Sunday, August 10, 2008

Our Last Blog, For This Trip at Least

Today was the hardest day we have experienced since being in Ghana. Each one of us grew so close to the kids which made it so much meaningful but also added to the difficulty of our departure.

The kids were so sad to see us go. Many of them cried which didn't make it any easier on us but we feel so luck to have made so many friends and to have had such a successful trip. We also made sure to take contact information for many of the kids and look forward to sending letters and gifts every once in a while just to cheer them up and let them know we have not forgot about them.

We are now in Accra and will be flying home Monday morning. We just wanted to post one last blog to thank everyone who followed our experiences and to thank everyone again for all of their support. This trip could not have been possible without the support of so many of you! We look forward to sharing all of our pictures and seeing everyone back home. We miss you all so much!

Sincerely,
Michael, Matthew, and Genna

Friday, August 8, 2008

Unbelievable!!!

First we want to apologize for not posting anything the past couple days. Things have been so hectic over here. Janie had to say farewell to the kids which was so hard for her and she is safely back in the United States. Since she has left we have been working non-stop on the orphanage. We received an extra donation recently and were able to have a one on one meeting with the director of the orphanage by special request because she is currently sick with malaria.

We met with her and she gave us a prioritized list of things we could do for them beginning with food of course. While meeting with her she shared her plans for the future of the orphanage and we came up with a way for United Students for Africa to assist her. It was such a successful meeting and we left feeling so optimistic about the kids future. We stayed at the orphanage for a couple more hours and just gave the children our time.

Today was unbelievably successful. We spent the entire day, from 9 am to 3 pm at the market shopping for the kids. The amount of food we bought with the money we had was truly incredible. We purchased two 50 kg sacks of corn, two 50 kg sacks of beans, two 50 kg sacks of rice, a sack of palm nuts, a sack of cabbage, a sack of oranges (the kids loved them so much they wouldn't stop begging for more!), a tub of peanut butter, so many spices, medicine, baby formula, baby cereal, a sack of fish, a 10 kg box of mackaral, 4 boxes of tomato paste, and too many other things to list here! Anyways, the point is we bought so many things and Adullam Orphanage was so incredibly grateful for our generous offerings.

We dropped the stuff off and took pictures of all the kids with the food and then we got to watch them line up to get their orange. All of the kids that were old enough to eat one, which is about 180 kids, got one and there were still plenty left! The kids were eating their oranges with huge smiles on their faces and they couldn't get enough. Today was so much fun and we can't wait for tomorrow which we think will only get better.

Again, we are so sorry for the delay and we are so sorry for not being able to post pictures. The first thing we will do is show everyone all the pictures we have taken since we have been here and we have received permission to post some online on our website when it is up!

Thanks again to everyone who has supported us on this life-changing adventure!
Sincerely,
Michael, Matt, Genna, and Janie (Even though she is gone she is still with us!)

PS: Janie made sure to call us all and let us know how delicious her In N Out double double was as soon as she got off the plane... :'(

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Goats Anyone?

We had too much fun today!
It started with a 6 am wake up call which turned out to be unnecessary. We ended up leaving for the orpanage around 9 am for a service with the kids from 10-12. The service was so much fun and the kids sang for what seemed like the entire time. After the service we ran home for lunch and made it back to the orphanage around 2:15 for the daily soccer match. They let Janie play and she had a lot of fun with the older kids. Apparently they are pretty good.

While she was playing, Genna was with the kids watching the game and Michael and Matt went with one of the adults to the market to buy some things for the party we are having for the kids tomorrow; thanks to an anonymous donor from home! We decided to give them something they have on very special occasions and only if they are lucky: meat. We talked to the director and she suggested we buy either goat or sheep because they feed many and are delicious. While at the market we found the market for animals and purchased four live sheep which apparently will be slaughtered tomorrow morning around 7 am and they insisted that we be present. We also purchased some rice, tomato paste, and sodas which are also eaten on very special occasions. The funniest part of the whole mission was driving in the taxi with four sheep directly behind our heads. Don't worry, we got plenty of pictures.

When we arrived all of the kids were so excited and wanted to take pictures with the sheep and kept jumping up and down. It was so interesting to see how even the kids as young as three were making gestures of slaughtering the sheep with a finger sliding across their throats. It is a common event in Ghana, apparently. After a couple hours with the kids we decided it was time for dinner and they were about to have their supper as well so we headed home.

Tonight we were graced with more fish on our plates and several visitors wishing us well. It was a very busy day but we are all so excited to see the kids again tomorrow and to see how happy they will be having lunch with us. We are all sincerely enjoying every minute we spend with the kids and we are already imagining how hard it will be for us to leave them.

Thank you everyone again for all the donations you have made that have given us the opportunity to bring smiles to the kids faces.

With Love,
Michael, Janie, Matt, and Genna

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Beautiful Day in Ghana

Just a short update,
Today was awesome. We started off going to the market around 7 am which was a little bit too early but we bought two huge sacks of corn, a sack of beans, baby formula, tomato paste, and a lot more stuff but we still aren't done. That might soundd like a lot but when you have 200 + kids to feed I am sure it goes pretty quickly.

After we left the market it was aabout 11 am (Yes it takes that long when there are thousands of people crowding the streets and yelling) and we returned home for lunch and sped off to the wedding we were invited to. The wedding was a lot of fun and we were given VIP treatment which was very kind of them. After the wedding we returned to the market for a few more things because our car was full the first time and then we dropped it off at home and left for the reception. We all enoyed ourselves and met many people that have offered to help us in the future if we intend to return to Ghana.

We hope everyone at home is doing incredibly we are all thinking of you and we love being in Ghana. We came here with the intent to help as many people as possible but have far exceeded even the most optimistic expectations of this trip. Thanks again to everyone who has helped.

Sincerely,
Michael, Janie, Matt, and Genna

Friday, August 1, 2008

Best Days Yet

Hello everyone,
We are not really sure what days we are writing for right now but we can promise you this: the last two days have been so incredibly successful. We have really made a huge impact the last two days and have gotten a great start on what will be the last two weeks of our time here.

Thursday began quite early as we decided to make a stop at the building site and see if they could use our help. We arrived around 9 am and the carpenter gave us a few small things we could do but other than that they had everything under control and moving along rapidly. As of today they have the frame up and they will begin working on the roof Monday. Because it is so hot here, the workers are only able to work until around 1 pm everyday.

After the working we decided to take a 45 minute drive to the near city of Kumasi which is the oldest city in Ghana. We decided to go to meet a woman we had met on the plane and talk to her about further trips here and because she invited us and it is quite rude to say no to an invitation in the Ghanaian culture. After a delicious lunch we spent some time talking with her and she took us for a tour of Kumasi and then brought us to the King of the Ashanti Region's palace. Although he was not there it was very interesting. Before we left for Obuasi she insisted we call her Mom and she said next time we come to Ghana she would be happy to provide us with a car and a place to stay if needed. She has a home in both Accra and Kumasi and invited us to use her home in Accra the night before we fly out.

This morning we woke up quite early again and headed to the bank to pick up the money that was wired to us using MoneyGram that we will be using for the orphanage. It took some time but it was well worth it! (Thanks to those who sent money). After receiving the money we went home for lunch and then walked to the orphanage.

Matt brought a couple toys and tennis balls for the kids which they loved. He was playing baseball with them with a wooden pallet as a baseball bat. Janie and Genna spent most of their time with the babies and then with the older girls just talking. Michael spent his time taking care of Joseph because he was having a sore throat. Michael took him to the nurse and she gave him some medicine which made him feel much better. While there Michael asked the nurse if there was any medicine he could pick up at the market because we already have a list of all the food and things they need and the nurse was so excited and she wrote up a long list of things including Malaria medicine and multivitamins.

While we were there the kids from 3-6 years old were having bath time. We decided to watch and see if we could help. When we saw the kids line up it was so sad. They have a giant bowl that the kids stand in one by one and the woman wearing rubber gloves uses a really rough sponge and the kids are first drenched with the cold water and then the woman scrubs their little bodies as if they were cars going through a car wash. The kids are so strong; they stand there as if it doesn't hurt but when you look at their eyes you can truly see the pain. They are so strong. When it was Josephs turn we watched closely because we knew he wasn't feeling well and he first bent down and everytime the woman would pour water over his face we thought he would start to cry but he closed his eyes and struggled through it. It was probably the hardest thing we have seen since we have been there. In one hand it hurts us to see this but on the realistic side we understand because there are over 200 kids at the orphanage and only 10-15 "mothers" it is impossible for them to take more time.

It is truly incredible what this orphanage has done for the kids over the past 10 years. It is a private orphanage which receives no help from the government but they have managed to consistently find enough food to give the kids meals every day. The Director, Louise, has told us that sometimes she really does not know how they find the funds because it is often the case that at the end of the month they have no money left.

I hope that wasn't a too depressing email, we were just trying to give everyone a stronger understanding of what these kids experience on a day to day basis. Something that has kept us going since we have been here is after seeing how little they have and how much they have suffered, they never fail to have a smile on their faces and are never afraid to show their love to anyone.

Thank you everyone,
Michael, Janie, Matt, and Genna

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Day 5 in the Beautiful Country of Ghana

Our Faithful Followers,
It has almost been a week since we left America and we are only falling more in love with the country of Ghana. Every day we experience something new that draws us closer to the people and only makes us want to do more to help the individuals in need.

This morning we visited the orphanage around 9 am and we were able to see the kids assemble as they prayed for the other group of volunteers as they returned to America. As soon as they hear the bell, the kids run into lines based on age and height and nobody is talking. It was really cute. We had a chance to speak to the woman who runs the orphanage, she is an oborone, which means white person, from Australia. She just got over her bout with Malaria and she looked great. She was also much more welcoming today allowing us to take many pictures and we were able to meet with her and find out how we could further help their cause.

Around 11 am, Courtney and her group from Atlanta left for Accra because their flight is Thursday. The orphanage gave them some beautiful native gifts for everything they did for the kids.

After the orphanage we went to visit the building site which was off to a great start. Their were over 10 workers and wedecided we would be joining them tomorrow to help lay the cement and begin the foundation.

Soon after we had lunch which was really delicious. Probably one of the better meals we have had. After lunch, we thought it would be a good idea to visit the man who was responsible for providing us with our living situation, Mr. Charles. He is one of the managers for AnglaGold Ashanti and he was so kind. He talked to us about his travels and offered to help us with anything we would need during our stay. He also said he wished us to return in the future if we were given the opportunity. He invited us to his house sometime this week to meet his Russian wife and his daughter.

After meeting with Mr. Charles we came home and rested a bit before dinner. Tonight we had a very Ghanaian dish for supper, Banku and Okro Soup. Banku was basically a ground corn ball which was like play-doh. Okro was quite the mixture of just about every kind of food found in Ghana. It had fish, kahuro (which tastes like a tendon but is actually the back skin of the cow), okro (a Ghanian vegetable), and oil. Basically we had to use only our hands and pick up part of the banku and then stick it to some of the okro stew. Janie couldn't handle it, Genna struggled but she tried it, Matt couldn't take the banku because it was so slimy and the texture really killed him but Matt and Michael tried the kahuro and it tasted like a tire... literally.

We just walked through the pouring rain in our ponchos just to keep our promise to all of you! Tomorrow we are waking up early to go help build for about 5 hours and it is supposed to be really hot. We are working really hard to ensure that our impact here is felt but we are also enjoying the culture and learning so much about ourselves.

Until next time,
The Oborone's (That means white man in Twi)

PS: I apologize for not posting pictures but it is no possible. We tried today and the computers are too ancient to perform such tasks at the internet cafe. We tried to upload them but it took like 30 minutes for one and then it failed. You can all be patient and wait until we get home. If we find faster computers we will be sure to post some.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Days 3 and 4 in Obuasi

Hello Everyone,
The last two days have been so exciting. Yesterday started off really early so we could make it to the market. The market was really interesting and had so many things that we have never seen. We had some Ghanaian dougnut-like substance for breakfast which didn't hold over well for most of us. The smell of the market was quite trying to say the least especially because of the dead fish all over the place. After the market we brought our new American friend, Courtney, to the orphanage and we left to meet the carpenter at the building site. The cost of rebuilding everything came out to be around $2,500.

We decided to go exchange some travelers checks so we could buy the material and it took close to 3 hours to get the money. After the excruciating bank we purchased the supplies and then left for the girls to get fitted for their Ghanaian style dresses for the wedding on Saturday.

Right when we got home we left to watch Sammy play soccer at a local field. It was pretty exciting and Sammy's team won.

After dinner we were so exhausted that we all went to sleep. Today we woke up early again and went to the bank to exchange the rest of our money. It didn't take nearly as long... thank God. Matt wants me to insert here that three separate people have called Matt "Beckham" because they say he looks like him.

After the bank we went to the orphanage to play with the kids and it was so much fun. Genna taught a group of the deaf kids how to throw a frisbee and she played games with them. Janie finally was able to hold a baby the native Ghanaian way by using a piece of cloth and wrapping it around her body with the baby on her back. Matt was really excited to take pictures because we were finally given permission to and he took hundreds. He also held his favorite kid Nana Kofi. Michael was with Joseph the entire time. He fell asleep in his arms and Michael tried to put him in his bed but he got up and started crying for Michael to hold him.

After we left the orphanage we went home and had dinner. Once again it was fish and nobody ate any of it except for Michael. That is about it for the last two days. Everyone is enjoying themselves and having such incredible experiences. Thank you everyone who helped make this trip possible. I promise we will take as many pictures as possible to show how happy we are making the kids and how much progress we have made on building the public facility.

We will try and write as often as possible which might be every other day.

Sincerely,
The Ghanaian Crew (Janie, Michael, Genna, and Matt)

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Day 2: Services

Just another update. Everyone is doing great and really enjoying themselves. Last night we had quite an experience on our way to drop off some friends. Our car broke down and the battery wasn't turning the engine over. Michael had the idea to try pushing it and put it in second to start it and well it worked... The problem was, he was in the driver seat and took off not knowing how to change gears or turn the car around. So picture Michael, white, driving down a dark street past two cops with AK-47's and having no clue what to do next. Funny sight. He got it turned around and everything was ok but it was one of the funniest things yet. Especially because Matt, our friends Patrick (Sam's brother), Sticky, and Luther were behind the car pushing down the street!

This morning Michael and Janie woke up at 6 am and went running and of course, Michael threw up which was expected. After breakfast we went to a Methodist service for two hours which was entirely in the native language and very hot. When we first sat down in the church we were sitting next to a ten year old girl and her two year old brother. Their parents didn't go to church so the 10 year old sister took her little brother to church alone. By the end of the service we had over 7 kids surrounding us. After the service we met a soccer player who plays for the Ghana National team. He is the goalie and his name is Frank. He invited us to his apartment and then he gave us an invitation to his wedding on the 2nd which is going to be really interesting.

Later on we went home and had lunch then left for the orphanage and played with the kids for a couple hours. Genna spent some time in the baby room and watched them give the baby's baths. Michael and Matt spent time with the two kids, Joseph (Michael) and Nanakofe (Matt), they were holding yesterday and Janie was holding a 4 month old baby. Everyone had a lot of fun and we brought some toys. Each of us plans to be fluent in the native language Twi by the time we leave.

We left the orphanage for our second service which was also two hours. They spent so much time praying for us and we witnessed some pretty interesting things... to say the least.

After the service we went home and taught Sammy's younger siblings how to play baseball and throw a frisbee. Genna was teaching the youngest cousin and she was by far the best of them all... even better than Matt but he won't admit it.

Dinner was very good, at least for Michael. It was supposed to be tuna but it tasted more like anchovie. The soup was something like clam chowder but with chicken in it.

Anyways, its getting really late and we are all really tired and have to wake up at 7 am tomorrow to go to the market to buy food for the orphanage.

Comment on our blogs!

Much love,
The Ghanian Crew

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Day 1 in Obuasi

Hello from Obuasi, Ghana,
I don't even know where to start! Yesterday was perhaps one of the longest days we have ever experienced, technically because it was two days blended together. After our thirteen hour flight into Accra, the capital, our friend Sammy was waiting with a car and a driver to bring us to Obuasi.

Our time in Africa started off so incredibly, we were able to meet with Janie's sponsor child through the Compassion organization and it was so much fun meeting them. They were so grateful to meet us and Janie gave her so many gifts.

Soon after we decided it would be a good idea to get a start on the "4" hour drive to Obuasi... The van was so packed with our clothes and food that all four of us had to squeeze into space for two people. Basically it came down to three of us squeezing on the bench seat and one laying on top of our feet. Well if that doesn't sound funny enough, turns out the drive was a solid 6 hours and I can't even tell you how much we were laughing during this entire drive and how much we learned about eachother.

Once we arrived in Obuasi we were so shocked by how incredibly nice the people are! They have so little but we found out soon that they give so much. Our housing was provided by AnglaGold Ashanti which is a gold mining company and a group provided us with all of our food which was so generous of them. So far, our meals have been very filling and very native to Ghana which is awesome.

Today (Saturday), we left for the Adullam Orphanage to visit the kids and see if there was any way in which we can help. The kids were so kind and loving, all of them love soccer and are always smiling. We met the people who run the orphanage and they are all so dedicated and sacrifice so much for the kids. There are around 206 kids at the orphanage and we got a tour of the entire place. There is a no picture policy because some people have gone to the orphanage and used pictures of the kids to raise money fraudulently. It is so sad that people would take advantage of people like that but we understand why they are cautious about pictures now.

After the orphanage we met with the people who provided us with all the food and we saw their pubilc gathering area and we found so much we can do to help them. It is just 2x4's holding up a roof that is half covered. We are going to try and rebuild the weaker parts while we are here and also see if we can buy some things for the orphanage on Monday and bring them large amounts of food.

We have to get going now though! Everyone is doing great and we can't wait to send you pictures.

Michael, Janie, Genna, and Matthew

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Pre Trip

Everyone,
I just want to thank everyone for your support for this trip so far. Right now we are working really hard for the last minute preparations such as mosquito nets and medications we might need (hopefully not)! This is the website you will be able to find daily updates about what we are doing while we are in the beautiful country of Ghana. Check back and I promise I will try to make every entry as interesting yet succinct as possible.