Kristen Kenny’s Blog

First day well in Ghana

8/18/08

I fell asleep last night easily only to be lying in bed two hours later wide awake. I think my body was confused and my mind was racing. Also when I woke up all the cool breezes had disappeared; everything was still, sticky/humid, and a bit warm. Finally I managed to get back to sleep a couple hours later. Needless to say this morning I was pretty tired. I met some of the doctors and staff and we decided that I should rest today and start tomorrow.

One of the staff and I went to the supermarket. It was similar to ones in the US but smaller and a lot less options to choose from. I haven’t quite figured out my food situation yet. They have a canteen/cafeteria at the hospital so I think I will eat some of my meals there. After getting food, I took a four hour nap. I guess I was really tired. I just hope I can fall asleep tonight.

Then I didn’t know what to do with myself. Some of the staff said I can hang out at their place across the way at night. Unfortunately they are away at a program tonight so I am left to entertain myself in the mission house. I went for a walk just around the Manna Mission complex. It lifted my spirits. It was a beautiful day with some cool breezes and blue skies. I said hi to a number of people and children on my walk. There seem to be a lot of Ghanaians out and about, walking, riding bikes, working at all different kinds of stalls selling things. There are animals mostly chickens and goats roaming about as well.

On my way back I watched a soccer game near the hospital. The people were friendly and one of the players talked to me for awhile. He is a professional footballer named Joshua. There are no games or practices on Mondays so some of the pro players from different teams in the area play games together. We talked about a number of things but most interesting to me was his attitude about America. He said that everything from America is great and that people in Ghana love America and want to go there. He said he wonders how Americans can do and make so many things that Africans can’t. I tried to ask him what he meant. He said that there are farms in Ghana but Americans farm enough food to feed themselves and the world and why can’t Ghana do that. It is an interesting question and perspective. There may be a lot that Ghanaians can learn from America but I think there are a lot Americans could learn from Ghana as well, like spirituality, taking care of family and the elderly, a love for soccer We also talked a little about politics and he was asking me about Barak Obama and if people like him in the US. He said people in Ghana like him. More proof in my mind that Barak could do wonders for America’s image internationally. Ghana is also having an election this year. Joshua said elections are dangerous. If I remember correctly the country has only had one successful democratic transition of leadership that was four years ago. Some people seem to be worried how this one will go. The election is in Nov. or Dec. so luckily I won’t be here but it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

I woke up this morning anxious, a little lonely and homesick, which I suppose is to be expected. My afternoon renewed my enthusiasm and I am excited to experience tomorrow, my first day of work. I’m going to eat some Ramen (Yeah ramen. I don’t cook much. Tomorrow I am going to eat some real Ghanaian food.), then do some reading, and call it a night. Till tomorrow.