Wow. I've been in Ghana for 2 months now, 2 whole months of experiences of a life time. Lots of lessons, discussions, excursions, relationships, and the like... there's been a lot of everything really!

It's been a couple of weeks since I've updated so I made it a top priority to get to the internet cafe today. Luckily for me, there is electricity this morning, that's not always a guarantee. I have the cell number of the guy who runs the place so I call him and ask before I head out, it's much easier this way. I le ni. (I am smart).

So, last weekend was the July 1st weekend, and what a weekend I had! A friend of mine, Yahaya came home from school for the weekend, which was very exciting. He and I get along better than some others, because we both think similarly - with an open mind in regard to the world around us. I have found that some others are very strict in their beliefs and views and are unwilling to compromise. Yaya and I have an understanding and it makes for great entertainment sometimes!

We spent an hour or so one day playing Frisbee in the school 'playground' and the children had such a blast chasing the Frisbee once we had dropped it. The kids are fascinated with everything I have to bring, especially bright red coloured frisbees that say "Canada". It was great fun. Yaya and I walked to town at least 1/2 a dozen times just for something to do. People began calling him my husband, and we had a good laugh - he might as well be, I get harassed less by other men when they think he's my husband. There is much more respect shown towards a married woman (perhaps the men are afraid of the husband?). It's been interesting to see.

Yaya also helped me with my wash one morning. I have learned that I cannot wash large sheets very well. I get wet, the sheets get all tangled and nothing really gets cleaned... so I handed it over to him and he took the lead. I was very appreciative because it would have taken me forever to get it all sorted out, and he made it look so easy. He's got 22 years experience!

We also headed to a soccer game (sorry - football game) one afternoon and cheered for the local team. We won, 1-0.

One morning I went with Pops and his 4th born son, Joshua to the internet cafe to help them set up a website. Currently it is a work in progress: http://freewebs.com/newagekps I hope it works! We'll put a picture and description up soon.

I've had the fortunate opportunity to build such trusting and honest relationships with people that I have learned so much about the inner struggles of people in my community. The woman living beside me, Tina is a perfect example. She dated her husband for two years before they married. She got pregnant after 2 years with him as his wife, then found out he had, had another wife and children (he was divorced) - and she now became responsible for his daughter. He now works away from home and is unfaithful. Tina had her sister-in-law (a policewoman) follow him one night. Now, this poor woman is afraid of getting HIV or some other disease from this man. She's also afraid of getting pregnant again but there isn't much she can do but abstain from him (which isn't exactly encouraged in this culture). Her plan is to refuse him until he demands divorce, in hopes that she'll receive a little money from him (demanded by the court) because she has a 7 month old baby. It's a terrible situation and we've talked about different options she has... but she has no money and the burden of it all would rest on her father.. she's 27. She'd like to get contraceptives (whatever is available, we don't really know) but the money really is a problem.

Another woman I met, has one leg, and barely manages to sell enough oranges and toffee to support her two young sons, one of which has currently got malaria. I don't know if she has the money to get him the medicine, or if he'll make it through at all. I guess we'll see.

It's heart-wrenching scenarios like this that take a toll on me because I feel helpless and want so much to do all that I can to help these people. The worst part, is that this exists all over the country, the continent and the world, but what is my role and how can I help? There are some big questions I've been struggling with and it's been a fight everyday to try and understand how much I take my own luxuries and life for granted.

On a lighter note, 15 of us headed to a beach on Monday, July 2nd. July 1st was their Republic Day so we had Monday off. The beach was great, we had a lot of fun in the waves, although my legs got cut up pretty bad from some of the rocks. My "husband" was so worried about me, but I insisted that I'm a strong woman and everyone let it go. Everyone really looks out for me here, they really want to ensure I'm happy and safe from harm. There were 3 women and the rest men. We had a great time and had sand everywhere for at least 2 days afterwards!

I taught the Youth4Change group about condoms last week and it went over sooo well! Their ages range from 9-15 so it was quite the experiment to play with condoms, especially in a totally different culture. We went over how to use them, how they protect us from diseases and pregnancy, and then filled them with water and had a few good laughs. It was a lot of fun. Next week the group will be giving their first presentation/lesson to an entire public school! I just found out about this, this morning when I went to speak with the headmaster of the school. Next week!? That's not a lot of time!! We have a lot to do so I have to ensure we are organized and on our way for next week.

Today I've got a meeting with Y4C in order to tell them about the lesson, I have to head back to Kpong before the end of the school day. My two classes this morning had exams so I had no where to be, so I took the opportunity to come to the internet cafe while I had the time, and there was electricity. This week is going to be busy!

Today - meet with Y4C, buying material for a banner I'm having made for them
Tuesday - official Y4C lesson - GREAT stigmatization lesson I have planned for them!!
Wednesday - market to pick up some more fabric
Thursday - Y4C meeting
Friday - tie up loose ends
Saturday - going to visit Yaya at school - have a look around campus
Sunday - Godwin (our coordinator) is coming to see me as it's been a few weeks since I've seen him and I've had quite the cold to struggle with so he's coming to check up on me :)

Anyway - 1 minute left and I've got to get going!

I'll be back in a week or so!!

Lots of love and special hellos to everyone reading, thank you for following me on my journey!!

Dede