By Hand.

Katie and I spent our morning washing clothes like the locals, by hand. Now I understand why everyone has muscles in Ghana! Preparing dinner or washing clothes is an intense cardio workout.

Despite The Schoolhouse Conditions.

Meet my 3rd grade class! We don't have computers; most of the kids didn't even have a pencil when I began teaching lessons. Today they each received a new pencil and sharpener! Now they just need books, full-time teachers, a clean classroom, and supplies.

All of the orphans attend class along with several children from the local tribes. 

These photos do not make the classrooms look half as bad as they are. If only I could photograph the smells and heat...

To The Orphanage.

I was hot, dirty, and tired; but I was happy. Ghana is poor but the conditions I saw today were worse than I imagined. Brenda, one of the volunteers, donated a towel, toothpaste, and a bar of soap to each of the orphans. These essentials will make all of the difference! Today will forever make an impact on my life.

As an Abroni.

I am often greeted as "Abroni" meaning foreigner. I respond with "Obibini" to let them know I have been introduced to the Twi (pronounced Ch-ey). I was given my Twi name yesterday, I am now called "Nana Ama".

I took pictures of my local area. These photos were taken within one block of where I am staying.

To Koforidua.

Akwaaba! Means "welcome" in Twi, one of the 49 languages in Ghana! This was the first word I learned. I have a long way to go!

Ghana is absolutely beautiful! We are getting ready to go into town. Pictures to come!

Maggie asked me to explain my first thoughts:
- The best way I can explain the smell..4th of July! It smells like a hot summer day with a hint of fireworks. The streets in Accra were lined with small hut-like markets. Music blasting in all directions. The dirt roads gave the air a constant haze.
- Everything is different. Every tree and plant is foreign to me.
- The food. I only had one meal so far. Breakfast was prepared for us this morning. We can only eat with our right hand. The food was very good and my stomach seems to agree.
- My volunteer leader was a national African dance champion! He is bringing me out to learn the "Azonto" dance tonight!

My journey was very long, but now I am settled and ready to explore!

With Supplies.

Lets just say I am not traveling to Ghana for the cuisine. This image shows how I lined the bottom of my suitcase with on-the-go "safe" snacks. My luggage also contains a mini pharmacy for all occasions, crafts for the kids, clothes that cover my shoulders and legs, 4 bottles of sunscreen, and enough Deet insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes for months. Bring it on Africa.

To A Tropical Climate.

With temperatures in the mid 20s in Washington, D.C. today, I am looking forward to traveling to a warmer location next week!