I've been thinking a lot for the past few days about being here and the ultimate result of my African experience. My eyes have been opened to a completely different culture, I have honed my signing skills (a little), I have made new, life-long friends, I have had an incredibly unique teaching experience, I have realized how to live with less, I have learned a lot about myself. Ghana is unlike any place I have ever been. I don't know if my words or pictures can truly convey this country, and how I feel about it. I have definitely learned humility, simplicity, gratitude, and patience.
This week has also been amazingly full of adventures and good times. It is hard to believe that my time in Africa is coming to an end! I have loved being here serving and teaching and learning and experiencing.
On Thursday, we skipped school... but for very good reason: we traveled to Kofordua to the bead market! There were tables full of beads in every pattern and shade you could immagine. Most were traditional African clay beads, but there were strands of tiny glass and plastic beads hanging down the sides of the tents. Some had ready-made necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. Needless to say, I spend more money than expected. However, I got some really cool gifts and some stories to go with them! (Like everything purchased in Africa...) Loved the bead market.
Friday was the last time I will ever have to rub my skin raw doing laundry in Africa! My friends from the JSS-- Matilda, Adwoa, and Linda-- came over to assist Lyndsey and I with our last laundry. They whip through it like there's no tomorrow! I am always so grateful for their help, because even though I hate to admit it, I am a weakling.
Friday was also the last night that the student teachers from the Presbyterian school would be around. They were all leaving to take their final exams and receive their certificates. (I know what that feels like!) We were all sad to see them go, especially the students, because they were extremely more dedicated and prepared than the actual teachers. Their absence has already taken its toll.
Saturday was celebrated as our last Saturday in Ghana by going to the Rita Marley (Bob Marley's wife) Gift Shop and Boutique. We went there thinking that we were going to be able to tour her studio, but no such luck because she was off seeing Obama! It still was worthwhile for a number of reasons: First, we met two very eccentric American women who were new to Ghana and working at the Boutique. Both claimed to be helping Rita with a clinic she was opening in a nearby village. They talked to us and we explained Ghanaian money while we bought postcards and pins. One lady kept telling of how she lived in Jamaica for ten years. She said a lot of other things too, but some were a bit unbelievable. We took a picture with her and she said, "Everybody loves Rasta!" in her sing-song whispery voice. We had a good laugh for sure. Also a very positive part of the trip was purchasing two mangoes right across the street from the shop. I wish I could describe the mangoes for what they are, but words escape me.
Saturday night we were invited up to the high school for "Drama Entertainment." This week, the students decided for the boys to dress up like girls (stuffed bras and bums), and the girls to dress up like boys (eyeliner goatees, baggy pants and sideways hats). They did some skits and dancing. Near the end, they asked us to do a dance... we had no idea what to do, so we taught them the "Boot Scoot and Boogie." Hilarious! But they loved it.
On Sunday, we went to church at the Primary School with our students, but this week we all wore our African dresses or skirts. The students thought we all looked so beautiful! My dress is made out of some fabric from my Nana-- sort of a hot pink and purple tie-dye. I don't know how much I'll wear it in America, but the Ghanaians sure loved it. Nycole and Catharine both had full traditional African dresses made. Kelsey had a shorter dress with a full skirt. All the other girls had skirts made, too. It was fun fun fun.
And now we have started our final week. I am trying to savor every moment with the students. Some of them have been saying how they will "worry, cry. 18 July. Miss you." (It makes more sense in sign.) I will miss them too! Highlights (and lowlights) of the week so far:
- On Monday we were working in the P-zero class, teaching and playing. Then, all of the teachers of the preschool "KG" (kindergarten) classes stopped whatever was going on and lined up their students in two lines-- tallest to shortest. Then, they passed out signs that said things like "Mother's Our Only Hope" and "Disability is not Inability," and marched the students around the entire school compound while on teacher played a drum. When we asked what it was for they told us "Preschool Education Week." They said that they had activities planned for each day, but when we went today, they didn't have anything going on. It was mildly amusing, and fun to let those little kids out of the classroom for a while. Mom-- have you ever considered doing a march?!
- Having 3 massive mosquito bites on my legs and they itch like no man's business.
- Trying to stretch my protein bars, trail mix and peanut butter for a few more days.
- Trading all of the things I would rather not bring home at the Wood District.
- Hanging out and chatting with the other volunteers.
- Running out of camera space. (dang! good thing I have friends who will lend me some of their memory).
- Thinking about hot showers, running water, and real food
So... I'll see you in a couple of days!
Peace Out.
LOVE,
Brynn
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