Monday, June 28, 2010

Week one update

Hi there. Ali here. Is anyone even reading this? It would be much easier if I didnt have to travel 30 min to get to Internet if nobody is reading this. Please let me know because it really is a lot of work to get here for no reason.

So for anyone who may be reading (Dad?, and Matt) here is whats been going on down under. Not really down under but I like to humor myself. Today all the Obrunis (white people) pronounced Oh-brew-knee came to the next big village again called Kasoa. It is hot today, im not sure how hot but hot and with enough humidity to make my hair and skin go wild. You will understand when you see pictures. I am a sight for sore eyes these days but im loving every second of it. We have been staying at the orphanage in a room there. It is the size of a dorm room with three of us sharing it. Two bunk beds and a mattress on the floor. Lucky me. It is much different than last time staying at the orphanage rather than at the compound we stayed in last time. There are about 8 people who sleep in the common room right outside our room and they are very loud when they wake up. Did I mention that they wake up at 4am every morning? It makes me cringe. Ghanaians are not known to be quiet people either. This makes for useless sleep past 4am. Oh well I guess its good to get an early start on the day.

Yesterday Melissa went into a village about 20 minuets away with two boys from the orphanage who have families that live there. She said it was the poorest place she has been but it was so good to meet the people. Morris has been Mels sidekick since the first time she visited so they have a special bond and it was time to meet his family. Kwame, Morris' best friend is also from that village and wanted to show her his family too. The funny part is on the way back when they were walking to the orphanage there were two little kids on the side of the road and one yelled, "Obruni, I love you!" which is totally normal because we are quite the spectacle being the only white people for miles. Then the other kid said, "Obruni I love your vagina!" Melissa said she about died! hahaha the boys she was with are still laughing about the situation. I just cant imagine.

So Ghana beat the US on Saturday?!?! It was so exciting to watch the kids watch the game and get so excited about it. They really love their country and they are so proud. I have great video of them while they were watching the game. It is so inspiring to see people with such genuine passion. Even if it is about soccer, its passion about something and I think thats a key element that we are missing in our culture.

What else? Remember the dorm room size room we share? Well we had six children stay the night last night. Yeah thats 9 people in a tiny room. I had planned on having a girl named Hajia who is about 2 stay with me but then somehow we ended up with Dora and Lucky too and the older boys, Akunta, Morris, and Kwame were watching a movie on the laptop and fell asleep and we didnt have the heart to wake them. The older boys were great as expected but the younger three toss and turn all night. They dont wake up and cry but constantly move around. Lucky for me my bed is on the ground so I get to deal with the babies all night. And up at 4am. I am tired today.

Yesterday we were running low on water to bathe in so we asked a few children to go fetch water with us. you have to walk about a half a mile to the stream to fetch the water. We each had one bucket and the boys filled them for us and we carried them back on our heads. Dont worry we got pictures! The kids think its so funny to see us carry babies on our backs and water on our heads but we dont mind. Its either them doing it or us and I would much rather the latter. The kids work so hard and do so much for us as it is. Its amazing to see 12 and 13 year old boys and girls doing the hard work they do. They help us so much its unbelievable.

The kids are good. Lucky is a little pill 99% of the time. Hes all boy and into everything! Hes at that age where he knows right from wrong but is always pushing the limits. He has sure tested our patience but that cute little smile melts my heart everytime. Its amazing how much the kids have grown since last time. They are becoming such little grown ups. Its so great to see them growing and changing. My heart is so full with all the love I have for them. I cant imagine going home. I am trying not to spend too much time with Dora because she cries whenever I leave her and thats just not healthy for a two year old who doesnt know im not staying forever. There is a piece of me that I have been missing for a while now and I think I finally found it again. I dont know what it was but I hope to capture it and bring it back with me. Before I left I was getting overwhelmed easily and certain things were not going my way but now I see what it is all about again. I have been so selfish and caught up in my personal life and I forgot to enjoy the ride. It feel so darn good to be me again. Thats my rant for the day.

I apologize if I have typos in here, I think someone took a baseball bat to my screen which makes it hard to see the whole thing at once. Thats Ghana for you.

Last but not least, Happy Birthday to my dearest Sean Robert! The big 24 today!! I am sorry I cant be there to celebrate but I am thinking of you today from Kasoa/Bawjiase Ghana!

Love to all. I might try to write again soon if anyone wants me to. Until next time....

6 comments:

Nichelle said...

Oh how I miss you, Ali! Of course people are reading your blog! Well at least I am! I was so excited to see your post! I am so excited that you are bloggin about Ghana! Love you so much dear! I can't wait to see the pictures of you walking with children on your back and water on your head! Thats a disaster waiting to happen! Try not to show all the kids exactly how disaster prone you really are! They may not want to get to close! Just kidding! Love you bunches and I can't wait until your next post! I'll be looking out for it. Be safe, have fun and say "moist" to your sister for me!
Love, Nishy

The Brown Family said...

Ali, I am so glad you feel at peace there. I knew that's exactly what you needed to clear your mind and remind you what it important in life. I love that you got to name that baby!what an honor! and ruby is such a cute name. im sad that you feel like you cant hold dora very long because she is attatched. but its good that you are looking out for her and protecting her. how is kim liking ghana? please keep blogging because i look at it every day. haha! love you guys and be safe.
-Caitlin, Jer & Cooper.

Jenna said...

Keep writing, We're reading! I got tears in my eyes reading about you and Dora, I know you are doing the best thing for her, but it makes my heart hurt for you! So glad you found that missing piece you were looking for in Ghana... I know you are having just as much affect on their lives as they are having on yours! Get some sleep and Take care of yourselves! Love, Jenna

Anonymous said...

Hi Girls
I am glad you are having another “Ghana good time” I look daily for words from you and Lissa. Please take care of each other and Kimberly and don’t get too adventurous.
I can’t wait till your home Albert.

I Love you guys

Dad

Matt a.k.a. Snoop said...

Yeah, I am going to need to see those pictures. But for some reason I can actually picture you carrying the bucket on your head with a baby on your back. :-)

Sounds like you are right where you need to be my friend. Please do not stop blogging I love to read about what is going on. Like I said, you are a special person and I am glad you are able to find what is truly important to you. Not many people can do what you all are doing over there.

Anonymous said...

YOU BETTER KEEP WRITING!!

I always read your blog,that's how I keep my little bug close to my heart!

Sending loads of love,

-Jesse