Yesterday we arrived in Tamale, a city in the Northern Region of Ghana that has a very large Muslim population... very different from the strong influence of Christianity in the majority of Ghana. The city is much smaller than any city we have been in thus far. The population here is much poorer than in the other areas we have visited. It is here where 7 out of 10 individuals are living on less than $1 per day, below the globally-defined poverty level. We are staying in an international hostel, where we actually have running water (a change from the rural village), although the electricity goes out even more than in the village, and it is INCREDIBLY hot here. It's so hot that you cannot even concentrate, you are thirsty every second of the day. You could literally cook an egg on the pavement. I have yet to feel hungry in this heat, especially because, aside from the peeled fruit, we cannot eat anything uncooked. It's o.k though, I am still feeling happy and healthy despite the challenging weather and food situation! I will never take for granted the variety of foods we can eat in the states.
Not to scare anyone, but a fair portion of my group has gotten sick, from malaria to bacterial infections. We are all trying to take care of one another, and from here on out we have easy access to hospitals and doctors, but in the heat it is very difficult to be sick. Luckily, aside from feeling nauseous because of the heat, I have been relatively healthy. Those of us who are healthy are trying to help keep the spirits high of those who are sick, but we have all definitely realized that living in another country, particularly a developing country, for an extended period of time wears on your body quite a bit.
We have 4 more days in Tamale, where we are learning a great deal about the cooperatives and vast number of NGOs that have been set up in this city, and then we are off to a new location! We are in our fast-paced tour of the rest of the country, and then once the beginning of April comes, it's on to Independent Study month. I cannot believe how quickly this trip has been going! Still laughing and loving life, I hope you are all doing the same. Love!
Hey Ashley,
ReplyDeleteSo great to hear from you and it certainly does sound like Tamale is in some ways very different from your other experiences in Ghana. Your spirits are high despite the challenges of heat and lack of food choices. I remain very proud and in awe of your tenacity and your strong and loving spirit. Obviously mom and I are concerned for your health but we trust that you are doing all you can to stay healthy and strong :) I am curious about the people you are meeting in Tamale and if their attitudes toward life are different from what you have experienced thus far? Also the differences due to religious influences. I am happy to hear that you are narrowing your ideas about the your independent study project and cannot wait to hear more about how your project evolves. Very cool my dear!
Life is good here. How in the world could I complain right? Your trip has reminded me to be immensely grateful everyday for all of the abundance we have in lives and how important it is to love and care for each other and most importantly to laugh a lot and hard! I love you very much Ash and will call you this week when we get back to the house. We are still at Nana and PopPop's while the house is being worked on. I will call as soon as I can. Big hug and Kiss Love Lisa
Gosh Ashley, I finally had a chance to sit down and read through all your blog posts!! I am absolutely amazed at how much you've done, how many incredible experiences you've had and how positively joyful and uplifting it all sounds. You are so amazing! To be so open and willing to be uncomfortable while still being fully available to the joy, the laughter and the spirit - I am totally in awe and so inspired. Your thoughts about your independent study sound so clear and well thought out. I love reading how clear you are about what you want and where you're going!!! I'm so proud of you and as always I am sending you so much love always!! Aunt Deb
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