On our way home...
This is Jen on behalf of Ian. He and most of the others are in downtown Amsterdam right now while a few of us are a little tired and have chosen to hang at the airport.
It has been an amazing trip and it will probably take months to get all the stories out of the travellers when they get home. So much has happened.
Since the last update we had two "typical village days" and what we now know is there is no such thing. On Tuesday, our last full day in the village, we presented the school with all the stuff we had brought, minus what we gave to Dzogadze last week. The kids from the village could barely contain their excitement. Much pomp and ceremony and appreciation.
Our goodbyes began Tuesday morning with the elders gathering us before the 'stool houses' to say a prayer for us and our safe return home. It is a sacred spot for the village and we were honoured to be witnesses to the pouring of libations. So don't worry, we're covered by the gods now. That night, a party was held and much dancing and drumming in front of the lodge took place.
Wednesday, we left the village in the morning for Accra and it was a very quiet ride with the odd sniffle thrown in for good measure. One of the boys that had been helping us with the bell came out to say goodbye (most of the other kids were in school) and his tears were enough to send most of us over the edge.
After last minute shopping at the arts centre in Accra, Kwasi and his family, the drivers, and Ledzi, our teacher, came to the airport to see us off. Lots of pictures, some tears, and hugs and we were on our way.
I think while many of us are sad to have had to say goodbye to such great people, we are happy to be coming home now. It has been a great trip, one I'm sure none of us will ever forget. And you can bet, some are going to want to do it again. Start saving now!
See you all tonight.
On behalf of the gang,
Jen
PS Volleyball game results: Yevuwos 1, Dzogadze 4. But it was hard fought and they were all at least 6 feet tall - including their token woman. (Ewe translation: Yevuwos - "visiting white folks")
It has been an amazing trip and it will probably take months to get all the stories out of the travellers when they get home. So much has happened.
Since the last update we had two "typical village days" and what we now know is there is no such thing. On Tuesday, our last full day in the village, we presented the school with all the stuff we had brought, minus what we gave to Dzogadze last week. The kids from the village could barely contain their excitement. Much pomp and ceremony and appreciation.Our goodbyes began Tuesday morning with the elders gathering us before the 'stool houses' to say a prayer for us and our safe return home. It is a sacred spot for the village and we were honoured to be witnesses to the pouring of libations. So don't worry, we're covered by the gods now. That night, a party was held and much dancing and drumming in front of the lodge took place.
Wednesday, we left the village in the morning for Accra and it was a very quiet ride with the odd sniffle thrown in for good measure. One of the boys that had been helping us with the bell came out to say goodbye (most of the other kids were in school) and his tears were enough to send most of us over the edge.After last minute shopping at the arts centre in Accra, Kwasi and his family, the drivers, and Ledzi, our teacher, came to the airport to see us off. Lots of pictures, some tears, and hugs and we were on our way.
I think while many of us are sad to have had to say goodbye to such great people, we are happy to be coming home now. It has been a great trip, one I'm sure none of us will ever forget. And you can bet, some are going to want to do it again. Start saving now!
See you all tonight.
On behalf of the gang,
Jen
PS Volleyball game results: Yevuwos 1, Dzogadze 4. But it was hard fought and they were all at least 6 feet tall - including their token woman. (Ewe translation: Yevuwos - "visiting white folks")
posted by Ian at 5:46 am
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