Random :)

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Greetings! I have a few minutes before practicum so I thought I’d write a few thoughts….

1) You would not believe the American influence here…people here know more about American hip hop and pop artists than I do! Sean Paul, Celine Dion, and Usher are HUGE here....not to mention I hear Shania Twain and country music all the time!

2) The social service system in Ghana is much different than in the U.S. Since the Ghanaian government does not provide disability or other financial support to those living with mental or physical disabilities, it is not uncommon to see people living on the streets. They try to get by via begging to people walking by…it is sad to see. Some people (usually the less educated) call them “madmen,” while others give them money as they pass by.

3) Sometimes it is frustrating being a white person here….don’t get me wrong, I love attention😊, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Yesterday, a fellow obruni (white person) and friend named Anna and I went to a market here…we were literally surrounded on every side as people tried to pull us to their shop…they would literally take our arm and try to lead us to their things. They really inflate the prices here for tourists but we are honing our bargaining skills😊 People are very friendly here, but at times I must avoid eye contact on the way to work…otherwise, if I stopped to talk to everyone who tries to talk to me, it would take all day to get there! Many people simply want to talk but some others ask me for money or help in getting a visa to the U.S.....I cannot blame them for asking, though, since the average salary is about $300/year here. When they here America, many people think “money” and “opportunity”….but who can blame them really? Many others are very happy here, and cannot wait to beat the U.S. in the World Cup tourney on Thursday! 😊

Anyways, these are random thoughts😊 I hope you are all well and thanks again for all of your notes!! Have a great day!

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Comments

[Erin]

Whitey
haha. katie thanks for letting us in on your journey...the good, the bad, the challenging, and the life changing. you are doing an amazing thing. you are in my prayers. keep your head up and keep leanign on HIM. peace

[Donna M Branca]

Bargaining
Katie: Glad to hear you are well. Keep honing those bargaining skills. We are all thinking and praying for you here. Ron Knapp has been reading your blog and I just ran into Bolivar at the Rec who is hoping to catch up on your blog this afternoon at the library. I am here to meet with Marion about the Fall Lay Frm Retreat but she is not yet here. Summer school has started for those taking summer classes (not me) Dominic and Rick are here for the summer. Harry is also here. George has gone to Nova Scotia and then Cape Cod and will be back in August. We are having a TGIF party on Fri pm here at school. Kathleen Tehan is organizing. Its good to hear from you. Keep in touch. Remember God loves you and so do all your friends at AI. Donna

[Rose]

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your adventures with us. So interesting, and my heart goes out to all the people who are forced to live on the street. I heard on TV this morning that the government in Ghana is asking people to cut back on their use of electricity, because so many people are watching the World Cup wherever they can find a TV. I can't even imagine what Thursday will be like! Love, Rose

[Brooke]

You're in my prayers Katie. Can't wait to catch up when you get back. Till then--it's nice to keep up with you this way. Brooke!

[alibaby]

celine dion
katie o! what is up girl? so, i guess celine dion has infiltrated the world. in central america she was referred to as "the golden voice." it was common place to have thugs rockin' out to miss dion. much love, alibaby ps--i thoroughly enjoyed the ghana game on saturday!!!

[Christine]

Katie rocks the world!!!
Hey Katie! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Ghana. It's very interesting and inspiring at the same time. You have an incredible strength to be a witness to all of the suffering. You really live out what you have learned. You are truly using your education, knowledge, and heart to make the world a better place. Dancing machine (yes, that's you), miss you A TON in St. Louis!

[Kathleen]

You're awesome!
Katie -I'll keep this short, but wanted to say you're awesome and I love your stories and blogs! I am more impressed with you everyday and am so proud of you. Your pictures are awesome, too! Keep up the great work and know that all of us love and miss you. Just make sure you're cheering for the right team tomorrow! :)

[Apollinaire Kaba]

You are the best
Hey Bud, i am glad you are having fun. I keep you in my prayers. I am so proud of you and i like your stories. Make sure you cheer for the "Black Stars" tomorrow. By the way, don't get in any type of soccer discussion with people. I love you and miss you

[Tim N. - the ref]

Go USA
Kathleen sent us the info on your blog. You are so impressive on so many levels! Thanks for finding the time to keep us gringos informed about your life. Though we know who you'll be rooting for (on the inside) in the game tomorrow, (on the outside) you probably should root for your new home team! They will advance to another game, if they win tomorrow, so I'm sure the whole country will go nuts, if they do. As a parent, I'll remind ya to be very careful, keep trusting in His direction, and have a ball making memories. We all love ya!

[Jamie B. (Shanna's Dad)]

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!

[Pam]

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