Reflections through Day Three...

The kids call us Uncle Charlie and Auntie Kaylee.

Just the fact that they remember our names is endearing.  On our first day at the school we arrived as the morning assembly was taking place.  Hymns were being sung, bible verses recited from memory, and the Ghanian pledge and anthem were also repeated.  After this the Head Mistress Cecilia gave some brief announcements about the new term, at which point she introduced us.  To the entire school!  She asked the two of us to come to the front of the assembly, handed us the microphone, and told us to introduce ourselves.  I cannot begin to describe the screaming and adulation that ensued.  We felt like rock stars.

By the way, Kaylee and I are the ONLY white people for what must be miles.  We have been told that a handful attend the university and will be arriving on campus when their new term begins, which should be next week.  Also, a fellow University of Morris GST participant, Kate, will be arriving in March to do exactly what we are doing.  We found out she is staying at the same house, so we should have fun together.

But anyways, back to our names.  After general assembly we were led around the compound (which is massive, by the way), and introduced to each individual class and teacher.  The classes begin with four-year olds, and continue all the way to the junior high level, about fifteen years old.  Fifty or more students can attend a single class, and there are dozens of classes spread across the different age levels.  Suffice to say, we spent the whole morning waving "hello" to about 2000 adorable little youngsters.  "Auntie" and "Uncle" are names given that mean the same as "Miss" or "Mr."  At least that's our understanding.

After our morning "rounds" to meet everyone, we were asked to wait in the library for an unspecified period of time as the administration had much work to do.  Kaylee and I parked it on some rather uncomfortable chairs amidst the rows of dusty old books, and commenced a game of cards that would last four and a half hours.  We found out later that it was expected that we walk around and observe the children and teachers as we please.  English is the official language here, but apparently there can be some things that are lost in translation.

At the end of the school day, about 2:30, we were asked to go with the administration and coordinators for our program to a very nice restaurant on the university campus.  The meal was very good, and we were starving after all that sitting and card playing.  Maybe the food wasn't terrific, but it sure hit the spot on such an empty stomach.  And it was free.

We weren't thrilled at the prospect of leaving the home where we spent our first night.  John Dodoo, the owner of said house and the prime coordinator for the Morris GST program, has been nothing short of an angel in terms of helping us feel safe, comfortable, and welcome.  We spent the first night at his house, where we were fed a wonderful meal, allowed a lengthy shower and nap, and then invited to spend the evening with his sister-in-law and her family (complete with more wonderful food).  He said he will check in on us continually, which is a pleasant thought as we struggle to feel more and more comfortable here.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to adjust ourselves to this strange and exciting place.  We will do our best to find ways to stay in touch, share photos, and communicate with our friends and family.  God bless all of you!

Love,

The Freemans