Arrived

4/20/2013

Finally arrived in Sunyani late in the afternoon. Quite the journey to get here. Besides the whole passport issue, and making flight arrangements last minute without confirming with Doris beforehand, everything went relatively smoothly.  Met this fascinating girl on my trip from Chicago to London: Janet. She is an Icelander with family in France in doing missions work in Greece. Loves apologetics and visual arts. I think, minus the napping, we must have talked the entire way across the ocean! And then once we arrived, we hung out at Starbucks until she needed to head to her gate later that morning. What a delight! She definitely sold me on the benefits of an IPad, sharing some really neat apps!

My flight to Accra was relatively uneventful. I ended up being included into a small collective of African travelers who walked with me through customs and I appreciated their care. Due to tech difficulties, it was difficult to connect with Doris, although I was confident that she had it all under control. Finally was met by family friend Watson, who saw me to my hotel room (where initially my A/C didn’t work, but maintenance repaired it…and got a little chilly sleeping!) and picked me up this morning, got me to the airport, helped me secure my flight to Kumasi and entertained me for hours while we waited for the flight to board. I am looking forward to seeing him again at Doris’ wedding next Saturday!

Was a fascinating victim to some small Ghanaian child, who helped pass time while waiting past security to board. Struck up a conversation with a British worker who was in the country building schools in partnership with an American organization. He spends 4-5 months in the area, hires locals to actually construct the buildings and then moves onto the next project/location in Africa when completed. I had a window seat assigned to me (7a), but when I boarded there was this older woman who was sitting there. I challenged her that she was in my seat; she looked at my boarding pass and insisted that I sit next to her...she was NOT relinquishing the window seat! REEALLY irritated me. But as I pondered my response, I decided to serve her if the opportunity arose, so, as we were getting off in Kumasi, I reached into the overhead bin and retrieved her bag for her. Felt good.

Was met at the airport in Kumasi by a preacher friend of the Donker family, who got us a taxi to the bus terminal and waited together for Isaac, Doris fiancé. It was wonderful hearing his stories about ministry, and he shared how, culturally, in Ghana if a woman/widow lives longer than 70 years, she is often considered a witch, and is unable to get help or assistance. This man sacrificially gives the offerings he receives every week and uses it to help these women live out their lives with dignity.

The bus ride was surprisingly confortable in a cramped sort of way. With all the windows opened, there was cool airflow and I was able to take little catnaps. The ride lasted well over 3 hours and Isaac and I had many chances to talk during that time. Nice man.

Finally, got to Sunyani and Doris! Cute as ever! We arrived at the wonderful Mungo Park Guest Suites and the accommodations are great! Then the three of us shared a meal together and talked and talked about MF and politics.  Loved my well deserved shower and computer time this evening and looking forward to the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.