A Day in Africa

After 2 weeks, we're getting the hang of the area. But there are definitely a few things to know.

1. Where to shop: bottom - Ruth's stand. This is just a little stop on the side of the road, and she personalizes everyone's shopping. We stand where the camera is, explain what we'd like, and she collects it for us. We bought several different fruits and vegetables and it came to 18 cedi's ($15 U.S.) Everything is fresh - as in right out of the ground, so we bring it home, wash it, chlorox it, and refrigerate. She is so kind and grateful for the business. Kevin and Pam were our sponsors, so it was definitely a social outing.

2. Next stop - regular market. This is Max Mart, and it's quite a unique experience. There are 3 good Max Marts that carry slightly different varieties, so we have to check our list and remember which store had what. We're finding that the stores DO carry most of what we want, (sometimes U.S. brands), but many times the item is under a different name and in very different packaging. I found Crisco yesterday....for 18 cedi's ($15.00 U.S.!), a large party-size bag of M&Ms for 27 cedi's (now you get the ratio, and no I did not buy that!), and a full chicken for 20 cedi's. Most items are $4-5 more than what we pay at home.

The 2 floors above the market have the convenience items - kitchen things, candles, towels, etc. I wanted to buy a muffin tin to bake cupcakes for our many helpers - but the sales girls/boys, who follow shoppers around and carry the items, had no clue. I did my best pantomime and finally was told, "They're finished (out)," but more will be coming soon. In the mean time, I have friends who graciously loan things - everyone shares. It's really quite fun to roam around and see what is offered, and the selections are really quite good, just expensive.

3. Street scene. These are the street vendors right across from Max Mart. People are everywhere and roam across the street at random. It would be nice if this were the only place where people cross at random, but this is done Everywhere! Main streets, busy streets, side streets, day or night. Scary. Drivers just have to beware. (The worse-case scenario was when we came across a fender-bender, and a dark policeman was re-directing traffic,.. at night,... in camouflage. We were thinking, "Really? Do you not Want us to see you??")
We haven't walked this street yet, but our friends tell us this us a really fun place to find treasures.

4. The next several pictures show our drive to our branch for church.
The dirt road: actually we're not on this for very long - but it is necessary to know the non-rules. Driving rules pertain to foreigners, while the locals pretty much drive how they feel at the moment. If there is an infraction, rarely will they be pulled over... Any rules that did apply to the paved area, definitely are not in force on dirt roads...all bets are off, whoever is there first, wins. It is almost comical to just go with the flow and watch how they maneuver. At an intersection, car #2 honks immediately when the green light appears (also chiming in are cars 3 and 4), just in case car #1 missed the nano-second when the light came on. Hilarious. Everyone honks. We are going to start, just to get in the spirit.

5. House - this is actually a fairly nice home despite the landscaping schemata, and we see several around the area.

6. Tree-lined street. Outside the city of Accra, there are some lovely areas that look typical of Africa. In between, there places with fruit stands and a lot of trash, yet everyone dresses so nice, beautiful women dressed in gorgeous outfits, and for the most part they are tall and 2 inches wide.

7. Our branch. Such great people inside. The only air-conditioning is in the Bishop's office, so we all swealter in the other rooms, but the people are so kind and gracious. They preface everything with, "Yes, please." Two little boys handed me some hand-drawn letters today, and the one printed, "You will be my friend? Please check - yes____ no_____?" Melt. Just melt. The congregation ranges from people with ipads to those who do not read/write in English, they speak a tribal language or French. Part of our assignment is to teach those few to read and write. ( we've had some experience there).

8. Artful tree. We couldn't drive past this tree standing regally in the field. Truly a kodak moment.

We've met several students this week as they have come to pick up their school loans, and they are so grateful for the chance to go to college. They guys come dressed in shirts and ties, and the girls wear their nicest dresses. They show such respect for everyone involved with the church loans; they extend their hands and use their very nicest manners. They get the money, but the pay-off is all ours.