I am finally here in Ghana! What a beautiful place.
DAY ONE: We arrived around 10am, and I started sweating. We waited in line to go through customs, then our SOHI driver (DonKwa) loaded us and our luggage into two tro tros. (A tro tro is like a cross between a taxi and a van). We arrived at our house, said goodbye to the Kibi group, then changed our clothes and rested up a bit. We walked over to each of the schools, but they were already dismissed. We walked through town, then came home where I attempted to unpack and organize a bit.
DAY TWO: I felt a little sick from the medicine the dentist gave me, so it wasn't a very productive day. This was okay because it was unproductive for everyone who was feeling well, too! I think most of us were pretty jet-lagged.
DAY THREE: Sunday! We went up to the High School for church. The Deaf students hold their own services. They split up all of the "obrunies" (white people), and I had to sit front and center! They sign so fast that I could barely understand what they were saying, but I did understand some. Their service lasted and hour, and for the next 2 hours they went over dorm rules and punishments... none of us really understood that. The power went off that day, so we spent some time outside. The sun sets early, so I was grateful to have my headlamp!
DAY FOUR: First day in the school. We met with the headmistress who gave us permission to go into the classes. I am in love with these children. They are so happy, and yet they have nothing. We tried to learn their name signs, taught a little bit, and played some games. I was exhausted that night.
DAY FIVE: A hard day at the school, but we made it through! Many of the students have other social/emotional issued on top of their deafness, which is difficult to deal with at times. It is hard for me to see a classroom full of 30 students that the teacher has just deserted.
DAY SIX: Much better. I went to school more prepared with a few lessons and games, so the day ran smoother. We also went to town and bought a few things. I am getting more and more comfortable in Ghana as time goes on. Our deaf friends come over each night to chat with us and eat our leftovers.
Sorry this is so rushed, but I only have a few minutes left for my internet time! Definitely more to come, so stay tuned.
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"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." --Anne Frank
I'm Brynn.
Here's the story...
Over the seven-week break this summer, I was having that "what-am-I-going-to-do-after-graduation" discussion with my mom. I expressed that I did not just want to sit around and work a dead-end job before I start teaching in the fall. We discussed some options, and I began looking for an adventure.
A few weeks later, I was reading in our little community newspaper, The Holladay-Cottonwood Journal, about how the cast and crew of "Signing Time" (sign language videos for kids) went to Africa to meet and serve the Deaf community of students in Ghana. They went with a program called Signs of Hope International. I casually looked up the listed website.
I watched the video and thought about it. I read the testimonials and thought about it. I looked at the pictures and thought about it. I printed out a mission application and thought about it.
Needless to say, I applied. The application process was interesting (and a little stressful: I still don't know my blood type). They called for a phone interview. I waited. And hoped.
Then, they called to tell me I had been accepted! And now I am going to Africa in May to teach in a primary school for the Deaf. Thrilling! Frightening! Exciting! And let me say this: Heavenly Father answers prayers.
Now all I have to worry about is money and malaria. Africa! Drums. Baboons. Teaching. Students. Sign Language. I am just amazed.
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5 comments:
Great report!! Look forward to reading many more updates as they happen. Love
Grandpa
Yay Brynn! I have been anxiously awaiting a post! Glad to know you are doing well and having fun! Keep us posted. Love you!
I remember when I went to England and France the time was so busy that I wrote I little outline to remind me so I could fill in the details later when I had time...and it worked well...the bit I wrote prompted me to remember the order of events and descriptions so I didn't leave out things. I'll be loving your updates!!!
Wow. Sounds like ts going pretty well. Keep it up! :D
It is so great to hear that you are enjoying the experience so far. I am so glad to hear you are doing well and made it safely.
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