Ghana Update Weeks 2 and 3: When I Go Down

I've been leaving you all in suspense for too long. I'm sure I'll
forget something, but I at least want to give you the highlights and
I'll fill in what I missed later.

Week 2 was filled with more meetings -- and they went really, really
well! These meetings were geared towards administrators and
supervisors at the school, introducing them to the syllabi on a deeper
level: the process and thought behind the re-organization. I was
really encouraged and impressed with the insight participants gave.
They even got into some pretty hot debates about language policy and
constructivist learning. It was great to hear all their thoughts. Of
course, balancing the flow of the conversation was tricky at times --
when to let the conversation flow and when to reign it in. But
overall, a great success.

At the end of week 2 we got an exciting announcement: the president of
Ghana had contacted the Village of Hope, asking if he celebrate his
birthday with a program from the children. Yep, that was the big
suspense. I mean, what an exciting announcement! On one hand, how
cool would it be to meet the president of Ghana. On the other hand,
wow, how much prep do we need to do for such an important guest. So
in addition to prepping for their exams, students, staff, and parents
spent a lot of time weeding, filling pot holes and decorating the
entire campus. And since the entire program was to be put on by
children, several of the students prepared speeches and MC scripts.
One week later we all gathered to greet the president... Who didn't
even show! That's right. After all the prep and anticipation, the
president sent a delegation to celebrate his birthday. Needless to
say, everyone was rather disappointed. And the next day there was a
rather heated debate on the radio about the man's character. I mean
who does that to an orphanage? Apparently he actually contacted 2
organizations asking if he could come and didn't attend either planned
celebration.

Thankfully, we had other celebrations planned only the next day to
which the guest of honor was sure to arrive. Chelsea Jones has been
working at Hope Christian Academy for the last 2 years and is due to
start graduate work in the fall. She was absolutely showered with
gifts and love and song. It was so awesome to see. I about burst
with pride for all the prep the kids had done in their presentation,
all the love they had put into rewriting songs and practicing dances.
And I about burst with pride to hear all the praise and thanksgiving
directed to Chelsea and her family. I have had the honor and pleasure
of working with Chelsea for the last 2 years and she is just amazing.
An amazing teacher, counsellor, and friend. I'm so thankful I got to
be there for her celebration and do my small part to send her off
well. I don't have any pictures of the celebration right now, but
when I do, I intend to dedicate an entire post to this event.

So that is essentially the last two weeks: meetings, prepping for the
president, prepping for the Chelsea party, prepping for the seminar I
am doing in the Eastern Region this week. Right now I am in Accra
taking advantage of the "free" internet that comes with the room I
rented for the evening as I am on my way to Nkwatia. It just seemed
easier than going back to the Village after the airport run yesterday.
But I better hit the road if I want to avoid the crazy Accra traffic.
More details to come soon!

(Song Title: When I Go Down by Relient K)