A VERY Needed Weekend!

Hello and Happy Sunday from Ghana!

Today is a great day here in Sogakope.  It remains really, really, really hot!  Our hosts have already had to purchase more cases of water for our consumption.  In Africa, water is something you don't want to skimp on.

Our weekend has been really fantastic.  Going to bed early both Friday and Saturday night was essential to acclimate to Ghana enough to begin our five day work week.  This coming week will be the hardest for our students.  As a result all afternoon today we have spent planning in teams.  Sounds of laughter, conversations, singing, and dancing can be heard throughout the hotel.  Everyone is excitedly preparing for their day tomorrow.

The Entire Team on the way to market

Katie drives a hard bargain for Regan

Saturday was a relaxing day and a day for adventure.  We explored the market, choosing bright and beautiful fabric to be made into Ghanaian dresses and shirts for the students.  The students were amazed with all the sights as we walked through the marketplace, from booth to booth.  We could have purchased anything we wanted, except for maybe ice cream.  We saw food, animals, cloth, gadgets, shoes, underwear, and jewelry.  An hour at the market was enough for us!  After we returned to the hotel, we piled on the bus to head to the beach.  The drive was a great way to see more of Ghana.  We drove past lots of people who waved crazily at us.  One thing that everyone noticed is that many of the shops, schools, and churches are named with religious references, like, God's Hand Hair Studio, Not By Might Cold Store, and Holy Father Shoe Store, to name a few. We went to a Beach Resort in Keta, about an hours drive away.  We had a relaxing time walking the beach, collecting shells, watching the boats, and hanging under the thatched roof pavilion. We watched the sun set as we rode home singing and laughing. 

Today we rose early to go to church.  In the beautiful catholic church, we were a part of a beautiful family.  The energy in the sanctuary was palpable, as everyone sang and danced.  We, of course, are interesting to look at for the children, so many mothers had to tell their children to turn around and listen.  It was difficult for the children because we were always waving and smiling at them.  The service, lasting from 9:00 to 11:30 was not for the faint of heart.  They were celebrating baptism today and we were sprinkled with cold water about half way through the service.  The symbolism was meaningful, but the water was a true God-send.


This afternoon, after a lunch of Ghanaian hot-pocket-like sandwiches, bananas, and oranges, the students spent hours planning and working on their lessons for the next few days.  They seem ready practically and emotionally to begin this week.

To close a perfect weekend, we are walking to the Amekor family's home and having a Ghanaian dinner of traditional Ghanaian foods. 

Wish us luck for next week!