My week went fast. I thought maybe it would go slow because I would be dreaming of heading to the big city of Tamale at the end of it.
Last week I mentioned boys climbing over my wall to climb trees. When they see me they jump back over. I decided instead of fighting this I will join them. No, I did not climb the trees. I yelled at them, knowing they were just over the wall waiting for me to go inside, and told them to come (and use the gate to come). They were a little sheepish, knowing what they did was not right, but they came. I told them if they want to climb trees they just need to knock and say, "Madame" and if I am free I will let them in. This was told with very broken Dagbani and gestures. They go to school so they can also speak a little English, but am glad they usually do not. They climbed and ran around. They found a water bottle and filled it with water. They asked me for everything- from food to using the toilet to complaining, "my friend is beating me" when I saw the whole thing and knew they were only playing. If they were at a Ghanaian home they would not ask or do any of those things. They took liberty because they think I do not know. But thankfully, I do know and have lived here many years! I did pop some popcorn for them. They asked me for a ball and I told them if they do well I will buy them a ball. So then they start cleaning the compound! HA. I care about their obedience not them serving me. It took a few days to make that understood. For example, the first couple afternoons when they would come, when it was time to leave they would whine and not leave. The next day when they asked me for a ball I told them they did not listen to me yesterday so why should I buy a ball? That was the last time they did not listen to me. This whole week, every day they came they were very respectful and I told them when I go to Tamale I will buy them a ball.
I did have them listen to some Bible stories in Dagbani that I have on my phone. Maybe I can do that before they start playing on a daily basis. We also played simple catch and throw games with a ball, though hardly a ball. I also needed to learn some phrases like, "close the door/go home/use the gate/throw the ball" so they are helping me!
I asked Fela if it was ok for them to be in the compound and he says it is fine but not their house. I can understand that.
Another wonderful thing, as I go around and visit my neighbours I find where these boys are staying and when they know I know their parents they are even more kind and respectful. They know I could report bad behaviour to their parents :)
I left Gushegu on Saturday morning. I thought I would be excited about getting into the city but...found myself wishing there were not so many motorbikes and traffic lights. I did some shopping and went to an internet cafe to download some things. I do love the many items I can find here.
I met with Yvonne for dinner. We started at one outdoor restaurant but quickly left to go sit in an air conditioned one! It has been so hot. 104-107 degrees. When I got home that night, our power went off. I was annoyed to say the least, knowing it would not come back again.
I signed up to run a 10k race Sunday morning. I needed to be at the start at 6am. I got about 2 hours of sleep in the midst of sweat dripping down my face, neck and back. Ewwww. I thought maybe I shouldn't do this race. It is not like Ihave been training super hard also.
But despite my lack of enthusiasm and rest the race went well. My goals were to meet people and not walk. I accomplished both! Most people who ran work with non-governmental organisations in Tamale and it was interesting to hear what people are doing and how they are helping. One restaurant opened their doors to us and someone donated bagels, fresh coconuts, fruits and drinks. Many of us just sat and chilled. I am glad I did it. (And I got a tank top too!)
When I came back home our power was still off. I went to visit some friends and thought I did a little better in Dagbani conversation. Yay! I messaged Yvonne and told her i had no light so she invited me over. I came around 6pm and we slept upon top of her roof. It was lovely! We had a mosquito net and a cool breeze in this balmy humid-hot season. I was so thankful.
As I type this up our power apparently came back last night while I was at Yvonne' s but it went off again. They said there is an issue with a cable that they are fixing. Hmmm...
So! I am leaving. I found a little lodge for 20$/day with air conditioning and a small pool and I will hide away for a few days and charge my batteries.
Love you and your prayers!
