Sunday, October 23, 2011

In the farm land near my house


The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

On the weekend I took a long hike up into the hills surrounding the village. This is the location of the villagers' farms, many a small plot of land where they can get in a couple of crops a year if the rain is sufficient. Currently corn, tomatoes and cassavas and we are getting rain in abundance. Not certain how they tell the boundaries of their farm, but I am told all the land belongs to the Chief and he not only parcels it out, but records the area. Interesting that what is grown here is a mix of what you can find in Florida and Virginia: peanuts, oranges, papayas, corn, beans, okra, watermelon, pineapple, mangoes, onions, tomatoes , cucumbers, red hot peppers, green peppers and of course yams and cassavas. I am anxious to get my kitchen set up so that I may enjoy more of these wonderful vegetables and fruits. The road up to the farms and around the farms reminds me so much of some of the terrain in South Vietnam. The road is of red clay, laterite, and there is no bare land. All is covered with crops or tall grass. It is peaceful here and since it was Sunday saw mostly women and children bringing home fire wood and the occasional bunch of bananas and some yams. However, if you want to see cashews on the tree come to Ghana. I am standing in a grove of cashew trees that are very common in this part of Brong Ahafo and are a significant export along with cocoa for chocolate. I could use some of the finished product, but most leaves the country.

I experience new things each day and although I miss the familiar, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

One Month as a Peace Corps Volunteer

The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

I have completed the first month of my 24 months of service in Ghana and completed two weeks in the classroom. I have been assigned to teach mathematics and computer technology to the Form 1 (7th grade) and Form 2 (8th grade) students. I am familiar with the mathematics, but it is a first time experience to be teaching basic computer technology. Unfortunately the school has no computers and my somewhat limited abilities will make it a challenging year for me and of course the students. Class sizes of over 60 will make classroom management interesting. But, I am pleased to have started the job that I came here to do and anticipate a school year full of new experiences and opportunities to contribute to the education of these active, curious students.

I have moved into my house, not yet my home as plenty is left to do. However, I am dry when it rains, well fed with local food, and in good health. The next few weeks will end the rainy season and I can already feel the heat build later in the afternoons. The last week we have had thunderous rain storms, with lightening all over the sky, and a drenching downpour. Not seen any storms like them since experiencing one in Florida a few years ago that rolled in off the Gulf into the Everglades. The noise off the tin roof of my house is deafening. The positive side is I have plenty of rainwater for my bucket bath, tea, laundry and other needs. Don't have to walk over to the water point with my plastic containers for a few days.

Like many experiences in my life just hanging on and accepting where events take you is a big part of the adventure. I am hanging on and looking forward to the days ahead for me.