A perfect ending to an amazing trip! August 1, 2011

July 24, 2011

All weekend after I visited Victoria, I just knew I had to try to see her again. I mean I had two weeks left of my trip. So, Monday, I called Daniel from Compassion again.  I told him “Well, you may guess why I’m calling…could I see Victoria again?” He told me that he would have to check. A week later he still said he was trying to figure something out. I told him that I could go on that Saturday, which was my last day in Ghana. My plane was to fly out at 11:00 pm. Daniel called back. He found someone to host the visit. I was going to get to visit Victoria again! And on a Saturday when the project is being held! I was so excited, I cried!
Kara and Hannah, two of my new friends from the study abroad program joined me. We waited outside my host at 8:00. Peter, a project director who was acting as the visit host, came at 9:20. We had hired a car and a driver for the trip. We arrived at Victoria’s project at 10:00. The project is held at the school in the community. It consists of mainly two long buildings with a big field in between them. We were welcomed again by Wisdom. He lead the way towards Victoria’s classroom. We walked across the field and into her classroom. I was introduced to the volunteer teacher. Victoria came in the opposite door as we were being introduced. She came right up and gave me a hug. It was so good to see her again.Victoria told me that she was so surprised when they told her yesterday that I was coming to visit again. I told her that I just couldn’t leave Ghana without seeing her again.
Victoria sat down in her seat as Wisdom introduced us to the classroom. Wisdom then wanted to show us around a little more so we went to another classroom for their oldest kids. Probably 12-14 year olds. Victoria joined us. Wisdom told her teacher, “Victoria will not be in class today.” A big smile came acrossed Victoria’s face : ) We stood in front of the classroom and introduced ourselves. Then they sang a short little song for us. After that, we we each given a seat in the classroom. Victoria and I sat together and listened while Peter talked. He asked two students to come to the front and tell us what Compassion means to them. A boy came up first. He was so inspiring. He told us how he has become a better person. I learned that he even preachs and leads Bible studies for the younger kids. I think his name was Kingbless, very fitting I thought. A girl came to the front next. Victoria later told me that she was Wisdom’s daughter. She said that Compassion has taught her the Word of God. She then said that she could recite all of the books in the Bible. Peter had her do it. She started…Genesis, Exodus… I looked over to my right and heard Victoria softly doing the same. I was so proud and very impressed.
Next, Peter asked me to come up and tell the students how I picked Victoria. With Victoria standing by my side, I told them how I decided to sponsor her. I told them that I had found her picture online, saw her smile and just knew I wanted to write to her. Peter made sure to point out to the students that I had found her online. Apparently some of the parents think that it is the project workers who pick sponsors for their kids so they get mad at the staff when their child doesn’t have a sponsor or when their sponsor doesn’t write to them.
Next we walked to the church and new kitchen so that Kara and Hannah could see it. We also went to the project office. After I had talked to Kara and Hannah about my first visit with Victoria, they had decided that they would like to sponsor a child. Peter allowed them to look at the information of the unsponsored children at Victoria’s project. While they were looking at that information, I was able to look a t Victoria’s file again. This time with Victoria. She hadn’t seen it before I don’t think. We looked at eachother’s letters. Then I turned to her grade reports. Again, I told her how proud I was of her and pointed to the praising comments from her teachers. In the office, Victoria also took her first picture. I showed her where to pushed down and she took it herself. Then we told on facebook style picture together. It is super cute. Victoria started to dance as we were leaving. I was so happy to see this giggly little girl.

We walked back over to the school. As we were walking back Victoria taught me some words in Twi and Ewe. It was a fun conversation as I stumbled over the words. She was a great teacher. As we got back to the project, all of the kids were getting ready to dance. Victoria ran over to join them. They preformed two dances for us. My eyes were on Victoria. She was so cute and knew all of the moves. On the third dance, Peter invited us to join the kids. We agreed, knowing we were going to make fouls of ourselves. They were going to place us all in the front but I told him I wanted to stand by Victoria. I walked to the back. She gave me this huge grin. This was going to be fun. Now, with no instructions, the drums started going and I “tried” to follow suit. I am not a dancer. I was so off beat and I am sure just looked rideulous. All of the kids were laughing. I looked over to Victoria, at one point she was bent over laughing. I was having so much fun and laughing just the same. I was glad to see Victoria so happy and to just be acting silly together. After that dance, we sat down and they performed one more song.
After the dances, Victoria came over. She was sweating but had a big smile on her face. Peter told us we were going to go see the satelite that was built in their town that they seem very proud of. Victoria and I rode in Wisdom’s car with his little son, Elle.
It was a short drive to the satelite. We got out. Victoria asked me, “Isn’t it beautfiul?” I agreed. We weren’t allowed to take any pictures of it, but we were able to get some pictures together with some hills in the background. On the way back we stopped for some coconuts on the side of the road. Peter got some for all of us. Kara asked if we could have straws. Peter got some. Victoria took one but laughed. She was not used to drinking a coconut from a straw. She laughed when it made the slurping sound. We had the coconuts cut open again so we could eat the meat. Victoria asked if I remembered how to do it. I told her I thought so. She watched as I carefully scraped it out. She seemed proud. I think I did a good job : )
On the way back we also passed by Victoria’s house. Victoria’s mom was outside and came up to the car. Victoria had taught me how to say thank you in Ewe. So I repeated it to her mom.We made it back to the school and were seated in a classroom for lunch. Peter told Kara and Hannah that they would have the chance to meet some of the kids who needed a sponsor. Some of them came in and got to talk to them. One girl, Nancy, who Victoria had already pointed out for us, needed a sponsor. I am happy to tell you that once Kara got home she called Compassion and Nancy is now sponsored! I am so excited for the two of them and am so thankful that they were able to connect the way they did.
For lunch we were served Okra stew and Kenkay. Kenkay is kind of like banku and fufu. I tried my best to eat it, but Victoria did comment that I didn’t eat much. After Victoria was finished, I asked if she wanted to play something. She said hopscotch! So we headed over to some trees because she said the sun was scorching. Wisdom’s daughter outlined squares and Victoria made something to throw. She went first, then it was my turn. It was fun, but most of the kids seemed more interested in the cameras. That was fine with me so we had some photoshots : )
By then it was already after 3:00 and we had to be going. I was sad that it was time to go but was so thankful that it had been such a wonderful, long day playing with Victoria. I felt so much closer to her this time around. All of the nerves had passed with our first visit and now it just seemed like we were old friends. I was so happy we had gotten to this point.
I walked with Victoria over to the car. We talked with eachother one on one. Tears were starting to come again though. I asked her what her favorite part of the day was. She said the dance. I agreed. We were waiting a long time because the workers needed to do something. This just made it harder. I asked Victoria if she just wanted to go and play with her friends, thinking it might be easier for her. She said she just wanted stay with me and buried her head in my side. I love her. I didn’t want her to go either.
We took on final picture with our whole group. I gave her one last hug and kissed her forhead. As I left, one of the workers put his arm around Victoria. I know she is loved at the project. I am so thankful for them. They all made my time in Ghana unforgetable. It was such a blessing.

That night I boarded my plane and arrived safely home the next day.

Dear Dad, July 22, 2011

Happy Birthday from Ghana!!!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

I can’t wait to see you

I love you!

Love,

Mary-Catherine

I can’t believe its almost over… July 21, 2011

July 21, 2011

I haven’t been writing in my journal lately. I think it is my way of not acknowledging that my time in Ghana is almost coming to an end.  The last couple of days I have been busy working on school assignments. I had one in-class exam and then 3 final papers. Two of the papers were reflections on my experience here. It was interesting to reflect on the trip while I am still in Ghana. I’m sure its true impact will not show until I return home.

So on Monday I went to the orphanage as usual. This week two women from Canada were holding a Vacation Bible School for the kids. It was a cute program. I helped the “elephant” group which was the middle aged kids, probably 6-9. They began with a couple of songs, had a Bible Lesson, craft time, and then games. The theme for Monday was God listens. I was very impressed by what the kids knew about God and the Bible. They attend church every Sunday and hold a service in the orphanage on Tuesdays.

We ate lunch at our usual coffee shop and then came back to the orphanage and started our final assignments. In the afternoon we just played with the kids on the swings and played basketball. The kids are so much fun to be around.

On Tuesday, I had my 10:30 class, ate a quick lunch, and then had my next two classes. Then we just hung out and did some homework at the hostel. I also went to the night market and got a muffin and fresh fruit. I am going to miss that.

On Wednesday, I had an exam for my 10:30 class. I think it went okay. Then we hung out at the cafeteria until our 1:30 class which only lasted about an hour. After class, Hannah and I got a tro tro to the new art market we found by the mall so that Hannah could pick up something she had made. Then we went to the mall and exchanged some money. On our way out we ran into 3 other girls from our program so we got a taxi with them back to campus.

That night we had our farewell dinner with our USAC group. All of the students, staff, and professors came. After dinner I came back and did more of my papers…

Today I went to the orphanage again in the morning. They had said they needed more volunteers this week for Vacation Bible School so I was happy to get one last chance to go. As soon as we got to the orphanage, my cute little boy came right up to me and smiled. We played together for the first hour before the Bible school started. I also got the read books to a boy who I had befriended on Monday because he wasn’t participating in the Bible study. I think he remember me : ) Today I was with the “Lion” group which is the older kids. It was interesting to hear there perspective on some of the Bible stories. You could tell they were really thinking. We left right before lunch. It was weird to say goodbye. These kids are so used to volunteers coming in and out, but we aren’t used to leaving.

When we got back I had lunch with Alyssa and then finally finished all of my papers! It is so good to be done. No more school in the summer times for me! At 4:30 we headed over to watch our classmates who had taken the dance course put on their final performance. It was neat to see them preform the traditional African dances.

Matthew 10:19

July 17, 2011

Today I went to Legon Interdenominational Church. It was right on campus, so just a 20 minute walk. We had chosen to go there because it was the only church with a website that stated the time of the service. We arrived at the church at 8:00. We thought that was the time that the church service began. We walked in and everyone was in little Bible study groups. A woman invited us into her group. We sat down. We learned that they have Bible study from 8-9:00 then the service starts. Honestly, had I known this, I probably would have just slept in and come at 9, but it was good that I was there.

We sat in the group. They were talking about the claims Jesus made about who He was and how we would react to someone who makes the same claims today. Eventually we got to the point where we were talking about evangelism.

The group leader asked, What is the first step in telling someone about Jesus? A man answered. He said that you must first pray that the Holy Spirit would come into that person and speak through you. Wow I thought. I felt like I was being reminded of something. Something that God has been trying to get me to understand for a while.

I am involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at my school. This year I attended Big Break. It is a youth conference held during spring breaks in which college students come and are taught how to evangelize on the beach.

When I heard the man talk about the Holy Spirit in this way, I was reminded of what the speakers at Big Break talked about. I was reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today, sitting in a church in Ghana, I heard the same thing that I was taught in Florida. I think God was reminding me of His power and that He can you me through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 10:19 “…do not worry about what you will say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

After church, we went to the Noble House (Chinese and Indian Restaurant) with our group. Our residential director was taking us out. She ordered so much good food. We were all so full by the end of the meal!

At 5:30, Heidi and Peter came over. We were going to play basketball but there was some sort of tournament going on at the courts so we just watched for a little bit. Then we walked to Pizza Inn, because again nothing on campus is open on Sundays.  It was fun to hang out with them again, although sad too because this was the last time I will see them while I’m in Ghana. They are such good people.

Harry Potter and the beach!!!

July 16, 2011

On Friday, Hannah, Megan, Alyssa and I went out to breakfast. We hopped a tro tro t 37 and then walked to a coffee shop that Megan had found in her guide book. After a nice breakfast, we went to the 37 Military Hospital again to see if they had any cocoa yet. They did!

Hannah and I then got a taxi to the mall. We had been told Harry Potter would be showing. We got there and they said it wouldn’t come until tomorrow : ( We were very disappointed and now didn’t know what to do with the rest of our day.

We stopped back by the market by the mall and then went back to the hostel. We were still in a movie mood so we decided to watch one on the computer. After the movie, I had to start writing my papers. Three hours later I had done all that I could for then. I went back up to Hannah’s room and watched Gilmore Girls : )

Today we finally got to see Harry Potter! We ate lunch at the mall and then went into the theater. It was a really nice theater, even nicer than at home. It wasn’t too crowded like I’m sure it was at the midnight premiere at home. In fact, much of the audience was foreigners.

After the movie, we went to the LaBadi Beach. We go there and were put on horse and got to ride on the beach. They ripped us off though and since we hadn’t had time to bargain with them before they put us on the horses, we couldn’t really argue with them. With that money gone, we knew we wouldn’t have enough money to take a taxi home which made us a little nervous.

We sat down on some beach chairs. We didn’t know what to do with our things. Then this German man asked us if we could watch his bag. We did and when he returned, he returned the favor. The water was nice, but actually kind of could. I went back to lay out.

While I was laying down Will, who runs a foundation for Liberian refugees came up to me, after noticing the bag we had bought from him. Will is always around the hostel so it was funny to see him at the beach, but it was nice talking to him. Especially because it made the creeper guys go away. That is something I will not miss here.

We left the beach in search of a tro tro stop. Some taxi drivers asked us if we needed a ride. We jokingly told them if they would take us for our last remaining 4 cedis, then sure. They just laughed and pointed the way to the tro tros.

We took the tro tro to 37 and then another one going to Madina. I am starting to really like tro tros. Especially since we would have been stuck at LaBadi without them! Lol. I am also starting to get to understand the system and know the names for some stops. For example, I now know that if I want to go to the mall I get on a tro tro that is calling out 37 or Circle and tell the mate I need off at Spintex Junction. I’m so proud of myself lol.

Shopping day :) July 17, 2011

July 14, 2011

Today we didn’t have anything planned so Hannah and I went shopping. We got a taxi to the mall so she could exchange money and then we got more internet for Megan. I had seen a craft market near the mall. So we decided to go there instead of the art center.

We walked there from the mall, crossing lots of busy streets. The market had everything the art center had but was much less pushy. It was a great experience.

Two guys, our new husbands apparently lol, had a woodcarving stand. Afero carved two bowls for me right in front of us. Then he and Frank taught us drums a little. All the sellers were friendly and I got everything I wanted.

We got another taxi to Osu and went to the Smoothie shop for lunch. We walked Osu a little and I got my football jersey!

After supper at the hostel, we went to the night market, which is gone pretty much gone with only a couple of people outside the wall. Our dress lady was there and I was able to pick up my skirt. It is super cute.

hope

July 13, 2011

Today I had my 10:30 class but we all left early to go on our field trip for Social Work at 12:00. The ride to the Village of Hope took about 2 hours. It is located in Fettah.

I was so impressed by their operation. The campus is home to 215 kids. It includes 9 houses each with about 24 kids, with their own house parents. The homes really did feel like families and all of the kids seemed happy about where they were at.

The campus also has a school, which is the top rated school in the Central Region! It is open to the community which I think is good because then the children can have outside contact. 120 live at the Village of Hope just as boarding students because of the great school.

They also have a health clinic with its own lab and pharmacy. It serves 20 neighboring communities.

We were given a tour by one of the house fathers and then the director talked to us about their program. It is funded by the Church of Christ.

They also have a vocational training center in Accra for about 40 street children per year, as well as a feeding program that goes out every night to feed people living on the streets.

I was so impressed by how the “village” is run and how family oriented it is. They support the children clear through college. The director commented that on breaks the kids still come back here, because this is their home.

They told us that some of the children were rescued. They had been sold by their parents to pay off the debit. If they were young when they left and don’t remember their parents, then they are brought to the Village of Hope.

The kids come from all over Ghana. They all speak English here so no one tribe will be dominant. They said it is hard when the kids first come when they don’t know English.

I was happy we were able to visit this orphanage. I felt it was much better and more welcoming than the Beacon House. And the kids seemed to feel more at home. I wish we could have stayed longer. I would like to volunteer at a place like this.

We got back to campus and Lesley, Hannah, Kara, Yearin, and I went to the guest house for dinner. It was not good. So, we stopped at the store for some FanIcecream afterwards : )