Ghana Week Two

Sunday (evening), January 17:

This evening, we went with our host dad to buy some fruit. We also went to a bakery called Hot Oven. It smelled super good in there. We bought some bread and then headed to a few different stores near our neighborhood to stock up on some groceries for the week.

Monday, January 18:

Today, an Uber driver that lives down the road from me took me to work in the morning. While driving to work, we saw lots of cattle. He told me that in the mornings and evenings, the men take the cattle to go grazing. They are normally out and about often. We talked about life in Ghana, the news, books, and school life. He was super nice and very glad to have his contact whenever I need a ride going somewhere.

At work, I joined in on a staff meeting. We have one every Monday to talk about the week and future plans ahead in the year. I am picking up on the local language. Not speaking it, but I am starting to understand what people are talking about.

Tuesday, January 19:

I woke up very early this morning. I took the tro tro and met up with some of my coworkers at a taxi station close to our office. We spent the morning walking around some of the communities and visiting with families. Our main goal was to learn more about the needs of the community and help educate others to care for one another. Afterwards, we grabbed lunch and went back to the office.

Later that afternoon, we went to a non-profit organization nearby. I learned that some of the non-profit organizations are very run down because they do not have enough funds to improve the buildings that much. We left there around 5, and I headed home. That evening, Bailey and I found a lizard in the hallway. We ended up hitting it with a mop and broom to get it out of the house. It was very funny and something that should’ve been filmed.

Wednesday, January 20:

I woke up feeling very tired from Tuesday. I was debating taking an Uber this morning, but I just decided to make the most of it and walk to the tro tro. On my way to the tro tro, my Uber driver that lives nearby saw me and gave me a ride to work. He had a friend in the car, so I got to meet him as well.

At work today, I tried waakye which is good but very spicy. I think people eat that in the morning to wake them up lol. I also ate jollof rice for lunch. It is basically rice with tomato paste on it.

I ended up spending a lot of my time at work having good conversations with my coworkers about going to work in the field. I realized that my team tries to educate the community on different topics such as health, hygiene, and family life. However, some topics are difficult to address. There are barely any resources to help people as far as mental health is concerned. A lot of issues exist in the community, but there are not many resources or funds to actually help improve people’s lives. Mostly, they have to just help themselves, their families, and friends.

Today taught me a lot about the fact that many people are just surviving in life. Just trying to get by as best as possible. I think that’s what we have to do on this earth. This is just a temporary place. But we still have a community around us wherever we are. In that community, we are able to encourage, empower, and equip each other as best as we can. As C.S. Lewis says, “I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same”. It is important to keep in mind that no matter what happens in this life, we have a greater eternal life ahead. And to continue to share that love and message with others around us.

Thursday, January 21:

I had a productive day at work. I spent some time getting to know more about my coworkers and their lives at home. I also tried some really good potatoes and fish for lunch. We ended up going back to the same place we went on Tuesday to speak with some of the staff members again. I took the tro tro home with one of my coworkers, and she bought me some oranges! I tried one on Saturday, and it was very good! When I got home, I spent the evening doing some selfcare. I took a good shower, did some skin care routines, and washed my face. My skin is still getting use to the heat and dryness here.

I am definitely learning a lot about patience. It is a quality that you have to have when you live in Africa. Traffic is almost always chaotic, and people are not in a rush to accomplish tasks. It is a very “go with the flow” kind of pace. It’s a very different lifestyle when comparing to the United States. But I do believe that my time during quarantine has helped prepare me for more flexibility and calmness in my life.

Friday, January 22:

I had a few meetings this morning and worked on some schoolwork for the first part of the day. Around 3:30, Bailey and I went to the pool. We got to meet some friends there and cool off. After the pool, we went to a restaurant and got pizza! Then took an Uber home and relaxed.

Saturday, January 23:

We left the house around 10 to go to Osu. Once we got there, we went to a place called Global Mama’s. They sell a lot of different bracelets and fabrics for clothes and purses. Then, we went to a restaurant called Sunshine Café. I ordered a wrap with chicken, bacon, and avocado in a pita. It also came with a salad and fries. The fries were so so good. Did not realize how much I missed fries haha! The place was super cute and very good.

Then, we went around some of the markets and bought some gifts for friends and family back home. It got a little overwhelming with all the market workers wanting us to buy everything they had. But, God taught me a lot about safety and security. No matter where I am, His presence is always with me. We did make some friends while we were out and then went to a coffee shop to FaceTime family. I got a banana chiller which was pretty good! After the coffee shop, we headed back home for the evening.

Sunday, January 24:

This morning, we went to church with our host family dad. He goes to a church about 15 minutes away from our house. It was very similar to church back home. However, it was a little more interactive during the worship and offering time. Some of the songs, I could not understand the words they were singing, but I loved seeing the passion and love that the people have for God.

After church, we came home and had a little barbecue in the house with our host dad. I flipped some burgers and hot dogs on a grill that he had inside. We also had some good turkey and pineapple juice. We later went to Palace to get some coffee and supplies for the week. Finally stocked up on some chocolate haha! I’ve been craving something sweet for a little bit. I made a few phone calls with friends back home and will probably spend the rest of the night relaxing and reading.