Hippo Race starting line
Snoop hangin with the girls at school
Snoop Dog (left) with his best bud and neighbor, Dr. Dre
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Pics
Students drumming and dancing at the Cultural Competition
My kids enjoying the sidewalk chalk (on their faces) sent from home
I'll try to get some more uploaded next time I get to the net!Wednesday, June 24, 2009
International Superstar
Hey everyone! Long time no post... it's been a while since I have been to a computer and the few times I have had an opportunity the internet connection was down. But, here I am today in Tumu sweating it out in an internet cafe as I keep an eye out the window for any vehicles willing to take me home to Gwollu. Here is what's crackin:
Candy
First off, a big thanks to Suerea for sending me a huge box filled with all sorts of great candy (starburst, blowpops, jolly ranchers, crackerjacks, smarties, etc!) and some Clemson World magazines. I just got the package today and I will surely enjoy all the sweets... thank you so much!
Toilets
To Steve and Leanne, who have each contacted me after finding my blog and told me about their visits to Gwollu... I have greeted the people at the Tituoballa Bonesetters Clinic (specifically Issufu) for you and they say they remember you very well and wish you the best. The latrines that you built there are still in great shape and are a great convenience to the patients at the center and the people of the Tituoballa section. Thanks for writing, I'll do my best to stay in touch! Oh, also Bonnie... G.B., Sulley, and company were very happy that I heard from you. They mention you often and always in a possitive light. G.B. must have told me 100 times he wants a big photo of you (and John) to be hung in the Museum when we get it up and running. John, have you found this blog yet?
Fireworks
So, my 4th of July celebration will most likely not involve fireworks but I will be celebrating. The Peace Corps has Volunteer Area Councils in each of the regions in Ghana and I will be hosting our quarterly meeting at my house in Gwollu next weekend. About 10-15 other volunteers from my region should be coming so we will have our meeting and then celebrate the 4th. I am trying to arrange for some people from my village to come and so some cultural drumming and dancing for us. You can buy little firecrackers in the market in Gwollu so I will have to at lease get some of those. Oh, also the last time I was in Wa I bought an AWESOME shirt/jersey that will make it's Gwollu debut on the 4th. It is like a soccer jersey, which everyone wears here, and on the front and back are huge pictures of Obama's face with the words underneath it "Change We Can Believe In" and the rest of it is the American flag. I was walking with some friends in Wa and saw it at a roadside stand... tried it on laughing and 30 seconds later I owned it for about three dollars.
Visitors
Brad and Gil are coming to Ghana! They will be here August 16-29 and I am pumped! They will be able to see where I live and do a bit of traveling. Their visit will surely be interesting, fun, and hilarious. We'll be sure to take lots of pictures.
Vacation
I will be coming home on vacation for a whole month! My parents booked me a ticket to come back on December 18th and then I will return to Ghana January 18th (where I will stay until Nov. 2010). I will surely spend most of my time in VT with my family and friends there but I also hope to make it down to Clemson for a weekend to visit while I still know some people there. I will want to see everyone and do everything but surely that won't be possible because I have only a month and no money! Let me know what you are up to during that time as we get closer so we can try to meet up. If you can make it to VT to visit me that would be best, and as they say here in Ghana, "You are invited!"
Peace Corps Partnership
I hope to complete my application to the Peace Corps Partnership Program within the next month or so. The program relies on friends and families of volunteers (as well as any other donors) to fund projects that they (the volunteer) design and propose. Most likely the project will involve renovating and finishing parts of an existing structure in Gwollu (the building where I also live) so that it can operate as a proper museum, visitors' center, and community center. I have yet to develop the budget (I hope for it to be between $2,000 and $4,000) but I would like to include funds to create a permanent display in our museum hall (it is currently empty) of historical atrifacts relating to the slave trade and the history of Sisala people. The tourism committee and I are also interested in furnishing two basic bunk rooms to host tourists and other visitors in Gwollu. If possible, we also want to make provisions for hosting community events. Ideally, we would get traditional instruments made, buy a speaker system, and get a television or projector for showing films. When I finish my proposal and it is approved, it will be made available online for anyone to donate. When my budgeted amount is raised, all of the money goes directly to me (or my tourism committee's bank account) for use on the project. I will post a link as soon as it is available. Until then, you can learn more about the program (and see other projects that need funding) at www.peacecorps.gov/contribute. I know the economy is rough, but save up so you can donate to my awesome project... I promise to provide before and after pictures and stories of its completion!
Movie Star
Last week my counterpart, G.B., told me that a film crew would be coming to stay in Gwollu to film some movies in the area that highlighted the Sisala culture. I thought this was cool and that we might be able to meet with them and see them and help them if they needed it. After all, G.B. is the local cultural and history guru... he can recollect songs he learned as a child (in the 1930s and '40s) that were sung to praise the former Chief of Gwollu, Tanjia, at the time the slave defense walls were built. So we went on their first day of filming to see what was up and after talking with G.B. the producers told him they really wanted to use him in their films. So, in the first one he played a Chief's elder and did great; it was really fun to watch. The second day came around "on the set" and they said they had a part for a white man to play. Since I am the only one in the whole district, naturally I was chosen to act the part. I keep joking with everyone in town that they chose me because I am the best white actor in town... they like that. The film was called "The Secret" and the plot involved children in a village and their struggle to convince their Chief to build a school. I play the American volunteer (imagine that) who comes to the village and convinces the Chief to invest in education... I help the village build a school and then a few years later take some students back to America to continue their studies.... so basically I play the hero! Ha ha. Anyway, I have tried not to let all this movie star business get to my head because it's just not easy being famous. Can you imagine when I am on Letterman in 10 years and they pull up a clip of this African film... I'll be so embarrassed! At least the movie business here isn't quite as glamorous as I imagine it is at home... the whole thing was shot in a few days (part in Gwollu, part across the border in a village in Burkina Faso, hence I am truly an "international" superstar) using little home camcorders and no lights, microphones, or fancy director's chair... although the guy in charge did keep yelling things like "silence!" "standby!" "roll tape!" and "action!" which made the whole thing feel pretty legit. After they edit the movies they said they are putting them on dvds or vcds to sell here in Ghana and they will get me copies. I'll keep you updated on when this movie comes out and if I am selected for any other major roles.... Oh yeah, Snoop was in the film too! He follows me (and G.B.) everywhere and it was impossible to keep him out of the scenes so they just went with it and let him roam in and out... I told the guys that Snoop has to be included in the credits and although I cannot accept any royalties, he can.
Hippo Race
I started writing this post in Tumu yesterday and then the internet connection went down before I could finish. I did get a ride home from Tumu, with my District Agricultural Director and as it turns out he was coming to Wa this morning and so I joined him for the free ride (rather than pay for a much more dreadful 3.5 hour bus ride... the roads are just getting worse and worse). Tomorrow a bunch of us from the Upper West are going to help out another volunteer with a community event. She lives in Wechiau, which is 1-2 hours from Wa and has organized an 18k relay race for junior high school students to benefit a social welfare organization. The race will conclude at a hippo sanctuary (it's called "Race to the Hippos") where there will be celebration and entertainment of some sort. Also, some of my students from Gwollu will be performing at a cultural dancing/drumming/drama/poetry reading contest in Wa tomorrow so I will go and support them. G.B. and I helped them and their teachers practice their performances and they won at the circuit and district levels (events at which I was an impartial judge) so tomorrow they will try to win so they can represent the Region.
Well, I think that's about all for now. I've been busy lately which has been great and I am really enjoying my work and my time here in Ghana. At times it can be really frustrating and I don't feel like I am making a difference but it is just that everything moves at a different pace here and even after 9 months (I have been here for 9 months!) it is hard to completely get used to it. Last week I attended my district's 2 day District Assembly meeting, which is the local government body. That was interesting and at times long and boring, but it seems things are finally going to get moving for them now that the new leadership has settled in (after the party shifting election in December) and they seem receptive/supportive of some of my projects. I've been playing volleyball with a bunch of friends almost every day in the evening for the past 3 weeks or so and that has been great (thanks Mom and Dad / Aunt Patty and Uncle Roger for sending the balls!). There is a net at the junior high school in town so a bunch of teachers and some students always come to play. We meet at around 5 and play until it gets too dark. A few weeks ago I also taught computer skills to junior high school students and their teachers who were in Gwollu for a 3 day science and technology workshop... I gave out jolly ranchers for correct answers and felt like such a rock star because of it... if only then I had known a few weeks later I would become a real-life Ghanaian movie star!
That should give you all enough to read (probably too much for most) until I can post again. I hope everyone is having a fun summer at home... send me an email and let me know what's up with you!
Love and miss you all...
p.s.- never been a follower of soccer, but everyone is here so I often watch outside on a 15 inch tv with a bunch of people in Gwollu... last night we saw USA beat Spain to go to the Federation Cup Finals! That game will be Sunday; I plan to be back in Gwollu that day to watch it and surely I'll have to break out the red, white, and blue Obama jersey for that... last night I had a whole part of the village chanting "U-S-A" with me after the big win.
Candy
First off, a big thanks to Suerea for sending me a huge box filled with all sorts of great candy (starburst, blowpops, jolly ranchers, crackerjacks, smarties, etc!) and some Clemson World magazines. I just got the package today and I will surely enjoy all the sweets... thank you so much!
Toilets
To Steve and Leanne, who have each contacted me after finding my blog and told me about their visits to Gwollu... I have greeted the people at the Tituoballa Bonesetters Clinic (specifically Issufu) for you and they say they remember you very well and wish you the best. The latrines that you built there are still in great shape and are a great convenience to the patients at the center and the people of the Tituoballa section. Thanks for writing, I'll do my best to stay in touch! Oh, also Bonnie... G.B., Sulley, and company were very happy that I heard from you. They mention you often and always in a possitive light. G.B. must have told me 100 times he wants a big photo of you (and John) to be hung in the Museum when we get it up and running. John, have you found this blog yet?
Fireworks
So, my 4th of July celebration will most likely not involve fireworks but I will be celebrating. The Peace Corps has Volunteer Area Councils in each of the regions in Ghana and I will be hosting our quarterly meeting at my house in Gwollu next weekend. About 10-15 other volunteers from my region should be coming so we will have our meeting and then celebrate the 4th. I am trying to arrange for some people from my village to come and so some cultural drumming and dancing for us. You can buy little firecrackers in the market in Gwollu so I will have to at lease get some of those. Oh, also the last time I was in Wa I bought an AWESOME shirt/jersey that will make it's Gwollu debut on the 4th. It is like a soccer jersey, which everyone wears here, and on the front and back are huge pictures of Obama's face with the words underneath it "Change We Can Believe In" and the rest of it is the American flag. I was walking with some friends in Wa and saw it at a roadside stand... tried it on laughing and 30 seconds later I owned it for about three dollars.
Visitors
Brad and Gil are coming to Ghana! They will be here August 16-29 and I am pumped! They will be able to see where I live and do a bit of traveling. Their visit will surely be interesting, fun, and hilarious. We'll be sure to take lots of pictures.
Vacation
I will be coming home on vacation for a whole month! My parents booked me a ticket to come back on December 18th and then I will return to Ghana January 18th (where I will stay until Nov. 2010). I will surely spend most of my time in VT with my family and friends there but I also hope to make it down to Clemson for a weekend to visit while I still know some people there. I will want to see everyone and do everything but surely that won't be possible because I have only a month and no money! Let me know what you are up to during that time as we get closer so we can try to meet up. If you can make it to VT to visit me that would be best, and as they say here in Ghana, "You are invited!"
Peace Corps Partnership
I hope to complete my application to the Peace Corps Partnership Program within the next month or so. The program relies on friends and families of volunteers (as well as any other donors) to fund projects that they (the volunteer) design and propose. Most likely the project will involve renovating and finishing parts of an existing structure in Gwollu (the building where I also live) so that it can operate as a proper museum, visitors' center, and community center. I have yet to develop the budget (I hope for it to be between $2,000 and $4,000) but I would like to include funds to create a permanent display in our museum hall (it is currently empty) of historical atrifacts relating to the slave trade and the history of Sisala people. The tourism committee and I are also interested in furnishing two basic bunk rooms to host tourists and other visitors in Gwollu. If possible, we also want to make provisions for hosting community events. Ideally, we would get traditional instruments made, buy a speaker system, and get a television or projector for showing films. When I finish my proposal and it is approved, it will be made available online for anyone to donate. When my budgeted amount is raised, all of the money goes directly to me (or my tourism committee's bank account) for use on the project. I will post a link as soon as it is available. Until then, you can learn more about the program (and see other projects that need funding) at www.peacecorps.gov/contribute. I know the economy is rough, but save up so you can donate to my awesome project... I promise to provide before and after pictures and stories of its completion!
Movie Star
Last week my counterpart, G.B., told me that a film crew would be coming to stay in Gwollu to film some movies in the area that highlighted the Sisala culture. I thought this was cool and that we might be able to meet with them and see them and help them if they needed it. After all, G.B. is the local cultural and history guru... he can recollect songs he learned as a child (in the 1930s and '40s) that were sung to praise the former Chief of Gwollu, Tanjia, at the time the slave defense walls were built. So we went on their first day of filming to see what was up and after talking with G.B. the producers told him they really wanted to use him in their films. So, in the first one he played a Chief's elder and did great; it was really fun to watch. The second day came around "on the set" and they said they had a part for a white man to play. Since I am the only one in the whole district, naturally I was chosen to act the part. I keep joking with everyone in town that they chose me because I am the best white actor in town... they like that. The film was called "The Secret" and the plot involved children in a village and their struggle to convince their Chief to build a school. I play the American volunteer (imagine that) who comes to the village and convinces the Chief to invest in education... I help the village build a school and then a few years later take some students back to America to continue their studies.... so basically I play the hero! Ha ha. Anyway, I have tried not to let all this movie star business get to my head because it's just not easy being famous. Can you imagine when I am on Letterman in 10 years and they pull up a clip of this African film... I'll be so embarrassed! At least the movie business here isn't quite as glamorous as I imagine it is at home... the whole thing was shot in a few days (part in Gwollu, part across the border in a village in Burkina Faso, hence I am truly an "international" superstar) using little home camcorders and no lights, microphones, or fancy director's chair... although the guy in charge did keep yelling things like "silence!" "standby!" "roll tape!" and "action!" which made the whole thing feel pretty legit. After they edit the movies they said they are putting them on dvds or vcds to sell here in Ghana and they will get me copies. I'll keep you updated on when this movie comes out and if I am selected for any other major roles.... Oh yeah, Snoop was in the film too! He follows me (and G.B.) everywhere and it was impossible to keep him out of the scenes so they just went with it and let him roam in and out... I told the guys that Snoop has to be included in the credits and although I cannot accept any royalties, he can.
Hippo Race
I started writing this post in Tumu yesterday and then the internet connection went down before I could finish. I did get a ride home from Tumu, with my District Agricultural Director and as it turns out he was coming to Wa this morning and so I joined him for the free ride (rather than pay for a much more dreadful 3.5 hour bus ride... the roads are just getting worse and worse). Tomorrow a bunch of us from the Upper West are going to help out another volunteer with a community event. She lives in Wechiau, which is 1-2 hours from Wa and has organized an 18k relay race for junior high school students to benefit a social welfare organization. The race will conclude at a hippo sanctuary (it's called "Race to the Hippos") where there will be celebration and entertainment of some sort. Also, some of my students from Gwollu will be performing at a cultural dancing/drumming/drama/poetry reading contest in Wa tomorrow so I will go and support them. G.B. and I helped them and their teachers practice their performances and they won at the circuit and district levels (events at which I was an impartial judge) so tomorrow they will try to win so they can represent the Region.
Well, I think that's about all for now. I've been busy lately which has been great and I am really enjoying my work and my time here in Ghana. At times it can be really frustrating and I don't feel like I am making a difference but it is just that everything moves at a different pace here and even after 9 months (I have been here for 9 months!) it is hard to completely get used to it. Last week I attended my district's 2 day District Assembly meeting, which is the local government body. That was interesting and at times long and boring, but it seems things are finally going to get moving for them now that the new leadership has settled in (after the party shifting election in December) and they seem receptive/supportive of some of my projects. I've been playing volleyball with a bunch of friends almost every day in the evening for the past 3 weeks or so and that has been great (thanks Mom and Dad / Aunt Patty and Uncle Roger for sending the balls!). There is a net at the junior high school in town so a bunch of teachers and some students always come to play. We meet at around 5 and play until it gets too dark. A few weeks ago I also taught computer skills to junior high school students and their teachers who were in Gwollu for a 3 day science and technology workshop... I gave out jolly ranchers for correct answers and felt like such a rock star because of it... if only then I had known a few weeks later I would become a real-life Ghanaian movie star!
That should give you all enough to read (probably too much for most) until I can post again. I hope everyone is having a fun summer at home... send me an email and let me know what's up with you!
Love and miss you all...
p.s.- never been a follower of soccer, but everyone is here so I often watch outside on a 15 inch tv with a bunch of people in Gwollu... last night we saw USA beat Spain to go to the Federation Cup Finals! That game will be Sunday; I plan to be back in Gwollu that day to watch it and surely I'll have to break out the red, white, and blue Obama jersey for that... last night I had a whole part of the village chanting "U-S-A" with me after the big win.
Check It Out: Omar Kicks It Across America
My friend, Omar, came to Ghana at the same time as me to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer and was with me at our training for about 6 weeks before he had to return home to Rhode Island. He didn't want to leave Ghana, but he had to.
Now, he is riding his long board across the country from Memphis to San Diego and blogging his experience at http://kickinitlonger.blogspot.com. Check it out if you are interested, and if you are on his route, give him a meal or a place to stay!
Omar- good luck and have fun, we miss you bro!
Now, he is riding his long board across the country from Memphis to San Diego and blogging his experience at http://kickinitlonger.blogspot.com. Check it out if you are interested, and if you are on his route, give him a meal or a place to stay!
Omar- good luck and have fun, we miss you bro!
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