Arrival

After about 23 hours of total travel time, I arrived in Ghana last Thursday. We had a layover in Amsterdam which was delayed by some people pressing a conspicuous security door button, but we made it here. We then were picked up at Kotoka International Airport and driven by tro-tro’s (the Ghanaian minivan taxis) to the University of Ghana at Legon. Right away we were given dinner and then we went to bed and were pretty much exhausted.

The next morning we had a lecture introducing us to the study abroad staff that would be with us for a three week orientation prior to school starting in late August. I have been amazed at the friendliness of the Ghanaians and the sense of community here. They believe strongly in national and human family. Everywhere you go they welcome you with the welcome phrase “Akwaaba” (they know I am a foreigner right away).

Saturday we went into the city of Accra. We traveled to a market where we purchased things we might need for our stay. The market was very crowded with several shops lined against each other offering foods, kitchenware, clothing and other items. The means of purchase here is often by bargaining as Ghanaians debate prices outside their businesses.

I talked to a clothing seller who sells at the market and he said that he buys material, has the shirt sewn by another business, and then adds value to the shirt with his own designs. I bought one for the equivalent of about $6. He gets much business from tourists who pass around his name and who give their business cards to him.

Yesterday we went as a group to church. About 20 or more went to a church near campus and the pastor invited one from the group to speak about the group—I stepped up and offered our thanks to them for inviting us and hosting us for those who want to continue attending. In Ghana, Christianity is more on display than in the US and it is widely visible in the public realm. You might see phrases like “Jesus Power” or “God’s grace” on the tro-tro taxis. It’s fun.

Today we had a series of lectures in many areas like archaeology, politics, and history to give us background on University of Ghana academics. The political science professor mentioned that World Bank and IMF programs have not shown evidence of aiding Ghana, but I don’t know yet if that is the majority opinion.

Well, that’s all so far and I will post soon with more interesting stories and perspectives…

Ghana Perspectives Launch

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way leading up to my departure to Ghana. As I said, I want to update everyone as best as possible on my journey so that they may stay informed at their convenience.

While in Ghana, I will be an exchange student at the University of Ghana at Legon which is just outside of the capitol at Accra. Also, I will be researching an area of development economics while there-- likely in primary education development.

My hope is that this blog will help both me and others understand the problems developing country inhabitants face, the solutions that are being discussed, as well as the steps being taken now to improve the situation of poverty in developing countries. I want to present the thoughts and ideas of the Ghanains I encounter as it relates to their betterment as a nation. If any readers have questions, inquiries, or commments about something on their mind they would like answered, PLEASE comment. I want to be helpful to all those who would like to travel to Africa but just don't have time/resources to do so, and to those who are just curious.

The Ghanains I have met so far are extremely friendly and I am humbled by this. Several have offered to have me over for dinner already and I am excited to meet more of them. So, please read the blog if you'd like and I would love to get comments and questions-- I will do my best to get answers to them. I want to update this at least once per week, hopefully averaging 2 posts per week. I will be in Ghana July 25-December 17 of 2007. Talk to you soon!!

Pre-Departure Thoughts

Well, it's two weeks until I head out to the first developing country I have ever visited. I really am thankful to God for providing so many contacts to me who know about life in Ghana and in the developing world in general.



I have been buying basically all the recommended stuff from a list that UC Education Abroad gave me for Ghana. I still want to read up more on the history of the country before I leave so I can at least articulate who Kwame Nkruma is.



Yesterday I had an interview with the Peace Corps and the recruiter nominated me on the spot! It was very exciting. I am nominated to the Latin America region as a business advisor. This is so great because it's exactly what I have the heart to do: help developing country businesses thrive to produce economic growth and provide families with an outlet for their skills and talents.



This is only the beginning of my journey abroad and in this field that I have been called to serve. It is definitely strange at times when I sit down and think about what I am actually doing because I never would have imagined this! But, I remind myself of my mission and the true reason I "go" and then it becomes certain again.