This weekend we went to Kumasi (heart of the Asante Kingdom). There are national and regional houses of chiefs that work side by side with parliment. Although Ghana is a modern post-colonial country, traditional life is still very much alive.
People wear bright colors. women wear head cloths and tie their babies onto the back with a large piece of cloth. Every one carries everythig on their heads and as a result have great posture...and possibly neck problems!
Our journey to Kumasi and back was both increadable and heart breaking. We stopped in many crafts villiges where the whole community makes beeds, Kente cloth, or wood carvings. Children sworm the bus and grab our hands to walk with us. They love their pictures taken...especially digital because you can then show them the photo. They are poor, hungry, and drink stagnant and poluted water. But their faces are soo beautiful and joyful! Some of them beg for money, some give you their adresses and ask you to write, and the older ones try to get you to sponser their education or astablish a relationship through e-mail. When I saw the local school house my heart broke. How do you tell a child in such a state that you have no $ to help? I did take one boy's e-mail and told him that perhaps I could gather some resources for the school. Also, its amazing how smart these children are. This boy new soo much about the American government and about democracy.
In another village a young man proclaimed his love for George Bush because he's couragous. When I asked why he replied "He wants to take over the world...I want America to take over the world because you have $".
Despite theese conditions in a developing country Ghanaians are perhaps the most joyful and warm people I've ever encountered. Every where I go people are dancing and singing, and smiling! Beautiful!
In one of the craf villages we came across an African/Islamic wedding in the middle of the market place. They invited myself and a few friends to go in front of the huge croud and dance. FInally, after some awkward sweaty dancing in front of a bunch of Africans the bride joined us. Every one came up and threw $ in her face. When we wandered out of this sureal experience a giant group of dancing children ascorted us back to the bus. I guess the farther away people come to atend your wedding the greater the honor, so it was a hughe honor on all parts that we ere able to participate.
We have been kept very busy. Clkasses begin in about two weeks.
I am craving vegitables like you can't believe!
Please...for my birth day I would love a care package full of tortillas and brownie mix. (Mommy, maybe you can do this)
I love and miss all of you soo much
be well and please feel free to drop me a line...I'de love to hear from you.
-Elisha
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