Fitting in With the Locals

Nate and I decided it is just too hot so we got our head shaved by this nice man named Muhammad. We just got it buzzed, but he left it somewhat uneven in spots. The great thing is it really doesn’t matter out here. People do not really care about image. I feel that because of the great lives we have in the states, it is easy to get caught up in what society wants of us. Too often we can get distracted from what really matters most.

The girls also got their hair put into braids. They had it a lot worse off than us though. Theirs took about 5 hours. At some points they had 6 girls working on them at the same time. 

With tip they paid 30 Ghana Cedi’s, or about $15. Can you ever imagine a hairstylist in the states working for about $1/hr? I am grateful we have an opportunity to help the economy on a holistic level and hopefully will help drive up their living standards here through successful employment and training.

Our lunches have consistently been Ramen Noodles with some spices added, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit (usually fresh mango and pineapple). The fruit is amazing! I LOVE fruit, especially when it is fresh from the tree.

For dinner, there was chicken for Maddie and I, and Tilapia for Nate and Chloee. They seemed to love it. Maddie also tried it but definitely not for me. I plan to try most of the African foods, but fish is just not my thing.

After lunch I did some reading. 

As you can see the humidity does a number on softcover books out here.

I had a couple memorable experiences today.

First, I had the opportunity to help make some Banku. That and Fufu are staple foods here. I almost tipped the pot over when trying to get situated but they saved me from doing that.

The other (and my most favorite) was the opportunity to help Junior out. His family could not afford a uniform from school so we paid to get one made for him. Nate also paid for a boy named Philip to have one made. This is Junior being measured at the tailor (who happens to be one of our loan recipients).

Philip has not been in school for over a month because he didn't have a uniform! Both their parents were extremely grateful for our help. As a general rule I do not like to just give handouts. The reality of the situation here is that most people could use some similar type of help. I felt really good helping Junior because he has kind of been my bud since we arrived. He and Philip were the two boys that scurried up the tree on Sunday to get us flowers. Junior has also been very good to help me learn Twi and translate for me. 

This is a picture of Junior and I in front of his house. He lives with his mom and some siblings (I am not sure how many). His dad passed away when he was younger. I hope to be an influence in his life and help him attain the education he deserves now and in the future.