Day 25: Haunted--Cape Coast

What a perfect day. Today marks the best time in Africa so far (tourist wise, of course). We started the day off by visiting Cape Coast Castle, the largest port for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It was a great trip, but a very haunting experience. It's one of those places you have to visit within your lifetime, like a Nazi concentration camp. The castle is large with British-style architecture (Ghana was a British colony until 1957) with white stone. Without knowledge of its use, the castle simply resembles a trading port. Rows of charcoal black cannons face the raging sea, ready to blast away any other European competition interested in the Gold Coast. The actually slave dungeons are divided by male and female sexes. Each chamber had a small and high opening that offered the least ventilation and sunlight possible. The rooms had a spy hole high above the room so British troops could overlook the slaves in their shackles. In order to connect with the female slaves, a long and narrow passage connected both the chambers so the men could travel through the castle, unwillingly. What struck me the hardest about the castle was the conditions that the women were forced to endure. Our tour guide told us stories of how many women threw their babies out the small window so that they would not have to watch their children succumb to slavery. The women even had a special punishment room where they were sent if they resisted rape by the British soldiers. In this room, they were tortured to death. The most horrific room in the castle was by far called, "The Cell." This room was no bigger than an average-sized bathroom with no windows and no sunlight. They were sent simply to die. They left nail markings on the wall out of the agonizing pain they endured. This place was very difficult for us to be in. It's as if they pain they suffered through hundreds of years ago never left that room, or the castle itself. But despite the uneasy feelings brought on by the castle, I am still glad I experienced it.

The remainder of the day was spent at the Ko-Sa Coast Resort on a private beach. This adorable little hut resort was one of the most relaxing places I've ever been to. It was just us, the ocean, and a few palm trees. It resembled the beach that Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth get stranded on in the second Pirates movie (the rum question was constantly being spoken today). It was so relaxing to sit on a rock for a hour, overlooking the ocean and thanking God for this wonderful opportunity He's given me.

Day 24: Blackout--Cape Coast

We ventured into Cape Coast today and we will be spending the rest of the weekend here. We are all so grateful to be able to take a mini-vacation. After three weeks, I already feel like I need one. Life in Africa is difficult. Not bad, just really hard. Even walking down the street poses a challenge. It's so much easier because we have a deadline for this trip and we have each other. I remember how burnt out Kate and I felt after 2 weeks of being here. We just wanted to see everyone! But now that we're together, everything is so much easier.

I am growing with these people and it's an amazing thing. Never before have I been progressing down the same path as someone else. I always thought I had to walk it alone, but now I'm finding that life is so much better if you walk with someone else. Even just being around the team gives me comfort and brings me security. Tonight, the entire city of Cape Coast lost power. We had to walk half a mile back to our hostel from the beach bar in hear pitch darkness. I'll admit, I was freaked out. But all I had to do was reach out and grab Kat's hand and I felt instantly more protected.

I think our team is a good little example of a real Christian community. Here we are in Ghana, teaching kids, building a library, helping the community, have daily spiritual discussions, and looking out for each other. I don't intend for us to boast about ourselves, but we are growing in Christ together. Just the other day, I gave my testimony to four other girls and they gave us theirs. I felt so strong that night because I knew God was working in us.

Cape Coast is quite an impoverished place for being a coastal city. But nevertheless, the beauty of the beach has taken over. How breathtaking it was to stand right by the Cape Coast Castle overlooking the sea, waves crashing fiercely against the rocks with a painted purple sunset beyond a sand beach with rows of towering palm trees. The saltiness and freshness of the African coast filled my lungs with rejuvenation as I gazed out into the never ending horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. To be alone with God and His earth enriched my spirit. But then to be in the constant company of real Christians is a blessing and a building block for my life. This is going to be a good weekend.

Day 23: Laundry--Asenemaso

Just when Mike and I thought we would never teach the students anything, they actually learned something! They remembered the two main characters of Charlotte's Web and the setting of the book! We were pleasantly shocked. It's amazing how quickly two hours of teaching goes by. We only introduced nine vocabulary words and played hangman with them (and we didn't even finish the game). The words are very simple: ax, runt, litter, barn, farm, pen, stool, straw, and manure. But it's certainly enough for them to handle. We still haven't even started reading the book (hopefully we'll get there tomorrow). In order to encourage the kids to participate more in class, Mike and I implemented a new reward plan. For certain participation, we give them stickers to stick on their name tag. When they get ten stickers, they get to pick a beanie baby out of the 100 that I brought. Once they heard that, they all paid attention and were eager to answer the questions.

Me, Diana, Kate, and Amanda are starting to believe that we got the best housing situation. Charles and his wife have five children: Afreria (age 11), the twins Senior and Junior (age 10), Koby (age five), and Kofi (age two). We are really experiencing life a typical African family. Charles is absent most of the day, so he's rarely with his family. Auntie s pends her time tending the house. I don't even think she shops for food because Charles came back with it today. Amanda and I washed our clothes with the family today. It's very interesting how laundry is done here: starting at age seven, every member of the family does their own laundry together. Even though it takes so much longer than machine washing, it's very communal and inclusive.

We had rice bowls tonight. Big, softball-sized balls of sticky rice with salmon and a spicy sauce, with oranges on the side. The oranges threw us off: their skin is forest green . I found it disappointing that meals aren't family-orientated. Me and the girls ate together, but the family didn't sit down to eat, they simply ate on their own individual accord. I think that's why a lot of Westerners don't like Ghanaian food: it's meant to supply nutrient first and flavor second.

Day 22: Cheat--Asenemaso

Today was a day of mixed feelings. We gave our kids a homework assignment to turn in today: "in one page, describe your perfect day." A quarter of the class didn't do it and half the class copied off each other. It's very blatant coping, word for word. It's sad and humorous at the same time. The punishment for cheating is nonexistent. When we asked the teacher, Isaac, what the punishment for cheating was, he blankly stared at us. Cheating is just not a big deal here. Sadly, this mentality stays with them for the rest of their lives. If they weren't punished for cheating in school, what's going to keep them from cheating in other aspects of their lives? I'm definitely not saying their all cheaters, but cheating isn't necessarily looked down upon here.

Amidst the sadness Mike and I experienced because of the cheating, there was one bright star: Renna. Reading her essay after class today blew us away. She has great potential and we cant wait to help her grow in her writing. We're definitely going to be encouraging her to join the creative writing workshop.

So after hammering it into their heads that cheating is unacceptable, we began to introduce the setting of Charolette's Web. We found it more difficult to explain a farm than we thought it would be. Mike and I (and the rest of the team) have a huge obstacle: the language barrier. Even though all their classes are in English, they still don't understand us very well. It's our accents and the speed of our speech. It's quite a challenge to dim down everything we say into the simplest sentence possible, as well as slowing it down to a crawl. And after that, you usually have to repeat yourself several times , and sometimes they still don't get it. It pains me to see how many students have slipped through the cracks of the already poor education system. Me, Laura, Alex, and Pierce tutored at the library today (we're going to have tutors there everyday). I spent two hours with Porsche and Gloria on their math homework. They're in JSS (junior secondary school, equivalent to our middle school) and they were deeply struggling with simple algebra equations, such as: 2m+5n if m=2 and n=3. Porsche didn't even know how to start the problem. After two hours of intense tutoring, I'm not sure she made big strides. But when we finished her homework, she had a huge smile on her face and was very grateful for the help. Gloria said, "May God bless you always." I can't wait to see them again.

On the way home, I ran into two of my students, Victoria and Ama, and we had a pleasant conversation that made my day a little better. Now, me, Amanda, Kate, and Diana have parted with the group into Charles' home. We're enjoying it very much.

Day 21: Refreshed--Asenemaso

Just when I was starting to get annoyed with Ghanaian culture, God brought down relief and refreshed my spirit. For the first three weeks I was here, I was so pumped about everything Ghana had to offer and I was loving the culture. But for the last few days, things were starting to annoy me. At first, I loved walking down the street and having everyone trying to talk to you. But now, I just want to walk down the street without everyone staring at me. In the beginning, the loud culture and constant noise fascinated me. Now, I just want a few moments of silence. I didn't mind the street vendors doubling the price because I'm white but now, I'm fed up with being judged. I just need to accept that Ghana is a completely different culture, but that's easier said than done. I thought I was doing really well adjusting, so it's very hard for me to admit that I'm not absolutely in love with everything in Ghana. But that's one of the many reasons I need God.



Without Him, I wouldn't be able to look at Ghana and see God shining brightly through the people and culture. Without Him, this whole trip doesn't make any sense. Through worldly lens, I'm insane. What benefit am I getting out of this trip. But with one simple addition, it all comes together. Nothing that's a part of our universe is feasible without God. Our very existence isn't even justified without Him. How very lost and broken our world would be without the presence of the Spirit. I should say how even more lost and broken we'd be, for we are a damaged place. And it's only through His love that we can be saved.



The cooks became my genuine friends tonight. Avida, Frieda, Annietta, her sister, and Esther are all around my age. Avida simply called me over to the group and the love began. Before long, we were holding hands and talking about their boyfriends. I'm so excited that real relationships are starting. Lorna and I already decided we're going to hang out with them while we're here. After all, Amanda and I already showed them pictures of our life back home.



Today was our first day of teaching and we have a 5th grade class. The kids are at a much lower level than I thought, but Mike and I work well with the kids. We bounce off each other very well and I'm actually finding teaching to be enjoyable. Could God be calling me somewhere new? As long as I listen, He'll speak to me.



I can't wait to really get to know the girls here in the community. Me, Lorna, and Dani are talking bout combining our projects (girls group, yoga, and creative writing). I certainly hope so!

Day 20: Sour--Asenemaso

Kumasi is crazy. We had to go into town to take out our program fees and we experienced the craziness in the city. The market was absolutely nuts with tons of people moving in and out. A very disappointing experience happened to us, $200 of our money is missing. The community gave us $200 for the first week so that we wouldn't have to worry about food and drinks. This amount of money should feed all of us for more than a week. Adu gave the cooks this money on the first day and they asked for more money the next day. The quality of the food hasn't matched the amount of money the community gave us. Adu and Charles (the other Ghanaian leader who I'll be living with) are accusing the cooks of being responsible for the lost money. We obviously can't make any judgements or assumptions until the truth comes out, but it's still very upsetting. The community gave so much so that we could be pampered and now that effort is gone. The principal and though behind it will always remain sincere, but ti's just very sad that the effort is missing. In order to cover these extra, unforeseeable costs, we might have to take money from the library.

This whole situation puts me in a sour and distrusting mood. I feel like we are simple means to an end. Even in Asenemaso, all the street vendors automatically double their price simply because I'm white. And many times, they refuse to bargain. Even though I'm positive they grew up being taught that Whites have more money (that's completely false), it still bothers me. In reality, I'm a poor college student who currently has no source of income and can only afford to go to college because I'm blessed with scholarship money. Does that sound like a rich American to you? Obviously, I'm rich by Ghanaian standards.

I think I am just bitter about the locals taking advantage of our new presence in a country. But I now their ways aren't personal, it's just how life is here. It just gets old, from bargaining and arguing with an old woman on the street to blatant stares and callings from the men. I am still enjoying Ghana and Asenemaso very much, it's just taking some adjustment.

Alex and I had a conversation about how he believes in God but he's having a hard time believing He's a personal god. I enjoy intellectual and spiritual conversations such as those. Even though I feel spiritually mature, those conversations remind me how much I have to grow.

Day 19: African mindset-Asenemaso

I've been here for almost 3 weeks, yet it's still difficult to get out of the American mindset. We're always asking questions like "What time are we leaving?" and "What's the agenda for today?" Whenever something unexpected happens or doesn't happen, we always have to remind ourselves where we are by saying "TIA" (this is Africa). We've been comparing everything in Asenemaso to the States. While this is good for personal growth, it could potentially trap us into thinking that we need to help Asenemaso by making it more like the States. This is unproductive. While there are great things about the States, that doesn't mean those things could work here. Ghana and America are so different that sometimes you can't even compare the two. For example, the concept of time in Ghana versus the concept of time in the States, Africa (as a whole) runs more loosely and they're always late (hence our new term, "Africa time"). In the States, we keep a strict agenda for everything and we value punctuality. When talking with Joy, she expressed how frustrating it can be to work with Ghanaians because their work ethic is so vastly different. Many factors contribute to this family is the number one priority (regardless of any other prior engagement), poor infrastructure (bad roads, dangerous drivers, unenforced laws), a relaxed and carefree attitude that often allows procrastination, and poverty that causes people to focus on their individual situation and causes them to be disengaged from the big picture. It's not that they don't care, it's just that it's not really practical. Look at it from their perspective, how can a woman worry about cleaning up her street when she can't even afford to send her daughter to school? Environmental issues are incredibly important, but not as a family' own immediate needs. That makes it very difficult to do work here. Meeting spiritual needs cannot be met without first meeting physical needs. This, of course, isn't always true.

We're slowly slipping into the African mindset. We're content with doing nothing, incredibly flexible, and we're not worried about efficiency. It's so easy to come here and set goals for our community development projects and consider it to succeed or fail. That's the American way. Rather, we're letting go of the hard work mindset and we're just concerned about loving people. With God's grace, we hope that the love we show them will lead a lasting impression on their life that will inspire spreading love to others.

Day 18: Epiphany--Asenemaso

Today was a day of realization and newly found truths. I discovered who God is calling me to serve for this trip. Originally, I wanted to work with the women in Asenemaso by building a network of women supporting each other. In simpler terms, it would be like a self-help, small group. But spending time here in Asenemaso has shown me that the sense of community is very strong. People are involved in each others lives. While were were sitting around today, God's plan hit me when I looked as Asha: I am to work with the girls of Asenemaso and act as their mentor. Women in Ghana aren't as valued as men are. It's not as bad as other places, but sometimes girls don't go to school because of expenses. Families send their sons to school while their daughters stay home and work around the house. I want to start a group for girls where I act as their cheerleader, role model, and counselor. I want to either work with another teacher of Frieda (the chief's maid) so that they can continue the group after I'm gone. I came to realize this because of the way the girls are drawn to us. God was definitely speaking to me when Asha pointed to me and said, "I want her to be my teacher." I'm so excited about leading small groups with the girls. I'm excited about teaching, too. I know work like this is my calling because I'm actually looking forward to working in the community.

We also went to a funeral today, but funerals here are much different from funerals in the US. They're celebrations of life, not grievances. When someone dies, the entire community is invited, even if you didn't know the honored person. There are so many people are funerals, usually hundreds. There's alcohol, dancing, eating, and honoring the deceased. It's a big party! I wish all funerals were like they are here. It's so refreshing to celebrate a person's life and honoring them with happiness and joy. It also shows that we're happy for their next step, heaven. IT also struck me that nothing is formal at funerals, it's just a big party. That's pretty much how life is here, just a great party where people join in to have a good time with their loved ones.

Day 17: Dance--Asenemaso

the town of Asenemaso officially welcomed us with a welcoming ceremony. Everyone was traditionally dressed. Chief Nanna hosted it and we received a huge honor as well as a beautiful gift for each of us. The entire town was there to officially welcome us. We were also lucky enough to witness traditional African dance and music. It surprised us that the American hip-hip dancing is very similar to Ghanaian traditional dance. The dancers were kids, probably close to teenage years. Even though the dance is rather obviously sexual, this type of dancing has been apart of their culture for generations. Here, it's culture and it's been around for generations, but it's exploited in America. This launched us into a discussion on whether this type of dance supports and indirectly encourages viewing women as a sexual object. But the main point to remember is that the boys were also being just as sexual in their dancing. With hip-hop and rap, women are the only people dancing sexual (with hardly any clothes on). The men act as pimps and the women act as if they are trying to please him. Sadly, the team also recalled how the ceremony strangely reminded them of high school dances. I remember my proms where I danced ridiculously, but I definitely remember those who took dancing very seriously. We danced twice in the ceremony and it was very carefree, loose, and fun.

That is what most of Ghanaian culture is, carefree. There's not much worry here and the people are so happy. I wish life everywhere was like that. If we stopped putting so much pressure on ourselves, I think we'd like life a lot more. We need to give up our burdens and worries to God. God will take care of us if we follow His will. In America, we become so independent of others that we become completely detached from God. That's my biggest struggle: becoming dependent on God. Over the years, I've built myself up to be independent of those I could rely on, like my friends. But now, I have to give that up. That's the hardest thing for me to give up, not wealth or materialism. But His strength is my strength and I know I can overcome anything.

Day 16: Love--Asenemaso

It's great to be together as a group. We've been able to do everything together and I love bonding with everyone. It's so great to get to know those I don't know well; I'm learning a lot about each person. Adu (the all-around helper with our project) took us to the school where we'll be teaching. I was lucky enough to meet my future class and I can't wait to start teaching. I am very confident that God will provide me the will and strength to teach well.

We had a mini-orientation today and we all emphasized that the most important part of this trip is that we're here only to love. It's great that we're teaching and building a library, but the real reason we're here is to be a presence of God's love and represent Christ in the most justified way possible. I can't wait to form real relationships with the people in Asenemaso.

We also visited the library that Mike built last summer. It was wonderful to see so many children reading and enjoying it! Books and education really are the solution to poverty. Reading to children is one of my favorite things to do and I can't wait to do it again.

Day 15: Chief Nanna's house--Asenemaso

We're finally in the town we will be working in. We were greeted by the chief and he fed us an dis now housing us until Sunday. After the organized ritual of introductions, we went around the town, visiting the library site and the classrooms we will be teaching in. In addition, we met many children and few adults. I feel a great sense of welcome here and that the people really do want us here in their community. I felt warmth from Wa, but not like here in Asenesmaso. They know we're here to work. The children followed us the entire time we were in the town and I feel much more comfortable working with them. I was nervous and very stressed before I left, but I just needed to give that up to God and accept that He will provide me with strength to do his work. We haven't picked our teaching partners yet, but Asha (a girl Mike taught last summer) specifically wants me to teach with him so that I can be her teacher! I was really excited that the children are already responding to our presence. There are so many children here! Most of the children are relatively young, such as ages 4-12. They do something hilarious: they catch beetles and tie them to strings and parade them around as pets! I first connected with the kids in this way. They gave me the beetle and I chased them around with it.

I'm so excited about the work. We'll actually be living in this community for 6 weeks! We'll make great friends and learn how life in Asenemaso exists. Maybe I won't even want to leave.

Our team is really starting to bond together. It was relatively awkward before we left, but not that we're here, everything is starting to flow together. I'm very happy to know that I will be making some life-long friends on this trip.

Our journey up here was quite exciting; our own trotro was that of Little Miss Sunshine (push starting the van) and we almost got in multiple accidents (but that was expected). Right now, eight of us are jam packed in one room with Elliott on the mandolin and Mike on guitar singing Coldplay. I'm so excited to know that God's going to transform us and use us as his instruments. Kat and I have been lucky enough to already undergo this transformation.

Day 14: Crystalline Hotel--Accra

The rest of our team is finally here and how awesome it is to see them! They are going through the same process as Kat and I went through and it's so intriguing to watch their initial reactions. They are fascinated by women carrying everything on their heads, while Kat and I have grown accustomed to it. Watching them try and drink out of water satchels is quite humorous. Today was quite a trial by error day. With the help of Laurence, Kat and I led the entire team throughout the whole day. We arranged a private trotro, picked them up, found and reserved a hostel, and reserved our bus tickets for tomorrow. I think God is trying to tell me that I can really emerge as an effective leader. With the help of others, I can utilize my strengths and lead a group. I hope I am becoming the leader God wants me to be.

Mike got in today and he has great stories from Sudan. He has an opportunity to be employed by Angels of East Africa, a mercenary group that runs orphanages in the war torn regions of Sudan. And I mean real mercenaries: employees of the organization carry guns and they have two goals: run the orphanage and kill Joseph Conney (the leader of the LRA). Mike was discussing the Christian dilemma he's facing, much like Bonhoeffer and Hitler. In the Bible, we are taught to be pacifists and that violence is never the answer. But in certain and special circumstances like Joseph Conney and Hitler, does God still want us to be pacifists? To me, the answer is very clear. No matter how evil or possessed we think one individual is, we aren't to judge them. We leave that up to God and our job is to love them as Christ loved them. As much as we want vengeance, vengeance is Gods and only Gods. Plus, no one is beyond Christ's redemption. No one. Christ's sacrifice saved everyone's soul and in the same way, it can win over their hearts and redeem them. Maybe they are very far from God, but they are never too far. Terrorists, pedophiles, rapists, torturers, murders, and liars are all saved by the Lord's grace. Let us pray for their hearts to be transformed by the love of Christ.

Day 13: Unwelcome--Accra

Matt and Amanda flew in tonight and it was so great to see them! I didn't realize how much I had missed my friends until I saw them. They just arrived from spending a week in the UK and Scotland. Amanda is in love with it and wants to move there eventually. I am now interested in visiting Western Europe. I always have been, but I have been more interested in other places because they are still developing. Maybe someday I will visit there.

We found out today that an American who stayed with Bertha (Dr. Boeteng's daughter) last year left a very bad impression on her. He lied, stole, and complained the entire time he was there. No wonder she wasn't too excited for us to come. It hurts and angers me that one person can ruin experiences for another. I wish Americans would understand that when they are traveling, they are representing for the rest of the people from their country. Why can't people be respectful and understanding when they are in another culture? Hopefully, our entire team will represent God in the way He wants us to.

Day 12: STC Station--Accra

After a long journey, Kat and I are here waiting for Frank to pick us up. We feel slightly terrible about asking him to come get us at this hour, but Kat and I aren't in the best health. She's been sick with a cough and a running nose (among other things). I'm afraid I got it, too. I fainted in church today! It wasn't too serious because Evelyn and Kat caught me on my way down. We think it's because of dehydration brought on by my illness. So Evelyn took me home and I drank four liters of ORS (electrolyte replacement), then rested for most of the afternoon. I was so disappointed that I had to miss the woman's meeting: they did a welcome dance for Kat! But she said the entire meeting was in the local language, so she didn't understand it. We did get the interviews we wanted, thank God. I wanted to attend the meeting so bad, but I think God was trying to tell me to just trust in Him and trust in others. I'm so accustomed to doing things on my own that it sometimes becomes strange to do things with other people.

Evelyn freaked me out today: while she was taking me home from church, she asked me if I had taken my malaria medication. I definitely have been taking it, but she gave me quite a scare. So I've been praying ever since, but I must not worry too much because Kat had the same symptoms, only mine are worse. Let's hope it's not malaria!

Day 11: Unstoppable--Wa

Joy invited us to her meeting today with her AIDS group. Tomorrow is a global AIDS remembrance memorial and Joy organized a football game followed by a candlelight vigil. Kat and I have to leave tomorrow, so we'll have to miss it. We also are missing the women's celebration. I am very sad about missing both events but I am very convinced we will come back on the third weekend of June for the opening of the women's multi-purpose center. Evelyn wants it to be a place of community where the omen will come together and support each other. The site just needs renovation because it hasn't been used in years. The bishop is donating the building while Evelyn is taking out some loans. The center will also be used for women to do all their weaving and begin a new project of filtering wine. Evelyn has great hope that this new project will generate a lot of income for the women. we have yet to interview one of them, but we're praying that we can get the chance tomorrow. Bernice, one of the girls living with Evelyn (it's actually her niece), came into our room today and asked for our addresses so that she may write us. Bernice has been so kind and hardworking; she does most of the housework but refuses to let us help with any of it! She opened up to us a little and she has much wisdom despite her age. Her value of education is so exciting! She also said that if she has a desire in her heart, no one can stop her from pursuing that. How insightful for a teenage girl in Africa. Here in Ghana (and most of Africa), many girls don't go to school because of the cost and because of male hierarchy. Primary school (elementary) is the only level that is free; parents must pay for middle school, high school, and of course, university. Bernice's school has been shut down for a month now, simply because there is no food. At all secondary schools, the students live there 24/7 (like university). It's very sad because the government isn't helping with the financial problem, so Bernice and her friends don't know when they can go back to school, but she misses it so much. Her favorite subject is science and she wants to study Information Service (computers) in college. We will be praying for her school to pen soon because that is her future. I can't wait to see what kind of woman Bernice will become, especially since she considers Evelyn to be her role model. She said Evelyn has taught her to work hard, never give up, and always expect the best. I am definitely going to miss Evelyn, Bernice, Joy, little Alex, and all the wonderful people here in Wa. I can't wait to come back and see them again.

Day 10: Big v. small--Wa

Kat and I did absolutely nothing but go out to buy much needed razors (the whole all natural thing wasn't working out so well). We were privileged enough to meet Joy, the Peace Corps Volunteer who's living with Evelyn until November 2009. Like all the women here, she's a woman of strength and determination. We had amazing talks about the Peace Corps, international travel, and personal growth. It has made me want to do the Peace Corps eve more. She says, "you have good Ghana days and bad Ghana days," and that the Peace Corps is whatever you make of it.

Kat and I have an interesting division of views: she's more for starting your own organization while I'm more for working with established organizations (to put it very simply). I can see the value in both: being alone allows you more freedom, but working with an organization generally gets more work done. I think the important thing to remember is that it doesn't matter how you do it, but it needs to be in love. And that love comes from Jesus and His desire for justice. Kat told me that the reason she doesn't like big organizations is because they can be bureaucratic and often loose the human touch of their work. She really cares about getting to know a community, inside and out. But so am I! If I seriously plan to love the oppressed, I need to live among them. How can you care about something without knowing the full story? I can read and research an issue to the fullest extent, but I won't know the real story until I am apart of the community. I don't want my life to be a 9-5 job and volunteer during my free time. I want to be apart of the people I am called to serve. I can't really serve women in Kosovo if I live in a comfortable house in suburb America. I need to be with them and become a genuine part of their lives. After all, Jesus lived among prostitutes and lepers. Why should I live any differently?

Now I am restless: how can I advocated for those in Darfur if I've never been among the horror? Doing good isn't sending money or wearing a T-shirt, it's going to the battlefield and being Christ's ambassadors to the oppressed and their oppressors. Think about it: all these issues we are so "passionate" about are only what the media decides to tell us. We don't know what the real story is. I fear that this humanitarian fad if just that, a fad. God help us that our hearts really are in the right place when we say we care about justice.

Day 9: Environment--Wa

We saw the hippos today! It was great to see God's creation very close in their natural environment and away from obnoxious tourists. It was only our small canoe out there, complete with holes and the ever-present danger of the boat sinking. I'll admit, I was a little worried when we got so close to the hippos. The locals are unaware that they can kill people. But luckily, we made it out alive. It was so peaceful, floating on the Black Volta in the canoe. Some Americans would kill to be in a secluded place like the hippo sanctuary. I find that so refreshing here in Africa. They respect the wildlife here; they live with nature rather than forcing it to leave. Although I love cities for their professionalism and diversity, I am sometimes smothered by all the man-made structures. I think a lot of Americans are smothered, too; they just don't know it. We tend to forget that God created the natural wonders that we are destroying. And when someone expresses concern for the environment, they are laughed off as a lunatic. What happened to humans as the caretakers of the earth? God never gave us permission to destroy and terrorize the environment and the beings living in it. We're supposed to appreciate and love this world, not cover it up with our buildings and skyscrapers. It's as if we crave power so much that we need to build our own environment to cover up what God created; an environment of steel and iron that destroys God's gift to us. We're eliminating natural beauty for malls and exploiting creatures for "food." Satan thrives in slaughterhouses. Think about it: workers raise an animal for the sole purpose of killing it, all the satisfy the bottomless stomachs of glutenous Americans (when 60% of us are obese). Personal testimonies of slaughterhouse workers recount that animals actually scream because they understand what they about to encounter. The workers themselves develop PTSD and turn to drugs as an answer, all while fat ole' Freddy can enjoy his Big Mac. This is an outrage! We are exploiting God's creations and justifying it with, "God intended for us to use this earth for us." While this maybe true, I know God didn't want us slaughtering innocent animals, chopping down rain forests, and melting the ice caps. We are stewards of this earth, not enemies of it. The earth and the animals cannot speak for themselves so we must do it for them. Just spending a weekend in the outdoors builds an appreciation for nature. I can't even bear to think of the misery that the environment and animals are experiencing. Why do we dominate and destroy life? This question continues to haunt me.

Day 8: Pacifist--Wa

Evelyn took us to the nearest school and we were privilged enough to meet hardworking teachers and curious children. The children here are such a blessing and it is so obvious that they are God's children. Whenever they see us, they stop everything, become overly excited, shout "Nasal (white person), Nasal, how are you? We are fine! Thank you!", and crowd around us in wonder. It's an incredible feeling to be able to smile at the children and they become even more excited. The people we have met really value children, even though they still switch them with sharp tree branches. It was difficult to let that pass and not stand up for the children. Violence produces violence. We say a boy at the school beginning to switch other boys because he saw that violence brings satisfactory results. It's not so different in our country. Our government turns to war, bloodshed, violence, and terror to get what we want and then we wonder why children are killing each other. I've always been a pacifist, but I never thought peace was possible. My standards for our government have risen, and I hold them (and us) responsible for the lives lost over the wars we have declared. If we only began to risk peace rather than protect ourselves with war, violence would no longer be a solution.

Day 7:Bosco-- Wa

After I thought we couldn't meet anymore of God's disciples here in Wa, Evelyon introduced us to yet another one, Bosco. Brother Bosco, as he is called, works with handicapped children. He helps supply them with jobs, receive medical treatment, and helps them become more accepted into their families lives. Much like AIDS victims, handicapped people are hidden away from the outside world because their families are ashamed of them. Because of the stigma, handicapped individuals don't go to school and aren't really part of the family. Bosco told us a story of visiting a handicapped child: at the sound of his truck pulling into the driveway, the child hid away because that is what his family told him to do whenever a guest came to the house. But Bosco pleads for funding for these people, and he drives them all the way down to Accra for their treatments. He stays with them for the whole procedure and drives them back home (13 hour drive). Evelyn and Bosco both spoke of the frustrations for lack of funding.

"Their problem is my problem," as Evelyn says. Shouldn't we all think this way? Why don't our hearts break for those in pain? And if they do, why don't we do anything about it? As Christians, it's our duty to feel for these people. After all, we all have the same Father.

Day 6: Follow--Wa

I think I'm really starting to grasp Jesus' message. Most people kind of get it, but I know He calls us to give up EVERYTHING in this world to follow Him. I'm beginning to realize that I can actually do that; I can go where I'm called. And not a two month mission trip, I need to be among the oppressed for the rest of my life. There should be no distance between me and the poor. I need to become one of them so that I may fight with them, not for them.

Kat and I walked around town without Evelyn, and we're feeling invited into their community through their warmth. I'm beginning to believe that Americans are the real poor in this world; Africans are in absolute poverty, but their value of community is astounding. Americans pride themselves in independence and lack community; they become alone with all their expensive stuff. I need to live like the African, depending on my brothers and sisters in Christ. I need to release the desire to be completely independent and rely completely on Christ.

The rain here is quite symbolic: the change in myself to give up everything and REALLY follow Him. Not just giving up my material things, but worries of this world. With God, all things are possible.

Day 5: Church--Wa

God is working strong here in Wa. He is using His disciples to expand the Goods News so that the needy can have hope. I have never seen anything like it in my life. The presence of the Lord is overwhelming and it is filling my heart with joy. To think that Africa is a broken, devastated, and hopeless place is so false. To speak of Africa in this way is foolish. There is a future here; I know it.

We attended mass and it is unlike any church service I have ever experienced; people were authentically in love with the Lord. There were drums, dancing, uncoordinated clapping, and roaring laughter during the sermon. People were dancing for Jesus! To experience praise so unbridled is indescribable; words cannot measure how easy it is to see their love for God. Worship in the U.S. is so different; it wasn't too long ago that we introduced soft music into our service (and even that was controversial). Those good old traditional Church of Christers would have a heart attack if they experienced raw African Christianity!

But why does worship rituals matter so much in the U.S? Why do we waste our energy on something so meaningless? Not to say praise is meaningless, but the way we do it is; God knows our hearts and a guitar isn't going to persuade Him otherwise. Where our true concern should be is in the welfare of others and how we can better serve them. We met reverend brothers (men training to be reverends) at their house. Once again, we experienced the most amazing hospitality as we sipped Coke over discussions on how to help AIDS victims become more accepted into society. Evelyn's latest project is pairing AIDS-infected women with a healthy woman; a real friendship, of sorts. How simple and astonishing, a perfect example of Christ's love. Nothing is being done except showing love to an outcast. Jesus is alive! so alive. Evelyn is a saint in disguise and I want to help with the women here. She keeps hinting at us coming back, and I think I'm going to.

There are many opportunities to help here in Wa. First, the women in Evelyn's groups make traditional African fabric to gain profit for their families. Very similar to Eternal Threads. They do now sew, but Kat and I are planning on bringing some fabric back to the States and making shirts to sell to the youth (we decided to use the African craze to our advantage). We also want to present the fabric to a company and see if they want to use it for their products. We just want to support the women in Wa. Second, Evelyn is opening a school for HIV-orphaned children next year, and I'm sure she'll need plenty of teachers. I guarantee there is a group of Pepperdine students who would love to work with the children. I personally fell called to work with the women. These are, of course, just ideas floating around the heads of myself and Kat. We will pray and see what God has to say about it. In the meantime, we are grateful to experience the Lord in a real way. Americans have a lot to learn from Ghanaians: Jesus has no legal ties except to live your life for Him. If only Americans would really take Jesus seriously when He said, "follow me", our world would be so much different.

Day 4: Feminist--Wa

Evelyn was kind enough to let us follow her around. I saved today to speak about her; she is a remarkable woman and deserves much recognition. She is a feminist (that itself deserves applause, especially in Africa). Her father was an administrator and she is college educated. She grew up in Wa (upper Northwest of Ghana), saw the community's need, and has dedicated her life to solving the problems. She is a woman of many callings; women's rights, family support, and orphans. She is the leaders of nine women's groups around Wa, helping educate and empower women (Kat and I are invited to attend their monthly meeting next Sunday). Her current focus is on increasing awareness about domestic violence and sending girls to school. She also broadcasts on the local radio station to educate poor families on the available resources (social programs and national health care). Finally, she has recently developed a heart for children orphaned by AIDS. She helps find families to adopt the children and if she doesn't find anyone, she takes them in herself. Alex, for example, is six months old and living with her. She found him, one day old, naked and abandoned in a landfill. That was the start of her "open house." Living with her is Alex, two teenage girls (Benice and Joe), and Joy, an American woman from the Peace Corps. She is not married because she doesn't want to be restricted (sounds strangely familiar, doesn't it?). It's amazing to meet such a strong woman here in Africa. It gives me hope for it's future and solidifies my calling to work with women internationally. I know there is a reason I have met these incredible women.

Day 3: Evelyn's house--Wa

Kat and I are safe in the house of Evelyn under our mosquito nets and the continuous baby goat noises (Kat just informed me that goats "bleat", whatever). Our 12 hour long car ride from Accra was quite an experience; I will never criticize anyone's driving in the States ever again. Mass chaos and anarchy are the governing laws of the Ghanaian roads, littered with passing pedestrians and confused livestock. It's somewhat of an analogy of Ghana's social problems: there's a lot of issues, but slow progress is being made. Kat and I got many stares, smiles, waves, and callings today. I guess you could say were were somewhat of a celebrity (that words makes me gag). It was an interesting feeling to be a minority, but one that I needed. I was humbled by the sheer beauty of the Ghanaian; the were no make-up and don't dye their hair, yet they were some of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen. All of American women should experience this.

Beauty seems to be the theme of today, with the people and the land. My new love is the Ghanaian landscape; dense, thick, piercing green vegetation amidst towering trees and red dirt. Absolutely breathtaking. Just another tribute to the glory of God.

Day 2: Dr. Boeteng's house--Accra

Even though I've been here for over 12 hours, I still cannot believe Kat and I are in Africa! The landing of the plane gave us a small peek at the beauty we would encounter. The thick, lush vegetation broke away the stereotype of Africa being a desolate and barren continent. It is a hint and clue to the life and spirit of the Ghanaian people. Everyone I have encountered has been kind and generous (something you would never find in the states!). Frank (Dr. Boeteng's nephew) was very hospitable and drove us around for cedis, sim cards, and water. What a great sense of humor he has! We were so relieved to notice his light-hearted and carefree nature. I am told that all Africans are like this.

Accra resembles Tijuana quite well, a mix of wealth and poverty. Those who drive Mercedes are on roads were the poor stand in between lanes to sell gum and the local newspaper. At first, I was shocked to see such wealth in Accra, but then I realized the gap between rich and poor is always very large. It also shocks and surprises me how so many ignore this gap in every country. But I suppose that is one of the great mysteries of the human race; the ability to overlook in justice of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Ah, I'm going off on a tangent that always leaves me angry and frustrated. I better stop now.

Other details: the heat is quite amazing. I must admit, Ghana heat puts Phoenix heat to shame, with spit and a slap across the face. If feels like we're in a campfire and it smells like it, too. The humidity is what's really getting to me; I can't tell if I"m sweating or the moisture form the air is on my skin. God help me adjust. I had my first encounter with an African mosquito just moments ago, but I am covered in 100% Deet that should keep them off me. It's still as hot as it was during the day; Kat and I are slightly disappointed. We are embarking on a 10 hour journey to Wa tomorrow starting at 6 AM. Even though we've been sleeping since 5 PM on this pillowless mattress, I know we'll sleep soundly until morning.

We didn't really want to come this early to Ghana, we were actually quite stressed about it. But over a conversation at JFK, we both realized God has a reason for us being in Africa a week and a half earlier than our groups. We're not sure what that is yet, but God knows and we must learn to trust Him here in this beauty country of Ghana.

Day 1: Atlanta airport

God just reminded me to always be on alert for those who are hurting. I would have never guessed that a plane ride from Phoenix to Atlanta would bring me one woman's story of pain and heart ache. I would have never guessed that by just be friendly, I would open the door to her soul. It's truly amazing how God puts us in certain places, crossing the paths of those who do not know Him. I pray that Christ was revealed through me to Amanda and her son Alex; maybe it gave her a little glimmer of hope. At first, I thought our encounter was God's way of preparing me for working with women in Ghana. But iwas so much more; we sat next to each other because God wanted me to be his ambassador. I hope I delivered, for her hsake. Even though I'm going to Africa to help the hurting, I cannot forget that people in struggle are all around me, all the time. And it is my Christian duty to show compassion and kindness to them, no matter how small the deed.