Hey, hey, hey!!!

Finally!! I finally got the portable modem to work and get online. Boy, do I missed you guys and home! I must say so far it is not what we expected; but trying to make the best of it.

One main problem is not having our own car and waiting for someone to take us places.
That was the problem with getting the modem sorted out. The phone company was in the Accra mall and we waited for transportation to get back there. Finally my HD man took matters onto his own hands and we walked up to the main road and he hailed a taxi and off we went. We were a little "suspicious" when he turned off the road we were familiar with onto a dirt road; but we saw other vehicles traveling on it, so we calmed down. Of course Sam was ready to do some bodily harm if necessary. Got to love my man. LOL

So far I think we have been overly cautious and that has kept us in the little apartment and feeling very confined. As you all know we are very mobile people and wanted to move about. We were told to be mindful of being "Scammed" because we are foreigners and that put us on sharp alert; maybe not so necessary. Others told us that Ghanaians are friendly people and crime is low. Now that we have ventured out on our own, I feel much better and not so afraid. I must say for a time I was really beginning to worry.
Offers to rent a car range from $35 to $20 per day for "long term" rental. That would be way over our budget, so we will use taxis instead. We have one set to pick us up this morning to take us to the "sea" (ocean) to buy fish. So far the fish we see is unfamiliar and we do not like the taste. Remember my pledge to eat only what I can recognize? Well, so far that has not happened in the fish department.

We went to the Madina Market last week and it was full of all sorts of things from nuts to clothing. There was plenty of smoked and dried fish; but they all looked strange, even one that looked like a snake. :-( Thank goodness I recognized some vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, carrots, calaloo (a Jamaican greens), mangoes, watermelon and a few others. I know I have lost at least five pounds and Sam's pants are "swagging." LOL

A lady who I thought would be my housekeeper went with us, along with her son and the driver, so I had an entourage following me throughout this crowded market. :-( Oh! In the market there are girls who carry our items on her head in a large basin! I thought Sam got her picture; but he didn't. I will get one for you next time. For her services I paid her 2 Ghanaian CDs: about 1US. Money is 1.50 CDs to 1US.

As it turned out she was not the right one to help me and that turned into frustration. I wanted the apartment cleaned and someone to cook for us and again waited for our mentors to help. Finally my HD man came through again. (I love that man! LOL) As usual he has been roaming the neighborhood and found a little corner store which is run by a very nice lady and her daughters. He walks around there when he gets bored and sits and talks to them, or should I say entertains them. He told the lady he was looking for someone to help me and last night he brought Nana to me. She will come four days a week to clean, wash, and cook. All this for 100 CDs (about $80US) a month. Yes, I said a month. Calm down ladies, I know I just made you all jealous. LOL

So we are off this morning to get fish hopefully and I will post more when we return.
So much to get posted it will take some time; but I will get it all to you soon.

We are safe, living on a compound with two large homes and our little apartment that is walled in with barb-wire on top and 24/7 security guard at the entrance. Not sure why all that is necessary, as we haven't seen any bad elements so far; but all the houses have it so I guess it is needed. Missing our "peace and quiet" in the woods on Tanglewood Road; but making the best of it.

Orientation is Saturday and I hope to get my class schedule.

Keep us in your prayers and more in a little bit. Love you guys!!!

C and S