Riggs 1:2-4

Which do you want first? Good news or bad news?
Personally, I like to have bad news first because then at least I end on a happy note, so I'll assume you all agree and begin.

Riggs 1:2-4
2. And it came to pass that Suzy was exceedingly fine in the taking of pictures and did offer much diligence in doing so. Thus, Suzy had come to have over 1,000 pictures and videos upon her camera.
3. But behold, we must have opposition in all things, and that same day of Suzy's boastings of exceedingly many pictures, her camera did fail her and all the pictures were taken from this earth and sent to outer darkness, never to be found again.
4. Suzy did endure much sadness as a result, but did find peace in knowing that she still has 24 days to take pictures, and in the knowledge of other girls having taken some similar pictures as she had. Thus, lift up your heart and sorrow not, because all is well in Ghana.

Haha. Okay, I know. That was bad. Perhaps one may say even sacreligious, but hopefully not. I basically just get bored hearing myself type and try to make it more entertaining. But really. Yesterday, I looked at my 1054 pictures and videos and was all, "woah, so cool I have so many!" And then my card was reformatted and every picture (every) was lost...forever. Sad huh? Oh well. Honestly, I am more sad for my family and friends than anything else. Because I know how cool everything is here and I know what an incredible experience I am having, but now I don't have those pictures to help me explain and show that to my friends and family.

But I realized that the most important thing to me and being able to convey the amount of joy and light that literally comes from the children here and what that does for me. So if my blogging convinces anyone of that, then it helps. And hey, look on the bright side, I have those four pictures I posted on here!
But honestly, it made me realize that now, I have to work even harder, so that I am able to come home and share some of the light and joy I have gained from being here, and express my experience here via myself and my actions and words rather than by pictures.
(Although, dont get me wrong, I am gonna take as many pictures in the next 24 days as humanly possible! :)


Kay. Finish.

In other news... My hair is braided!! Okay, technically its not braided, its "twisted" but its still wicked cool and I look super African! haha. Okay, some people might think I look crazy, but in Africa, IM COOL! haha. I will try and post a picture next week...obviously this week its not an option as per result of the aformentioned story.
And Im officially brunette and not blonde! Because when you get your hair done here, they weave in a bunch of fake hair, and I searched high and low and they have zero blonde hair, let alone Platinum blonde. So I decided Ill try and get wicked different, throw in some variation and have brown and purple in my hair!! So I bought brown and purple, brought it to the place to get my hair done, and the lady said I couldn't combine those two because they were different brands. So I had to change to medium brown mixed with dark brown/red. Its crazy cool. But next time Im def doing the purple mixed in next time, so be ready for it when I get off the plane!! haha.

Its crazy how much the people love it! I get sooo many compliments. I really am not tryin to toot my own horn or anything, but I they really like it when you adapt to their culture and so the fact that my hair is similar to theirs is so impressive to them. When we went to Accra so many women on the side of the road were speaking it Twi to me and it took me a while to finally figure it out, but most of the time they were complimenting my hair. Also, the deaf students love it. It is so sweet, they sign beautiful so funny. I wish I could show it but obviously I cant write the sign. But its cute and if you remind me, I'll show it when I'm home.

Also, in weekly news: I am officially the JSS 2 English teacher. A few weeks ago, the teacher peaced out and went to a University I guess? The kids always just say. "Left. University stay. Come back, Don't know." (note on that: its not broken english, im just trying to express signs via english and it makes it a little challenging) Its actually kinda funny though because the girls (other volunteers) and I often sign and talk at the same time when we're chillen at home and we end up sign talking. Its funny. For example: "Me finish talk Curry." Translation: "I already talked to Curry." Anywhoo. The point is, Im there English teacher. Normally, I just hopped in where they needed me, but now she is legit gone for a long time, so Im the replacement. Its kind of nice because at least I know I will teach so I have time to prepare lessons rather than just being thrown in and having to make up lesson plans on the spot like normal.

Also, I need to brag for a minute. So, the other day we were doing wash, and two of the JSS girls came over because they really like helping us (who knows why. lol) They came over once in the beginning because they said they wanted to show us how to properly wash because usually obruni's dont know how to was right (using a bucket and soap). But the one girl, Gladys, looked at me while I was washing and signed, "you smart!" I was so flattered! Let me explain a little. Whenever youre really good at something, they sign "smart!" or "clever!" So she was telling me I was really good! Isnt that great!!! Yay me. I can wash my clothes just like an African! haha. I still get sore knuckles from scrubbing but at least my clothes smell better, and now I know that if I were to ever not have a washer, I could totally whip out a bucket and be okay. Pretty thrify, huh? (Im trying to catch up to Amy...still have a ways to go though.)

Okay. And for our story of the week: My trip to Accra!

Saturday morning we left on our tro-tro and headed to Accra. Accra is the capital of Ghana and has tons of people, cool stores, cool fabric, cool art, and amazing people!
A few of the highlights included:

• Fresh Mango that gets cut in front of you for easy access :) (Delicious!)
• An American-ish restaurant that had pizza! (although, I got a chicken pita) and it was wonderful!
• Legit ice cream. Let me re-emphasize. ICE CREAM! DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF REALLLLL ICE CREAM! Ah-mazing!
• While enjoying my ice cream a guy came and sat next to me, and was chatting with me. Sometimes I get a little rebellious...slash bored...so I make up stories or just bend the truth a little. He asked me where Im from and I said Mampong. He was all, "no, you misunderstood my question. You make it sound like youre FROM Mampong. Live you live there. " I said, well, I used to live in America, but I'd say I'm from Mampong now because I have lived there for 7 years now. Then he asked me if I spoke Twi, and I said I know some and whipped out all my best words and phrases. After showing my SAWEET skills, he said, "OH!! You ARE from Mampong! I can tell my your accent! You really have lived for 7 years!" AMAZING RIGHT!!? I know, I was so proud of myself for convincing him I was a legit African :) Go me.
• The art district. Lots of little shops all sitting together with different clothes, beads, bags, art, etc. I got separated from the group for a long time and it was actually a blast! Because I really got to interact with the people, use my Twi skills, my bargaining skills, and make a tons of cool African friends. aka-my brothas and sistas :)
• Funny bartering experiences. Trading chicken salads for t-shirts. The man kept asking if he could really eat it raw. I was like "yes, I promise." Then after threatening to seriously injure me if I was lying, he opened to the package to reveal the chicken salad and crackers and see that I was honest, to which he replied: "Ah! You are a Christian!!!!" And gave me many hugs. haha. Good times. Wish I could explain better. I will have to tell the story at home because its better with the voice. lol.
• I learned to tie a head wrap African style.
• I learned to tie a baby to my back African style.
• I learned the African (twi) lullaby that the women sing to the baby when he's crying.
• I met a white boy.
• The white boy asked me for my number. haha.
• I taught some Africans sign language.
• I got a wonderful, and very special, drum lesson from my brotha named Slow.

Overall, it was so fun, but Im realizing now its hard to explain without talking because it makes telling the story much more fun, but I'll take what I can get.

The school is still incredible. The students are amazing. I had such a fun day today teaching and hanging out with them. They teach me so much too!! I have never felt so incredible grateful for a trip. It is truly changing my life to be here. I hope my small efforts make small differences for these kids. I love it i love it I LOVE IT!! I really don't know how else to explain it. I wish I could take everyone here and show you all how amazing it is here!!

The light that has been shared with me from this experience will burn in my heart forever.

Half Way Mark

Hello World!!

Im so pumped the internet is working now. Some funny things have happened in the past two hours, hopefully I will have time to write about, because it really is these crazy little things that happen to me, that make my life extra fun and enjoyable!

But first, I gotta talk about my Cape Coast trip!!
Last weekend we skipped school on Friday and left early in the morning for Cape Coast. The Kibi group met us in Mampong on Thursday night and then we left in the tro-tro at 9am (we planned 8, but of course our tro tro driver DonQkwa, was way late as usual) and we took a nice 5 hour drive all squished together in the tro tro for 5 hours and arrived at Cape Coast at 2pm.

The hotel we stayed at was AMAZING! haha. Okay, so if you compare it to American standards, people might think it was pretty dumpy, but I thought it was fantastic!! There were PILLOWS! and WATER!! That's right folks, I said water. Water that runs...out of a faucet...on to my hands...or head, depending on the situation, and a POOL (that was kinda like a pond) but still incredible!! AND! The best part, our hotel has a huge lake/pond something or other in the middle of it. And guess what was in the lake. CROCODILES! 30-40 African Crocodiles! Im not talking zoo-like situations here people. Im talking, they had paddle boats that people could go on, walk right down to the water, crocodiles crawl right out of the water, type deal!! There were a few literally just laying on the sides of the lake. People would go touch them! It was insane! And I looked at those paddle boats and thought maybe that would be a cool story, but there is no way I am risking a limb, or my life, for a cool story and some pictures! Anywayyys, it was way cool to see all the crocs!
I need to add that to my list of animals from last time. After I wrote it I realized I missed a few vital additions to the list:
-Crocodiles
-Ants (with ant hills that range from about 4 feet to about 18 feet in height) No joke.
-Donkeys
-Another Snake

And I have a story about the other snake too. (but I gotta go into that in minute too.)

So anyways, after the hotel stay with the crocs, the next day we went to this canapy walk something-or-other national park thing. And it was AH-MAZING!!
We hiked up a long ways, then climbed a latter and started walking on this little one-wooden-plank-wide rope bridges that are wayyyy wayyyy up in the tops of the rain forest trees!! COOL RIGHT?!?! I thought so! It was THE most incredible view, and plus a wayy fun experience! I will try to post pictures, but considering how long they take to load, I'll have to wait.

Then we went to 2 different slave castles. It was a very interesting a sobering experience, to see, feel and smell the type of situation and living conditions the ancestors of these Africans went through. They tell the stories with much reverence and I really am humbled by even the idea of the circumstances those people endured.

And then, to end our Saturday in Cape Coast, we went to a restaurant (where I got to eat French Fries!) and the restaurant was right on the beach! So, of course, while we were waiting for our food, we play play playyyed on the beach. It was awesome. The water was warm, the sand was full of shells, and all faces were lit with shiny smiles!!!
Then after dinner finished, I sat and looked at the most incredible sky full of stars and thought to myself, "Beachside star-gazing on the coast of Africa...my life is awesome!" haha.

Really, I think every single day about how blessed I am to have this opportunity! Anytime you can mix adorable children and sign language with a wicked cool country and cultural experience...please...does it get much better? Not for me!

So that was cape coast...
Now, as intermission...I will share an anecdote about my sweet life.

So, its evening, about 7pm, and a few of the girls and I decide we want to go back to the school to hang out and play with the kids. As I am walking out the door way, Nycole steps in front of me, screams and runs away. I couldn't figure out why but all I could hear her mutter amidst her panting and screaming was something about a lizard. I was thinking, "why are you screaming about a lizard? They are everywhere, and not exactly scary). So I stepped backward toward the doorway instead of further outside, because usually when there is some kind of animal scare, the animal is outside. But, as I stepped back to stand in the doorway the screaming became more urgent!! I couldn't figure out for the life of me why everyone was still freaking out, until a looked to the left of me and saw a huge black snake on the wall with its head twisted around the door frame and into the house!! As you may guess, at that point in time, I joined the crowd by screaming bloody murder and running away as fast as my legs would carry me.
Turns out, the lizard the snake was after dropped on Nycole's foot and that caused the initial tumultous screams. Anywhoo, our neighbor man came over with a big stick because he wanted to kill it, but it got away. Hopefully, I will not see Mr. Big Scary Black Serpent again...ever!

As for the curious events of the past 2 hours... we left home and hopped a taxi to Aburi for our internet extravaganza. However, this was my first time sitting in the front of the car, because usually I prefer being squished in the back with the other girls. And now I know why I always prefer that. As per usual, we were being nice and making conversation with the taxi driver, and as usual, after about 1 minute and 37 seconds, the taxi driver proceeds to tell me how much he loves me and asks me to marry him. I think today may have been my 37th marriage proposal since I arrived one month ago. The only problem is that this particular taxi driver wouldn't stop touching my hand and asking me to take my ring off so I could marry him. I told him I was engaged and my fiance is the only person who I love and I will not break up with him to marry some random taxi driver...but as usual, the persistance continues. (okay okay, I know I am no where near being engaged, but I keep my CTR ring on my left hand, and whip out lies as they come to me in order to avoid situations just as this one.) haha. Anyways, I tried to get him to give us a discount on our taxi fare in exchange for my email, (because usaually that works) but he wasn't havin it. Ah well, some hand sanitizer after the taxi ride heals all wounds and life goes on. haha. Don't worry mom, I never travel alone and I had 4 girls in the backseat who had my back.

Then, the internet cafe we usually go to was not working, so we went to the wood district, ventured back, internet still down, were directed to a different internet cafe, came for about 25 mintues, then the power in the whole town went out and we were stranded again. Luckily, people were friendly, and we were socializing while we waited for it to come back on. A lady from town came in a chatted for a minute with us, but she was only speaking in Twi. We used our meager skills and apparently were pretty impressive, because she came back a few mintues later with some fruit! We thought she wanted us to buy it, but the man said, "No, she is dashing you. It is free." How sweet is that! Free fruit! haha. LOVE IT!

So cultural note to add: "The Dash"
Many times if you buy a lot of something or a lot from the same vendor, they give you a "dash" by giving you an extra for free. For example, we bought like 15 bags of plantain chips one night, and the lady gave us extra because we bought lots. Or if you buy many of a fruit, they give one extra just to be nice. And when I shop in the wood district, sometimes if I buy a lot, they give me something else as a gift: aka, a "dash."
Pretty cool huh!? I think so. Ghanaian people are awesome.

As for the rest of my life. I still go to school everyday and it just keeps getting better! The students are absolutely incredible. They work so hard and want to learn, and are so excited to have us there! It makes me feel good because they always ask me to come teach their class. A lot of times, I try to find their real teacher for them, because I want the trained teachers to do their job, but a lot of times the teachers are "traveling" as they say, and just don't come to school. Seems like I am always getting thrown into a class to teach math or English. It is a little hard sometimes to think of a cool lesson plan on the spot, but somehow it always happens. Once again, I think it is because my Father in Heaven is helping me out or because I have awesome people who are keeping me in their prayers. Hopefully, I am not just making myself think this, but I really think my students math and English skills are improving dramatically!
I started this thing with them where I promised if they wrote a letter to me or any other volunteer, they will get a letter back the next day. I really want them to just practice writing and gain confidence in their skills. They used to be so scared of writing, because they didn't think they could do it well. (Plus, the teachers kept coming in and telling me how awful their English is, so I wouldn't be surprised if they have been getting some negative feedback in the past) But, they have been becoming much more confident in their writing, so hopefully by the time I leave they realize how intellengent and talented they really are!!

Sylvia and I are still best buddies. Haha. Everyone jokes with me that I am her favorite because she only asks for me :) but I'll take it! I like being wanted/needed! haha. I worked with her on English one evening and it was kind of incredible to say the least. Her English book is all in braille so I couldn't read it obviously; so she would read it, then sign to me what it said. And I would try to explain the meanings and help her answer questions. She even writes in Braille too. I feel kind of stupid for not knowing or realizing that, but she has this little grate type thing will raised up plastic squares and she puts it over her paper and then uses this pokey pen-ish thing to poke through the paper and write in braille. She is so smart!! Seriously! She is incredible, and every time I hang out with her I am totally impressed!

Well, thats all for now. Love you all!! Thanks for reading my random thoughts. Hopefully it makes some kind of sense. If anything needs clarification, please let me know.

Don't forget to smile, enjoy your day, and remember how blessed you are!

(Today is exactly one month 'til I fly back...bittersweet.)

Random tangents and Animals

Okay, so I am at the internet cafe for the second day in a row! WOah! Computer? Two days in a row? Unthinkable? But I came yesterday and wasn't able to finsih doing everything that I wanted to because it took For-ev-er to upload those few pictures, so I came back today with the second half of the group who hadn't gone yesterday. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the pictures! I have a zillion more but like I said, it takes way to long to post more than a few.

As for Africa...um...well...I STILL LOVE IT OF COURSE!!!

It's getting hard for me to think of what everyone knows and doesn't know about me being here and I feel like I've talked about so much stuff, but at the same time, there are probably a million things that I just go through everday without realizing that its a million times different than home because I am honestly just used to it by now.

Luckily Tay asked me a bunch of questions and it gave me some ideas for things I can add info about:
Animals-- I haven't seen anything crazy. No lions or tigers or bears...OH MY! But everyday I see at least
-100 lizards, of various shapes, sizes and colors;
-frogs;
-1 snake;
-funky bugs;
-centipedes
-millipedes (they literally have like at least a thousand legs! They are about 6-8 inches in length!)
-goats, everywhere;
-dogs, to be honest they kinda scare me here because I don't think people are nice to them and so they don't seem very friendly, nor do I have a desire to find out if they are lacking in disease or not;
-1 cat;
-chickens, everrrywhere;
-roosters, I hear them cock-a-doodle doo all morning plus I hear them while Im teaching in school too. (I always pictured it happened only once or twice in the morning like the cartoons...wrong!)
-Snails, HUGE snails!
-1 monkey, funny because I was just chillen in class, when suddenly a student came in and asked me if I knew what a monkey was. I of course said I did and they asked if we have them in America...haha(they always want to know whether the things they have here are also in America) and I responded that we do, but you don't see many. They told me there is one outside if you wanna see! I was taken aback at first and thought they were yankin my chain or I misunderstood or something, but I understood just fine because I walked out the classroom door and sure enough there was a big baboon thing chillen in the school yard between the JSS and the Primary school. It just ran around until it climbed into a tree and this man just grabbed it out!! Seriously, he just snagged the monkey by the hair on its back and started walkin away with it! The monkey didn't even fight back! It was crazy! Don't worry, I have it all documented on film/pictures because I always have my camera on me.

Oh, and while I am on the topic of my camera, I guess I could mention the fact that it got destroyed... So, I was in class on a Friday or Saturday afternoon because I wasn't teaching, we were all just playing, and I was taking pictures. I was actually filming and the students were signing stories to me while I recorded, but there was one primary kid along with all my JSS students and they ALL want to be in the video. But the younger primary kid noticed when I moved my camera from his story to one of my taller students so he jumped up and swatted my camera. I think he only intended to get it to point back down at him instead of up at another kid, but he jumped and swatted hit so hard that it flew out of my hands and smashed into the ground...yeah...not very fun. But no worries!! The students were so sweet about it afterwards, it was precious. All my older students were apologizing profusely even though it was not their fault...nor was it really anyones fault, except my own for not having the strap on my wrist. And they were trying to tell me that perhaps there is a place in Accra or somewhere I could get it fixed. But I realized that that probably is not a very logistical option for me.
Anywhoo, long story short the camera would turn on but the screen was black and said lens error and the lens would not close.
BUT!! Then! A miracle happened because I have a loving Heavenly Father (who knows how important pictures are to me, especially when I am in a place as cool as Africa) and no my camera lens not only closes, but it half way opens too! haha. AND! If I yank on the lens when it is opening then, it usually opens the rest of the way up and works just fine!! So really, in the end it all worked out just fine, because with a smidge of effort it works well, the only real loss was that now my zoom will never work again. So thank you thank you for your prayers because my one dilemma so far was not even close to horrible!

Also, my sweet dancing skills are totally paying off! haha. Just kidding, I know Im not the sweetest dancer, but I think the kids have zero expectations for the white people to have any ability to dance whatsoever, so my few moves are incredible to them! :) yay.
They are ALWAYS dancing! You might be surprised because they have no music, nor could they hear music if they wanted to, but you have to understand that they have this internal rhythm inside them, and many of them are truly amazing dancers! So I showed them what I got, or would copy whatever moves they do, and everytime I do they always FREAK OUT! haha. Its so funny because they are so shocked they are always signing (very explosively signing I might add) "YOURE SWEET!" "Where did you learn to dance?!" "You are SO GREAT!" WOAHHHH! haha. Its funny and im not gonna lie, it gives me a little internal boost everytime :)

And once again, time is up! So until next time...Love love you all!

Pictures!

Anyone want some ice cream!? I dont think I have mentioned about
the amount of stuff people carry on their heads. Mostly it is women but I have seen tons of people with anything you can imagine on their head. Also, my favorite is to see a woman with something big on her head, plus a baby tied to her back. I think of American moms who always say, "I wish I had more hands!" and now I think, well, you could have two more if you strapped the baby to your back and put whatever else on your head! haha.

Getting water from the well!




Yay! I finally got the pictures to work. Sorry I dont know how to turn it but I will take what I can get.
<--This is Sylvia!

Fun times in AFRICA!

HELLLLOOOOO Everybody!

This week has FLOWN by! And I have had so much fun, so many learning opportunites, etc. etc. To everyone who is worried about me missing some details- firstly, I tried to make a note in my journal every time something happened which I thought worthy of the blog, and secondly, I have kept THE best journal ever. I seriously and known in the house for how much I write. I have already finished one whole notebook and am on a second-I write SO MUCH!

Okay, so this may be completely unorganized but keep in mind this is just me trying to retell random notes I jotted down so bear with me.

Notes about Ghanaian culture and people:
-They are ALWAYS late. Seriously, we went to a wedding that was supposed to start at 9 and it started close to 1. Also, people in general are just real chill and relaxed and they dont worry about time too much. Today, there was a cultural dance performance and while I was doing night school last night everyone said nine. So I woke up this morning and told everyone that is what they said, so plan on like 11. Of course I still showed up at nine because that is my nature and culture, but sure enough I was right on the ball and it started at 11.
-Kneeling. In class, when I am working with a student one on one, out of habit, I normally kneel next to their desk because it makes me at eye level rather than talking (signing) down to them, and I can see them easier and what not, but for some reason every time I have kneeled down to see them and talk while I am trying to explain a concept or whatever they would tell me not to kneel and move over in their chair so I can sit next to them. Finally one day I asked why and they said kneeling is usually used for punishment, and it all made sense. It is really sweet though that they always make me sit on the chair with them and always move over for me because they want to be comfortable and equal or whatever.
-Rain! Holy moly. I think everyone knows how much I love the rain! Ghana is fantastic for me. It rains BUCKETS let me tell you. I have tried to like video it and what not but it just doesnt do justice. The rain is much better than my shower from a cup. It rains so hard it usually wakes me up at night...and I usually run out and play in it :)
The only problem is that with the rain comes these crazy BUGS! They have four wings and are EVERYWHERE! But then the weird thing is that thier wings fall off and then they crawl around. One night after a big storm there were TONS! yuucky.
The other problem is that today I had my clothes on the line because I washed yesterday and I was at the school and it started raining so I literally sprinted home to move them haha. It was funny...

Note about school:
I flippin' love it! My students are absolutely PHENOMENAL. Holy moly! They seriously have such a strong and sincere desire to learn! They are always wanting to have a lesson or work on math and english even when they dont have to.

Sylvia:
We literally are like BFFE's now haha. She is still incredible. Ever since I met her I have yet to come to school or be hangin out at night for very long before one of the other kids comes up to me and tells me that she is asking for me. (I think she likes me :)) YAY. haha. Also, today was the second time I interpreted for her.
I went to church at the primary/JSS school on Sunday and she asked me to interpret for her. Because even though the whole service is in sign, she cant see it so I gotta help. It was really awesome, I was so happy to help, and it was nice to feel useful and needed too. Also, a note as to church on Sunday. I also got my first legit regular interpreting experience as well. The teacher in charge signs but the preacher does not. The teacher asked me to interpret for him so I went up to the front and interpreted his sermon for all the kids. It was SAWEEET! haha. I dont know why but I wasnt even really nervous...probs because I know how loving and non judgemental they are so I knew they would be okay if I messed up a little or something but I actually think I did well...At least that is what Catherine told me afterwards. She told me she understood everything perfectly and all the kids were paying really close attention so that means they were understanding as well. I was very relieved and excited to know I did a good job.

Oh. And today was the opening of this vocational hair school at our deaf school. It was really really cool actually because the little building is wicked nice and it was donated or supported or something by Loreal and this whole big group of people came to the school to officially "give it" and it was awesome because the kids did a cultural dance performance for them and they had a big assembly then the group gave all the kids free t-shirts and free lunch and they were so PUMPED haha. It was a wicked fun day- because it was a big party all day and because there was no school and everyone was dancing and happy and eating! haha.

Ah well, its that time again. I tried to upload pictures but it wouldnt work...maybe I'll have better luck next time...I hope I am making some kind of sense and everyone is enjoyin the blog.

Love you all!! Thanks for writing me back too, its fun to hear from everyone!!