This morning when I 'rolled out' to head to school, I had plans of coming to this very internet cafe, after school, and posting only ONE blog update. Ghana had other plans.
Standing at my usual spot in North Kaneshie (my area of Accra) to catch the same car I catch every morning, a taxi was passing with other passengers, girl in the front, guy in the back (good sign-I pay less). So I made the Kaneshie signal with my arm (Kaneshie is my destination-the signal is drawing your arm towards you in a lateral motion). The taxi slowed while I questioned, "Kaneshie?" to the car's passengers. The driver stopped and nodded his head so I got in. I murmured a sleepy, "Good morning" to which the other passengers answered, "Fine morning." As I began to open my bag to pull out my 5,000 cedis (about $0.55), the driver turned and asked, "Where are you going?" I, with a puzzled look on my face, said, "Kaneshie, like you said." He answered, "No, no, we're going to Circle" Circle's signal, you should know is with your hand turned towards the ground dragging your index finger in quick repetitive circles-clearly there is a difference in the signals, but we're human right? We all make mistakes. So he began to hurriedly shoo me out of the cab. This is normal, because he has passengers that need to get where they're going, plus we were stopped in the middle of the road, blocking other cars. So, I pulled on the handle. No dice. It wouldn't open, but the taxi driver continued to rush me, this will make a girl anxious! So the guy next to me slid over to help yank on the handle. The driver then began to coach me saying, "Push on the top of the window." Figuring he knew his car well (every taxi has some sort of problem...Dad, they could really use you here, haha :)), I started to push the top of the window while the driver was yanking on the lock and the man next to me was yanking on the handle. Conveniently, me pushing on the top of the window draws my attention away from the Obruni (white lady) bag sitting on my lap. What I failed to notice was when the man slid over to "help" his plastic bag slid ever so slightly over the top of my bag. A few seconds later I noticed my bag being slightly jostled but it was so chaotic that I assumed it was natural, still I was suspicious of the fact that his plastic bag had fallen over top of mine. So I took the initiative and moved his plastic bag from my bag and saw that my bag was opened, shocked at myself for forgetting to close it before I began this process I quickly zipped it up. However, for some reason I remember closing it. Oh well, gotta get this door opened! We're blocking traffic on the busy streets of Accra! I started to fool with the window again, but confused as to why he was making me push the top of the window when clearly that part wasn't blocked. Again, I felt my bag being jostled, when I looked down, the plastic bag had been moved BACK on top of my bag. I yanked my arms from the window and harshly threw the plastic bag down again to find my bag had again been opened!!! This time I knew it wasn't me. I turned to the man and yelled in his face, "Why are you opening my bag!?!?" I pushed his arms to the side and began to check my bag for everything I had brought with me that morning. My Bible, still there. My planner, still there. My DIGITAL CAMERA, still there. My cell phone, still there. As I groped around inside my bag for my wallet, there were a few seconds of panic until I confirmed yes, it was where I usually keep it, in the farthest part from the opening, in the very back of my bag (thanks to our YAV "Not Getting Robbed Training" in Chicago). Thank you Lord, everything was still in place, EVERYTHING. I quickly told the driver to open the door for me. He got out and opened the door (apparently, only the 'child-lock' was engaged...nice). I slammed the door shut and shakily caught my OWN taxi where I sat in the back. The whole way to school, I kept thinking about this DANG situation I was just in. Discovering new things each time I recalled the incident. Wishing I would have recognized it from the start. But it's like they always tell you, you never expect something like this to happen, no matter how prepared you may be. BUT PEOPLE, the story doesn't stop there. Why would I write this "little ditty" on my blog? Just to scare my mother?? No ma'am. The FOLLOWING, is why I wrote this story down for you all to see.
Let's back-track to this morning, before I even left my room after I woke up. When normally I would read my scheduled Year-Through-the-Bible chapters for THAT day. I was busy playing catch up from the day before, which turned into one of those busy days when it just didn't get done. So fast forward to break time today at about 10 am, after the above situation had come and gone, after I spent the morning recounting the event for various people (you tell one teacher, they tell all teachers), after I silently thanked the Lord quite a few times for keeping me and my belongings safe, after finding out from multiple teachers that this is a common Accra-area taxi scam, and of course after me being a little bitter towards that taxi full of scammers. I decided for my break, to do my reading for today. On my schedule, it shows for the 8th of November (I'll show it to you someday if you need proof), I should read Deuteronomy 28-29 in the Old Testament. So I flipped open my Bible and read the heading for chapter 28, Blessings for Obedience. Okay...so I started reading. You cannot know how far my jaw dropped as I began and continued to read. It begins by talking about how if you are obedient and obey HIS laws, God will do such and such for you...Verses like this popped up V. 7 - The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. V. 8 - They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. Then, you'll never believe what came NEXT...the chapter switched directions and the second heading was this, Curses for Disobedience. In the same way, the passage speaks to disobedience of HIS laws and commands where THIS verse came up...V. 29b - You will be unsuccessful in everything you do; day after day you will be oppressed and robbed, with no one to rescue you. HaHA YOU FOOLS, you weren't trying to rob ME, you were trying to rob GOD AND ME. boo YAH! Clearly, I shouldn't be surprised that those scammer-fools got NUTHIN'. Just like THE WORD speaks to over and over, If God is for you, who can be against you? Certainly not some silly-scammers driving around Accra looking for a nice lady to pick up and ruin her day. Well, sorry, you've failed, and my day COULDN'T be better.
God moments. Wow.
08 November 2007
Happy Halloween! (Happy Birthday Dad!!)
It's November already!?! So does that mean those of you in Michigan are wearing sweaters and hoodies and pulling on slippers when you get out of bed in the morning? Part of me misses that feeling of being enveloped in thick, comfy material; however, there is another part of me thinking, "Get it off!!" We are just starting to slip into the hot, dry, and dusty season here in Ghana. The type of season where you need to take a cool shower before bed just to fall asleep at night. But heat isn't the only thing November brings. The end of October signifies midterms at school. Which means, it has been 7 weeks (because I waited to post this blog-it has currently been 9 weeks) and it's time to check out the children's progress. With many exams comes a lot of papers to grade, so I was in and out of a few classrooms at the end of the week, lending a hand wherever I could. When grades were posted there were only a few worried expressions which were countered by MANY shouts of joy. One of those students who came up to me grinning ear to ear was Pauline. This 14-year-old friend of mine was sent to Ghana for the year by her mother because of bad behavior at her public school in Philly. She had a hard time adjusting to new teaching strategies and a different kind of discipline. As a result, for the first three or four weeks of school she was failing. Being the only two Americans on the compound we quickly formed a close bond where we felt comfortable sharing our excitements and frustrations with this foreign place we found ourselves in. On more than one occasion Pauline came to find me during our lunch hour on the verge of tears because among other things she was failing and didn't know how to fix it. But after the junior secondary school grades had posted, she ran to tell me she had improved in EACH subject. "That's right gurl!" I exclaimed as we slapped hands. She then skipped to join her group of friends that were waving her over. I realized then her grades weren't the only things that were becoming better adjusted.
It was on this high that I began a much needed four day weekend. How, you ask, did my school's midterm break and our scheduled group retreat end up on the same weekend? My only answer for that is a phrase I have used frequently in the past few months, God is good.
My site coordinators, Glen and Carol Hallead, the other two volunteers, Nadine and Kristy, and I all met at a riverside paradise for three days in Akosombo. Even through the sheets of rain that fell almost all of Saturday, it was impossible to miss the view. A lazy river and a few boys on cut-out canoes were all that separated us from the Jurassic Park-looking tree-covered, rolling hills on the other side. I love coming to this part of the country (Northeast of Accra) because it's a bit cooler in temperature and heavenly sights like these are not uncommon. We spent the weekend taking care of business and catching up from the last time we saw eachother. I learned from the girls that their placement in Ho (working for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church [EPC] headquarters) also has its share of frustrations. Some exciting news though is that they found this afterschool street kids program that they've just plugged into and can't wait to see where it leads! We then discussed my current situation at school, which for those of you who don't know is me bouncing between primary two and three grading papers, observing, teaching the students new games and songs, while being available to step in when a teacher steps out. I was offered some helpful suggestions by the group and Glen and I came up with a few ideas of changes that can be made. Stay tuned for what happens next on the education front.
Also, during this weekend, the girls and I came up with some travel plans for around Thanksgiving and Christmastime. The combination of good sleep, food, sharing, advice and some gooood looking holiday plans gave us a boost of energy to get back to our respective homes and job placements.
Intermission anyone??? I could use a nice Peppermint Mocha Frappachino from Starbucks right now, mmmmmmmmm...
Since that weekend, a few things have happened. First of all, I made good use of prayers from family and friends by speaking with the hands that feed me. [Thank you sooooo much for those prayers-I know they helped] After a few days of not "eating all" on my plate coupled with an explanation of my discomfort, my portion sizes have become smaller! Which, I think, makes the future loook goood. Second, Wednesday was Halloween people! (again, I delayed this message a bit, sorry) Even though I was the only one at school in a black skirt with an orange top and bright orange earrings, and MAYBE I was the only one shouting 'Happy Halloween!!' to anyone who'd listen, I had a blast. It's kinda fun to indulge in your own culture amidst another. It's like you have a secret happiness all to yourself. Though you may get funny looks from time to time, it's all worth it when you whisper 'trick or treat' whilst buying and then biting into Ghana's rich dark chocolate. Then came Thursday which was a whole new experience, my first Ghanaian funeral. I sat in the back with a fellow teacher who was able to explain most of the messages in Twi. Ahead of me there was a sea of people dressed in black and brown traditional cloth. We were each given a 40-paged booklet dedicated to the man who died. Inside were found messages from family, friends, and coworkers. Each message was read in front of the packed sanctuary. This man was apparently a big deal because many BIG TIMERS showed up. There were a few men who's titles I don't remember, but one I couldn't forget was the VICE PRESIDENT of Ghana! They even stopped the proceedings to play a song for his (and his bodyguards') arrival.
Anyway, when you strip away all the fancy details, it is not the Ghanaian funeral you see. It's the oldest son who broke down in tears before he could finish his message. It's the woman who couldn't stop herself from wailing in the rear of the church. And it's the new widow who wrote in the booklet that she had lost her soul mate. It's this type of vision that brings me back to reality. Yes, we may have many differences, the Ghanaians and I. We have different jobs, eat different food, worship differently, and listen to different music. However, we're all still human. We all bleed the same blood. They have ups and downs JUST like I do. And THAT my friends, is a comforting thought.
I wish you all a FABULOUS week and I should be updating again soon!
Loving and missing everyone soooooooo much,
Meg
It was on this high that I began a much needed four day weekend. How, you ask, did my school's midterm break and our scheduled group retreat end up on the same weekend? My only answer for that is a phrase I have used frequently in the past few months, God is good.
My site coordinators, Glen and Carol Hallead, the other two volunteers, Nadine and Kristy, and I all met at a riverside paradise for three days in Akosombo. Even through the sheets of rain that fell almost all of Saturday, it was impossible to miss the view. A lazy river and a few boys on cut-out canoes were all that separated us from the Jurassic Park-looking tree-covered, rolling hills on the other side. I love coming to this part of the country (Northeast of Accra) because it's a bit cooler in temperature and heavenly sights like these are not uncommon. We spent the weekend taking care of business and catching up from the last time we saw eachother. I learned from the girls that their placement in Ho (working for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church [EPC] headquarters) also has its share of frustrations. Some exciting news though is that they found this afterschool street kids program that they've just plugged into and can't wait to see where it leads! We then discussed my current situation at school, which for those of you who don't know is me bouncing between primary two and three grading papers, observing, teaching the students new games and songs, while being available to step in when a teacher steps out. I was offered some helpful suggestions by the group and Glen and I came up with a few ideas of changes that can be made. Stay tuned for what happens next on the education front.
Also, during this weekend, the girls and I came up with some travel plans for around Thanksgiving and Christmastime. The combination of good sleep, food, sharing, advice and some gooood looking holiday plans gave us a boost of energy to get back to our respective homes and job placements.
Intermission anyone??? I could use a nice Peppermint Mocha Frappachino from Starbucks right now, mmmmmmmmm...
Since that weekend, a few things have happened. First of all, I made good use of prayers from family and friends by speaking with the hands that feed me. [Thank you sooooo much for those prayers-I know they helped] After a few days of not "eating all" on my plate coupled with an explanation of my discomfort, my portion sizes have become smaller! Which, I think, makes the future loook goood. Second, Wednesday was Halloween people! (again, I delayed this message a bit, sorry) Even though I was the only one at school in a black skirt with an orange top and bright orange earrings, and MAYBE I was the only one shouting 'Happy Halloween!!' to anyone who'd listen, I had a blast. It's kinda fun to indulge in your own culture amidst another. It's like you have a secret happiness all to yourself. Though you may get funny looks from time to time, it's all worth it when you whisper 'trick or treat' whilst buying and then biting into Ghana's rich dark chocolate. Then came Thursday which was a whole new experience, my first Ghanaian funeral. I sat in the back with a fellow teacher who was able to explain most of the messages in Twi. Ahead of me there was a sea of people dressed in black and brown traditional cloth. We were each given a 40-paged booklet dedicated to the man who died. Inside were found messages from family, friends, and coworkers. Each message was read in front of the packed sanctuary. This man was apparently a big deal because many BIG TIMERS showed up. There were a few men who's titles I don't remember, but one I couldn't forget was the VICE PRESIDENT of Ghana! They even stopped the proceedings to play a song for his (and his bodyguards') arrival.
Anyway, when you strip away all the fancy details, it is not the Ghanaian funeral you see. It's the oldest son who broke down in tears before he could finish his message. It's the woman who couldn't stop herself from wailing in the rear of the church. And it's the new widow who wrote in the booklet that she had lost her soul mate. It's this type of vision that brings me back to reality. Yes, we may have many differences, the Ghanaians and I. We have different jobs, eat different food, worship differently, and listen to different music. However, we're all still human. We all bleed the same blood. They have ups and downs JUST like I do. And THAT my friends, is a comforting thought.
I wish you all a FABULOUS week and I should be updating again soon!
Loving and missing everyone soooooooo much,
Meg
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
