Sorry about the belatedness, pops, it only means that Father's day is a three day celebration for me. Thanks so much for supporting this journey, both financially and emotionally, you're the best dad in the world!
Onwards, Life in the the Tropic of Cancer has proved to push me towards new levels of productiveness. Apart from 6 hours of work/day at the orphanage, I've been spending 4 hours each morning (6-10am) making rounds and taking vitals at the ER in the local hospital. The Doctor is very willing to explain the cases I don't quite understand, and he has even asked me for opinions on different cases. I have been here for 3 weeks exactly, and I've read 5 books, as well as covered 200 pages of a chem textbook. It's been so fun, though, even through the sweat and stress of it all!
We recently hiked to Lipke Caves, which was such an amazing experince. It took about 4 hours, and we saw 6 caves. The climbing/hiking was wicked. I start out fairly mellow, with a lot of scenic overlooks and wide open meadows. After a break about halfway up, Another volunteer, myself, and our tour guide all bet a beer on a race to the top. We started out so fast, and I was grinning like a fool due to the sheer madness of it. The three of us were literally blitzing through the African Jungle to the top of a mountain on the Togo/Ghana border. Needless to say, I made America proud and beat the Ghanaian tour guide in his own backyard. His name was also Joseph, and when he got the the top, I told him it was payback for Ghana knocking the U.S. out of the World Cup last summer. (Don't worry mom, I never actually got a beer from either of the losers). It was at this point where we began climbing in the caves. It was quite common to be perched on a 4 cm ledge, 20 meters above the ground, with no ropes, rocks falling all around you due to the other volunteers climbing with us, with bats whipping all around your head. All of this in the near pitch black of a cave. I couldn't believe no one feel. But that's Ghana for you, absolutely no liability or full disclosure of what your about to get into. I swear on my grave that our guide said "small hike" about 3 times before we started. Filthy liar, bringing shame to the name of "Joseph's" all around the world. It was still such a great experience, and I got some great Kodak Moments out of the afternoon.
Well, time's up again, sorry about such a short blog! I'll get a longer/funnier one up soon. Be sure to hug your dad's, and someone hug Fran for me if you see him.
Take care
12 years ago
Hi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteI have sent several comments but they are going to you as anonymous...maybe you could have figured out who it was by what I said. I'll know better next time. By now you know what Obruni means and how the children adore talking to you and touching you! Also, you may have eaten Kinke - rice/kasava wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over the little charocoal pots, FouFou, a pounded yam that is used in soup. As you walk around your village and you hear a drum like beat, someone is making it. I hope you get a chance to see it being made, it is an interesting process. Also, try a Star Beer, it is cheaper than a bottle of water and very nice at the end of a hot day!! We miss you and I can't wait to hear all of your experiences. By now, I can tell Ghana and her people have your heart and I know they love you. It is very sincere. They would give you anything, the shirt off their backs...even if they don't own one. Remarkable Godly people. Stay well and hydrated, keep smiling....it is melting many hearts and keep listening to God in the quiet time of your day..He is guiding you every step of the way. God Bless You Always....Susan
Thanks for keeping us updated. It was great to talk to you even though we got cut off again! All is fine here, the girls are loving summer camp and VBS! Gigi will hopefully get a little break today because GDad came home from his trip last night. We love and miss you and are praying for you daily. Keep smiling and enjoying the children of Ghana. Hope you are learning a lot in the hospital. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteHappy July 4th, a day late! I had every intention to post to your blog yesterday, but the day ended up being very busy. From making red, white and blue cupcakes with the girls, making potato salad, delivering food to church, going to Kroger and attending the Club party the day went very fast. The girls are leaving tomorrow to go to New York to visit all their cousins and Gigi will probably take a much needed rest, along with GDad and Aunt Katie! We have had a lot of fun, but I think we are all exhausted! We all hope and pray that you are feeling better, lots of people are concerned about you. They all send their prayers. Hope you can get to call us soon. Love you lots! Mom
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