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.