Finally Another Post!

Hello, Everyone! I didn't realize how difficult blog writing was going to be! I never know what and what note to include, but hopefully I'll get better at it with time. I think the most note-worthy thing that's happened since my last post is that I finally went to visit the village I'll be staying in for the next two years. It's a medium-sized village (maybe 1800 people) in mid-east Ghana.


I'm going to be working with three agencies/projects in Ghana--Carter Center Guinea Worm Eradication, Ghana Health Services, and the Ghana Sustainable Change Project. My job, specifically, is rather free-form. There are a lot of projects I would love to do in my community, but for now, I'm not exactly sure how it will all pan out. There are a lot of things that could be done and figuring out just what is the most immediate, pressing concern can be rather overwhelming. The projects I think I will be working on initially, however, are the construction of private latrines-- there are very few in my village and no communal latrine. "Free ranging" or open defecation is a serious health concern in the village. Secondly, moringa farming-- a plant high in protein and vitamin A, along with many other nutrients that are not found in the readily available foods of the area. The community eats fufuo, mashed yam, for almost every meal. This provides the necessary starches and carbs, but all the other nutrient/food groups are lacking. In short, malnutrition is another health concern in the community. Most of the children I saw are showing physical systems (i.e. distended bellies) of Kwashmakore (protein-deficiency). Lastly, I'd like to work with the HIV/AIDS Awareness youth club that was started by the previous volunteer. Apparently, they love to do dramas, which is right up my ally! This will include teaching health/life skills in the schools, within the club, and in the community.


So, that's to start, but, who knows, it could also take the whole two years. From what I understand, my community's development has been consistently stagnated by lack of leadership and unity. This is definitely a foreseable challenge for me. I'm nervous, but very excited, as well.


I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the community and the whole-hearted way they welcomed me to the village. However, I'm not surprised. I've found Ghana to be notably hospitable so far. The community provided me meals, swept my room, fetched my water, and constantly made sure I was comfortable and happy.


My housing situation is the standard minimum that Peace Corps requires-- 2 rooms with locks, a bed, desk, latrine, and place to bucket bath. The previous volunteer also left some other furniture for me. That being said, it's also the nicest living situation in the community, and the lady who showed me my home could not have been happier to bestow this gift to me. She held on to my arm, taking me on the short tour beaming from ear to ear, "Madame, all of this is yours. Everything you see is yours only. We have built this for you." It was if she was giving me the keys to the palace, and in many ways, that's exactly what she was doing. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I was/am very grateful.



Speaking of being thankful, I hope everyone had a lovely and thanks-inducing Thanksgiving! It was definitely a difficult day for me, but I was surrounded by people who've given me much to be thankful for during my first couple of months here in Ghana. And, I guess, that's all it's really about, right? : )

Some humorous/interesting tid-bits from my Thanksgiving:

- two people made sweet potatoes with a jack-o-lantern peep marshmallow topping (peeps compliments of a care package)
- those who made the turkey began the process by killing the turkey
- I ate my first salad since being in Ghana! and a bite of a snickers bar!

Alright, that's all for now! Only a couple more weeks of training and I become a REAL volunteer!

All my love and best wishes!
Cynthia

p.s. I'm working on the pictures...