asomdwee

Last I left off we had visited the Castle in Cape Coast and Elmina. the group then would find themselves in one of Ghana’s most beautiful landscapes, the vacant and beautiful beaches along the coast near Takerati. The girls stayed at the Green Turtle Lodge, and the boys stayed down the beach at Safari Beach Lodge. I felt that this escape into such an amazing tropical paradise was both a blessing and a curse. The blessing was that we were able to take a break from being in the large group at all times, which seemed like it was beginning to aggravate people. the curse was that people within the group including myself began to lose site of the trips main purpose, to come to Ghana for a majority of educational and humanitarian causes; yet the beach and other guests at the lodge made everyones mouth water at the idea of a few days of touristy relaxation. I think that people left those lodges with a lot of mixed feelings on their minds. I personally hit an emotional low, and began to wish for the plane ride home.

My home sickness did not get better with the move to our home stays. Living in a complete strangers house is a difficult thing to get use to the first few nights. It was especially difficult for me because I wasn’t getting the best nights sleep, certain things kept me awake: Chickens, Pigs, Bugs, and loud church services. All seemed to begin to make as much noise as possible right outside our bedroom window; Yet it was a true Ghana moment because this is what you get when you are in Ghana, lots and lots of loud and beautiful sounds.

George, Gladice, and Justice are three of the nicest Ghanaians I have met along my trip, and I am so greatful that Robert and I had the chance to stay at their house in the busy little town of Swedru. We had a few really great experiences while staying with them, two being when we pounded fu-fu and hand-washed our clothing.

Outside the house we were having loads of great experiences. All week long the group hauled sand, dirt, and rocks; mixed cement; and played soccer. We did all of this hard labor to help build a new kindergarten room for the kids at a school in Swedru. We also helped clean up an orphanage nearby, as well as donate around $350 worth of goods to them. It was such an enlightening and euphoric week. I felt true joy in my heart when our hard work made kids chant with joy. I had a blast, and stopped feeling so homesick. On Saturday we hit the road for Kumasi.

Kumasi has been a blast, especially the football match between the city’s home team and a team from Libya! I’m sure there will be some great blogs about the match and the crazy Ghanaian crowds that were partying in the parking lot after their teams victory.

until next time
—Ryan…FONGEE!