I am now collecting donations for the kids at WORSCA Orphanage. A friend who was volunteering there when we were there is going back to Ghana in December and is going to use the money once she is there to buy whatever the orphanage needs: school uniforms, food, deworming medication etc. Any money that is not used by the time she leaves will be put towards the fund for the new location of the orphanage. It is on a bigger plot, and the kids will have better facilities and more space. Thank you so much for your support!
Julie
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Goodbye to the Coast
Today we went to the slave castle in Cape Coast. It was such a meaningful experience. Although I feel like I know lots of stories about the slave industry and trade, there was something completely different about being in the male holding tank, in the dark, imagining what a horrible experience it was. Our guide was so informative and thoughtful in the way he told the story of the castle. It was gripping and I, Denise, almost cried when he showed us where the rebels were sent 60 men at a time in a small completely dark cell, to die and where they had used their teeth to make marks in the rocks to communicate that they were there. Such a sad chapter in our history.
We had to get out in the beautiful sunlight and decompress from that experience. We marshalled my future mate, Kofi, to help us get our tickets for tomorrow. We leave for Accra at 530. 3hour bus, 2 trotros, a short walk and we should be at the volunteer house by 3pm or so. Sunday night we leave.
Thank you all for reading our blog and encouraging and amusing us with your comments. Its so much better to share an experience like this with friends. See you back home! Denise and Julie
We had to get out in the beautiful sunlight and decompress from that experience. We marshalled my future mate, Kofi, to help us get our tickets for tomorrow. We leave for Accra at 530. 3hour bus, 2 trotros, a short walk and we should be at the volunteer house by 3pm or so. Sunday night we leave.
Thank you all for reading our blog and encouraging and amusing us with your comments. Its so much better to share an experience like this with friends. See you back home! Denise and Julie
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Above the Rainforest
Today we had an AMAZING experience. We went to Kokum National Park (about 40km from Cape Coast---how did you like that I used metric, huh?--really have no idea how far that is). The Park is a huge, ancient rainforest and it is beautiful. We had an excellent guide who told us some fascinating stories about the purposes of the trees. He was so knowledgeable, and such a good story teller that it was easy to visualize that time when husbands could only gain wives by sawing trees at a rate that indicated they had adequate strength. Our guide also knew all the medicinal purposes of the trees and plants, and tons of other really cool facts. It changed my whole view of trees and plants Then.....
In 1994-1995 USAID funded a "canopy walk"--a series of 7 bridges (ropes, wood, and knots) separated by "tree houses" ABOVE the canopy. They are 40-60 meters (again, use of metric!) above the ground so you can see the whole canopy, plus views of trees and nature never available to a human eye. Also you can see across the rainforest. It took our breath away. Actually, just walking on the swinging bridges took our breath away. Our guide reassured us they were checked daily, but after viewing many examples of Ghanain construction, and seeing actual split wood, we had our doubts. As I looked at all the knots I thought to myself: wow, that is a lot of work! Anyway, you can imagine what an exquisite view it is of the forest, and how it makes you appreciate this part of our ecology. There are hundreds of species of animals in the park.
On a more local note, we are really enjoying Cape Coast. We sat at the open air restaurant at our hotel last night for hours just watching the waves and feeling the breeze. No one rushes you here and last night, that was perfect. Julie remains unmarried, although Denise is now in possession of a shell with an email from our friend Kofu, who wishes to come and live with us in the US! Our cab driver this morning also seemed interested in Julie, but I am holding out for a man with an air conditioned car with all of the windshields intact!
Tomorrow we visit the castle, then back to Accra. Thanks for reading our blog.
In 1994-1995 USAID funded a "canopy walk"--a series of 7 bridges (ropes, wood, and knots) separated by "tree houses" ABOVE the canopy. They are 40-60 meters (again, use of metric!) above the ground so you can see the whole canopy, plus views of trees and nature never available to a human eye. Also you can see across the rainforest. It took our breath away. Actually, just walking on the swinging bridges took our breath away. Our guide reassured us they were checked daily, but after viewing many examples of Ghanain construction, and seeing actual split wood, we had our doubts. As I looked at all the knots I thought to myself: wow, that is a lot of work! Anyway, you can imagine what an exquisite view it is of the forest, and how it makes you appreciate this part of our ecology. There are hundreds of species of animals in the park.
On a more local note, we are really enjoying Cape Coast. We sat at the open air restaurant at our hotel last night for hours just watching the waves and feeling the breeze. No one rushes you here and last night, that was perfect. Julie remains unmarried, although Denise is now in possession of a shell with an email from our friend Kofu, who wishes to come and live with us in the US! Our cab driver this morning also seemed interested in Julie, but I am holding out for a man with an air conditioned car with all of the windshields intact!
Tomorrow we visit the castle, then back to Accra. Thanks for reading our blog.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Goodbye to Dodawa
Early this morning we left the orphanage for the rest of our traveling. We decided to have a very low key goodbye, since we were there for such a short time, and loss is such a huge issue for these kids. But they remembered! Abigail, (14) whose chore is to help at the volunteer house and who did our laundry and held our hand through our adjustment to Dodowa made a special visit to say good bye and beg us to stay! She is such a capable and sweet girl--its hard to imagine her, her lifestyle and responsibilities, and her attitude, in comparison to other western girls of her age.
It was also hard to say goodbye to our volunteer mates. They are such a diverse group, and were so inclusive of their "ma" Denise, and little sister julie. Last night on our 36th hour of no electricity (usually the power comes on once a day) we sat on the porch and made up a rap song about the children at the orphanage. They are really great and helpful people, and have re-inspired us about the value of a gap year (several are in their gap year before university--they are about Spencer's age). Anyway, they have kept us laughing through the heat, dust, baby crises, school skippers, lost items at the orphanage, the damn roosters that howl incessently starting at 3am, and the helpless feelings that sometimes arise about these children, and honestly the country in general.
Our cab picked us up at 6am and the adventure to Cape Coast began! Ill spare all the details of the six hour -tro-tro (x2) bus ride to the coast, but it was overwhelming when we arrived and the bus was swarmed with men who wanted either: 1. Julie's hand in marriage (we were the only orbronis on the bus--in fact, outside of Accra, we are the only white people anywhere); or 2. to take us by taxi to our hotel. We were prepared for this fact and knew that marriage proposals are frequent and truly excessive down here on the coast. All are looking for either work, or a better future--and what would be better than to be married and start a new life in America! Anyway, Julie handled it great and we made it to our hotel, which is a series of huts (enclosed, and with mosquito nets) literally on the coast. It is a beautiful, tropical place and we were relieved and exhausted to have made it here.
We ate lunch (1 hour to wait for food--Ghana time!), did some knocking around town, and will head back to the hotel before dark. Tomorrow we go to Kokum which is a tropical forest with a beautiful series of canopy walks high in the trees. We are excited! Then a we go to the Cape Castle, the largest slave holding castle in the country, which should be fascinating.
Its been a tiring day, and one of true adventure. There were moments on our ride down that I wasn't sure we would get here. Julie has grown as an adventurer three fold today. She is already learning how to handle the crowds, which is a balance of friendliness and firmness. Its a lot to learn at 15--go Julie.
Thank you for reading our blog. Its nice to recap for ourselves and know some of our American friends are thinking about us also. FYI our phone only receives incoming texts, and Denise is locked our of her email. Julie has finally reached Facebook here in Cape Coast and I can see her grinning from here.
More after Kokum. We are settled in the Hotel Oasis at Cape Coast. Contact with Edward Adeli is still good in an emergency. Denise and Julie
It was also hard to say goodbye to our volunteer mates. They are such a diverse group, and were so inclusive of their "ma" Denise, and little sister julie. Last night on our 36th hour of no electricity (usually the power comes on once a day) we sat on the porch and made up a rap song about the children at the orphanage. They are really great and helpful people, and have re-inspired us about the value of a gap year (several are in their gap year before university--they are about Spencer's age). Anyway, they have kept us laughing through the heat, dust, baby crises, school skippers, lost items at the orphanage, the damn roosters that howl incessently starting at 3am, and the helpless feelings that sometimes arise about these children, and honestly the country in general.
Our cab picked us up at 6am and the adventure to Cape Coast began! Ill spare all the details of the six hour -tro-tro (x2) bus ride to the coast, but it was overwhelming when we arrived and the bus was swarmed with men who wanted either: 1. Julie's hand in marriage (we were the only orbronis on the bus--in fact, outside of Accra, we are the only white people anywhere); or 2. to take us by taxi to our hotel. We were prepared for this fact and knew that marriage proposals are frequent and truly excessive down here on the coast. All are looking for either work, or a better future--and what would be better than to be married and start a new life in America! Anyway, Julie handled it great and we made it to our hotel, which is a series of huts (enclosed, and with mosquito nets) literally on the coast. It is a beautiful, tropical place and we were relieved and exhausted to have made it here.
We ate lunch (1 hour to wait for food--Ghana time!), did some knocking around town, and will head back to the hotel before dark. Tomorrow we go to Kokum which is a tropical forest with a beautiful series of canopy walks high in the trees. We are excited! Then a we go to the Cape Castle, the largest slave holding castle in the country, which should be fascinating.
Its been a tiring day, and one of true adventure. There were moments on our ride down that I wasn't sure we would get here. Julie has grown as an adventurer three fold today. She is already learning how to handle the crowds, which is a balance of friendliness and firmness. Its a lot to learn at 15--go Julie.
Thank you for reading our blog. Its nice to recap for ourselves and know some of our American friends are thinking about us also. FYI our phone only receives incoming texts, and Denise is locked our of her email. Julie has finally reached Facebook here in Cape Coast and I can see her grinning from here.
More after Kokum. We are settled in the Hotel Oasis at Cape Coast. Contact with Edward Adeli is still good in an emergency. Denise and Julie
Monday, February 7, 2011
Ghana Time
It is Monday morning and I have just waited 17 minutes for the computer at the internet cafe to load this page. No surprise, because in every aspect of daily life, we exist on Ghana Time GT. The entire country operates on a casual to excruciatingly slow pace. Here is a great example. Yesterday Julie and I wanted to attend church with the children from the orphanage. We hustled across the dirt path to get to the orphanage at 830 so as not to miss the bus. Hah! ONE HOUR LATER and thirty minutes after we had squished 28 girls in their Sunday dresses on the beat up van, we left. It was worth it, as church, all 5 hours, was very inspiring. We were amazed with the children's ability to listen for the almost 2 hour sermon. Of course it helped that there was food after!
After we returned some of teenagers from the orphanage came over and we went to a beautiful waterfall to go swimming. It was so much fun to be with the older kids. They are so polite and kind, always concerned about the obrunis falling on the path. I am so impressed with the way these older children conduct themselves. They have so much responsibility at the orphanage and handle it with such grace. Some of it is sad...the other day we saw George, the oldest male 18yo. get canned because two of the younger boys had dirty uniforms. George is responsible for the younger children. That was what made the waterfall trip so great. Once we got there they were just teenagers like Julie or Spencer and they had so much fun.
Today we are painting a room at the orphanage. To be clear, the room (there are no quotation marks on this keyboard, and other keys missing( is a cinderblock building the equivalent of a pavillion, which we hope to put some touch lights in so the kids can do homework at night. We are waiting for an escort to the market to buy paint trays. Our helper was due at 9am. Its almost noon. Ghana Time. I expect the painting to take several days since every aspect that involves other Ghanaians will progress ....as it progresses. This is a huge lesson for us, particularly Denise.
Julie and I are already feeling the shortness of our time at the orphanage. Its difficult to get to know these kids and their needs, allow yourself to feel their circumstances, then pick up and leave. But not to worry, we have plans for when we return. We are a little nervous about our travels on our own, despite several successful rides on the tro tros, which shuttle you around at horrifying speeds. It really is like one of those Bond movies where they are racing through the markets. They don't hit, but you feel they will!
More later, thanks for reading our post. Think about these kids every time you take a drink of clean water, flush your toilet, or eat. Denise and Julie
After we returned some of teenagers from the orphanage came over and we went to a beautiful waterfall to go swimming. It was so much fun to be with the older kids. They are so polite and kind, always concerned about the obrunis falling on the path. I am so impressed with the way these older children conduct themselves. They have so much responsibility at the orphanage and handle it with such grace. Some of it is sad...the other day we saw George, the oldest male 18yo. get canned because two of the younger boys had dirty uniforms. George is responsible for the younger children. That was what made the waterfall trip so great. Once we got there they were just teenagers like Julie or Spencer and they had so much fun.
Today we are painting a room at the orphanage. To be clear, the room (there are no quotation marks on this keyboard, and other keys missing( is a cinderblock building the equivalent of a pavillion, which we hope to put some touch lights in so the kids can do homework at night. We are waiting for an escort to the market to buy paint trays. Our helper was due at 9am. Its almost noon. Ghana Time. I expect the painting to take several days since every aspect that involves other Ghanaians will progress ....as it progresses. This is a huge lesson for us, particularly Denise.
Julie and I are already feeling the shortness of our time at the orphanage. Its difficult to get to know these kids and their needs, allow yourself to feel their circumstances, then pick up and leave. But not to worry, we have plans for when we return. We are a little nervous about our travels on our own, despite several successful rides on the tro tros, which shuttle you around at horrifying speeds. It really is like one of those Bond movies where they are racing through the markets. They don't hit, but you feel they will!
More later, thanks for reading our post. Think about these kids every time you take a drink of clean water, flush your toilet, or eat. Denise and Julie
Friday, February 4, 2011
On the mend
It is Friday (we believe) and both of us are feeling a lot better after a day lost to illness. Julie was quiet sick, Denise just a little bit, but enough to keep us away from the orphanage for the day. It was frustrating since we have so little time there and don't want to miss any of it, but there is nothing you can do but rest. Several of our volunteer mates are sick, mostly mildly, but one with probably Malaria and she is heading home. As a longtime volunteer said: Ghana hates white people's bodies! That part is true--the food, sun, environment, plus the bugs, dirt, and for us, a horde of fairly sick orphans makes it tough to stay strong. But we have a new burst of confidence about our condition and went back to see the kids this morning. Enough about us.
The orphanage is an amazing place. There are almost 60 children ages 2-18 and they are cared for by two "mas" and the older kids who help out. They have absolutely nothing. The orphanage is two shoddy buildings (no electricity or running water). The kids have some bunk beds but many sleep on the floor or on filthy pieces of cardboard or foam. Last night I was lying on the mat reading to a little one and looked up and saw horrible graffiti on the ceiling. Its because they used old plywood to make a roof, without regard for the condition. The children are fed from a large black iron kettle which cooks over an open flame. There is no kitchen, no fridge, no oven, no cooktop. There is no running water and the toilet is a gully behind the building. Each child has a school uniform and one other set of clothing. Often the clothes are hand-me-downs and torn or the wrong size. Two days ago one of the volunteers went to the market and bought 60 pairs of socks. The next day the kids were dressed wearing their new socks with their rag a muffin clothes. It just breaks your heart to see the contrast between what they do not have, and what they need. Also, how little things can make a difference. Here is a good example. The children have virtually no protein in their diet. Morning breakfast is "porridge"--rice water heated with some corn meal in it. Three scoops per child. Lunch is the same. Dinner may be rice, or beans. Virtually no fruit, vegetable, or protein. Yesterday Emily, a volunteer purchased eggs at the market and boiled 60 so each child could have one. They lined up to get their boiled egg as if they were receiving a lump of gold. It is amazing what small things can do.
On the other hand, (maybe the stronger hand) even though the children have very little, they have some of the most open hearts I have seen. They are so friendly, and run to greet you when you arrive in the morning or pick them up at school. They love any attention you show them, and are affectionate and smiling. And although they have their scuffles (especially the boys), they look after each other in a way that is very touching. One little baby, Beauty, is a favorite and you will often see the older kids carrying her around, or "combing" (none of the kids have much hair) her hair. The oldest girls and boys are some of the kindest teenagers you could hope to meet, and the way their accept their responsibilities at the orphanage is impressive.
This time has already given us so many things to think about in terms of what you need in life, and what you can easily do for others. It is a challenge to come into a different culture and be a help while respecting the Ghanaian way of life, which is quite different from our own. But now that we have been here there will be ways we can help on return, and have already started to dream about that.
Hope to post again soon, we have found the local internet cafe which operates on Ghanaian time--the internet is slow as molasses, but why worry?
More later, Denise & Julie
The orphanage is an amazing place. There are almost 60 children ages 2-18 and they are cared for by two "mas" and the older kids who help out. They have absolutely nothing. The orphanage is two shoddy buildings (no electricity or running water). The kids have some bunk beds but many sleep on the floor or on filthy pieces of cardboard or foam. Last night I was lying on the mat reading to a little one and looked up and saw horrible graffiti on the ceiling. Its because they used old plywood to make a roof, without regard for the condition. The children are fed from a large black iron kettle which cooks over an open flame. There is no kitchen, no fridge, no oven, no cooktop. There is no running water and the toilet is a gully behind the building. Each child has a school uniform and one other set of clothing. Often the clothes are hand-me-downs and torn or the wrong size. Two days ago one of the volunteers went to the market and bought 60 pairs of socks. The next day the kids were dressed wearing their new socks with their rag a muffin clothes. It just breaks your heart to see the contrast between what they do not have, and what they need. Also, how little things can make a difference. Here is a good example. The children have virtually no protein in their diet. Morning breakfast is "porridge"--rice water heated with some corn meal in it. Three scoops per child. Lunch is the same. Dinner may be rice, or beans. Virtually no fruit, vegetable, or protein. Yesterday Emily, a volunteer purchased eggs at the market and boiled 60 so each child could have one. They lined up to get their boiled egg as if they were receiving a lump of gold. It is amazing what small things can do.
On the other hand, (maybe the stronger hand) even though the children have very little, they have some of the most open hearts I have seen. They are so friendly, and run to greet you when you arrive in the morning or pick them up at school. They love any attention you show them, and are affectionate and smiling. And although they have their scuffles (especially the boys), they look after each other in a way that is very touching. One little baby, Beauty, is a favorite and you will often see the older kids carrying her around, or "combing" (none of the kids have much hair) her hair. The oldest girls and boys are some of the kindest teenagers you could hope to meet, and the way their accept their responsibilities at the orphanage is impressive.
This time has already given us so many things to think about in terms of what you need in life, and what you can easily do for others. It is a challenge to come into a different culture and be a help while respecting the Ghanaian way of life, which is quite different from our own. But now that we have been here there will be ways we can help on return, and have already started to dream about that.
Hope to post again soon, we have found the local internet cafe which operates on Ghanaian time--the internet is slow as molasses, but why worry?
More later, Denise & Julie
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
At the Orphanage
We finally made it to the orphanage yesterday after an inspiring pep talk by our program director, Edward. The volunteer house is brand new, but no electricity or running water.
After school we went over the meet the children and it was the warmest welcome you can imagine. They are as poor as church mice, pretty dirty, but happy, affectionate, and unbelievably friendly. There are about 60 children ranging from 2-18, most are in the 6-10 year old range. They have so many needs at the orphanage (more on that later), but it is also amazing how they get by on almost nothing.
We met with Mama Jane, the founder of the orphanage. She is a wise and experienced person and one to learn from.
Our volunteer mates are all 20 somethings--some just out of college, taking some time off, some are travelers with months of time in all sorts of places. Our new group came from Mexico City, London, Wisconsin, and of course, us! The volunteers already there gave us a warm welcome. They are busy and have accomplished so much in their time there-2 weeks to 3 months.
I can already tell the time is going to go by too quickly. No one else is here for such a short time, but as Edward, our very wise program director told Julie and I directly---one week can be enough to change your life. I think that will be the case!
After school we went over the meet the children and it was the warmest welcome you can imagine. They are as poor as church mice, pretty dirty, but happy, affectionate, and unbelievably friendly. There are about 60 children ranging from 2-18, most are in the 6-10 year old range. They have so many needs at the orphanage (more on that later), but it is also amazing how they get by on almost nothing.
We met with Mama Jane, the founder of the orphanage. She is a wise and experienced person and one to learn from.
Our volunteer mates are all 20 somethings--some just out of college, taking some time off, some are travelers with months of time in all sorts of places. Our new group came from Mexico City, London, Wisconsin, and of course, us! The volunteers already there gave us a warm welcome. They are busy and have accomplished so much in their time there-2 weeks to 3 months.
I can already tell the time is going to go by too quickly. No one else is here for such a short time, but as Edward, our very wise program director told Julie and I directly---one week can be enough to change your life. I think that will be the case!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Arrived!
We made it here right on time and except for a medical emergency on the plane (not us), everything went smoothly. We have spent the afternoon with one of the program staff, his relatives, village mates, business associates, ......you get the drift. It is so different here and very hard to truly understand what is happening. Our first clue about the way "rules" do not apply here--the airport where they just pushed us by customs because the line was long. We have taken two taxis so far which have cost us either about 2 dollars (or maybe 50?). It is the usual overseas taxi experience, only warmer. Thanks for reading our blog. We are fine, and excited. Denise & Julie
Saturday, January 29, 2011
From 32 degrees to 96
Today we leave, just realizing one of our checked bags does not fit the requirements....preparing for a 10 hour flight. We are going to Dodowa, Ghana to work in WORSCA Orphanage. It is home to over 70 children and is staffed by four adults. The ages range from 5-16. We are very excited.
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