Hello Hi there - I've just read your blog for the first time, and it was great. I went to Ghana in 2007 and I can relate to everything you say. It's am amazing, frustrating, crazy place! I am hoping to go back later this year, maybe for 6 months so looking forward to that. Good luck adapting back to 'normal' life - I found it really hard, and there is not a day I don't think about Ghana! Best Wishes, Ricki
My Darling LAUREN!!!!
Much like when I was reading the post by Mamma Wink, I almost started to tear up during this post. Is THIS the same girl I know and love from high school?! This is LAUREN??! The girl I explored the greater parts of Europe with? The one that hooked me on Grey's for that while, and I have split countless boxes of cookies and eaten more burnt mallows than ever before in my life?! I think I have to see it to believe it. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. Really.. I am amazed at how you took this control of your life and experienced something that I KNOW you will carry with you for forever. You've always been an amazing person with stamina, creativity, organization (nevermind the Winkelman bedroom), and with such a HUGE HEART that helped to take care of me for years. Now I can only imagine how much you've changed, and how ten times more incredible an Italian you have become. I miss you so much!
Dear Shane... You are awesome. Like.. Really.
Oh.. and Ironically... My flight for Dubai/Kenya/Egypt trip leaves.. JUNE 16!! I'll be back July 23rd!! AH!!
Traces of the Trade Hello Lauren, thanks for your blog. It takes me right back to Ghana, which I visited in 2001 along with nine distant cousins as we were making the documentary film, Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North. I remember so vividly the door of no return, Kakum Rainforest Park and the canopy walk, the beaches, and most of all the people.
Our family is descended from the most successful slave-trading dynasty in U.S. history, which is why we made the film. We re-traced the Triangle Trade from New England to Ghana to Cuba and back to consider the legacy of slavery and its impact on all of us--black and white--today. For any of your readers who are interested, Traces of the Trade will be shown on PBS this month. It is the season premiere documentary on P.O.V. and is scheduled for June 24 at 10pm in most places, though you should check your local listings because dates/times are flexible.
I wrote a memoir of my experiences of our journey called Inheriting The Trade. It's available at local bookstores or online. You can Google either title and get to our websites.
Thanks again for sharing your journey with all of us. Ghana is a magical place and I look forward to returning there myself one day. Best wishes on your homecoming.
Tom
Thomas N. DeWolf
Thank you for getting better I know the last time we talked you said you were getting better but this was the proof I needed. Blogs tell no lies! haha But that's crazy with the hospital and such. I'm glad you figured it all out. And Shane sounds like a real champ taking care of you. I give him my biggest thanks! Because roomie, we gotta keep crossing our fingers for Brottier and I can't cross alone. Love you and miss you! OMG and the text about the monkeys made my day! If you didn't get mine back, I said "Yay! Have more monkey fun! I miss you!" Talk to you soon, baby cakes!
titles are overrated. Yikes.. Sick is no fun. But yet again, I'm sure going to a hospital even if it is to see the people there is another eye-opening experience to everything we take for granted here. Even at Pitt, we have the Univ of Pitt Medical Centers (those huge hospitals) RIGHT ON CAMPUS, so if our Student Health isn't helping, kids just easily can go get treatment. One of the less fantastic things about travelling, the adjustment, but the weekend sounded fun! Do Ghanians believe in saltines and ginger ale? If not, you should get credit for "discovering" that in Ghana. "Lauren Winkelman, Miracle Worker for Ghanians Everywhere with Stomache Bugs" Yeah.. I like that.
HEY! You're African birthday adventure sounded AMAZING! Mad props, Shane. Mad props. I really know what you're going through with the beggar thing, it was the same thing in India. It breaks your heart in 10 different ways, but you know as soon as you give money to one person or kid, 50 more are all around you which, hate to say it, is dangerous. The canopy walk is SO NEAT! I'm so happy you're having a great time! Stay safe, I miss and love you!!
All about Shane! O sure! Shane went out of his way for your birthday . . . how about the extreme sacrifice Dad and I made by getting up at 2:00am to be the first to wish you "Happy Birthday?" Not even a mention! Fine then!
Ok . . . Shane wins! LOL
WHOA. Hey girl hey! A monkey interrupted her class!! Lauren, we knew that's how it would be!!! You are so lucky! I can't believe it. Everything sounds amazing. Mass sounds like so much fun. Conga line to the collection!? Holler! hahaha..and good save on the pseudo-donation first time around! The language sounds out of this world, too! I want you to find out some sweet words we can use to talk in code or something when you come back, too..lol. Have a great week and keep having fun and living it UP! Soak it all in! Love ya girl! I'll keep you posted on lottery news!
Good Morning from Long Island NY 6:30AM Wendsday 22 degrees outside. Thank you for the shout out lauren! Been enjoying your blog since you arrived,number one being your egg sandwich story. Say hi to colin for me. Keep enjoying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great story! I loved "hearing" about the mass on Sunday. I will definitely pass along the idea of two collections to Fr. Cap. He is going to love that!
Classes 2 days a week! You mean you will have a 5 day weekend?! LOL Hmmm I thought this was called, "study abroad." I misunderstood . . .
Thanx for the update - keep 'em coming.
Still cold here. Send us some of that sun!
Luv ya -
Mom
Aw...come ooooonnnnnn! hahahaha Lauren. Listen. I want you to come back with a Ghanaian husband. I mean, come on. At least give it a shot!! hahaha (kidding!..although I think being married gets you some kind of exception when it comes to on-campus housing..hmmm we'll have to look into that.) :P So I miss you! Everything sounds wonderful! Thanks for describing everything so well! I can almost picture everything you're talking about! Tell shane I said I hope his eye is better soon! That's just bad luck..haha. Enjoy your week and I will keep you posted on our ticket numbers. Hopefully I can work my magic...or at least put my good looks and charm to their best work! Love you! Have fun!!
Worried . . . Me? Great update! Thanks - we have been waiting!
Send me more info on that resort! Sounds like a destination . . .
So, how is that sun screen working? Going on smooth? LOL Do not be telling us you have a sun burn!
Tell Shane we are waiting for his perspective. I bet he has a few stories to tell on you, too!
Glad you guys are adjusting to the food and environment. Can't wait to hear about classes - that is why you went, right?! Let us know what classes you are taking.
Lots of luv - and we wish were were there, too! It's cold here.
Mom
Cool Well you know, geckos are said to 'taste like chicken"..of course the Geico Geicko would take exception to that, I'm sure. I remember I had a room mate once who had two and he used to race them down the hallway in our apartment. Thanks for helping me "flash back". :) ENJOY and Love from Susky Country!
God Bless So happy to hear your travel went well. We all hope you have a wonderful experience. You will be a wonderful embassador for the United State.
You're There!!! Curt and I have been thinking about you all week and praying for you as you traveled. I spoke with your mom this afternoon and found out how to communicate with you. We will be following your adventures as we are sure you will have some fascinating experiences! Love, The Carlsons
SALAMANDER?! Wow, what an exciting experience! After our dealings with roaches, though, I figure you can handle anything that lurks inside your bathroom! haha..aw man, girl. I can hardly imagine! I'm so excited for you!!! This blog was such a great idea, and probably takes the stress off of you getting in touch with everyone (because I'm sure momma W will be wanting to be the first one kept up to date! Hi Mrs. Winkelman if you're reading this! haha..) It sounds like every day will be an awesome new experience and I can't wait to hear all about them. Find some sweet African motif for our room next year! Ahhh! Gotta get those deposits in! (PS. Got your check. Thanks!) but i'm beat. Comment you soon! : ) Have fun!!
Sounds like Central America. Everyone who has the balls to drive in that country was, by definition, the man. Cutting people off, manuvering through the pothole maze, taking a detour across a beach- it was awesome.
As for the showers I never had salamanders, but we had our share of geckos. Do you have hot water? Tepid at least? We didn't the second week lol. Anyway hope all is well and Ghana is Ghana-rific.
yipppeeee and you're off!!!!!!!!!!!!! How exciting. Momma is doing fine this morning . . . . lots of Lauren-speak, as expected. I was touched that you called yesterday . . . . you are precious to me. Be happy! Do good work!! Make wonderful memories. xoxoxo AG
Stress? Minor freak-outs? Who are you kidding? Just because you have been sick for a week? Can't stay awake for more than 10 minutes at a time? Packing at the last minute? No stress here!
Okay, so you didn't wake up at 7:30am, we did have a leisurely, semi-stress-free morning. Now you are on the plane - and we are waiting to hear the next chapter!
God speed . . .
HAVE FUN! Lauren, my away message today was dedicated to you (thinking today was the 6th..not the 5th...?) giving you a farewell and encouraging you to tear it up and WALK REALLY FAST in Africa! I really can't wait to hear all about it! Think of me when you're looking down from an elephants back or making friends with all the monkeys....(make an effort to let me know what REALLY goes on in Africa...because I feel as though I have a misconstrued idea.) lol I love you! BE SAFE! I need a roomie for next year!!!! <3
Ricki
non-member comment
Hello
Hi there - I've just read your blog for the first time, and it was great. I went to Ghana in 2007 and I can relate to everything you say. It's am amazing, frustrating, crazy place! I am hoping to go back later this year, maybe for 6 months so looking forward to that. Good luck adapting back to 'normal' life - I found it really hard, and there is not a day I don't think about Ghana! Best Wishes, Ricki