Goodbyes

This morning it rained and the kids didn't have to go to school. So I got to have some extra time with them before leaving for Kumasi. It was hard to say goodbye, but I think it was harder for them than me. Solomon was crying and angry with me both for leaving and for not giving him candy. Atta II was mad at me for leaving and wouldn't give me a hug. Sarfo was crying and wouldn't hug me goodbye either :( It was hard fo me to say goodbye to Miracle, Solomon and Kwaku (yes, I had favorites ) and I'll miss them. Thankfully, I'm coming home with about half as much stuff as I brought! I was able to put one of my bags inside the other...woot!
Katja and I went on our way to Kumasi. We went to the cultural centre and I bought some souvenirs and handicrafts. There were drum makers and painters that we watched do their work. It was cool to see how everything was made. We got a super cheap hotel that had a working toilet!

Kumasi traffic

Another roundabout statue

Ghanian marketing - "God First Boutique"

Last Day in Kumasi

Katja and I slept in and got some breakfast (more of that bread and egg stuff...so good!). We went and visited a family Katja had stayed with for a weekend when she first arrived. They were Muslim and lived in a Muslim community, which was interesting to see. They must be pretty wealthy because the family had lots of decorations, television, a computer, and a big kitchen. The mother was a very interesting women. She'd gone to university and spoke English very well. I met her 2 week old baby who was so sweet and small. I was invited to come and visit again if I come back to Ghana.
On our way back to the center of Kumasi, it starting raining like crazy and we got soaked. I had to say goodbye to Katja pretty quickly. It was so great getting to know her and I'll miss her. We've talked about going on a road trip through the U.S. in a few years, so hopefully that can happen.
I met a girl from California at my hotel. She'd been in Mali for four months and was staying in Ghana for many more months doing public health work. It was good to have someone to walk around with at night. Kumasi is a safe city, but being a lone white girl, I'd stick out quite a bit. I can't believe I leave Ghana tomorrow!

Made It Home!

After about 45 hours of traveling I finally made it from Kumasi to Accra on a bus, from Accra to London, and London to Minneapolis. I can't believe I was really in Africa. It all sort of seems like a dream. There is so much in Ghana that I didn't get to see and hope I can go back someday.

More Pictures and Videos

Here is a slideshow of the kids and I hanging out. There are some videos too.
The kids learned the art of making funny faces as you will see.



Slideshow mat

Atta II playing ping pong against the wall


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Solomon and Addo dancing


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Kwaku's favorite thing to say is "Yea!" You can see how he doesn't like anyone else getting in on his attention :)


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Solomon loved this video and had me play it for him all the time. He was quite impressed with his ability to twist his arms in and out.


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