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Published: August 24th 2006
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U of Legon
My friends Jonas and Prince at the University of Legon. In the background are hundreds of vultures basking in the sun on their soccer field. I believe this picture was taken shortly after the "white nose" conversation:) Hello, friends! Well, it is almost time for me head back to the States---just TWO days left! I am filled with mixed emotions--it is so difficult saying goodbye to the people here...and yet at the same time, I am so excited to see all of you again! I am looking forward to huge hugs from family and friends, no longer smelling like insect repellant 24-hours a day, running water, and Subway sandwiches (yes, this has been my weird craving while abroad😊
Seriously though, this has been an amazing experience that I will definitely never forget, and overall, I am ready to come back---as I feel like I am leaving with the knowledge that I have experienced everything I wanted to and much much more. This entire experience has been such a blessing...at least once everyday I would think, "Wow, I am in Africa!" It had been a dream of mine to come here for so long that it was amazing to see the dream come to fruition.
First of all, THANK YOU to all of you for supporting me and encouraging me through this journey! You proved that the saying "out of sight out of mind" doesn't necessarily have
U of Legon library
It's a gorgeous campus! However, I will say that their rooms are incredibly cramped...Jonas is staying in a room with 8 other guys and it is about the same size as the tiny dorm room I had in college for 2 people! to be true...I was continuously amazed by your emails and messages. Thanks so much!!!
So, just a couple of recent experiences....
-As I toured the University of Legon last weekend (which is beautiful by the way!), I was hanging with my friends Jonas and Prince (see pics), and Prince turned to me and said, "Katie, why is it that white people all have pointy noses?" Then Jonas said, "Yes, is it true that the doctors take an instrument and pull your noses out when you are born?" (Apparently this myth is floating around here!) I laughed so hard and then we proceeded to have an entire conversation about noses...something I never expected to be discussing in Africa!!😊
-I am realizing that some people here have such unique perceptions of white people. I can't tell you the number of times I have heard statements such as those by my friend Jonas: "I can't believe I have a white friend. I can't believe you talked to me. You're unlike the other white people--you're friendly....the other people think we are all just black monkeys. Most white people don't like black people." Such statements have astounded me, and such a perception
hangin with the gals
Two fellow volunteers at the clinic. Yesterday was my last day there and so it was filled with goodbyes....my experience there was amazing and I hope to continue supporting their work! saddens me. Sometimes I find myself feeling as though I represent all white people and persuading people that most whites like and respect blacks and Africans...good heavens, I can't imagine coming to Africa if this weren't the case! Thankfully, with each new friendship, I think some perceptions have been changed!
-On the way here, I saw two older men sharing headphones...they were sitting together bopping along to music as they each had an earpiece in their ear...I wish I had my camera as it was adorable😊 Speaking of "older" folks, I was on the trotro the other day and people were joking this man about being old...he laughed along and had everyone laughing when he started belting out a song about "being old." When he got off the trotro, everyone stared at him as if they couldn't believe he was so old. The point of this story is that I seriously think he was only 60 years old...however, since the average lifespan is 57 here, they were soo amused by such a creature! Let's just say I haven't seen too much grey hair since I've been here!
-I had an entire conversation yesterday with my neighbor Bowan regarding
Lovely ladies:)
Everyday I walk past these two girls who are working as seamstresses...they are my favorite gals in the neighborhood! They work so hard and even though they are busy, they always manage to find time to greet me as I pass. People here are so beautiful---seriously, I think so many people here could be professional models!:) what ethnic background people think I am here. For some reason, people constantly think I'm from Germany and he confirmed that he never would have thought I'd be from the States...apparently I do not look American (what do Americans look like anyway??) Mom and Dad, you didn't smuggle me over from Germany did you?? ;-)
-I recently went to an African dance show and got called up to the stage to dance...it was me and the Africans busting a move! Ha! Let's just say, Africans can definitely groove and EVERYONE here has rhythm! I'm afraid mine was a sad attempt😊...but Gramps, I tried my best and I will try to bring back some African moves for the nursing homes;-)
Well, I am writing a reflection article for the newspaper back home regarding lessons learned while away, so once I finish that I will post it. But until then, I want to say thanks so much again to you all!!! See you on the other side of the world😊
Love,
Katie
PS. Special thanks to my family...I learned that Mom and Dad can handle having two kids abroad and I really appreciated your support! I will see soon just how many grey hairs we caused you this summer;-) Thanks!😊
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Linda
non-member comment
What a journey for you!
Hi Katie, again I loved reading your blog! I had to laugh about the whites with the pointy noses! The question that I was constantly asked by women was that they heard that doctors in the US can cut your stomach open and take the baby out if you are having trouble delivering. It is amazing how out of touch some of them are with reality. Regarding being old, when I want to Ghana the life expectancy was 58, which was what I was. Everyone, and I mean everyone, called me mama as a sign of respect for my old age! Now I heard it has moved to 58 which is what I will be when I go next summer. I can hardly wait. I am going to have a graduation party for Issah and for his entire family and friends to come to, so I have to go a few days before it and purchase a cow and a sheep! hahaha! Only in Ghana! Have a wonderful flight home! Linda