This too shall pass

Happy Holidays from Ghana!

With the huge amount of Christians in Ghana Christmas is not only celebrated, but it's popular enough that you'll hear Christmas music on the radio and see some lights or a few neon 'God Bless You' signs. Most Ghanaians who know that I'm not Christian are really surprised to hear that I celebrate Christmas. I guess it doesn't make a lot of sense if I think about the origin of the holiday, but Christmas has become a very different kind of holiday for me and my family. That's what it is: family and loved ones appreciating each other and spending time together. From what I've seen of Christmas here, they see more of the religious aspect of it but still spend a lot of time with family and friends. And everyone's buying tons of presents, but I think every country is guilty of that. Especially America. My house in Ghana is decorated with a colorful rug, streamers on the ceiling, a foot-high light-up plastic Christmas tree, and a nicely stocked fridge. Also there are two new members of my host family, Adrum Baako, and Adrumm Mienu (Grace One and Grace Two). Richard bought two puppies to go with our two kittens. I even got an early Christmas present last night from my host dad, a whole box of Corn Flakes!!!

I checked the post office and I think I'll get my Christmas packages after Christmas, bummer, but I'll get them soon!

I arrived late in Dormaa after my trip to Mampong, five days late actually. While I was in Mampong, having a great time celebrating one of the AFSers birthdays for a whole week I had a relapse of Malaria. Or just another strain. Nobody is really sure. It had been two weeks since I last had malaria and I recognized the symptoms almost right away, but really wanted to believe it was something else. I went to the hospital and was diagnosed by a visiting American doctor and was treated with really strong injections and medications this time. They really wore me out, and the injections were the least fun I've had in a long time, but I'm really glad that I had a good, strong treatment to kill the parasite for good.

About the hospital:

-Most hospitals in Ghana don't give you food or water. People can bring it in from outside but hospital staff wont.

-Children and women are put in the same room. The room I stayed in had four adult beds and three small beds.

-One bathroom for all the patients, they also don't supply water to flush, paper, or water to shower.

-Most doctors are trained in Europe and America, or they are European or American.

-Power outages are normal, though the hospital I stayed in didn't have a generator, most do so it's no problem.

-Hospitals have everything from dentists to pediatricians. Normally there are no separate doctors offices, just the hospital.

-The bed that you are given for staying overnight does not include a blanket and pillow.

The night I spent in the Ashanti Mampong Hospital is something I'll never forget.

Even though Malaria hit me pretty hard again I had a great trip to Mampong. It seems my exchange to Ghana is always mixed, things to work through and things to just sit back and enjoy. I'm always grateful for that and for all the support I have at home from my family, my boyfriend, my friends, and even my doctor.

When we arrived in Mampong it was Manuel's birthday so we ate dinner together, gave presents, went out for some drinks with his family, and made plans for the week. During my stay in Mampong I was a guest in Jolien's host family who were more than hospitable, they announced to both me and Dabney that we should stay for a whole month. I'm definitely going back to visit. Spending some time getting to know Jolien was great too, I'm in Ghana, but Belgium has taken on a whole new image in my head since I've met all of these guys. In Jolien'shouse they eat a little differently than mine, more rice and stew where as my host family almost always has yams.

During the week we managed to watch a lot of Lost once the sun went down, climb huge trees behind Manuel's house, have a picnic, make spaghetti, go to a swimming pool, attempt some lemon bars (without an oven), and Jolien and I even went to her schools 'entertainment' and danced with all the students.

Here are some pictures from the trip:

When there's no henna, use markers! My foot art on Dabney and Jolien.

Jolien's host sister, Sallah, she took such great care of us all.

Making spaghetti at Manuel's house!

A beautiful view of Ashanti Mampong.

Jonas giving Manuel his birthday present. Aww, Anisa.

I'm sorry if this post seems a little miss-matched, it seems like so long since I posted last. My great grandmother, Corky Warren passed away the day before last and even though she lived a long, great, full life it took me by surprise. I'm alright now, because as she says "This too shall pass..." and have been letting myself think about her quite a lot. She had me promise before I left that if she did pass I wouldn't come home, that she wanted me to stay. Even if I hadn't made that promise I know the thought of leaving wouldn't have stuck in my mind. I can't be there, I didn't get to say goodbye the way I wish I have, but she'd be happy I was here, taking advantage of this amazing experience.

Once again, thanks for all the support from home. I'm always grateful of the ability to talk to you all as much as I do and keep you in touch, and in the know of all the cool things I get to do and hear the same from you.

I love you Grandma Corky, what an inspiration you are.