Work and Play

The last month has been horrendous: hot, humid, hectic, and NO air-conditioning. The temperature has been in the high 80's, with the humidity in matching numbers. It has tested everyone's normally good attitudes, but really, no one whined, no one got upset, they just kept doing good things. It has been kind of learning lesson to watch. TODAY, however, the new a/c parts fit, worked, and relieved us all. Our work involves a lot of time spent with students coming in to pick up their school loans - and here are two of the best: Edwin, standing, is an intern in the building and often comes to our technical rescue, with "I'll be right there to help you, Sistah." Jehosaphat, seated, is a serious student who has a great sideline as a composer. He had just pulled up some of his awesome African music on my computer, and we couldn't help ourselves...we're dancin'! People from down the hall came down to join us, saying, "Who started the party?"



While I was listening to Jehosaphat's awesome African music, David was counseling little Abby, who was intent on securing her necessary funds before she left for her internship as a midwife/nurse.




We love what we are doing. It is a blend of working with students and working with adults, training them about available loans for eager young adults who want to better their lives through education. The best quote I heard was from one young mother in her 20's who had just received her first check: "I am so happy!" she said. "I am going to pay this money back so someone else can feel as happy as I do now." She just glowed - and floated out of our office. Here, David is training other leaders about the PEF program and answering their questions; we do this in different areas every other Saturday.



We have really enjoyed the pineapple, mangoes, papas (papayas), and bananas. Yet, the colors on these freshly washed common fruits make them seem just as appealing as exotic varieties.



We had the chance to combine business with fun, and headed for Elmina and Cape Coast, three hours away. It's a gorgeous resort area next to the ocean, and even though it was for just one night, we were excited for the chance to travel a little.
En route,we actually passed this fresh meat vendor once, and I had David turn around and go by him again for the photo opp. He is holding a delicacy -- the Grass Cutter. I couldn't quite get the head, which looks kind of like a large gopher face, and many local Ghanaians say the meat is very good. We have tried a few authentic dishes, but this makes it easier to go vegetarian.



We had just done some PEF instructing at a small city called Mankessin, which was half-way to Cape Coast and arrived at our hotel. Before dinner, we went for a swim, but had to pass by Mark, the local jeweler. He also had some large, polished sea shells -- which was a fun way to do some shopping.




We ate our dinner over-looking the waves. David had two beef kababs, seasoned with hot, peppery spices and onions --- delicious! I had the curried chicken - again well-seasoned. Loved the flavor -and loved having a huge glass of water nearby.



The next day, Monday, we toured the Elmina Castle which was first operated by the Portuguese in the mid-1400's. Although called a castle, it was more of a fort built for the purpose of the slave trade. Later the Dutch took possession of it in 1637, then the British took it over in 1814. Interesting - yes; historic- yes; sad statement on the depravity of man - definitely. The governor's quarters looked over the bottom floor where he could over-see the new slaves coming in. Surrounding the bottom floor are smaller rooms used as punishment dungeons, and one is still marked with the original skull and crossbones.



The "Door of No Return." The slaves would exit the castle through this grated opening into the awaiting boats, which would take them to the larger ships.



The slave boats would come up through this bay area, and collect the slaves right from the castle. Interestingly, the water at that time came all the way up to the castle walls, but since then some sea walls have been built, which have decreased the level of the water, allowing local ship-builders to use the area for hollowing out fishing boats.



Our guide for the Elmina Castle was Seth, a volunteer, and such a nice young man. He is a student at the University of Ghana, and we had him all to ourselves. Well-spoken and informed, he gave us a very professional tour.