Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Here's a Little Film For Ya
So that's my trip. Except for the airport stuff. Which I did kind of tell you about. It's so good to be back though! We really are so blessed here in America. Things you would never even think about; running water, a garbage system, reliable internet, cleanliness. They're all here. And they're not hard to come by. But really, not everyone has that it's such a blessing. Also on family terms. I'm so grateful for my family and how they've raised me. It was heartbreaking to leave those kids and not know what will become of them and if they'll ever have a family. Life is so different everywhere you go. But that's a good thing. How else are we supposed to realize and be reminded of how lucky we are; of how much thanking we have to do. When I left I was hoping to make a difference in the lives of those little kids, to bring them something they would have otherwise not had. And I hope I did. I tried my best to. But more so, I think I'm the one who actually grew from it. I learned so much from those kids and all their little different personalities. It's funny how that works..
The Final Goodbye
SUNDAY:
We woke up in our little yucky hotel room and got ready for church. Yes, to my surprise and delight there was another LDS church about a 10 minute walk away. So Lobke and I went. Only for Sacrament meeting though, because we had a big day ahead of us.
The Cape Coast ward was a lot bigger than the Mampong ward. There were around 100 members as opposed to 50. The missionaries in the ward were from Samoa and what-do-ya-know, St. George, Utah. I didn't talk to him though cause he was running around with his head cut off like a chicken. The bishop there was only 32 and the second counselor who we spoke with, was only 27! So crazy! It was fast and testimony meeting this week so we were only fortunate to understand probably 3 and a half testimonies. I love just being there though. Regardless of if I can understand it. Again the singing was worth every second of being there and not understanding hardly anything.
After church we went to a few little shops near the beach and then headed on our journey to Accra. It took around 2 maybe 3 hours I believe. This time, we were lucky enough to be on the very front row so we had lots of extra leg room. That was nice. And the bus ticket was really cheep. Yay!
After arriving in Accra we went straight to the Pink Hostel, the same Hostel we started our trip with, (which after being there again we realized was pure luxury! I wasn't thinking that where we arrived there however..) Lobke was staying there one extra day, her flight being the day after mine. We got all settled in and headed to the Lambadi Beach!
It was so. crowded. We could not even move. So many people! That was kind of a bummer. But it was fun to just people watch. I saw the biggest man I've ever seen in my life. His muscles were unreal! If you just brushed against his shoulders in passing your whole body would be broken on impact. It was.. yucky.
After the beach, we headed back to the hostel and I got all ready to go. I took a shower and everything. (which I hadn't done in like 5 days...) And it was SO NICE!!! Not only was there running water, but warm running water. Best thing ever. But then I had to say goodbye...
After saying goodbye to Lobke and Charles the receptionist I headed to the temple. I was so so happy to be able to go! Even though it was dark. I looked online to figure out where it was and it was really close by (coincidence? I think not..) When we arrived the gates were locked and there was no sign of the ability to get in. I was a little discouraged but still just thrilled to be there even if I did just have to look at it from behind locked gates. But then the car gate slowly swung open and two men welcomed me in. We chatted a little. I told them where I was from and what I was doing in Ghana, and they let me walk around. As I was walking I turned to thank them but after looking at the temple was only able to speak through choked back tears. It is so beautiful. Especially juxtaposed by the dirtiness, and craziness of life behind those temple gates. I was so happy to be there.
The taxi driver was nice enough to wait for me. But not nice enough to leave me any money as I arrived at the airport. He cleaned me out. 21 cedi that taxi ride cost me. Then as I was exiting my taxi some guy rushed with a caddy, put my luggage on it, and helped me get to where I was supposed to go. Of course he's expecting money. Of course I don't even want his service anyway. But I made the mistake of telling him I only had ten US dollars. I was forced to give him that 10 US dollar. Cheated! So cheated! That's 20 Ghana Cedi, for walking me from my taxi to the entrance of the airport. I'm still mad.
I was hungry and tired but my flight came and I got through everything fine. With even some more welcoming compliments on my "rasta" "what color is your hair? Mmmmm that's very nice."
With a sad goodbye to the home country of a month's time, came the journey to get back to the home of a lifetime. But a very long journey it was..
We woke up in our little yucky hotel room and got ready for church. Yes, to my surprise and delight there was another LDS church about a 10 minute walk away. So Lobke and I went. Only for Sacrament meeting though, because we had a big day ahead of us.
The Cape Coast ward was a lot bigger than the Mampong ward. There were around 100 members as opposed to 50. The missionaries in the ward were from Samoa and what-do-ya-know, St. George, Utah. I didn't talk to him though cause he was running around with his head cut off like a chicken. The bishop there was only 32 and the second counselor who we spoke with, was only 27! So crazy! It was fast and testimony meeting this week so we were only fortunate to understand probably 3 and a half testimonies. I love just being there though. Regardless of if I can understand it. Again the singing was worth every second of being there and not understanding hardly anything. After church we went to a few little shops near the beach and then headed on our journey to Accra. It took around 2 maybe 3 hours I believe. This time, we were lucky enough to be on the very front row so we had lots of extra leg room. That was nice. And the bus ticket was really cheep. Yay!
It was so. crowded. We could not even move. So many people! That was kind of a bummer. But it was fun to just people watch. I saw the biggest man I've ever seen in my life. His muscles were unreal! If you just brushed against his shoulders in passing your whole body would be broken on impact. It was.. yucky.
After the beach, we headed back to the hostel and I got all ready to go. I took a shower and everything. (which I hadn't done in like 5 days...) And it was SO NICE!!! Not only was there running water, but warm running water. Best thing ever. But then I had to say goodbye...
The taxi driver was nice enough to wait for me. But not nice enough to leave me any money as I arrived at the airport. He cleaned me out. 21 cedi that taxi ride cost me. Then as I was exiting my taxi some guy rushed with a caddy, put my luggage on it, and helped me get to where I was supposed to go. Of course he's expecting money. Of course I don't even want his service anyway. But I made the mistake of telling him I only had ten US dollars. I was forced to give him that 10 US dollar. Cheated! So cheated! That's 20 Ghana Cedi, for walking me from my taxi to the entrance of the airport. I'm still mad.
I was hungry and tired but my flight came and I got through everything fine. With even some more welcoming compliments on my "rasta" "what color is your hair? Mmmmm that's very nice."
With a sad goodbye to the home country of a month's time, came the journey to get back to the home of a lifetime. But a very long journey it was..
Friday, August 10, 2012
The Last Few Days
On Friday morning we headed south, saying goodbye to the family and goodbye to Mampong Ashanti. From Kumasi we went directly to Cape Coast. We arrived mid afternoon, so we did some exploring. We went to a few shops, figured out where the beach was and made plans for the next day. Kakum National Park.
Kakum National Park was unreal! The main attraction there is a canopy walk. Where there is a wobbly rope bridge that lies 130 feet from the forest floors and suspends across 7 trees. It is terrifying. But so exciting. Some were shaking it as others were crossing, just to get a few laughs, some were yelling to themselves, "I'm not afraid!" repeatedly, the majority of us just clenched the sides grabbed on for dear life and yelped every so often.
We also bought some cocoa, coconut, and banana's. I've never eaten cocoa before, but its one of that area's main crops. We weren't really sure how to eat it but what you do is eat the white fruit around the seed and spit the seed out. Yeah I know sounds like a no brainer. The seed is what is used to make chocolate, and it is so bitter! Purple too. I have no idea how someone discovered how to make it into chocolate. But boy am I grateful for them.
When we got back from the National Park we went to the beach and again to the shops. The weather wasn't warm enough to swim though. I'd say weather wise Cape Coast is like San Francisco. While we were out and about we noticed a pizzeria. Can you believe it! So of course we headed there for dinner, and the food was SO GOOD! But that was the spiciest pizza I have ever had in my life. I don't know what they did to it, but our mouths were on fire! Still good though. 
And there we have it, a packed day filled with tourist fun.
July 31st Happenings
Some of you may have noticed a slight difference in my appearance towards the end of my trip. Well let me give you the rundown...
Tuesday, July 31st.
Three days before I leave Mampong for Cape Coast. "Mavis I think I'm going to braid my hair today" "okay just come to my shop and I'll take you there" So off we went. During our break Lobke and I headed to the shop. I was doing a lot of convincing so Lobke would get hers done as well and I guess I'm persuasive because she did! So we go to the shop and Mavis helped to tell them what we want, get a good deal, and get us all started. It ended up being more money than I thought and took a lot more time than anticipated. (around three hours, we were late to our afternoon shift, was I happy? No)
So here's how they do it.
Step 1. Get the hair packaged, mix the black color with the carmel color
Step 2. Put my hair up in a rubber band (ouch!)
Step 3. Cave sections into it
Step 4. Add the hair and braid
Do that until you run out of hair on the actual head, then finish the braids and seal with some product and scalding hot water. Cut until preferred length.
It didn't feel very good. And after, my head was so heavy! I just had no idea what to do with it! I'll admit I was regretting it at first. Mavis loves it! My mom actually really likes it too oddly enough. And Lobke and I got quite a few compliments on our "rasta's" as well. "Excuse me madam? Madam? Your rasta is very nice! Be good to it." An african lady told me at the airport.
Tuesday, July 31st.
Three days before I leave Mampong for Cape Coast. "Mavis I think I'm going to braid my hair today" "okay just come to my shop and I'll take you there" So off we went. During our break Lobke and I headed to the shop. I was doing a lot of convincing so Lobke would get hers done as well and I guess I'm persuasive because she did! So we go to the shop and Mavis helped to tell them what we want, get a good deal, and get us all started. It ended up being more money than I thought and took a lot more time than anticipated. (around three hours, we were late to our afternoon shift, was I happy? No)
So here's how they do it.
Step 1. Get the hair packaged, mix the black color with the carmel color
Step 2. Put my hair up in a rubber band (ouch!)
Step 3. Cave sections into it
Step 4. Add the hair and braid
Do that until you run out of hair on the actual head, then finish the braids and seal with some product and scalding hot water. Cut until preferred length.
It didn't feel very good. And after, my head was so heavy! I just had no idea what to do with it! I'll admit I was regretting it at first. Mavis loves it! My mom actually really likes it too oddly enough. And Lobke and I got quite a few compliments on our "rasta's" as well. "Excuse me madam? Madam? Your rasta is very nice! Be good to it." An african lady told me at the airport.
To Everyone: I'd like you to know, that I'm home and safe
I know it's been a little while and you better believe I have some catching up to do. But I'm HOME! And I arrived safely, after a trip which took around 24 hours. Yikes. Yes, it was very tiring.
10:45 Sunday Night.
I left from the Accra airport to board a 6 hour 40 min flight to London. I got to the Accra airport early and broke. I was clean out of money by the time I left. Thanks "helpful" bag man at the airport doors. (I had to give a guy $10 which is 20 Ghana Cedi which is a RIP for putting my bag on a stroller and walking me thirty feet to the airport doors. So mad about that.) The flight went well. Mostly I slept.
11:45 Monday Morning.
After a about 5 hour layover in London in which I caught up on my journaling, and made my way through the huge airport I started my journey to Dallas Texas, American soil. The flight was so incredibly long! 9 hours and 50 minutes. I learned the Avengers is fantastic and Zac Efron, not so bad really, at least in Lucky Me (which I didn't finish actually). I also did some reading, more journaling, and sleeping. We arrived around 3:35.
8:30 Monday Evening.
My flight was delayed. We were supposed to leave at 7:10, scheduled to be home at 8:45. We weren't so lucky. This seemed like the longest layover, which maybe it was..? But by then I just wanted to be done flying! I was so happy my journey was almost through. But then we had to keep waiting. Keep changing gates. I made some friends with a few missionaries. One was coming home from France. We were talking and he was acting, well like a missionary. We're essentially yelling to each other to hold a conversation, he comes and sits a seat away from me. "I'm not sure I'm supposed to be sitting by girls all by myself yet, this is weird.." "Well aren't you released (he was released a week ago because his parents came to pick him up, although stayed in France after he adjourned home)" He also said the sky looked "celestial" as we were on a trolley to a changed gate. Missionaries.. *to be said with a head shake*
At around 10:30 Monday night, I saw my family! (minus Alyson and Newel) It was so good to see them all! And driving home, so quiet, well aside from our chatter. No one was honking, or yelling out their car windows, no one was playing drums or singing. So strange. And I got a Frosty and chicken sandwich which let me tell you, was "celestial". America is really something special.
10:45 Sunday Night.
I left from the Accra airport to board a 6 hour 40 min flight to London. I got to the Accra airport early and broke. I was clean out of money by the time I left. Thanks "helpful" bag man at the airport doors. (I had to give a guy $10 which is 20 Ghana Cedi which is a RIP for putting my bag on a stroller and walking me thirty feet to the airport doors. So mad about that.) The flight went well. Mostly I slept.
11:45 Monday Morning.
After a about 5 hour layover in London in which I caught up on my journaling, and made my way through the huge airport I started my journey to Dallas Texas, American soil. The flight was so incredibly long! 9 hours and 50 minutes. I learned the Avengers is fantastic and Zac Efron, not so bad really, at least in Lucky Me (which I didn't finish actually). I also did some reading, more journaling, and sleeping. We arrived around 3:35.
8:30 Monday Evening.
My flight was delayed. We were supposed to leave at 7:10, scheduled to be home at 8:45. We weren't so lucky. This seemed like the longest layover, which maybe it was..? But by then I just wanted to be done flying! I was so happy my journey was almost through. But then we had to keep waiting. Keep changing gates. I made some friends with a few missionaries. One was coming home from France. We were talking and he was acting, well like a missionary. We're essentially yelling to each other to hold a conversation, he comes and sits a seat away from me. "I'm not sure I'm supposed to be sitting by girls all by myself yet, this is weird.." "Well aren't you released (he was released a week ago because his parents came to pick him up, although stayed in France after he adjourned home)" He also said the sky looked "celestial" as we were on a trolley to a changed gate. Missionaries.. *to be said with a head shake*
At around 10:30 Monday night, I saw my family! (minus Alyson and Newel) It was so good to see them all! And driving home, so quiet, well aside from our chatter. No one was honking, or yelling out their car windows, no one was playing drums or singing. So strange. And I got a Frosty and chicken sandwich which let me tell you, was "celestial". America is really something special.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Last Day at the Babies Home
Today was my last day at the Babies Home and in Mampong with my host family. Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving.
This morning seemed like any other day. I was even getting a little frustrated because the hand sanitizer that I had been rationing because it was almost gone and there's no way to wash your hands at the Home was stolen by one of the kids and there was an unusual amount of loud crying in large quantities. I was praying for patience so I could pull myself together and have a happy last day. And it came. After the break everything was fine. Today I fed the older kids and helped them get dressed and ready after their bath (I was happy I got to do those two things once more, we don't help out with those things everyday).
I don't think I've mentioned this but one of the girls who is living and volunteering with me raised some money for the home and we've been working to make a playground for the kids. It's been a bit rough but...
We were able to complete the playground. They brought it and installed it today. Not in time for us to see the kids play on it, but in time for us to see it all together. It looks so good!
Saying goodbye was hard. I didn't think it would be but the end was creeping in behind us and we mentioned to Agatta (one of my favorite mothers at the home) that we would be leaving. She didn't know. So it was good we said something. But she started crying! And that's when it became real. That's when I realized I probably won't see these kids again. I won't know what their futures hold or if they can beet the odds and become successful. If the can live up to the potential I saw in many of them. We'll just never know. All we can do is hope and pray. But I wish I could see it and help them get there.
This morning seemed like any other day. I was even getting a little frustrated because the hand sanitizer that I had been rationing because it was almost gone and there's no way to wash your hands at the Home was stolen by one of the kids and there was an unusual amount of loud crying in large quantities. I was praying for patience so I could pull myself together and have a happy last day. And it came. After the break everything was fine. Today I fed the older kids and helped them get dressed and ready after their bath (I was happy I got to do those two things once more, we don't help out with those things everyday).
I don't think I've mentioned this but one of the girls who is living and volunteering with me raised some money for the home and we've been working to make a playground for the kids. It's been a bit rough but...
We were able to complete the playground. They brought it and installed it today. Not in time for us to see the kids play on it, but in time for us to see it all together. It looks so good!
Saying goodbye was hard. I didn't think it would be but the end was creeping in behind us and we mentioned to Agatta (one of my favorite mothers at the home) that we would be leaving. She didn't know. So it was good we said something. But she started crying! And that's when it became real. That's when I realized I probably won't see these kids again. I won't know what their futures hold or if they can beet the odds and become successful. If the can live up to the potential I saw in many of them. We'll just never know. All we can do is hope and pray. But I wish I could see it and help them get there.
As for goodbye's, one down, two to go...
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
My How Time Flys
Tomorrow is my last day in Mampong. I'll most likely be leaving Thursday in the afternoon. There's a small chance I'll be here until Friday but it's not so likely. I cannot believe it. This month has flown by. I'm a little torn by it too. I wish I could be here longer. It doesn't seem like I've been in Mampong at the Babies home and with Richard and Mavis very long. Which by the way they're wonderful. (I should make a post about them...) BUT I can't wait to be home eating normal things again. Four more days and then here I come, back to America...
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