October 30th: The latter half

Lunch, for me, was fried plantains and vegetable fried rice again. The architect introduced to us by Chief Nana met with us to discuss our building plans. We sought to emphasize, with the help of Edward, that we would like a drawing prior to our departure. It was another long meeting, but ultimately a very important one.


picture credit to Chris White

After our late and long lunch, we had some time to rest before heading to dinner at Sister Irene's home. Three nuns lived there and all work in education.

Just proir to leaving for the sisters' home, we had a surprise visit from a mildy juiced Chief Nana and one of his elders. The intent of that visit was to let us know there were "rumors" spreading that we had visited another village cheif to discuss another clinic site. He also wished to ensure our dedication to building a clinic in Kyekyewere prior to introducing us to his trusted family members and to the village in Friday's planned ceremonies.

We arrived early in the evening to a very welcome spread of appetizers and wine. The eldest in the group, was eager to have a beer that evening. I found this especially endearing.

For dinner, we had Jallof rice (beef, veggies in rice) prepared by their house help and lots of good conversation about their exceptionally interesting lives and Ghanaian customs that we found amusing. One of the nuns admitted that her favorite shop sign was for a hair salon called "Curl up and Dye."

I cannot even begin to do justice to describing how fascinating these women were to me. They educate Ghanaians both formally in traditional academic settings and informally by tutoring and hosting a library on their porch for neighbhorhood children to drop by and check out books. Ultimately, it was a fantastic evening and hopefully a home where Mom can stay on future trips.


Picture credit to Chris White