Humbling

Our last couple of days in Ghana were heart felt. As we traveled back from the Volta region and began winding down, we had one more activity schedule. On our last day of activities we went  and did community service at an hospital and donated school supplies to children. The hospital made me so thankful for what I have here in the US. I couldn't imagine feeling horrible and going to a hospital in those conditions to receive care. We then traveled to a school to donate supplies. These children were so grateful for everything they we offered. They were curious about me and one even asked for my email address. This experience has inspired me to stop taking my education for granted and be thankful for the small things. I really came away from this activity with a determination to take advantage of everything at my fingertips.

Dams, Waterfalls, and Monkeys

Our last trip was to the Volta Region which borders a neighbouring country Togo. This is the region of Ewe people.Our first activity was the waterfall. It was an amazing experience. We walked briskly for about 3km and then came to the waterfall.I had no intention of getting in but taught about the motto YOLO and proceeded into the waterfall. The feeling was peaceful and for the first time in life nature and I were getting along. On the nest day we visited Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary where we feed monkeys and learned about pre Christianity religions. We also took a boat down the river where we learned about Kwame's dam project and its failure.

AFRICA AFRICA

Our next two days were  a little less adventurous with travel and the celebration of Africa day. The lord finally blessed me with the opportunity to receive hair services,so I was very thankful   as was everyone who had been in a picture with me during this trip. We also celebrated Africa day which was a little different than what I expected but we all dress nicely to go in the back yard as Ms. Tanisha would say.

Ms.Sarah (my angel)

Kumasi Kumasi Kumasi

Our next adventure was to the Ashanti Region and its capital city Kumasi. The ride was extremely long but well worth it. We visited the previous palace of the king and queenmother and learned all about the traditions of royalty. The customs of the Ashanti people were unique and spoke to a song lyric I once heard by Nas. As we drove around the city, the structure and hustle reminded me a lot of pictures I had seen of Bangkok. The system of roads and rules was extremely foreign and confusing to me. We also visited the Culture Centre were its mission was to preserve the craftsmanship and authenticity of products produce as artifacts. It was nice to see people actually making a selling their work instead of haggling and stealing credit. On our second day here we visited rural villages and a market that has no comparison to anything in the US. The villages were an experience from traveling the rough terrain to the conditions that the people  lived in. We visited three each specialising in a craft. Kente Cloth, Andrika cloth, and glass bead making were the three we visited. Each very unique and proud of their crafts. We then traveled to the market which was 3 miles long. The small portion we went through was the meat market, spice section, beauty supply, and the housewares section. It was amazing how close and fresh everything was. Some merchants had fresh live crabs and others were bagging flour , cinnamon and every spice imaginable. This market and the people that work there are the original ultimate hustlers.

Past,Present and Future

Over the last couple of days we have had more mellow and informative days. We enjoyed two dynamic lectures by beautiful black women . We also visited the WEB Dubois Museum which is in relatively the same condition it was when he was living.Behind the museum was the African Diaspora centre which encouraged those who returned to give back and invest money in the development of Africa.

Long Journey

We traveled to Slave River on our 8th day. Although the mood was very calm and relaxed mentally it was taxing. The story of the slave's journey as captives was one I had never heard. They would walk from inland for hundreds of miles until that came to this river where their captors would bathe them. They would  throw the weak ones into these bamboo trees and use palm oil to shine the strong slaves' skin. The river served as their last bath for sometimes 3-4 months.

Bamboo Cemetery

Footsteps in the Dark

Today was our 7th day in Ghana and it has been eye opening to say the least. Our first stop was the Cape Coast castle which is one of the many castles and forts built along the Gold Coast as a trading port. The whole castle experience was very humbling. As our tour guide explain I couldnt even fathom the humilaton and torture that captives went through for 3 months. The dungeons were humid and still held an odor. I became thankful for everything that I have as we toured the rest of the castle. Our second activity was Kakum National  Park where we walked across the top of the canopy.  The feel of accomplishment overwhelmed me from the hike up the extremely steep hill to the slow brisk walk acoss each bridge. This was an experience of a lifetime that I will truly never forget.

Looking up

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