June 5, 2006 (May update)

Check out my photos from May!!!

Tuma, tuma!! This is a common greeting at any time of day. The literal translation is “work, work”, but you can say it to anyone who is doing anything. I rarely see people not doing some kind of work.

In case you’re short on time, here are the May highlights: 1) celebrated birthday, 2) finally watched Gone with the Wind for the first time, 3) named a newborn child, 4) visited a Kusaasi sacred place near Binaba, 5) volunteered to teach at the local high school during a temporary moment of insanity, and 6) started visiting all the churches and mosque.

Rainy season is here! Unfortunately, my thermometer broke so I’m not quite sure what the average temp is these days (hot season must have worn it out). I’m estimating it’s between 80 and 90 degrees, though. It’s cool enough to sleep in my room now (with the fan going), and we get a good rain every 4-5 days. These rains will get more frequent as we move further into the season. Binaba is changing every day … it’s turning more and more green and the sky is so blue and clear.

Rainy season is also farming season!! Every morning and evening, you see men and women busy plowing, sowing, and weeding. I didn’t want to miss out, so I’m doing a little farming myself. I have a small garden where I’ve planted tomatoes, red (hot) pepper, green (sweet) pepper, and cabbage. I have a larger area outside my house where I’m growing carrots, cucumber, maize, and groundnuts (like peanuts). Later in the rainy season, I’ll plant sweet potatoes. This is all new to me, so I’m really just learning! Luckily, I have a lot of friends and neighbors who want to help.

I had the honor of naming my counterpart’s baby boy who was born April 23 rd. This was a very difficult decision (thanks to everyone who sent suggestions!). Until now, the only things I’ve named were a fish and cat. I wanted to pick a name with meaning and also easy to pronounce (for Ghanaians). I chose the name Paul. I was studying the life of Paul (from the Bible) when I decided to join Peace Corps. He was a great leader and a very strong man. Vic and Simon hosted a small naming ceremony at their home for the family and a few close friends. They are both very happy and we can stop calling the baby “Sunday” (the day he was born).

Binaba has a total of seven churches and one mosque. This seems like a lot for such a small town, which is mostly traditional (pagan). Each church is different from each other and from anything I’m used to, so I’m going to all of them. I’ve decided to attend every church at least once as well as one Friday prayer/service at the mosque. I’ve gone to two now – Anglican and Assemblies of God. Both very interesting … the music and dancing was my favorite part! I’m planning on sneaking a small tape recorder in one Sunday to capture the music on tape.

Work at BWFA is slow … the women are busy farming and Vic is still on maternity leave. I go to her house nearly every day, though, and we’ve been discussing some project ideas for when she comes back. I’ve enjoyed watching her with her newborn. I don’t have plenty experience with newborn babies, but from what I do know, things are quite different here. One example is giving the baby a bath … Vic boils water and gives Paul a scorching hot bath twice a day. I’m reminded of the babysitting class I took when I was young and how we were instructed to use a thermometer to make sure the water was not too hot. Believe me, this water would be off the charts for what we would approve. Vic says it makes the baby’s skin tough.

Because things are slow at BWFA, I’m still working at the hospital a couple mornings a week (weighing babies and giving vaccinations). I think I’ve also had a temporary loss of sanity because I went to the SS (high school) to volunteer my services. Starting next Monday, I will be teaching business management to all forms (grades). I called my mom the morning I went to talk to the headmaster to inform her that I think I have officially lost my mind! She laughed and said it’s a good thing I have two sister-in-laws and several friends who are teachers … I’ll probably need them all for this adventure!!

So, I guess I’ll wrap it up! Hard to believe I’ve been here nine months. Living here (or rather just away from what I’m used too) gets easier every day. I desperately miss my friends, their weddings and birthdays, watching my nephews and nieces grow, and of course all the fabulous restaurants in Atlanta!! But I’m building lifelong friendships and family here, and I know this is where I’m suppose to be right now. I haven’t stopped learning since the day I arrived … whether it’s about farming, this culture, the people, or me personally. When I first started sending these updates, I thought they would get more and more difficult to write. I thought I would get into a routine of work and life, but it seems every day presents new opportunities, challenges, and adventure. I look forward to sending these emails because I’m excited to share all of this with you. Thank you for reading.

Until next time …
~ Apangat

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