Greetings all blog readers! Our Ghana trip is beginning to wind down, and we spent our last day at the JoshKrisDan Home doing some serious work. It was another long day spent sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, and painting. Mary and Emma G. successfully painted both the ceiling and the walls of the boy's bathroom, Julia and Ms. Havard put the finishing touches on the girl's bathroom (complete with a brand new mirror), Kayla, Gib, and Emma F. scrubbed down and painted the walls and the trim of the boy's bedroom, Gib helped rebuild the wall of blocks outside that had been knocked down by a truck driver, and Julia and Gib spruced up the living room. It was around three o'clock when the kids came home from school, and it was awesome to get to spend some quality time with all of them on the last leg of our trip. Jill, one of our group leaders, handed out custom-made t-shirts to all of the kids and we all took a picture together. After saying goodbye to the kids, we headed to the streets of Old Ningo where we got to walk around and see the village one last time. We then went back to the Sealane for one of our last Ghanaian dinners of talapia, chicken, and Boncu, a traditional Ghanaian dish (the title of this blog is a reference to Boncu). Tomorrow we head to the capitol, Accra, to go to the cultural market and say some of our last goodbyes to Ghana.
Favorite Memories:
1) Ms. Havard taught Emmanuel, a boy from the home, how to play 'Da Na Se,' a traditional Ghanaian song, on the guitar.
2) Emma Feitelson enjoyed the fact that she could paint multiple rooms in one day here, while her room at home has been in its mid-paint stage for months.
3) Julia taught the youngest child at the home, Monica, how to do a hand stand (with some assistance). Monica laughed and then attempted to do them every time she had the chance.
4) We all had a really intense game of ninja that resulted in several minor injuries.
5) Ms. Tolfree received a marriage proposal near the bead stand in Old Ningo, from a nice gentleman who was so disappointed to hear she was married that he immediately turned and asked Kayla.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Peanut Butter M&M's Song - lyrics
The Peanut Butter M&M's Song
Original Song Written By Gib Mitchell
As long as I have my M&M's.
Peanut Butter flavor gets rid of my frown,
I like yellow, green, and brown.
(chorus)
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
It's a wonderful snack.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
Like a drug dealers crack.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
Puts me in a great mood.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
It's the best kind of food.
If every single human hated me,
There is still one way I could be happy.
I know that it sounds a little silly,
I just need those candies in my belly.
Original Song Written By Gib Mitchell
I don't care if the world ends,
As long as I have my M&M's.
Peanut Butter flavor gets rid of my frown,
I like yellow, green, and brown.
(chorus)
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
It's a wonderful snack.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
Like a drug dealers crack.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
Puts me in a great mood.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
It's the best kind of food.
If every single human hated me,
There is still one way I could be happy.
I know that it sounds a little silly,
I just need those candies in my belly.
(chorus)
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
It's a wonderful snack.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
Like a drug dealers crack.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
Puts me in a great mood.
Pea-nut But-ter M and M's.
It's the best kind of food.
Day 12: We forgot Jill.
Hola blog readers! This morning we woke up early and got all nice a pretty for church. We went to a local congregation, where the children from the Joshkrisdan Home of Refuge also joined us. We were pretty late because, as usual, Michael was running on Ghanaian time and didn't come pick us up until about a half hour after the service had started. We arrived and the kids did an awesome performance, singing two different songs. After them, the Millbrook team was called up and we sang "As I went down to the river to pray," followed by two different Ghanaian songs which we've nearly perfected. After a few more songs, John gave the congregation a beautiful sermon about the Kingdom of God. Although a portion of the group does not consider themselves to be religious, we all enjoy how interactive and joyful the church service is. We all got up and danced our way around the church while the children sang. After the service, we got on the bus and headed back to the Sealane Hotel to change into our bathings suits and rest for about an hour. Once we were all ready, we made our way to a beach club where we met the kids. We we were all pretty excited to see the Atlantic Ocean from the opposite side, as well as enjoy the surf and sand with the kids. Kayla immediately jumped on one of the horses that was being walked around the beach and, lacking any money, payed the boy with bananas and crackers. So far she's won the award for paying for things without any money. All of us jumped into the ocean with the kids, and had to keep a careful eye on them because most of the don't know how to swim. Some of us went pretty far out with the older kids, and they were all holding onto us for support even though the water was up to their knees. After exhausting ourselves from swimming, we all enjoyed some fresh sausages as well as American soda. Spending time on the beach was a great way to spend a relaxing Sunday and spread some of our last quality time with the kids.
Meep, Meep Meep! Meep.
To change the dinner menu up a little bit, we went to a Ghanaian fast food place for pizza. It was nice to go out with the team and eat something more familiar to us all! We talked about the trip and how we have felt about the past couple of weeks. After finishing off 3 large pizzas, we went to the counter expecting ice cream. Unfortunately, the ice cream selection was limited from the 45 scoopable flavors on the menu to 3 individually wrapped bars. We then took it upon ourselves to find some real ice cream. After talking to a restaurant employee about the Tema area's ice cream joints, we found that there was one. So Julia and Emma G. directed the bus driver, and (after realizing we had left Jill at the restaurant and rushing back to get her) instead of finding an ice cream store, we found a dance competition party/ supermarket/ nightclub. The majority of the group went and bought tubs of ice cream, but Gib and Kayla were drawn onto the dance floor and entered a dance off. Emma G. and Julia quickly challenged them and the pairs competed in traditional African dance. Despite a lack of talent, the 200something people loved us and one guy ran up giving us money. We won 4 tickets up to the nightclub, but had to politely decline. We then ate our ice cream and went back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
We;re fine.
Meep, Meep Meep! Meep.
To change the dinner menu up a little bit, we went to a Ghanaian fast food place for pizza. It was nice to go out with the team and eat something more familiar to us all! We talked about the trip and how we have felt about the past couple of weeks. After finishing off 3 large pizzas, we went to the counter expecting ice cream. Unfortunately, the ice cream selection was limited from the 45 scoopable flavors on the menu to 3 individually wrapped bars. We then took it upon ourselves to find some real ice cream. After talking to a restaurant employee about the Tema area's ice cream joints, we found that there was one. So Julia and Emma G. directed the bus driver, and (after realizing we had left Jill at the restaurant and rushing back to get her) instead of finding an ice cream store, we found a dance competition party/ supermarket/ nightclub. The majority of the group went and bought tubs of ice cream, but Gib and Kayla were drawn onto the dance floor and entered a dance off. Emma G. and Julia quickly challenged them and the pairs competed in traditional African dance. Despite a lack of talent, the 200something people loved us and one guy ran up giving us money. We won 4 tickets up to the nightclub, but had to politely decline. We then ate our ice cream and went back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
We;re fine.
Day 11; Hammer Time; Semicolon Time
Ever had delicious porridge with a Native Jamaican, who grew up in London and then moved to New Jersey? Well we did; first thing in the morning!
Day 11 was definitely a day. On a scale of 1-infinity, I would probably rate it an 11, cause that's what day number it is.
The amount of the things we did, was one. That thing is called.... everything.
We had ourselves a "work day". (Kayla drew a pineapple, once.)
The work day worked us to the bone. We spent time at the; Joshkrisdan home. We painted walls, cleaned windows, touched up beds, and did so much more. We weren't working alone; all of the children were happy to assist us and stand by our side through thick, thin, and in between thick and thin. Also known as, moderate width.
(Mary just killed a mosquito with her bare hands)
It felt amazing; we watched our progress grow over many hours. It was a feeling of satisfaction when we worked together as a team and were able to see a final result. In the working progress, we got to spend time and bond with some of the kids that we might; not have been able to spend a lot of time with previously. It was awesome to see the kids all stepping up and wanting to help us with everything.
Favorite Memories:
1) We all met a newlywed couple at our hotel, and they invited us to sit with them at dinner. The groom bought us drinks and snacks, and we all talked about our lives.
2) Ms. Havard and Mary introduced double dutch to the kids and taught them some rhymes for jump-roping. The kids all had a blast learning a new skill and they were soon using the jump-ropes without any help.
3) At Claudette's; one of the kittens jumped off of Kayla's face into her bowl of porridge. She continued to feed it the rest of the morning.
4) Julia painted a bathroom; yellow.
5) Ms. Tolfree went to the Pram Pram Clinic and helped Lucy, the midwife, deliver a baby girl! It was so unbelievably; awesome we all can't believe it.
we're all; fine! ;)
Day 11 was definitely a day. On a scale of 1-infinity, I would probably rate it an 11, cause that's what day number it is.
The amount of the things we did, was one. That thing is called.... everything.
We had ourselves a "work day". (Kayla drew a pineapple, once.)
The work day worked us to the bone. We spent time at the; Joshkrisdan home. We painted walls, cleaned windows, touched up beds, and did so much more. We weren't working alone; all of the children were happy to assist us and stand by our side through thick, thin, and in between thick and thin. Also known as, moderate width.
(Mary just killed a mosquito with her bare hands)
It felt amazing; we watched our progress grow over many hours. It was a feeling of satisfaction when we worked together as a team and were able to see a final result. In the working progress, we got to spend time and bond with some of the kids that we might; not have been able to spend a lot of time with previously. It was awesome to see the kids all stepping up and wanting to help us with everything.
Favorite Memories:
1) We all met a newlywed couple at our hotel, and they invited us to sit with them at dinner. The groom bought us drinks and snacks, and we all talked about our lives.
2) Ms. Havard and Mary introduced double dutch to the kids and taught them some rhymes for jump-roping. The kids all had a blast learning a new skill and they were soon using the jump-ropes without any help.
3) At Claudette's; one of the kittens jumped off of Kayla's face into her bowl of porridge. She continued to feed it the rest of the morning.
4) Julia painted a bathroom; yellow.
5) Ms. Tolfree went to the Pram Pram Clinic and helped Lucy, the midwife, deliver a baby girl! It was so unbelievably; awesome we all can't believe it.
we're all; fine! ;)
Friday, July 6, 2012
Day 7-10 chick-in chick-out with some rice on the side
Hello blog readers!! We have just returned from our outreach! Last time we posted we were in the Treasure Land hotel and so much has happened since then.
Day 7 bluuurb:
Save Our Lives orphanage was an exuberant stop on our trek through the outreach program. It was filled with children who's mothers died during child birth and were deemed cursed because of it and are taken in by this home when there was no one else who wanted them. The babies were so excited to see us. We got to spend time with infants who were 8weeks-3years but there were also older children who we did not get a chance to meet at the time. Most of the three years olds had fun chasing and running away from Kayla's red light on her keychain; others were waiting in line to play airplane with Gib. Before we left we dropped off many baby clothes and bouncy balls for the kids to have. After we left the baby home we drove to Cape Coast to get a tour of the slave castle. It was truly an emotional experience for all of us. After we got to lighten the mood with a little shopping for bracelets and art work out side of the castle.
Deigh 8 bluuurb:
NEW YORK MAPLE SYRUP!
(^ wooooowwwww!!)
Today was the 4th day in the month of July. It is a special day in America, but we were not in America. It is not a special day in Ghana. We are in Ghana. The hotel gave us French Toast and REAL New York Maple Syrup. It was fun. Using the bus, we went to pick up a fine lady named, Agnes. She was fine. We continued on our adventures in the bus, for another hour-long drive. We stopped at a random location to use the lavatory. Adam and (woooowwww) Eve, that's what it was called. No, that's what the bathrooms were called. The hotel was called Hans Cottage. It was a moderately populated hotel/restaurant/bar. Jill informed us that we could see crocodiles, and maybe even touch them. We proceeded to walk toward a swampy lake to touch the crocodiles, where we were assisted by a woman carrying a piece of chicken at the end of a stick. We all got to touch a 7-foot long (wooooowwww) reptile! We then got back on the bus and continued on to the Kakum National Forest for a hike and a canopy walk. Despite some nerves, and pouring rain, we all braved through. Some parts of the walkway were 40 meters high! WWOOOWWWWWW. We drove to Swedru (our driver's hometown) and visited a home there. We drove two hours Ghanaian time (= 4+ hours). The children at the home complemented us for only being 2 hours late (as opposed to last year!) We gave away a lot of jewelry which they all loved, and bought some that they had made with their hands. Some call it "handmade", but just call it beautiful! The kids put on a drumming/ dancing performance which was spectacular. Their skills are mind-boggling. The performance that the group put on was truly a masterpiece. The group actually has a sterling reputation. They were rated the top dance/drum group in all of Ghana. It was a fantastic feeling watching this group work their magic. The performance was lengthy, and you could see the people running out of breath mid-dance. But they worked through it and were victorious at the end. Then we headed to our hotel and had a nice July 4th dinner, complete with red, white, and blue necklaces and noisemakers, courtesy of our friend Joanne. Michael and Pastor Moses loved hearing some American patriotic songs, "America the Beautiful," "Made in America" (thanks Gib & Julia), and a valiant attempt at "The Star Spangled Banner".==='[ WOW!
Day 9 bluuurb:
Today was another full day. We had a bit of a late start but we managed to get to the huge bead market at around ten o'clock. There were rows and rows of gorgeous, handmade beads. Everyone went a little crazy buying souvenirs to remember our time in Ghana. Everyone also tried their hand in bargaining to get the cheapest prices for all of their gifts. After the bead market, we had a bit of a drive to Sentinel School, a primary school that we got to tour. Coincidentally, there was a young college graduate named John from Buffalo, New York that happened to be teaching there. We got to have a nice conversation with him and learn about his opinion on the differences between American and Ghanaian education and culture. After Sentinel, we made our way to the school for the blind. I think we all agreed that going to the school for the blind was an intense experience. We were able to donate an entire duffel bag filled with stuffed animals for the kids, as well as buy a couple of the hand-made stools that the children make to raise money for the school. Some of us also managed to talk to a couple of the kids and get a better feel for the place. We then made our way to the craft market, where we all made some new friends, Gib gained an Aunt, and Julia seriously considered buying a kitten after bargaining the price
from twenty cidis to five cidis. We wrapped up the day with a stay in a beautiful hotel in the mountains with a breathtaking view and a dinner of chicken and rice. Which was fine.
Day 10 bluuurb:
Today there was a lot of driving: from the Palm Hill Hotel to the Right to Dream Academy. After a couple hours in the bus, and 30 minutes of being lost, we arrived at a major Ghanaian soccer academy where John met back up with us, along with Pastor Humphrey and Wisdom (a boy from the Joshkrisdan Home). It was located by a huge man-made lake, in a quiet country area. The campus consisted of a few dormitories, two impressive full sized fields, and a classroom/office area. Right to Dream was the home, training center, and school of Baki and Edward (two current Millbrook students) so it was that much more exciting. The kids there were all happy to meet friends and peers of their old classmates. The facilities were impressive, and the teachers, coaches, and students were all friendly and welcoming. We toured the academy and learned a lot about the school's mission. It was great to see the home of our friends Baki and Edward! The boys all missed them and asked a lot about them, so we told them about their successes at Millbrook. Everyone enjoyed the visit and after they gave us a quick lunch we went back to our first hotel, the Sealane. It was nice to come back to a familiar place after our tour of central/ southern Ghana.
Everything's fine.
Fine. mighty fine
Day 7 bluuurb:
Save Our Lives orphanage was an exuberant stop on our trek through the outreach program. It was filled with children who's mothers died during child birth and were deemed cursed because of it and are taken in by this home when there was no one else who wanted them. The babies were so excited to see us. We got to spend time with infants who were 8weeks-3years but there were also older children who we did not get a chance to meet at the time. Most of the three years olds had fun chasing and running away from Kayla's red light on her keychain; others were waiting in line to play airplane with Gib. Before we left we dropped off many baby clothes and bouncy balls for the kids to have. After we left the baby home we drove to Cape Coast to get a tour of the slave castle. It was truly an emotional experience for all of us. After we got to lighten the mood with a little shopping for bracelets and art work out side of the castle.
Deigh 8 bluuurb:
NEW YORK MAPLE SYRUP!
(^ wooooowwwww!!)
Today was the 4th day in the month of July. It is a special day in America, but we were not in America. It is not a special day in Ghana. We are in Ghana. The hotel gave us French Toast and REAL New York Maple Syrup. It was fun. Using the bus, we went to pick up a fine lady named, Agnes. She was fine. We continued on our adventures in the bus, for another hour-long drive. We stopped at a random location to use the lavatory. Adam and (woooowwww) Eve, that's what it was called. No, that's what the bathrooms were called. The hotel was called Hans Cottage. It was a moderately populated hotel/restaurant/bar. Jill informed us that we could see crocodiles, and maybe even touch them. We proceeded to walk toward a swampy lake to touch the crocodiles, where we were assisted by a woman carrying a piece of chicken at the end of a stick. We all got to touch a 7-foot long (wooooowwww) reptile! We then got back on the bus and continued on to the Kakum National Forest for a hike and a canopy walk. Despite some nerves, and pouring rain, we all braved through. Some parts of the walkway were 40 meters high! WWOOOWWWWWW. We drove to Swedru (our driver's hometown) and visited a home there. We drove two hours Ghanaian time (= 4+ hours). The children at the home complemented us for only being 2 hours late (as opposed to last year!) We gave away a lot of jewelry which they all loved, and bought some that they had made with their hands. Some call it "handmade", but just call it beautiful! The kids put on a drumming/ dancing performance which was spectacular. Their skills are mind-boggling. The performance that the group put on was truly a masterpiece. The group actually has a sterling reputation. They were rated the top dance/drum group in all of Ghana. It was a fantastic feeling watching this group work their magic. The performance was lengthy, and you could see the people running out of breath mid-dance. But they worked through it and were victorious at the end. Then we headed to our hotel and had a nice July 4th dinner, complete with red, white, and blue necklaces and noisemakers, courtesy of our friend Joanne. Michael and Pastor Moses loved hearing some American patriotic songs, "America the Beautiful," "Made in America" (thanks Gib & Julia), and a valiant attempt at "The Star Spangled Banner".==='[ WOW!
Day 9 bluuurb:
Today was another full day. We had a bit of a late start but we managed to get to the huge bead market at around ten o'clock. There were rows and rows of gorgeous, handmade beads. Everyone went a little crazy buying souvenirs to remember our time in Ghana. Everyone also tried their hand in bargaining to get the cheapest prices for all of their gifts. After the bead market, we had a bit of a drive to Sentinel School, a primary school that we got to tour. Coincidentally, there was a young college graduate named John from Buffalo, New York that happened to be teaching there. We got to have a nice conversation with him and learn about his opinion on the differences between American and Ghanaian education and culture. After Sentinel, we made our way to the school for the blind. I think we all agreed that going to the school for the blind was an intense experience. We were able to donate an entire duffel bag filled with stuffed animals for the kids, as well as buy a couple of the hand-made stools that the children make to raise money for the school. Some of us also managed to talk to a couple of the kids and get a better feel for the place. We then made our way to the craft market, where we all made some new friends, Gib gained an Aunt, and Julia seriously considered buying a kitten after bargaining the price
from twenty cidis to five cidis. We wrapped up the day with a stay in a beautiful hotel in the mountains with a breathtaking view and a dinner of chicken and rice. Which was fine.
Day 10 bluuurb:
Today there was a lot of driving: from the Palm Hill Hotel to the Right to Dream Academy. After a couple hours in the bus, and 30 minutes of being lost, we arrived at a major Ghanaian soccer academy where John met back up with us, along with Pastor Humphrey and Wisdom (a boy from the Joshkrisdan Home). It was located by a huge man-made lake, in a quiet country area. The campus consisted of a few dormitories, two impressive full sized fields, and a classroom/office area. Right to Dream was the home, training center, and school of Baki and Edward (two current Millbrook students) so it was that much more exciting. The kids there were all happy to meet friends and peers of their old classmates. The facilities were impressive, and the teachers, coaches, and students were all friendly and welcoming. We toured the academy and learned a lot about the school's mission. It was great to see the home of our friends Baki and Edward! The boys all missed them and asked a lot about them, so we told them about their successes at Millbrook. Everyone enjoyed the visit and after they gave us a quick lunch we went back to our first hotel, the Sealane. It was nice to come back to a familiar place after our tour of central/ southern Ghana.
Everything's fine.
Fine. mighty fine
Monday, July 2, 2012
Day 6: "Why must he insist on running over the King's lamp?"
Today we woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed at promptly 5:30 and 42 seconds. After a splendid, Milo-filled breakfast, we loaded our packages on the large vehicle and set off towards Kumasi. We stopped only twice to drop off highly valued medical supplies at a hospital. The array of crutches, walkers, and syringes made the people we met quite overflowing...with joy. Following that part of our expedition, we stopped only once more for a fun-filled bathroom break before arriving in the bustling city of Kumasi. We went directly to King Jim's home for orphaned children, where our bus driver, Michael, proceeded to back over one of the King's most valued lamps (hence the title). Jim was aggravated but we were able to work past it and sit together as friends. After a fruitful snack of watermelon that Caroline graciously sliced, we were released from the King to go play with the children. We spent an hour playing football, teaching them duck duck goose, and making conversation with our new life lasting friends. Too soon, the girls and boys were called back to the King to receive the donations we had brought for them. Each girl was fitted to a nice printed dress, bringing joy to their eyes. The boys were all given a pair of shorts or pants, depending on their size, and we all posed for a group picture. After exchanging kind words and arts and crafts supplies, we made our way to the Treasure Land Hotel. And here we are and now is now and that is that. There's a pool. Cool.
Written by Emma^2
Favorite Memories:
1) As soon as we got to the home, a little girl came over to me and grabbed my hand. All the children were very welcoming and excited to have us as visitors, but Josephine latched on to my hand and did not let go for the rest of the visit. It was adorable, and made me feel like we were really making a difference to the children by just being there, let alone the donations we brought. --Emma F
2) I enjoyed two children I spoke with at King Jim's - a boy named Alaji, who proudly shared with me that he was a Muslim, and told me a bit about his faith, and a boy named Elvis, whose birthday was today. He is three. As the youngest, he had first choice of beanie babies, and he chose a dragon with bright red and gold wings. When we left, he was racing it around the floor after imaginary enemies. -- KHavs
Elvis and his new stuffed dragon.
All the girls in their pretty printed dresses.
Written by Emma^2
Favorite Memories:
1) As soon as we got to the home, a little girl came over to me and grabbed my hand. All the children were very welcoming and excited to have us as visitors, but Josephine latched on to my hand and did not let go for the rest of the visit. It was adorable, and made me feel like we were really making a difference to the children by just being there, let alone the donations we brought. --Emma F
2) I enjoyed two children I spoke with at King Jim's - a boy named Alaji, who proudly shared with me that he was a Muslim, and told me a bit about his faith, and a boy named Elvis, whose birthday was today. He is three. As the youngest, he had first choice of beanie babies, and he chose a dragon with bright red and gold wings. When we left, he was racing it around the floor after imaginary enemies. -- KHavs
We found good internet, Here's a few pictures
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Dey 5: Peas Lettuce Ketchup.
Hello all blog followers! Welcome to the blog site! The Millbrook students/faculty members are continuing their luscious adventures in Ghana day-by-day. Another early wake up this morning with a breakfast consisting of milo and cereal. (milo is Ghanaian hot chocolate-type thingy that we drink in the mornings.) After the breakfast meal, we traveled to the orphan home. Upon our arrival, we joined the sunday church service. The service took place outside under a beautiful tree. With the sun shinning brightly through the green leafs, we experienced a true Ghanaian church service. The service had lots of cheerful singing, dancing, and rhythmic drumming. The morning was eye-opening to all people. Emma F. can dance really well, and she proved that with her awesome moves during church! After the religious morning came to an end, we spent a little more time at the home. Then we yondered back to the hotel area. The name of our hotel is The Sealane Hotel. We briefly snacked on some fresh fruit products before the little kiddies from the Orphanage Home joined us in our hotel pool space. We laughed, splashed, and shared with everyone. We had to set some guidelines because swimming ability was lacking in some children. John emphasized that the children could not swim past the blue line. It was too deep on the other side and some of the little ones could injure themselves. After multiple cases of Lamb Toe, John had to enforce a "no-running" policy for the people that were there. Outside of the watery goodness, many children enjoyed drawing pictures and learning the art of creating friendship... in bracelet form. People loved their friendship bracelets and they had a blast picking out all sorts of different colors. Very near to the sitting area, is an empty stage. Everyone was goofing around, pretending to be a famous musician on the stage. There was singing and dancing from both cultures! Later, the children had to depart from the Sealane Hotel. Isaac, one of the oldest orphans, is leaving for his boarding school tomorrow, so we had to say our final adios's to him today. It was sad, but the time spent together was a time worth spending together. We will see the other kids when we return from our strenuous adventures through the outreach program, so we didn't have to say goodbye quite yet.
The american people had some nice down time to sleep and make chit-chat with one another about their time in Ghana so far, away from home.
Day 5 was spectacularly, amazingly, good. There were ups and downs like any other day ever, but we battled through. We fought like warriors atop their noble steeds, and we acted as a unite and grew as people in all categories of life. We thank the people around us, for always being around and doing the thing that is theirs. Sanks.
Favorite Memories:
1) Doris taught Kayla and Emma F an awesome hand clapping game about going to school. After practicing, we're pretty good at it. (Though we can barely keep up with the kids.)
2) Senior Benard (as opposed to Junior Benard) went around the pool showing everyone his magic tricks, and teaching us how they were done. He says he doesn't actually believe in magic, but he believes in tricks. What a sneaky guy ;)
3) Kayla spent some time talking to Richard and Sowah. Richard was generous with his compliments, but very shy too. He told Kayla that he wanted to tell her something but he was embarrassed so he had Sowah repeat it for him. Sowah proceeded to tell Kayla that Richard really loved her and that he wants Kayla to be his girlfriend. Kayla was flattered and thought that it was cute, but she had to decline because of many reasons.
4) Mary and Senior Benard had an intense conversation about the seasons of the year. The conversation topic came up, because the idea of our four seasons was foreign to the Ghanaians. They have a two-season country. They have a wet season, and they also have a dry season. But all seasons are fun seasons!
5) During the sing/dance time, a couple boys (Wisdom, Sowah, Richard & Isaac) were having a good time rapping.
6) Junior Benard was a splashing fiend. After his fiending was over, his eyes were badly stung from the water in the swimming pool. His emotions quickly improved and we knew he was back to his crazy self.
7) A man in town ran up to our bus and was talking to Gib and Kayla through the window. Gib ended up trading him a t-shirt out the window. The man on the street, whose name was Emanuel, gave Gib a really cool necklace in return. Memories were created in this interaction.
P.S. (Don't be confused by the title of the day post. 'Peas Lettuce Ketchup' really means 'Please Let Us Catch Up'. It is just another cool thing we learned in the country of Ghana.)
The Above Blurb Is Written By Gib Mitchell.
The american people had some nice down time to sleep and make chit-chat with one another about their time in Ghana so far, away from home.
Day 5 was spectacularly, amazingly, good. There were ups and downs like any other day ever, but we battled through. We fought like warriors atop their noble steeds, and we acted as a unite and grew as people in all categories of life. We thank the people around us, for always being around and doing the thing that is theirs. Sanks.
Favorite Memories:
1) Doris taught Kayla and Emma F an awesome hand clapping game about going to school. After practicing, we're pretty good at it. (Though we can barely keep up with the kids.)
2) Senior Benard (as opposed to Junior Benard) went around the pool showing everyone his magic tricks, and teaching us how they were done. He says he doesn't actually believe in magic, but he believes in tricks. What a sneaky guy ;)
3) Kayla spent some time talking to Richard and Sowah. Richard was generous with his compliments, but very shy too. He told Kayla that he wanted to tell her something but he was embarrassed so he had Sowah repeat it for him. Sowah proceeded to tell Kayla that Richard really loved her and that he wants Kayla to be his girlfriend. Kayla was flattered and thought that it was cute, but she had to decline because of many reasons.
4) Mary and Senior Benard had an intense conversation about the seasons of the year. The conversation topic came up, because the idea of our four seasons was foreign to the Ghanaians. They have a two-season country. They have a wet season, and they also have a dry season. But all seasons are fun seasons!
5) During the sing/dance time, a couple boys (Wisdom, Sowah, Richard & Isaac) were having a good time rapping.
6) Junior Benard was a splashing fiend. After his fiending was over, his eyes were badly stung from the water in the swimming pool. His emotions quickly improved and we knew he was back to his crazy self.
7) A man in town ran up to our bus and was talking to Gib and Kayla through the window. Gib ended up trading him a t-shirt out the window. The man on the street, whose name was Emanuel, gave Gib a really cool necklace in return. Memories were created in this interaction.
P.S. (Don't be confused by the title of the day post. 'Peas Lettuce Ketchup' really means 'Please Let Us Catch Up'. It is just another cool thing we learned in the country of Ghana.)
The Above Blurb Is Written By Gib Mitchell.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Day 4: Getting Down & Dirty
Today was a really good day. In the morning, we got our hands dirty and really felt like we made a difference at the JoshKrisDan Home. We split up into three groups. One group built a retaining wall with pavers and cement. Another group cleaned the entire house. They scrubbed the floors on their hands and knees and helped wash the laundry by hand. And the third group spruced up the boys bunk beds with a fresh coat of paint. We worked hard but made it fun by signing, dancing, and enjoying each others company.
After lunch we headed to the village of Old Ningo where we got a taste of what it is really like in Ghana. We walked through the residential area, bartered at shops on the road, talked with the people, and enjoyed some roasted peanuts and frozen chocolate milk.
Favorite Memories:
1. Julia bartered for a really nice beaded necklace and ended up getting 5 cedis off the price!
2. Mary made a friend with a village girl.
3. Jill got yelled at for taking pictures of a man in the village and she didn't even take his picture!
After lunch we headed to the village of Old Ningo where we got a taste of what it is really like in Ghana. We walked through the residential area, bartered at shops on the road, talked with the people, and enjoyed some roasted peanuts and frozen chocolate milk.
Favorite Memories:
1. Julia bartered for a really nice beaded necklace and ended up getting 5 cedis off the price!
2. Mary made a friend with a village girl.
3. Jill got yelled at for taking pictures of a man in the village and she didn't even take his picture!
Day 3: "Peanut Butter M & M's...it's a wonderful snack"
This morning, Emma G & Kristin went with John to Tema to pick up supplies at the hardware store, so that we can do some projects at JoshKrisDan - we're going to paint the bathrooms and bedrooms. The rest of the crew were ready to head over to JKD at 8:15...the bus came more than an hour later, which let us get all the jerseys organized. We set up a kind of "store" inside and outside at the home, so that we could fit all of the children in soccer jerseys and shorts. Inside, Joanne fit each of them with a nice hooded jacket or sweatshirt. All of the clothing was new or nearly new, and the kids looked so terrific - like a legit football team, (even though little Bernard's shorts were pulled up to his armpits). Comfort came out to get a jersey too - number 25, which she wore all morning in the kitchen.
After that, we spent quite a bit of time with individual kids - teaching guitar, photography, and friendship-bracelet-making, tickling and playing music and singing, and just hanging out. We were trying to get "Wagon Wheel" ready to perform it at a school this afternoon, and by the end, Libby and Monica were belting it out. Today there was some tension between a couple of the children, which is understandable, but very upsetting because the house is in-between regular house parents right now, and the children really need to be there for each other. We left the home around noon to grab some fruit and head to two schools in the afternoon.
The first school - Pram Pram Senior High School - was, by a pretty wide consensus, our favorite school. It was a school of about 200 kids, and they were dressed for football practice and SO PSYCHED that we were there. They sang the school anthem beautifully - it was less a religious song, and more of a school - and - Ghana pride song. We sang "Wagon Wheel" not too badly, once we got going, and people actually sang along. Then we broke out our standards: Mo mo Jesu mo and Da Na Se. The best part was that after we finished, the students of both schools interacted in a more substantial way, with them running over to us. (And one boy trying to run out of the room with Kayla). After that we visited Wisdom's school, a vocational school where sewing, fabric dying, hairdressing and cooking are taught. Wisdom is the only boy in the school right now! The students were in the middle of their practical exams, so we got to see original clothes, and a timed cooking exam. We got to taste many of the results: fish with the skin on, that Mary was brave enough to try, home-made noodles, fancy rolls, and a stew that was the spiciest dish we have yet had in Ghana. The teachers were pretty stern, but we think they passed with flying colors!
Finally, except for a few, we went back to the Home for chore time and a big game of tag. The chance to experience the rhythm of the house, including the ups and downs, the quietness and the high energy, is a gift. Tomorrow, we paint.
Favorite Memories:
1. All week, everyone in the group has been making friendship bracelets out of string we brought from home. Today Emma F. taught a boy at the home named Joseph to make a bracelet (one of the more complicated ones), expecting he would stay and try to learn for a little while, and then go do something else. He ended up staying, working on the bracelet for almost 30 minutes before we went to go play music. It was amazing to see how persistent and patient he was.
2. Mary got proposed to for the first time today by a young man named Charles, who then proceeded to propose to Emma G. Both were flattered, but decided they were too young to marry.
3. Emma G went to a hardware store in Tema and received a well-worn Manchester United necklace from a man that worked there. She tried to refuse his prized possession but he insisted and she attempted to repay him with a bracelet.
4. Monica, Libby, Mary, and Julia (with Emma F on the uke and KHavs on the guitar) sang Wagon Wheel-an American song we sang for them a few times-very loudly at the Johnkrisdan Home.
After that, we spent quite a bit of time with individual kids - teaching guitar, photography, and friendship-bracelet-making, tickling and playing music and singing, and just hanging out. We were trying to get "Wagon Wheel" ready to perform it at a school this afternoon, and by the end, Libby and Monica were belting it out. Today there was some tension between a couple of the children, which is understandable, but very upsetting because the house is in-between regular house parents right now, and the children really need to be there for each other. We left the home around noon to grab some fruit and head to two schools in the afternoon.
The first school - Pram Pram Senior High School - was, by a pretty wide consensus, our favorite school. It was a school of about 200 kids, and they were dressed for football practice and SO PSYCHED that we were there. They sang the school anthem beautifully - it was less a religious song, and more of a school - and - Ghana pride song. We sang "Wagon Wheel" not too badly, once we got going, and people actually sang along. Then we broke out our standards: Mo mo Jesu mo and Da Na Se. The best part was that after we finished, the students of both schools interacted in a more substantial way, with them running over to us. (And one boy trying to run out of the room with Kayla). After that we visited Wisdom's school, a vocational school where sewing, fabric dying, hairdressing and cooking are taught. Wisdom is the only boy in the school right now! The students were in the middle of their practical exams, so we got to see original clothes, and a timed cooking exam. We got to taste many of the results: fish with the skin on, that Mary was brave enough to try, home-made noodles, fancy rolls, and a stew that was the spiciest dish we have yet had in Ghana. The teachers were pretty stern, but we think they passed with flying colors!
Finally, except for a few, we went back to the Home for chore time and a big game of tag. The chance to experience the rhythm of the house, including the ups and downs, the quietness and the high energy, is a gift. Tomorrow, we paint.
Favorite Memories:
1. All week, everyone in the group has been making friendship bracelets out of string we brought from home. Today Emma F. taught a boy at the home named Joseph to make a bracelet (one of the more complicated ones), expecting he would stay and try to learn for a little while, and then go do something else. He ended up staying, working on the bracelet for almost 30 minutes before we went to go play music. It was amazing to see how persistent and patient he was.
2. Mary got proposed to for the first time today by a young man named Charles, who then proceeded to propose to Emma G. Both were flattered, but decided they were too young to marry.
3. Emma G went to a hardware store in Tema and received a well-worn Manchester United necklace from a man that worked there. She tried to refuse his prized possession but he insisted and she attempted to repay him with a bracelet.
4. Monica, Libby, Mary, and Julia (with Emma F on the uke and KHavs on the guitar) sang Wagon Wheel-an American song we sang for them a few times-very loudly at the Johnkrisdan Home.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Day 2: I Don Know Why Yo Mommy!
Day 2: Our first full day in Ghana was pack full of eye-opening experiences and everlasting memories. We started off our day with our first devotion at 6:30 am and our first Ghanaian breakfast of eggs. After our breakfast, we headed to the JoshKrisDan Home for two hours of bonding with the children. Following that, we made our way to the first school we would visit- Ningo Senior High School. Ningo Senior High School was made up of over 1200 students and all of them piled into the auditorium to welcomed us to their school. They showed us several traditional African dances, African drumming, as well as a piece of African Drama. We surprised the students by performing two Ghanaian songs as well as a classic American song. We also had the amazing experience of getting to sit in on a couple of classes. A couple of us learned more about Introduction to Business while the rest of us were given a grammar review in an English class. Having the chance to sit in on these classes gave us a new perspective of education and allowed us to have an awesome interaction with the students. Once we were all done with Ningo Senior High, we headed to the second high school of the day- Global School. Global High School was a private boarding/ day school that consisted of roughly 200 students. We had a spontaneous assembly where we introduced ourselves and gave them the gifts of Millbrook jerseys and a couple of soccer balls. Following the assembly, we spent a good twenty minutes interacting with the students and exchanging bracelets and just getting to know them. We then concluded a very full day with a wonderful performance given back at the JoshKrisDan home and a full dinner back at the hotel. We're visiting two middle schools tomorrow, and we're looking forward to meeting more children and getting a better feel of Ghana and the Ghanaian people.
Favorite Memories of the Day:
1) A few seconds after we got on the bus while leaving Ningo Senior High School, Kayla was pleasantly surprised when she was tapped on the shoulder by a cute Ghanaian boy who put on a necklace for her, one of his only possessions from home. Kayla tried returning the favor by giving him a friendship bracelet and taking a picture of him to keep the memory clear. He told her to never forget them.
2) As we were introducing ourselves to each of the schools, Mary was always greeted with the loudest applause and cheers. It was such a wonderful feeling knowing that the kids were so interested and excited to get to meet us.
3) Gib wrote an elaborate song about peanut M&M's on Emma F's ukelele (lyrics and/or video to come)
4) The Emmas were both proposed to (and politely declined) on the bus ride back to the hotel tonight by 20something year old Ghanaian drummers, Joe and Emmanuelle.
Favorite Memories of the Day:
1) A few seconds after we got on the bus while leaving Ningo Senior High School, Kayla was pleasantly surprised when she was tapped on the shoulder by a cute Ghanaian boy who put on a necklace for her, one of his only possessions from home. Kayla tried returning the favor by giving him a friendship bracelet and taking a picture of him to keep the memory clear. He told her to never forget them.
2) As we were introducing ourselves to each of the schools, Mary was always greeted with the loudest applause and cheers. It was such a wonderful feeling knowing that the kids were so interested and excited to get to meet us.
3) Gib wrote an elaborate song about peanut M&M's on Emma F's ukelele (lyrics and/or video to come)
4) The Emmas were both proposed to (and politely declined) on the bus ride back to the hotel tonight by 20something year old Ghanaian drummers, Joe and Emmanuelle.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Day 1: After two days of traveling, we've finally arrived in Africa! After our plane ride, we took a bus to the Sealane Hotel and then traveled to the Joshkrisdan Home. We visited with all of the children for a few hours, dancing, drumming, and learning about one another.
A few memories from the day:
1. Jill, by some miracle, got moved to first class for the length of the ten hour flight.
2. Gib almost got arrested in JFK/ threatened national security when he left his bag unattended.
3. Emma G. (aka 'squirt') made a new friend on the side of the Ghanaian highway, and traded a friendship bracelet to prove it.
4. Bonded with our bus driver, Michael, over Michael Jackson and Rihanna.
5. Got to meet with the kids at the home and had lessons in African dance and drumming.
We all thought it was amazing how open and welcoming all of the kids at the home were. As soon as we stepped off the bus we were getting hugs and hearty hello's from everyone around us. They were all stoked for us to be there, and so ready to teach us new things as well as learn from us. (We taught a few of them the Macarena). All in all, it was an amazing first day and we are all unbelievably excited for what tomorrow brings.
A few memories from the day:
1. Jill, by some miracle, got moved to first class for the length of the ten hour flight.
2. Gib almost got arrested in JFK/ threatened national security when he left his bag unattended.
3. Emma G. (aka 'squirt') made a new friend on the side of the Ghanaian highway, and traded a friendship bracelet to prove it.
4. Bonded with our bus driver, Michael, over Michael Jackson and Rihanna.
5. Got to meet with the kids at the home and had lessons in African dance and drumming.
We all thought it was amazing how open and welcoming all of the kids at the home were. As soon as we stepped off the bus we were getting hugs and hearty hello's from everyone around us. They were all stoked for us to be there, and so ready to teach us new things as well as learn from us. (We taught a few of them the Macarena). All in all, it was an amazing first day and we are all unbelievably excited for what tomorrow brings.
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