Amazing! Hello Katie,
It sounds like you are having an amazing, wonderful learning experience and challenges for growth while in Ghana. I am very glad you are doing well and learning lots. The people's lives you are touching and being touched by will stay with you forever. Good luck in your future endeavors and travels while in Ghana. I will continue to keep you and all the workers and patients of the AIDS clinic in prayers. Incredible difference you are making! Lots of love, Liz
question I have a small request. Please write about tro tro travel times to Cape Coast, Kumasi, Tema, etc. This information would be very helpful to me as I am coming to Accra in January for four months and I am currently trying to plan. Thanks.
Ghana Experience I was in Ghana for three years 30 years ago when in the Peace Corps. It sounds the same ! I LOVED Ghana and still miss it . Your blog is wonderful . I love the way you appreciate the country and the people.
guapa!!! Hey Katie, What's up? I like your pictures a lot. I did get a digital camera so if I figure out how to send you some I will (my generation) is not nearly as technologically savvy as yours :) So you are having fun? Today Silvestre and I bought our tickets--we will arrive on July 20th at 10pm in Accra (i think this is too late for you to come to the airport so we'll discuss. The return flight is set for July 27th (Thursday) at 11pm so again we'll take a taxi!! If it's still okay we will stay in the volunteer house (you and me together, and Silvestre in your room). I will call you as soon as I can to make more arrangements. I love you with all my heart oburuni:) Love, Kelly
Incommunicado Katie:
I began to worry when I didn't hear from you for awhile. Good to hear the stories, see the clinic, and yes, you also will make great changes in the world-you already have!
Good that you are remembering your HIPPA rules and regs. They will serve you well worldwide.
I got an email from Dave Skillman who is finishing his retreat and will return home shortly. He is all about a new video on vocations that I have been unable to access by computer.
Father Glade leaves for Italy this week and Katie Press has taken Michael Havercamp's job at AI.
Change is good...
Stay in communication.
God loves you an so do your friends in STL.
Donna
I'm so jealous! I get so envious when I read your blog and see your pictures. Katie, when you were in Kumasi and took the picture of the tro tro station you were very close to where my African family lives! It is about three blocks! I have seen that station so often!
I guarantee you, you are going to come back a different person, with a different perspective on life for sure! You come to really know what is really valuable in life and what isn't important.
I how have exactly 10 and 1/2 months until I go back to Ghana, but a three year wait to return is way too long. Do you still have my friend Issah's phone number? He would be thrilled if you would give him a call. he is the nicest guy ever.
I also took my cd player and cd's to Ghana, and once I got there I never used it because one of the boys always was listening to it. They just loved it. Have you realized yet that Kenny Rogers, Don Williams, Dolly Parton and Celine are the favorites of most Ghanaians! I think that is so funny!
I'm so happy you are having all these wonderful experiences! I love hearing about them and seeing your pictures.
Arent the little kids the cutest ever! If you have a chance see if you can visit a pre school. I did and it was a beautiful experience! Probably the most memorable of all the things I did there.
Take care and I look forward to your next blog.
Trotros Hey Katie,
I'm so happy to hear from you and get some photos as well!!! It sounds like things are going well for you. What an experience you are having!
The trotros sound, well, they sound like quite the adventure! If only I could here your trotro yell!
You may now refer to me as "Frankfort" Mama, since I no longer reside in Belleville.
I'll be sending an email along to you soon!
love,
Frankfort Mama
Fourth of July Katie:
I am glad to hear from you always. I hope you are safe. I admire your willingness to overcome fears (ferris wheels, etc)
The Child Life Dept at SLCH did a carnival for the kids at SLCH yesterday. It was, as always, an eye opening experience. We take so much for granted when it comes to our health.
Be safe. I'm glad there are a few buddies to hang with. I saw Gail walking across campus this morning. I'll have to connect with her re: your blog. Be good to yourself and keep communicating.
hi hi how u doing? i just got ur site from one of ur friend, and am very happy about that, will talk to u later bye, maslauren@hotmail.com. reply is needed
great insight Hi, Came across your blog reseaching Ghana. I am heading there in July ( Abor - orphanage) for 3 months. Your entries provide a great insight - I am so excited. I wish you well. Jacqui
Amazing stories Katie - thanks for sharing your wonderful stories and all you are learning. I am enjoying living vicariously through you! Be safe, and soak it all in...I am amazed at the wonderful culture you are living in....and look forward to hearing more! Peace, Janel
k-dog Hey Katie!!! I love your blog and, amid my DC excitement and flooding, it is great to see how ya' are doing. Anyway, just wanted to say hello and wish you a continued great time and peace!!! See ya'
You end up learning about your own culture, too! Katie,
When abroad, we are able to learn more about our own culture, values, government, social welfare and economic system, etc. sometimes more than we are aware of in our day to day life. The perspectives you are gaining about other people in the world are so valuable-and you will become a wonderful educator on the needs and challenges and why people want to live in the U.S. This is a critical time for this given our US govt policy struggles on immigration policy.
I knew you would do well in this experience. All of us should experience a minority status at some point...as you are!
Take care, learn lots, Pam Huggins
I am Abena! Hi Katie, keep up the great work with your blog--I love it so much!
two years ago today was when I left Ghana. I can remember crying for the first few hours on the plane.
I talked to my friend Issah from Kumasi today, and he asked how you are doing, so I gave him the web address to your blog.
It is interesting that there are 6 army men from Ghana training with the North Dakota National Guard about 6 blocks form my office this week! Our guard is paired up with their army and they train together every year.
As you talk about your day, and riding in the trotro, I can just exactly see in my mind what you are talking about. I really miss it!
Take care and enjoy!
ADWOA Katie:
I love how much you are learning there. It sounds amazing. Please still be very careful.
Jean DeBLois, CSJ, PhD and Charlie Bouchard, OP have offered the Roundtable and the Forum on Healthcare for the Uninsured. I thought of you as I am writing this and realized, for Ghanians (word?) uninsured is a word that does not exist. Everyone is uninsured. I'd love to hear more about your work at the clinic.
I am looking into an SPM possibility at Holy Trinity Parish to provide CGS for 3-6y/o. It is a satellite ministry with SFXCC. Angie Doerr, MAPS, Family Life Director would be my supervisor.
Anyway, thanks for all your blogs. Keep writing...
GOd Bless, Donna
Hi Katie, wish you had audio so I could hear the trotro yell! I was just complaining about the heat here in NY, but after reading about your adventures, I'm actually feeling quite cool!!! Hugs, Rose
i miss you OB...I love your updates and it is so great to hear all the amazing things you are experiencing. I can't wait to hear more. I'm putting a letter in the mail for you soon (if I can find your address:) I miss you and am so glad to hear you are well. St. Lou is boring without you! Love you lots! P.S. I was rooting for Ghana!
I love the pics and posts! Same old stuff here in STL. I saw Keneth Montgomery on his bike today. he was cheerful (as always) and sent me a big wave and smile. Love ya and miss ya! - Clarissa ;)
AMAZING Katie:
You are an exceptional girl! Who would agree to spend their "beach vacation" in Ghana but you. I did watch the World Cup Soccer game with friends who are Mexican in Spanish and thought of you when Ghana won. They were impressed I knew about Ghana. I, of course, cited you as my reference. "My friend Katie is doing a practicum there."
We are getting ready for JCAHO (our accrediting body) at the hospital these next two weeks so I'm working a bit more than usual.
I'm also requesting an SPM from SFXCC with Angie Doerr as my supervisor. Say a prayer she'll agree.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Be very careful of lizards, Katie. Cute, but friendly?
Donna
This web page is awesome This web page is a window into your life. Its very cool. I enjoyed reading your journal entry. I think the picture of the lizard is awesome. I am glad you put it in there. Look forward to reading more about Ghana and your experiances.
Hi! Hi Katie! These updates are great - it's amazing to see how excited everyone got when Ghana won ... we certainly don't have that kind of team spirit around here. :-) Good to hear everything is going well. Keep the pictures coming!!
-Joe
Go Katie! Go Ghana! Hi. Have been enjoying your journey via your updates. You are a strong and courageous woman and your loving spirit is brightening our world : - )
My first thought when Ghana beat US Team was YES!!! thinking of you being part of the extraordinary excitement and celebrations. We think of you and talk of you often. And, of course you're in our prayers. Peace. Jamie B.
P.S. It is wonderful having Shanna home!
I will be going to Accra, Ghana from June until the end of August to volunteer at the West Africa AIDS Foundation and to complete a social work practicum. ... full info
Liz
non-member comment
Amazing!
Hello Katie, It sounds like you are having an amazing, wonderful learning experience and challenges for growth while in Ghana. I am very glad you are doing well and learning lots. The people's lives you are touching and being touched by will stay with you forever. Good luck in your future endeavors and travels while in Ghana. I will continue to keep you and all the workers and patients of the AIDS clinic in prayers. Incredible difference you are making! Lots of love, Liz