chief, and Construction personnel. We learned their custom of Handshaking. Several people from New Akrade gave us an overview of their staff responsibilities. We then broke down into smaller groups: particularly the school and that of construction. We then planned to visit the school; however, a big storm came up and cancelled that activity! I think the downpour became a major thunderstorm. We returned to the Guesthouse and found no electricity! Some of us really got soaked getting in and out of cars! WELCOME TO AFRICA!!!

We met with Amo for dinner at 6:00 and good conversation. Oh yes, earlier in the day we had TWO Volunteers graciously step forth and accept leadership roles: Daniel: To Be WATER-CHIEF; and Judy: FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR. After dinner the Team discussed the upcoming weekend activities to include an overnight venture.

Journal by: Gary Kennedy

Our Volunteer Team arrived in Accra. Daniel came through JFK-New York from Houston. Jim came from St. Paul / Minnesota, and Billie & Gary from Cleveland. The four of us connected at JFK/New York, however only Jim, Billie and Gary met at the gate before boarding for Accra. Daniel was on our flight, and even sat in the same row, but we didn’t know he was with Global Volunteers. When we landed and found Esther she said she was still looking for Daniel. Several minutes later here came Daniel. Esther explained that two more volunteers would show up later. So, we gathered our luggage, and went to the Airport Hotel to spend the evening.

Once at the Hotel, Esther told us to get checked in, and then rest until dinner at 6:00p.m.We actually met at 5:30.The four of us got caught up with each other. Esther explained that she had to go back to the airport to pick up the other two members of our team. Arla was flying in from Spokane, Washington. Judy was flying in from Chicago. Both were connecting through Amsterdam, where they were connecting with each other. We understand they enjoyed the LONG lines going through customs at the Accra airport. By the time they finally arrived at the Airport Hotel, it became too late to meet the other four volunteers.

Quote of the day:

"I always say to myself, what is the most important thing we can think about this extraordinary moment."

–Francois de La Ronchenfoucauld

Journal by: Janine

Today is my last day in Senchi Ferry. It is a sad but joyful day. I started my day at B’Akoto once again. I played and laughed with the students. They sang songs and drew me pictures. I was sad to say goodbye and so were some of the students. One of my favorites in the class, Samuel, told me he loved me and that he will cry when I leave. (I later saw him at the library). I said goodbye to Madame Esther. She has become a very good friend to me. On the way back to the guesthouse, I stopped in at the Catholic School to say bye to Madame Harriett, Denise, Emmanuel and Michael. I had my lunch with Esther then rested. Amo picked me up for the library. We played some games today and sang songs. When it was time to go, the children all jumped on me! I wouldn’t trade that for the world! As most of the kids left, I watched Samuel take his time walking away, looking back towards the library at me until we couldn’t see each other anymore. I had the most fun with that little boy. Amo and I played Oware when we returned. A quick dinner with Amo and Esther, then Harriett and Denise stopped in to say goodbye to me. They gave me a very special gift and we laughed about Amo and Emmanuel both wanting to marry me, but neither could afford the price says Esther! I went back to my room to pack and prepare for my departure tomorrow.

Q

Quote of the day: I love myself when I am laughing. –Zora Neale Hurston

Journal by: Janine

Like any other day, I had breakfast then made my way to the school. The plan for the day was for my to teach my lesson, then go to the computer lab at the library. Unfortunately the children were not paying attention or listening to what I had told them to do. So we did not go to the lab. I marked and watched Esther teach. Afterwards when my morning was done, Esther came and picked me up. We stopped at a very nice hotel on the water and had a drink. Then we went to the market. We looked around for a bit then came back for lunch. We ate then we rested. Amo picked me up for the library. Along the way, I stopped to buy some candy to bring home.

Today the weather was beautiful so there were more children at the library. We took a few pictures before we went in to read. I read a few books then we played. I love making the children laugh and I love when they make me laugh. By dinnertime, I was not feeling very well so I didn’t each much. I just lay down for a bit, and then felt a lot better. I started to pack a little and organize as I am leaving in a few days. L

Quote of the day: To be simple is to be great. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Journal by: Janine

What a night! It rained non-stop, so I didn’t get much sleep. Accra is flooding because of so much water. The day was not a crazy one. The school was not very busy as some students couldn’t make it due to the rain. Since I was so tired from not sleeping well and playing ball with the children, I didn’t teach my lesson. Madame Esther left with us at noon as her friend was going into labor. Before lunch Esther and I went to a restaurant on the river where we chatted and had a drink. It was a very nice place. We ate our lunch then rested a while before heading to the library. Again because of the rain, the library was quiet. I read with a few children then played around with a little girl. The evening was easy going and quiet as well.

Quote of the day: Friends are the sunshine of life. –John Hay

Journal by: Janine

Another quiet breakfast by myself so I brought my book along to read. Esther and I left early from the guesthouse so I would be able to watch the students have their assembly. I was quite thrilled to see it. I watched Madame Esther teach her class math and some English. I did some marking for her. Then it was breaktime! I skipped and threw the ball to the girls and talked to some of my favorite students. After break, the teachers had a short meeting to attend so I thought my lesson to the students. Because the main teacher was not around, the children didn’t really listen. A few of them listened but it was chaos in the classroom. I sat for a bit as one student, Abigail, who is a beautiful young girl made the students sit and listen to me. She did a great job! I taught the lesson as best as I could under the conditions. I left shortly there after.

After my lunch of peanut soup and rice ball (no fufu today!), I was stuffed. Esther and I talked for a little while then we headed out to the Volta River Bridge for a walk. We had some nice laughs and a bit of exercise until it started to rain. We raced back to the car then she dropped me back at the guesthouse. Amo arrived soon after. As we walked to the library, we got a call from Samuel. The library was closed due to the rain. So Amo and I turned around. Amo took me into town on a tro tro to buy some cell phone minutes! The ride wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be since Amo was there to guide us. Upon returning, soaking wet, I made some phone calls back home to make sure everyone was fine. Which they were! We played some dominoes then ate dinner and had a very nice chat.