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Published: September 30th 2009
In Construction
Becky keeping the workers in check It has occurred to me that people might be wondering about Becky and the family that I am staying with. I feel like a full update on their situation is in order, since so many people contributed to their livelihood last year.
In case you were out of the loop, Becky is a woman I met working in the street children's day-care I volunteered at (see "The Meaning of Christmas" entry) who was orphaned at age 15 and widowed in 2006. Our friendship grew from the time I first arrived in Ghana and though I knew she was struggling, she never asked for money. When I found out that she was getting evicted for not being able to pay rent, I somehow came to the decision to build her and her two young children a house. With so many generous donations and my friend Jessamyn's photo card fundraiser, we did it!
Over a year later, the house is now a home. The toilet flushes with bucket water brought from the well just outside the front door. Electricity is very consistent and two standing fans keep the one bedroom cool. By Ghanaian standards, it is a very sturdy, good-looking residence.
Dinner Time
Becky continues to feed her family while going to school Becky has done well for herself, selling panties on the weekends and making enough money to buy a refrigerator and a TV to distract the kids while she studies. She is going to "professional school" to become a secretary, accountant or typist (wherever she can get a job). A "house girl", Mo-Mo we call her, takes care of the children and cooks in exchange for room and board. Becky's friend Wisdom from church also spends nights with us so that there is a man in the house (protection isn't that necessary, but because I am living with them, Becky feels safer with him around). The kids are both in a private nursery school. Kwesi is five and in kindergarten and Abena just turned three. They will move to public school for Grade 1.
In terms of her goals, Becky wants to eventually build more rooms to rent, so that she can pay her and the kids' school fees more easily. She knows this is something she has to do on her own, and hasn't asked me for anything more. I'm glad that this one person I chose to help in a very big way (as did many others!) has remained the genuinely hard-working, grateful, responsible woman that I always thought she was. She has taken very good care of this gift and has been inspired to make the most of it.
On her behalf, I would like to deeply thank all those who so kindly helped turn her rough situation around. She could be a street-girl today but instead she is a student, successful business woman and stable homeowner, due to your contributions! In Becky's words, God bless you people!
As for me, I am struggling a little with the crying and fighting that comes with small children, but there is something very comforting about living in a house I helped build from the ground up. It really feels like I am part of the family and they are taking extremely good care of me. After a long, sweaty day, it is nice to come home to a chorus of "Auntie Tay-la, Auntie Tay-la!", a hot meal, bucket shower, and a big hug from my close friend and sister, Becky.
**I haven't been able to upload all pictures of the house and family because I'm waiting for a USB cord, but for a video tour taken last year, check out
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anonymous
non-member comment
Awesome Tay :)