It;s been over a year since I last posted on this blog. That's very bad!
But, this year for placement I've been asked to write monthly reflections so I thought what better way to do it then via my blog? (Which, incidentally I said I'd do in first year.. but third year is my year of doing all the things I said I'd do in first year & second year and never got round to! Like start my assignments 4 weeks before they're due. Anyway, I digress.)
Also, why does blogger set Times New Roman as default? I hate it.
This summer I really struggled with the concept of coming back to Chester for final year. I had a great "temp" job in recruitment, I felt settled, I love being near my family (and pets) and my gorgeous house. In terms of youth work, excited as I am about my placement (which I will detail more in another blog, later) I wasn't excited to be doing the course any more I was doubting if I was even meant to be doing youth work any more, if I was even any good at it- was I better off in recruitment permanently? or expanding my wedding planning qualification? or starting midwifery training now?
But, I figured that I was already paying rent on my (lovely, like seriously lovely) uni house and I'd worked hard for two years, why jack it in now? So I packed my little yellow car up and came back to Chester.
Week three and I was still struggling. Our Church sermon that week was about work and studies and how sometimes God might be calling us in a different direction (aha!)- so I got someone to pray with me and expectantly waited for a sign.
Fast forward to Wednesday's lecture (I promise the point is coming soon): Professional Practice. One of our tasks was to write a letter to a little person we loved. I chose my nephew, he's 2 and a half and the apple of my eye. Without over sharing, my letter effectively said I hoped he knew how loved he was and would remember that for years to come, I also hoped he's learn from his own mistakes, know how well supported he is and live life to the full.
ok, now think of a "nightmare" young person. The kind of young person you almost dread seeing each week, who makes your life sooo difficult or who you sometimes wonder if it's really worth it. I thought back to my first year placement working in a Young Offenders Prison, my young person (let's call him Jay) was a repeat offender, in and out of prison for years- spending seven birthdays I believe inside, and only 24! He was pretty cocky and at times real hard work.
But apply the letter I wrote to Zach (2 and a haf and who's worse crime is the occasional tantrum, not going to bed before about 9pm and stealing your food!) to "Jay"- and your perspective changes.
I don't know where Jay is now, I hope he's out of prison and his life has turned around. But I do want to be able to speak the same words over him, and other young people as I speak over Zach. Learning from their own mistakes, knowing they're loved and supported (by somebody, anybody!) and living life to the full.
I was filled with a real sense of purpose again- that's what I want my youth work to be about. Speaking positivity over the lives of young people and watching them develop and grow, learning from mistakes, no matter how big and encouraging them every step of the way.
Today, Professor Green (my alter-ego, but that's another story) posted this on instagram :
"we should celebrate the youth at every opportunity, growing up is hard enough as it is. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way".
I mean, I couldn't put it better myself. What a man!
and finally, the sentiments which I often wear emblazoned on my chest (Ok, as a T shirt) and a consistent reminder from my gap year with XLP: "I refuse to accept this is a lost generation"
I'm so excited to get back to the heart of youth work and see what happens next.
Over & out.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Monday, 19 November 2012
50 Shades of Grey- The Youth Work blog post
Ok, so when I first bought 50 shades of Grey and 50 Shades Darker (2 for £8 in a large supermarket store) I took to twitter, as I do with
most things, to let my followers know. Now, this received mixed response: one
was to suggest it was an unhealthy choice of literature and the next to ask me
to blog my views- both were youth workers.
It follows, that this blog post was born, admittedly a good
few months after I finished the series (sorry!) But just a heads up, this is
not a literary review; it’s a look at it from my youth work perspective.
Moreover, it’s my view and I don’t pretend to know it all. Please feel free to
disagree.
Right, first off... I don’t believe anything is inheriently “unhealthy”
as it’s read. People have had arguments similar for Harry Potter and the
DaVinci Code and even reading other religious books. I totally disagree, I did
not go into reading 50 shades of Grey with the intention of modelling my life
on it. In fact, knowing that I’d be writing a blog afterward made me challenge
a lot of it.
For starters, there is a story in there, amongst the crazy
amounts of sex talk... in fact, it got to a point where to be honest, the sex
stuff got a bit boring and I just wanted to get on with the story.
Moreover, for those of you wondering; 50 Shades of Grey is
twilight with sex instead of vampires. The critique is true. I suspect a lot of
young girls have read twilight and in fact, I know that too many young people
are searching for their “Edward” or their “Jacob”... I don’t think “Mr Grey” is
any different in this sense, except, grown women are also searching for their
own Mr Grey! This is unhealthy in itself
and something that really needs to be challenged. In fact, the entire notion that a guy can fix
things needs to be challenged, because we’re still living in a Disney society
which says Prince Charming will save you from 100 years sleep/evil watch/white
tower/dragon (delete where necessary) and make it allllllllll better. No, just
no!
Ok let’s cut to the chase, if we’re honest, young people are
bombarded with sex. It takes one look at certain magazines or tabloids to know
that they are bombarded with it, take also into account facebook, twitter (i
mean, seriously.. someone I followed once posted a picture of their penis (?!)
cue the unfollow button) , the internet as a whole and we’re faced with an
epidemic. So, even if 50 shades of Grey didn't exist, then they’d still be
learning/reading about sex.
Does that necessarily mean their education should come from
this series? Absolutely not! Some of the
sex and sexual acts in the book are quite honestly not healthy and the sense of
guilt and shame that Ana feels sometimes after them tragically mirrors how some
young people feel about sex and sexual acts, and that’s so not ok.
And also, the description of plain, ordinary sex as “vanilla
sex” in an almost derogatory term, is crap. Sex does not have to be kinky to be
good and the idea that “vanilla sex” is bad is not something we want young
people believing either.
And yes, there are aspects of domination, especially at
moments when Mr Grey is so consumed by lust that he actually isn't able to see
past that and again, not something I’d want anyone to experience.
So ultimately, 50 shades of Grey is not a sexual manual, nor
should it be! If we want our young
people to know about what a healthy relationship and even more so, a healthy,
happy, guilt free and respectful sex life, then we need to start talking about
it, with them!
Recently, I watched an experience, though not trained youth
worker lay down some basic ground rules for a residential. He was pretty clear
cut about no alcohol and no drugs on site, but suddenly, when sex came into the
factor, it all got a bit cringey. It was skirted round in a: “so erm.. no guys
in girls room and erm... vice versa, if you get my drift.. ermm.... “and
petering off into the distance. What is that about??
I do not want young men believing its ok to sexually dominate
a girl. Or a girl growing up believing that a rich guy with good looks and
money will solve everything. Or any of them believing that only sex like in a
porn movie is good enough. It’s not ok. So for goodness sake, can we please
start talking about sex? Can we start
modelling healthy relationships in our own lives? And can we please challenge
young people’s perceptions of sex and relationships- whether in a Church or
secular setting,
It’s really that simple.
Opinions are all my own, please feel free to comment or tweet. - @lmgeorge92
Monday, 25 April 2011
Newsletter Number 4
A copy of April's newsletter, becuase i'm too lazy to write a seperate blog!
Laura George
Newsletter #4
April 2011
Hello All!
As per usual, it’s been far too long since I sent out an updated newsletter. I have just finished my Easter Holiday and am about to head back to London, for my last term! Unreal!
Last half term was particularly tough, it was the mid point of the year and it suddenly got really tough. I was home sick, exhausted and unwell, and I think my entire team felt very much the same, which made for some interesting work ethic! Furthermore, my host family was really hit with illness and hospital visits, which was a really traumatic time for us all.
I have really enjoyed my holiday at home, chilling out and spending time with my family. At the same time I am confident that God wants me to be in London for the next term and I am so excited to see what the next three months hold.
I’m sorry I never sent out at Ghana newsletter! It seems so long ago now! For those who haven’t yet been told about my trip please read my blog- www.byambyambaby.blogspot.com or feel free to email me
Here’s a quick round up of the last half term:
Schools Work
Following February half term, the first years and Carlie started “in class support” at Addey and Stanhope. This has certainly been a challenge for me, I was placed in a product design class, which is definitely not my forte and for the first three weeks, I felt entirely redundant, although I learnt some interesting things about electricity! However, I seem to have found my niche and I’m particularly working with a boy, who is very capable but will get distracted by just about anything and find any excuse not to do his work. I’m enjoying the hour I get to spend with him and his class mates and I’m really looking forward to them making their LED lights/USB ports next term! They’re a really creative bunch!
Otherwise, schools work is going really well. Lunch club numbers seem to be stablising, though we do always seem to have loads of them at the Wednesday lunch club, which is great and really exciting.
Trinity Tuesday is still my favourite day of the week, even though it’s a really long day for me! I’m really getting to know a particular group of boys, who are just incredible and it’s really exciting to see them coming along to lunch club and live lounge and getting involved. I think it’s going to be really hard to say goodbye to them at the end of the school year!
Estate Work
Due to a few changes and illness, I’ve been helping the Greenwich team on one of their estates on Thursday afternoons. This has been an amazing opportunity to spend time with another team and see the work their doing. “X Factor” is an after school club for 7-11 years old (with some younger ones) in an estate community centre. It’s pretty much silly games, craft, table tennis, board games, colouring, biscuits and squash! But it’s so much fun and I’ve already developed some great relationships with the young people and one parent whose kids started the same week as I did! I’m really excited to be staying there for longer this year as I’m really enjoying the work there!
Church Work
I love my church youth group! We had our second (and last) youth service earlier this half term. The week leading up to it was really, really hectic and stressful, but as per usual, the service was spot on. And I was very, very proud of my youth people. The girl I mentor preached with me, and despite nerves and days of “Laura, I can’t do this, I’m going to be sick” she did an incredible job and I was impressed by her clarity and excitement about the message we were trying to put across, she even ad libbed at one point, bonus points!
We’re also seeing some major changes in the fortnightly cell group, which until recently were a nightmare and stressed me out no end! We seem to have found a really great focus and we’re getting amazing feedback and I’m really impressed with the development of each and every young people.
Again, I don’t quite know how I’m going to say goodbye to my church and the young people and I’m so grateful to be spending Soul Survivor with them all as a proper goodbye. God is truly building up a new generation in Brockley.
Arts Showcase
At the beginning of April, we had the Lewisham Art’s showcase. This is where we audition young people in schools and the best go forward to a showcase on a Saturday night and the top three also go through to the London Final in July. It was an incredible couple of weeks of rehearsals, auditions, organization and preparation. The day itself was busy and long but so amazing. I still buzz every time I think about it, such a highlight of my year and incredible to see how much talent there is in the young people of Lewisham. I can’t wait for the final. If anyone is interested, the final will be July 2nd in a London Theatre. The more people the merrier.
For more arts showcase details. See my blog!
Finance
My last course fee’s are due this week. These cover my food, accommodation, travel etc, as well as going towards any costs XLP endure throughout this year and another £200 will hopefully go towards the completion of my NVQ in youth work and theology.
So far this year I have raised nearly £3000 and need perhaps a further, £500 or so in order to raise my total need. If anyone feels they would be able to donate anything, even the smallest amount. Please, please contact me.
I have been so blessed by donations and sponsorship throughout this year and have been totally amazed by God’s provision. Please pray for further providence and also consider if you might be able to help me!
Prayer requests
- Enthusiasm and energy for the whole team. That we wont become complacent in the work we are doing.
- Finance- that I will achieve my total funding amount needed.
- Against illness- I’ve had an awful cold throughout the entire easter holidays. Pray that this won’t cause issues throughout this next term.
- My host family- against any more hospital visits, and for test results, health and happiness.
Thank you
With love & Blessings
Laura xxxx
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Arts Showcase
As per usual, I've gotten pretty bad at updating this blog!
Ironically, I've started writing a new blog... www.lmgeorge.blogspot.com .. it's more about my personal life and well, me. Check it out if you're interested.
So... nearly two weeks ago (yup, time does fly) we had the annual, Lewisham Arts Showcase.
For those of you that don't know, the Arts Showcase is literally that, a chance for the young people to showcase their arts. So we audition in local schools and the strongest contenders go to the borough showcase and the winners and two runners up from there, go through to the London Final (July 2nd.. save the date my friends)
Ok, so our final was March 2nd 2011 and obviously, I'm a little bit biased, But our young people, nailed it!
The showcase takes a lot of energy, in our case, a lot of stress and a heck of a lot of organising.
But the day itself was so much fun.
we got to spend time just hanging out as a team, chucking a frisbee around, which although wasn't exactly productive it was a really precious time to just, be together! we don't get that a lot as a team.
We also got to spend the day with some of the most amazing, talented young people. Serious love for their enthusiasm and perseverance on that day.
One act got their two hours early, in order to practice and perfect. They pulled out all the stops to have an amazing, slick, energized routine by the end of it. They also had good make up- yes, I am seriously considering a different career choice after my obvious make up skills :P
But i'm not just bigging up my borough because I love it. we genuinely got incredible feedback, from those who paid to come to the show, from the judges and from the young people were involved.
It was honestly such an exciting time to see young people, some of whom we have personal relationships with and spend a lot of time investing work into them, showing their talents off to a paying audience.
I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears of pride, they really were incredible and i'm still buzzing from how amazed I was by it all.
I cannot wait for the final.
Bring it.
Ironically, I've started writing a new blog... www.lmgeorge.blogspot.com .. it's more about my personal life and well, me. Check it out if you're interested.
So... nearly two weeks ago (yup, time does fly) we had the annual, Lewisham Arts Showcase.
For those of you that don't know, the Arts Showcase is literally that, a chance for the young people to showcase their arts. So we audition in local schools and the strongest contenders go to the borough showcase and the winners and two runners up from there, go through to the London Final (July 2nd.. save the date my friends)
Ok, so our final was March 2nd 2011 and obviously, I'm a little bit biased, But our young people, nailed it!
The showcase takes a lot of energy, in our case, a lot of stress and a heck of a lot of organising.
But the day itself was so much fun.
we got to spend time just hanging out as a team, chucking a frisbee around, which although wasn't exactly productive it was a really precious time to just, be together! we don't get that a lot as a team.
We also got to spend the day with some of the most amazing, talented young people. Serious love for their enthusiasm and perseverance on that day.
One act got their two hours early, in order to practice and perfect. They pulled out all the stops to have an amazing, slick, energized routine by the end of it. They also had good make up- yes, I am seriously considering a different career choice after my obvious make up skills :P
But i'm not just bigging up my borough because I love it. we genuinely got incredible feedback, from those who paid to come to the show, from the judges and from the young people were involved.
It was honestly such an exciting time to see young people, some of whom we have personal relationships with and spend a lot of time investing work into them, showing their talents off to a paying audience.
I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears of pride, they really were incredible and i'm still buzzing from how amazed I was by it all.
I cannot wait for the final.
Bring it.
Monday, 21 March 2011
One Year in 140 Characters.
So today is my One Year Twitter Birthday. I.e. I have been tweeting for a whole year as of today!
In that year I have tweeted a total of 3,357 times.
Therefore, it seemed only fitting that, since I documented my last year on twitter, I should try and summarise it based on my tweets.
What doesn't help is right now, i'm only able to scroll back as far as Friday's tweets. Think it'll take a while to get me back to March 21st 2011.
So here is hopefully a brief summary of my last year (from memory and from tweets)
18. Partying. Bournemouth. Clubbing. School. A levels. Coursework Deadlines. Malcolm X Essay. Health and Social Care. Judging treatments for mental health patients.
This year I have been involved with people who have hurt me, I've let myself be treated ways that I now realise I didn't deserve. I have learnt there is life after love and more importantly, I have fallen in love again. I have met people who have changed my life forever- even if they were only around for a bit. I have had 6 weeks of pure, movie style love with someone who was, and still remains, very important to me. I've met someone who I hoped to be around for a lot longer then they were, I miss them but also realise why it's better off this way. I have said goodbye to people I always thought would be around. I've learnt to let go. That's been such a learning curve for me, recognising the things in my life which aren't helping me, and being able to walk away and not letting them control me.
I have partied. I have celebrated a load of 18th's, dressed up, danced, eaten copious amounts of TGI's, drunk wine, bought more lambrini then I should ever admit to, done Rum shots with Bella, stayed out til 4 am and then wussed out on an all nighter, I've ended nights crying, i've ended nights disappointed that its over, I've ended nights cuddled up to some of my most favourite people. I've started and ended nights wearing the same set of pyjamas. I have dedicated my bedroom to getting ready with my girls. I have not ended up nights being sick. I've dressed as a disney princes and made myself a hat out of cardboard and the most amazing pink ribbon. I've seen tinie tempah live and been disappointed! I've partied in Bournemouth, I've partied in Ashley X, I've partied in Southampton, I've partied in London and I partied a little bit in Ghana. I've been the designated driver. I've danced to songs, which I now can't listen to without feeling like i'm out, I've danced to songs I now can't listen to without feeling sad.
I passed my driving test. I re named my car. I drove to Harrow. I drove to Southampton. Otherwise, I didn't really drive anywhere new. I became the girl with the yellow car... I call her Beyonce.
I've left school. I got sad about saying goodbye. I dressed up as a 90's kid. I wore the worlds most uncomfortable shoes. I've had a leavers party and wore a pretty dress and false eyelashes. I've paddled in the sea in said dress. I didn't even tweet any of this! I got my A levels and was over the moon- that I tweeted!
I've moved away from home to London and fallen in love with Lewisham. I've travelled and been a tourist. I've got bored with public transport and I've loved public transport. I've met random drunks on buses, I've travelled on trains with boxes of rice crackers. I've kind of got used to seeing random things. I'm still immensely proud of my student oyster . I've done lunch clubs, after school clubs, cooked more food then I ever thought possible, set up the scariest tables, been in lessons and learnt about electricity. worked on estates and had my heart broken. worked on estates and had my nails painted. worked on estates and wanted to not be working. I've moved churches and met an amazing group of young people. I've struggled a lot on Sundays, I've missed my home church, I've been cheered up by my youth group, i've been saddended by my youth group, i've watched awful films about sport with them, and good films about sport or gay marriage with them.
I've eaten- wethersponns breakfast, hummingbird cupcakes, crumpets, veggie cottage pie, chocolate cake, subway, roast dinners, fish pie, nandos and more.. i'm just going on the tweets I can remember. oh, i've eaten an expensive sandwich from the train!
I've drunk diet coke. mainly. and given it up for lent!
I've met some amazing people. and made new best friends who I know will be part of my life forever. I have met people who i'm in awe of and can't wait to get to know more and I've met people who didn't turn out to be what I thought.
I've cried, I've been homesick, I've been angry, I've been let down, I've been sick, I've been heart broken.
I've been in love, I've been happy, I've laughed, I've been passionate, I've been excited, I've tried to be the best I could be.
I've counted down the days and I've missed people. I've watched season after season of one tree hill. I've quoted one tree hill time and time again. I've retweeted quotes that have made me smile, made me sad, made me feel like they were speaking to my mind I've pretty much tweeted every Taylor Swift lyric going.
I've fallen more in love with God and his plans. I've seen him move in powerful ways and in the tiniest details. I've tried to understand more, and I've messed up. I've learnt to find my identity in him. and everything else will come after.
I've gotten lonely, I've loved being single and i've hated being single. I've accepted God's planned and tried to cling on to his timing.
I've done a 24 hour bounce and been without twitter. I've done a 24 hour silence and been without twitter.
I've been to Ghana and been missed on twitter. I've realised a bit of my heart is African.
and generally.. I've vented, ranted, updated.
I've been addicted.
Ladies and Gentleman. Here's to another tweet year!
xxx
follow @lmgeorge92
P.s. by the time I had finished this blog I had scrolled to 23rd Jan.. "I guess the honeymoon would be easier with a magic carpet #Aladdin"
In that year I have tweeted a total of 3,357 times.
Therefore, it seemed only fitting that, since I documented my last year on twitter, I should try and summarise it based on my tweets.
What doesn't help is right now, i'm only able to scroll back as far as Friday's tweets. Think it'll take a while to get me back to March 21st 2011.
So here is hopefully a brief summary of my last year (from memory and from tweets)
18. Partying. Bournemouth. Clubbing. School. A levels. Coursework Deadlines. Malcolm X Essay. Health and Social Care. Judging treatments for mental health patients.
This year I have been involved with people who have hurt me, I've let myself be treated ways that I now realise I didn't deserve. I have learnt there is life after love and more importantly, I have fallen in love again. I have met people who have changed my life forever- even if they were only around for a bit. I have had 6 weeks of pure, movie style love with someone who was, and still remains, very important to me. I've met someone who I hoped to be around for a lot longer then they were, I miss them but also realise why it's better off this way. I have said goodbye to people I always thought would be around. I've learnt to let go. That's been such a learning curve for me, recognising the things in my life which aren't helping me, and being able to walk away and not letting them control me.
I have partied. I have celebrated a load of 18th's, dressed up, danced, eaten copious amounts of TGI's, drunk wine, bought more lambrini then I should ever admit to, done Rum shots with Bella, stayed out til 4 am and then wussed out on an all nighter, I've ended nights crying, i've ended nights disappointed that its over, I've ended nights cuddled up to some of my most favourite people. I've started and ended nights wearing the same set of pyjamas. I have dedicated my bedroom to getting ready with my girls. I have not ended up nights being sick. I've dressed as a disney princes and made myself a hat out of cardboard and the most amazing pink ribbon. I've seen tinie tempah live and been disappointed! I've partied in Bournemouth, I've partied in Ashley X, I've partied in Southampton, I've partied in London and I partied a little bit in Ghana. I've been the designated driver. I've danced to songs, which I now can't listen to without feeling like i'm out, I've danced to songs I now can't listen to without feeling sad.
I passed my driving test. I re named my car. I drove to Harrow. I drove to Southampton. Otherwise, I didn't really drive anywhere new. I became the girl with the yellow car... I call her Beyonce.
I've left school. I got sad about saying goodbye. I dressed up as a 90's kid. I wore the worlds most uncomfortable shoes. I've had a leavers party and wore a pretty dress and false eyelashes. I've paddled in the sea in said dress. I didn't even tweet any of this! I got my A levels and was over the moon- that I tweeted!
I've moved away from home to London and fallen in love with Lewisham. I've travelled and been a tourist. I've got bored with public transport and I've loved public transport. I've met random drunks on buses, I've travelled on trains with boxes of rice crackers. I've kind of got used to seeing random things. I'm still immensely proud of my student oyster . I've done lunch clubs, after school clubs, cooked more food then I ever thought possible, set up the scariest tables, been in lessons and learnt about electricity. worked on estates and had my heart broken. worked on estates and had my nails painted. worked on estates and wanted to not be working. I've moved churches and met an amazing group of young people. I've struggled a lot on Sundays, I've missed my home church, I've been cheered up by my youth group, i've been saddended by my youth group, i've watched awful films about sport with them, and good films about sport or gay marriage with them.
I've eaten- wethersponns breakfast, hummingbird cupcakes, crumpets, veggie cottage pie, chocolate cake, subway, roast dinners, fish pie, nandos and more.. i'm just going on the tweets I can remember. oh, i've eaten an expensive sandwich from the train!
I've drunk diet coke. mainly. and given it up for lent!
I've met some amazing people. and made new best friends who I know will be part of my life forever. I have met people who i'm in awe of and can't wait to get to know more and I've met people who didn't turn out to be what I thought.
I've cried, I've been homesick, I've been angry, I've been let down, I've been sick, I've been heart broken.
I've been in love, I've been happy, I've laughed, I've been passionate, I've been excited, I've tried to be the best I could be.
I've counted down the days and I've missed people. I've watched season after season of one tree hill. I've quoted one tree hill time and time again. I've retweeted quotes that have made me smile, made me sad, made me feel like they were speaking to my mind I've pretty much tweeted every Taylor Swift lyric going.
I've fallen more in love with God and his plans. I've seen him move in powerful ways and in the tiniest details. I've tried to understand more, and I've messed up. I've learnt to find my identity in him. and everything else will come after.
I've gotten lonely, I've loved being single and i've hated being single. I've accepted God's planned and tried to cling on to his timing.
I've done a 24 hour bounce and been without twitter. I've done a 24 hour silence and been without twitter.
I've been to Ghana and been missed on twitter. I've realised a bit of my heart is African.
and generally.. I've vented, ranted, updated.
I've been addicted.
Ladies and Gentleman. Here's to another tweet year!
xxx
follow @lmgeorge92
P.s. by the time I had finished this blog I had scrolled to 23rd Jan.. "I guess the honeymoon would be easier with a magic carpet #Aladdin"
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Friday FUN FUN FUN FUN
Honestly, I am rubbish at blogging.. I never update it. But here we go,
Ok. If you haven't heard Rebecca Black's Debut song, Friday. Then you're going to want to watch this video:
I promise, it will change your life. (though, i'm not promising this will be for the better!).
Ok, so yesterday was Friday. and I'd heard this song for the first time, this week. Therefore, it was in my head the whole day! and consequently it was the head of the whole of my team, allll day!
Honestly, the last few weeks have been pretty rough. Between illness, my host sister getting appendicitis, coursework deadlines, hopsital visits and homesickness, it just wasn't going well for me!
But, I decided to start Friday with a fresh attitude. I have three weeks left in London until Easter Holidays and I am not about to spend those three weeks moping, that will be a waste of time!
And Friday was just hilarious!
I know this isn't an interesting blog. Because, well, chances are you weren't there.
But my team just made me so happy.
We sung, (Friday/Whip my Hair- the remix... it's going to be big!) and watched youtube videos. and honestly, I laughed more then I can remember laughing.
I adored yesterday afternoon with my team, it wasn't particularly special, we just sat in the office and hung out, but it was so much fun and I think it's going to be an afternoon I remember when I look back on my gap year.
and after work, I cam home to an ASOS package (new skirt and new top, thank you ;)) and a present from Beth and Jill, of a bottle of wine and a box of maltesers (they know me so well!) and we watched comic relief. and although all the sad films reminded me of Ghana and broke my heart for Africa all over again, it was also really nice to spend time with my lovely host family, like we hadn't been able to in a while!
So thank you Friday.
It's Friday... I'm In Love
Ok. If you haven't heard Rebecca Black's Debut song, Friday. Then you're going to want to watch this video:
I promise, it will change your life. (though, i'm not promising this will be for the better!).
Ok, so yesterday was Friday. and I'd heard this song for the first time, this week. Therefore, it was in my head the whole day! and consequently it was the head of the whole of my team, allll day!
Honestly, the last few weeks have been pretty rough. Between illness, my host sister getting appendicitis, coursework deadlines, hopsital visits and homesickness, it just wasn't going well for me!
But, I decided to start Friday with a fresh attitude. I have three weeks left in London until Easter Holidays and I am not about to spend those three weeks moping, that will be a waste of time!
And Friday was just hilarious!
I know this isn't an interesting blog. Because, well, chances are you weren't there.
But my team just made me so happy.
We sung, (Friday/Whip my Hair- the remix... it's going to be big!) and watched youtube videos. and honestly, I laughed more then I can remember laughing.
I adored yesterday afternoon with my team, it wasn't particularly special, we just sat in the office and hung out, but it was so much fun and I think it's going to be an afternoon I remember when I look back on my gap year.
and after work, I cam home to an ASOS package (new skirt and new top, thank you ;)) and a present from Beth and Jill, of a bottle of wine and a box of maltesers (they know me so well!) and we watched comic relief. and although all the sad films reminded me of Ghana and broke my heart for Africa all over again, it was also really nice to spend time with my lovely host family, like we hadn't been able to in a while!
So thank you Friday.
It's Friday... I'm In Love
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
I Love Africa
Hello Readers.
Be prepared for a blog (or blogs) of epic sizings.
I'm going to somehow attempt to write down and reflect on my 8 day experience in Ghana.
I can't quite believe that just 2 days ago, I was sat in a leaking airport lounge in Accra (not the high point of the trip), seriously though, less then 48 hours ago I was in a culture and place so alien to anything I'd ever experienced before. I don't want to sound pretentious, but until you experience it, you really don't understand. I thought I was somewhat prepared for the trip, I even watched a Comic Relief video on the way out, but nope, it is so different, that no video and probably not even a long blog could explain. So, sorry if this blog blabbers a bit, or seems a little odd. i'm trying to process it all, and my brain's still a little frazzled and tired.
I've tried to decide how best to structure it, I think i'm just going to go through each day and go off on a tagent where necessary, enjoy!
Monday 14th Feb
Travel day! All went pretty smoothly really, check in was easy and then we got to sample the delights of Terminal Five. First stop, Starbucks, of course (hazelnut hot chocolate with cream- please note) followed by a brief shopping trip to Accessories (probably a good thing I had no money... everything was so lovely) and then a stop off at the Benefit counter (it's important to smell nice for a flight y'know) ;)
For those of you who might not know, I honestly really love flying. But I am useless with take off, turbulence and sometimes, landing. So for take off I was gripping the hands of the people next to me in order to deal with it. I'm ashamed to admit, I actually screamed a little bit when we actually took off, but then I settled down. BA are my new favourite airline, particularly for the free bottle of wine and the amazing food and choice of films. (I watched Eat love pray and now want to learn Italian, and I watched 127 hours and never want to cut my own arm off). The view was incredible, got to see the sunsetting over the Sahara Desert (see facebook photos) and i'm not ashamed of the number of pictures I took on the plane journey. Somewhere over Africa, we hit turbulence... eeep! As if to try and reassure us, the pilot announced "this is the most turbulent flight i've ever flown over Africa".. uhm... thanks!!!
We were collected at the Airport by Prince (all round legend and one of my favourite people ever) and Issac, in the mini bus they put on an African Soap Opera and if i'm honest, it helped me realise I was honestly in Ghana, becuase judging by the heat, size of the cars and scenery, it could have been Florida- bizarre! I particuarly loved the soap opera for the fact that it was half twi/half english... with the most complicated story line... my favourite being when a girl nearly burned her house down because "she was trying to fry an egg". genius- eastenders, take note! Oh, and the mini bus broke down.. but not a problem because even at half 9 at night in Ghana- there is a mechanic open. winner!
Finally we arrived at our Hostel just outside of Accra. It was beautiful but so, so, so hot. I'm pretty sure having a cold shower and the fan on all night saved my life! I also got to try my first Ghanian Banana, fresh from the tree. Honestly, I will probably repeat myself, Ghanian fruit is the best!
Tuesday 15th February
After basically not sleeping the night before, I awoke to my first full day in Ghana. Bring it on! After a lovely breakfast (beans, eggs, bread... very similar every day) oh, and tea.. with condensed milk, seriously, get involved. it's amazing! Then it was time to travel for about 5 hours in a verrryyy hot mini bus to our house in the Ashante Akim region. We passed the time by singing songs, starting with the obvious African choice, of The Lion King soundtrack and I also took some photos. There are like a million wooden shacks made from vodafone adverts, which made me mad, Vodafone basically owns Africa.. but if i'm honest, they're just using that for free advertising rather then really helping people- pull your finger out Vodafone! We then sampled the delights of African music, I'm pleased to say someone bought a CD, because that was my first life changing moment of the trip, African music is amazing! we also stopped for our first, "mineral", this is basically a soft drink- normally either coke (nope.. no diet option), sprite or Fanta. and mineral breaks were always welcome! The journey from Accra is literally a few hundred kilometres, so it really shouldn't take as long as it did, but the roads are horrendous, because the new government stopped funding for the upgrade of roads. So you go from new roads, to building sites, effectively. All in all, the journey was particularly good and quicker then expected!
Once we arrived at our amazing house in Konongo, we had lunch and met some of the kids from the school next door and from local villages a lot of kids and young people hung around the house all the time, so if you went outside you tended to get pretty swamped and trying to get dressed in our bedroom was interesting!
Children learn English from 5, so a lot of them spoke really well, which was useful because I could basically only say "Hello How are you?" and "what is your name?" in Twi.
Ajerico (which might be spelt wrong, I apologise) for the first time, it turned out that our week pretty much centered aroud this village, so was probably the best place to begin. My week, you'll read, centered around babies.... the first baby, Kevin! Who was just a gorgeous little baby who I got to cuddle with. We then played games with the kids, it was to be the start of a lot of hokey cokeying (honestly, I feel like I did it 100000 times) as well as duck duck goose and a lot of high fiving!
I had a nap when we got back (essential, I'd say) and then we had a planning meeting for the next day, as a surprise to everyone, the primary schools were on half term, so any lessons we'd planned for the first week had to be terminated. We also had to plan an assembly/service for the next morning. I volunteered to preach, which was pretty daunting given that the assembly was less then 12 hours away. But despite my nerves, I was so excited to get the chance to preach in Ghana.
Wednesday 16th February
This was probably our earliest start, and yet again, i'd slept poorly. I never really sleep well, but in Ghana this was a particular issue and I was grumpy! and obsessively trying to find verses for my preach, turns out I need to do a bit more research about the fatherhood of God, and verses that describe him as our father!
We arrived at Jubilee School, which was founded by XLP in association with AACO and actually, the assembly was amazing we got to sing and dance with the young people- who just have the most amazing sense of rhythm! and they taught us a song, which I hope will be forever stuck in my bed:
"All over God's
They are the works of men
You are the most high God
There is none like you
Jehovah"
It pretty much became the Anthem of our trip!
Then the primary school team, travelled to a salvation army school, literally one minute drive away from Jubilee and conducted one of the secondary school lessons which the other half of our team had planned. It was about dreams and aspirations and really refreshing to hear about the aspirations of the young people to get a good education and become teachers, nurses, bank managers.
As part of the time away, we studied the book of James in small groups, which was such an eye opened. I'd read snippets of James before, but reading the entire book, particularly given the place I was staying, was very challenging. and i'm more aware about the way I talk about people and also about how the poor are treated by the rich.
We went on a second visit to a village, Juaso, which is the village which AACO planted The Word Church and is the home village of Pastor David. We did some prayer walking there. I really enjoyed that evening, despite my exhaustion. I got to bathe a gorgeous baby boy, called Edward and pray with an incredible young lady who hoped to become a nurse. Honestly, that day really opened my eyes to the big dreams of the young people in Ghana and I will be keeping their prayers in my hearts. I also got to witness how hard working some of the villages are, we visited a soap factory, and they were still going at 7pm at night, with their babies strapped to their backs, in the sweltering heat. Honestly, Ghanians are not lazy and they are working really hard, to get as much as they can and make some difference to their futures.
Thursday 17th February
This was probably my favourite day of the entire trip. Firstly, I slept well.. with thanks to a sleeping tablet! and then the primary team got to visit the Ashante Akim medical centre. This was such an eye opened into how well Ghana is doing in terms of health for a developing country. For starters, their HIV/AIDS rate, was crazily low, like around 7% or something. (at this point in blog writing, I took at 24 hour break. very necessary). Furthermore, Ronald (who we spent the majority of the morning with) was in charge of the regions nutrition, that 7000 new babies each year and something like 320000 people! He told us how they were encouraging supplementation of vitamins and minerals in diet by fortifying ingredients used on a daily basis with essential minerals or vitamins, for example, olive oil fortified with vitamin C and salt fortified with Iodine. There also working really hard to insure vaccines reach villages and stay in a usable condition and encouraging pregnant mothers to be tested for diseases they can pass onto their infants through breast feeding. Roland really is an incredible man, and of the 7000 babies born last year, 40 infants died and 1 mother. Obviously, 41 deaths is still a tragedy, but in a developing country, that's incredible!
We then got a tour of the hospital. Including witnessing the slightly bizarre filing system (just piled all over the place) and a sexual health lesson from some of the nurses. Carlie then mentioned to the chief midwife that i was really interested in midwifery. Well, that was it. The woman had me holding a 2 hour old baby (Lets not even talk about the spasms my womb was going into) and she also encouraged me to feel for the head in a woman's stomach, and listen to baby's heartbeat. Honestly, if a woman had been in labour, she'd have had be delivering! It was an amazing experience, and if I do ever complete my midwife training, I would love to go back to that hospital and work for a little bit.
That evening we visited Ajerico again, for an open air event. The event went well, and we were encouraged to just live the moment, rather then take too many photos. Which i'll admit was quite refreshing. I led the "Boogaloo", apparently some people were shocked that I could shout- becuase i'm normally..."quiet" :S
We prayed for people in the village afterwards, which was really nice, as i got to pray for Kevin and his mummy. However, a boy who spoke very good English then led me over to his mother, Abina who had a baby strapped to her back. He translated that she wanted me to meet her son, Kofi. At this point it didn't click that I'd heard both Abina and Kofi's names before. The boy then went on to translate what Abina was asking me, he said "she asks if you'll take him home with you." I have to admit, my heart broke. I mean, it's not at all practical for me to bring any child home, even though everyone kind of expected me too, but I looked at this little boy and I really wished I could have done something for him. That was the first time that Africa really broke my heart. Unfortunately, a lot of people left Ajericho that night feeling very low- the atmosphere was very different at night and clearly very oppressed. I spoke to my leaders about Kofi, and then clicked that XLP were full aware of Kofi and his situation, they'd known him since he was 4. Now he's 10, with the body of a 6 year old and an alcoholic for a mother and he was in desperate need of an operation to correct a dodgy circumcision whilst his baby sister had a swollen spleen. It seemed like the most desperate situation and I was desperate to do more. Mike assured me that Abina basically asks on a daily basis that someone take him home with them, but by no way did it make that any easier for me to accept. Mike told us all that himself and pastor Akouswa would be taking Kofi, Abina and the baby to the hospital in the morning. The fact that AACO and XLP were getting so involved in his life whilst we were out there was reassuring.
Friday 18th February
This should have been a "late start" for us, in comparison to some of the days. However, the time kept getting moved earlier and earlier from 1 pm til 10.30 am. We were still all excited for a lie in, except we were woken by the cooks at 8.30 to be told breakfast was ready! Mike and Pastor had left very early to go to the hospital and we were awaiting their return for any news.
They returned to say that Abina, baby and Kofi were staying at the hospital today but would be staying at the house later. This was such a relief for me, to know that I could see Kofi again and be able to see how he was doing.
We headed out to the football and netball tournament that we'd organised for this week. Now, anyone who knows me at all, will know I hate sport. Therefore, when I was told i'd be going to Ghana for sports week, I felt a little queasy. But, if i'm honest... This was quite nice. For example, I didn't actually have to play sport or even watch it.
Instead I hung out with the local kids from surrounding villages. I did the Hokey Cokey with them, I high fived, I sung songs with him, I lifted them up and spun them around, I played hand clapping games with them. It was boiling hot that day too, and there was a slightly scary moment where I thought I was about to pass out in front of about 20 African Children. I didn't, thank God! What I particularly liked about this day, is that I noticed that actually you don't always need words. I can't honestly say I had many conversations that day. Their English was limited and my Twi was even more limited! So, all that really got said was "Abrani" (white person) followed by some demand "pick me up", "camera" etc. But it was lovely! So cool to just hang out with a really exciting, joyful group of kids.
Then, I had my ultimate African dream granted... I had a baby... strapped to my back!!! Now, i'm not going to lie, it was not the most comfortable experience and both times that someone strapped a baby to my back, I was convinced they were going to drop. But, in a week of baby themed madness, this was the ultimate dream for me!
and then.... the pressure dropped, the temperature dropped, the clouds rolled over and my friends, we had our first African rain storm. Now, for us, even if we're British, and so complain about the rain in England, Rain in Africa was amazing.. and we danced (and we did the hokey cokey, of course) and we sung... and it'll just be one of my all time favourite memories. Dancing in a rain storm, in Africa, with some of the best people I've ever met.
Saturday 19th February
The first bit of excitement, was Kofi arriving at the house, to come stay with Pastor Akouswa for 3 or 4 months in order to build his strength up and recover properly from his operation. Kofi was shy, clinging to Mike (who he'd met several times before) and probably a little bit daunted by the 14 white people around him.
Then we set off with Jubilee school on their first ever school trip. We went to a lake about 2 hours away, (i can only remember that the name has Bosom in it, otherwise.. I'm stumped) Oh... the depths of Google tell me it's called lake Bosomtwi. Either way, it's beautiful!!! See the pictures on my facebook, or google it. It was breaktaking. and such an honour to take a school there, particularly as many of them had never swum before. For Kofi, it was an entirely different experience, he'd never been that far away from home before and he'd only swum once,
The lake was amazing, clean and so warm. I basically found my Ghanian house, overlooking the lake! And the day was just incredible. The young people had an amazing time and despite their inexperience, most of them were swimming or had swum by the end of the trip.
and as for Kofi, my mind is still blown by the radical transformation we saw in him. He went from being a shy, timid little boy. To being a brave swimmer, who played and chatted and smiled! He melts my heart at just the thought of his cheeky grin. Soon, I'll be putting up a picture of him, which to me, reminded me of Patrick Regan's words when he talks about how Kofi will look in heaven. He no longer looked like a tiny, meek little boy. He looked strong and happy and we continued to see amazing transformations in him and I can't wait to see the outcome of him living with pastor. He'll be a different boy, and I'm so happy about that.
Unfortunately, due to a lot of people malaria medication, there was a heck of a lot of sunburn and sun stroke from the trip. One of our team got particularly seek, but he made me so aware of how much prayer, each member of our team invested into the entire trip. Whether that be for health, blessing the food, blessing the journey or anything else, it was incredible to see the whole week just drenched in prayer! and it's definitely something I've learnt from that week, I was with an incredible team, some of whom were particularly eager for a life of prayer... and I'm going to take that away with me and hopefully implement that in my life.
Sunday 20th February
Church service at Pastor David's church. We were welcomed so warmly and got to join in with the dancing and praising with those from the local village. The Ghanians certainly know how to praise Jesus. We were also able to do some of our songs, for some reason they laughed when we did Father Abraham, whilst kicking our legs and waving our arms, can't think why!
Then Lewisham's very own, Pastor Dave, and i've said this to him in person, but I was so proud (I'd say i cried, but everyone will tell me I cry all the time, so that doesn't mean anything!) Dave is already an incredible man of God, and his words and passion were incredible passionate. Good job Dave!
We followed his sermon with a time of ministry for the congregation and I got to pray for the most gorgeous little boy, who had a really bad belly button hernia. I showed him to Pastor Akouswa, and was so impressed by how involved she gets and how eager she was to sort out the problem and ensure his wellbeing. He then fell asleep on me, which was just adorable! He was sooo cute.. ok, I'm gushing! But he honestly was the cutest little boy! and when I gave him to Josh, when i got up to sing with the other girls, he started snoring and dreaming. awhhh, my womb is in spasm at the thought. LOL
Later on in the day, after an epic nap, we went our for the adult football competition. I don't really know what happened, but something to do with the players not being paid and kicking off, meant that we ended up in Ajerico (yup... definite theme of the week) for the football. I got to see my beautiful baby Kevin again, and discovered that he is a very healthy baby boy! which is such a relieve, but I really hope somehow to continue to be able to be involved in his life. I also looked after a little girl called, Anita. She was the responsibility of her 11 year old sister, so I took on baby sitting role, so she could have some fun (yeah.. tough job for me :P) she was just gorgeous, and she fell asleep on me (yes, I do have a baby sleeping talent). But when we went to leave she screamed, and gripped on to me and didn't want to go back to her sister, it broke my heart sooo much! I cried for a really long time once I got back in the van. But was soon cheered up by a mineral stop and dancing at a cafe/bar local to our house.
Sunday was such an up and down day for me and I was so exhausted by the entire week.For the first time, I wasn't hungry for rice and I was just getting a bit fed up generally. Despite having a day and a half left. I was so ready to check out and go home.
Monday 21st February
This day just showed the power of prayer. I was so concerned about my heart and mind being too checked out for the last day, so my bible study group prayed about it with me the night before. and by Monday morning I was so ready for the new, really busy day.
We had two primary school lessons (yup.. primary school lessons were back on!) which were just amazing and so exciting to see so many kids getting excited about stories in the bible and songs about God. Although, the funniest moment was when i introduced myself to a teacher, who repeated all our names back, and he obviously couldn't understand mine, so he said, "Hello Au Revoir." just, genius!
We then visited a village, we were meant to visit a village which Zoe had a real heart for, but unfortunately this didn't translate. so we ended up in a random village. But it was incredible, as a village it was obviously so hardworking. we met some women who were in charge of drying cocoa beans, another women who was pounding a dough (out of a vegetable I cant remember) and the village was pretty deserted, because they were all out farming. We did get the chance to pray with local people and find out more about the village. Then we took an impromptu visit to the local primary school and ended up doing our third lesson of the day. So it'd been a busy, hectic morning, but probably exactly what I needed.
Lunch was followed by some home visits to the homes of some of the jubilee young people. Talk about extremes, myself, carlie and matt first visited one house with a girl and it was huge! with a massive TV and satellite and all sorts of luxury. Then we walked across the village with a boy, and his house was just entirely different. But his family were amazing, so welcoming and eager to serve and just so eager for prayer and the protection of God. I hope the Lord blesses everyone in Ghana, but they are certainly kept in thoughts.
Then, it was the time, a lot of had been waiting for, Market time!!!! I'm so glad I had African-veteran, Carlie with me, but seriously, I loved the market and am so in love with the fabrics I bought home.
Monday was such a long day, and it hadn't ended yet! we had dinner and a feedback session with Pastor Akouswa where we reviewed our last week and then the party started! local kids and young people joined us for food and dancing, ironically, the party started at about the time we'd been going to bed each night, but thankfully the energy was really good. and yet again, I was on babysitting duty and the beautiful, Margaret danced with me and then fell asleep on me. So gorgeous!
I don't think i'm alone when I say, I was ready for bed when the party winded down!
Tuesday 23rd February
Our final day in Ghana. We started with some lessons at the school next door to the house. All our energy was put into that final lesson and it came off really well. Then we were just bundled by school children, who actually pinned Carlie down and I got pinched at one point, which was just mental!
Then came the emotional goodbyes. We were really blessed to be given gifts of fabric and beads from Pastor Akouswa, it was a complete surprise and so sweet. Despite being ready to go home, saying goodbye was really difficult and saying goodbye to Pastor and Kofi was especially difficult. It made me realise that Ghana will certainly have part of my heart, for a very long time and I will be going to visit again soon!
I would go into the journey back to England, but Accra Airport practically deserve it's own blog, and quite honestly, I've written this blog in about 4 instalments, and i'm knackered, so good job if you read all of this in one sitting, I'm so impressed.
Everyone said Ghana would change my life and it honestly has. I can't begin to tell you how my life is going to be from now on, but I'm rethinking my ambitions and i'm more aware of being joyful for every blessing, no matter how insignificant it might seem.
I would honestly encourage anyone to go to Ghaha, it's amazing country and i'm only just beginning to process how much of an impact it's had upon me and my future.
I hope you enjoyed my blog, sorry it's soooo long!
let me know what you think :)
Laura x
Be prepared for a blog (or blogs) of epic sizings.
I'm going to somehow attempt to write down and reflect on my 8 day experience in Ghana.
I can't quite believe that just 2 days ago, I was sat in a leaking airport lounge in Accra (not the high point of the trip), seriously though, less then 48 hours ago I was in a culture and place so alien to anything I'd ever experienced before. I don't want to sound pretentious, but until you experience it, you really don't understand. I thought I was somewhat prepared for the trip, I even watched a Comic Relief video on the way out, but nope, it is so different, that no video and probably not even a long blog could explain. So, sorry if this blog blabbers a bit, or seems a little odd. i'm trying to process it all, and my brain's still a little frazzled and tired.
I've tried to decide how best to structure it, I think i'm just going to go through each day and go off on a tagent where necessary, enjoy!
Monday 14th Feb
Travel day! All went pretty smoothly really, check in was easy and then we got to sample the delights of Terminal Five. First stop, Starbucks, of course (hazelnut hot chocolate with cream- please note) followed by a brief shopping trip to Accessories (probably a good thing I had no money... everything was so lovely) and then a stop off at the Benefit counter (it's important to smell nice for a flight y'know) ;)
For those of you who might not know, I honestly really love flying. But I am useless with take off, turbulence and sometimes, landing. So for take off I was gripping the hands of the people next to me in order to deal with it. I'm ashamed to admit, I actually screamed a little bit when we actually took off, but then I settled down. BA are my new favourite airline, particularly for the free bottle of wine and the amazing food and choice of films. (I watched Eat love pray and now want to learn Italian, and I watched 127 hours and never want to cut my own arm off). The view was incredible, got to see the sunsetting over the Sahara Desert (see facebook photos) and i'm not ashamed of the number of pictures I took on the plane journey. Somewhere over Africa, we hit turbulence... eeep! As if to try and reassure us, the pilot announced "this is the most turbulent flight i've ever flown over Africa".. uhm... thanks!!!
We were collected at the Airport by Prince (all round legend and one of my favourite people ever) and Issac, in the mini bus they put on an African Soap Opera and if i'm honest, it helped me realise I was honestly in Ghana, becuase judging by the heat, size of the cars and scenery, it could have been Florida- bizarre! I particuarly loved the soap opera for the fact that it was half twi/half english... with the most complicated story line... my favourite being when a girl nearly burned her house down because "she was trying to fry an egg". genius- eastenders, take note! Oh, and the mini bus broke down.. but not a problem because even at half 9 at night in Ghana- there is a mechanic open. winner!
Finally we arrived at our Hostel just outside of Accra. It was beautiful but so, so, so hot. I'm pretty sure having a cold shower and the fan on all night saved my life! I also got to try my first Ghanian Banana, fresh from the tree. Honestly, I will probably repeat myself, Ghanian fruit is the best!
Tuesday 15th February
After basically not sleeping the night before, I awoke to my first full day in Ghana. Bring it on! After a lovely breakfast (beans, eggs, bread... very similar every day) oh, and tea.. with condensed milk, seriously, get involved. it's amazing! Then it was time to travel for about 5 hours in a verrryyy hot mini bus to our house in the Ashante Akim region. We passed the time by singing songs, starting with the obvious African choice, of The Lion King soundtrack and I also took some photos. There are like a million wooden shacks made from vodafone adverts, which made me mad, Vodafone basically owns Africa.. but if i'm honest, they're just using that for free advertising rather then really helping people- pull your finger out Vodafone! We then sampled the delights of African music, I'm pleased to say someone bought a CD, because that was my first life changing moment of the trip, African music is amazing! we also stopped for our first, "mineral", this is basically a soft drink- normally either coke (nope.. no diet option), sprite or Fanta. and mineral breaks were always welcome! The journey from Accra is literally a few hundred kilometres, so it really shouldn't take as long as it did, but the roads are horrendous, because the new government stopped funding for the upgrade of roads. So you go from new roads, to building sites, effectively. All in all, the journey was particularly good and quicker then expected!
Once we arrived at our amazing house in Konongo, we had lunch and met some of the kids from the school next door and from local villages a lot of kids and young people hung around the house all the time, so if you went outside you tended to get pretty swamped and trying to get dressed in our bedroom was interesting!
Children learn English from 5, so a lot of them spoke really well, which was useful because I could basically only say "Hello How are you?" and "what is your name?" in Twi.
Ajerico (which might be spelt wrong, I apologise) for the first time, it turned out that our week pretty much centered aroud this village, so was probably the best place to begin. My week, you'll read, centered around babies.... the first baby, Kevin! Who was just a gorgeous little baby who I got to cuddle with. We then played games with the kids, it was to be the start of a lot of hokey cokeying (honestly, I feel like I did it 100000 times) as well as duck duck goose and a lot of high fiving!
I had a nap when we got back (essential, I'd say) and then we had a planning meeting for the next day, as a surprise to everyone, the primary schools were on half term, so any lessons we'd planned for the first week had to be terminated. We also had to plan an assembly/service for the next morning. I volunteered to preach, which was pretty daunting given that the assembly was less then 12 hours away. But despite my nerves, I was so excited to get the chance to preach in Ghana.
Wednesday 16th February
This was probably our earliest start, and yet again, i'd slept poorly. I never really sleep well, but in Ghana this was a particular issue and I was grumpy! and obsessively trying to find verses for my preach, turns out I need to do a bit more research about the fatherhood of God, and verses that describe him as our father!
We arrived at Jubilee School, which was founded by XLP in association with AACO and actually, the assembly was amazing we got to sing and dance with the young people- who just have the most amazing sense of rhythm! and they taught us a song, which I hope will be forever stuck in my bed:
"All over God's
They are the works of men
You are the most high God
There is none like you
Jehovah"
It pretty much became the Anthem of our trip!
Then the primary school team, travelled to a salvation army school, literally one minute drive away from Jubilee and conducted one of the secondary school lessons which the other half of our team had planned. It was about dreams and aspirations and really refreshing to hear about the aspirations of the young people to get a good education and become teachers, nurses, bank managers.
As part of the time away, we studied the book of James in small groups, which was such an eye opened. I'd read snippets of James before, but reading the entire book, particularly given the place I was staying, was very challenging. and i'm more aware about the way I talk about people and also about how the poor are treated by the rich.
We went on a second visit to a village, Juaso, which is the village which AACO planted The Word Church and is the home village of Pastor David. We did some prayer walking there. I really enjoyed that evening, despite my exhaustion. I got to bathe a gorgeous baby boy, called Edward and pray with an incredible young lady who hoped to become a nurse. Honestly, that day really opened my eyes to the big dreams of the young people in Ghana and I will be keeping their prayers in my hearts. I also got to witness how hard working some of the villages are, we visited a soap factory, and they were still going at 7pm at night, with their babies strapped to their backs, in the sweltering heat. Honestly, Ghanians are not lazy and they are working really hard, to get as much as they can and make some difference to their futures.
Thursday 17th February
This was probably my favourite day of the entire trip. Firstly, I slept well.. with thanks to a sleeping tablet! and then the primary team got to visit the Ashante Akim medical centre. This was such an eye opened into how well Ghana is doing in terms of health for a developing country. For starters, their HIV/AIDS rate, was crazily low, like around 7% or something. (at this point in blog writing, I took at 24 hour break. very necessary). Furthermore, Ronald (who we spent the majority of the morning with) was in charge of the regions nutrition, that 7000 new babies each year and something like 320000 people! He told us how they were encouraging supplementation of vitamins and minerals in diet by fortifying ingredients used on a daily basis with essential minerals or vitamins, for example, olive oil fortified with vitamin C and salt fortified with Iodine. There also working really hard to insure vaccines reach villages and stay in a usable condition and encouraging pregnant mothers to be tested for diseases they can pass onto their infants through breast feeding. Roland really is an incredible man, and of the 7000 babies born last year, 40 infants died and 1 mother. Obviously, 41 deaths is still a tragedy, but in a developing country, that's incredible!
We then got a tour of the hospital. Including witnessing the slightly bizarre filing system (just piled all over the place) and a sexual health lesson from some of the nurses. Carlie then mentioned to the chief midwife that i was really interested in midwifery. Well, that was it. The woman had me holding a 2 hour old baby (Lets not even talk about the spasms my womb was going into) and she also encouraged me to feel for the head in a woman's stomach, and listen to baby's heartbeat. Honestly, if a woman had been in labour, she'd have had be delivering! It was an amazing experience, and if I do ever complete my midwife training, I would love to go back to that hospital and work for a little bit.
That evening we visited Ajerico again, for an open air event. The event went well, and we were encouraged to just live the moment, rather then take too many photos. Which i'll admit was quite refreshing. I led the "Boogaloo", apparently some people were shocked that I could shout- becuase i'm normally..."quiet" :S
We prayed for people in the village afterwards, which was really nice, as i got to pray for Kevin and his mummy. However, a boy who spoke very good English then led me over to his mother, Abina who had a baby strapped to her back. He translated that she wanted me to meet her son, Kofi. At this point it didn't click that I'd heard both Abina and Kofi's names before. The boy then went on to translate what Abina was asking me, he said "she asks if you'll take him home with you." I have to admit, my heart broke. I mean, it's not at all practical for me to bring any child home, even though everyone kind of expected me too, but I looked at this little boy and I really wished I could have done something for him. That was the first time that Africa really broke my heart. Unfortunately, a lot of people left Ajericho that night feeling very low- the atmosphere was very different at night and clearly very oppressed. I spoke to my leaders about Kofi, and then clicked that XLP were full aware of Kofi and his situation, they'd known him since he was 4. Now he's 10, with the body of a 6 year old and an alcoholic for a mother and he was in desperate need of an operation to correct a dodgy circumcision whilst his baby sister had a swollen spleen. It seemed like the most desperate situation and I was desperate to do more. Mike assured me that Abina basically asks on a daily basis that someone take him home with them, but by no way did it make that any easier for me to accept. Mike told us all that himself and pastor Akouswa would be taking Kofi, Abina and the baby to the hospital in the morning. The fact that AACO and XLP were getting so involved in his life whilst we were out there was reassuring.
Friday 18th February
This should have been a "late start" for us, in comparison to some of the days. However, the time kept getting moved earlier and earlier from 1 pm til 10.30 am. We were still all excited for a lie in, except we were woken by the cooks at 8.30 to be told breakfast was ready! Mike and Pastor had left very early to go to the hospital and we were awaiting their return for any news.
They returned to say that Abina, baby and Kofi were staying at the hospital today but would be staying at the house later. This was such a relief for me, to know that I could see Kofi again and be able to see how he was doing.
We headed out to the football and netball tournament that we'd organised for this week. Now, anyone who knows me at all, will know I hate sport. Therefore, when I was told i'd be going to Ghana for sports week, I felt a little queasy. But, if i'm honest... This was quite nice. For example, I didn't actually have to play sport or even watch it.
Instead I hung out with the local kids from surrounding villages. I did the Hokey Cokey with them, I high fived, I sung songs with him, I lifted them up and spun them around, I played hand clapping games with them. It was boiling hot that day too, and there was a slightly scary moment where I thought I was about to pass out in front of about 20 African Children. I didn't, thank God! What I particularly liked about this day, is that I noticed that actually you don't always need words. I can't honestly say I had many conversations that day. Their English was limited and my Twi was even more limited! So, all that really got said was "Abrani" (white person) followed by some demand "pick me up", "camera" etc. But it was lovely! So cool to just hang out with a really exciting, joyful group of kids.
Then, I had my ultimate African dream granted... I had a baby... strapped to my back!!! Now, i'm not going to lie, it was not the most comfortable experience and both times that someone strapped a baby to my back, I was convinced they were going to drop. But, in a week of baby themed madness, this was the ultimate dream for me!
and then.... the pressure dropped, the temperature dropped, the clouds rolled over and my friends, we had our first African rain storm. Now, for us, even if we're British, and so complain about the rain in England, Rain in Africa was amazing.. and we danced (and we did the hokey cokey, of course) and we sung... and it'll just be one of my all time favourite memories. Dancing in a rain storm, in Africa, with some of the best people I've ever met.
Saturday 19th February
The first bit of excitement, was Kofi arriving at the house, to come stay with Pastor Akouswa for 3 or 4 months in order to build his strength up and recover properly from his operation. Kofi was shy, clinging to Mike (who he'd met several times before) and probably a little bit daunted by the 14 white people around him.
Then we set off with Jubilee school on their first ever school trip. We went to a lake about 2 hours away, (i can only remember that the name has Bosom in it, otherwise.. I'm stumped) Oh... the depths of Google tell me it's called lake Bosomtwi. Either way, it's beautiful!!! See the pictures on my facebook, or google it. It was breaktaking. and such an honour to take a school there, particularly as many of them had never swum before. For Kofi, it was an entirely different experience, he'd never been that far away from home before and he'd only swum once,
The lake was amazing, clean and so warm. I basically found my Ghanian house, overlooking the lake! And the day was just incredible. The young people had an amazing time and despite their inexperience, most of them were swimming or had swum by the end of the trip.
and as for Kofi, my mind is still blown by the radical transformation we saw in him. He went from being a shy, timid little boy. To being a brave swimmer, who played and chatted and smiled! He melts my heart at just the thought of his cheeky grin. Soon, I'll be putting up a picture of him, which to me, reminded me of Patrick Regan's words when he talks about how Kofi will look in heaven. He no longer looked like a tiny, meek little boy. He looked strong and happy and we continued to see amazing transformations in him and I can't wait to see the outcome of him living with pastor. He'll be a different boy, and I'm so happy about that.
Unfortunately, due to a lot of people malaria medication, there was a heck of a lot of sunburn and sun stroke from the trip. One of our team got particularly seek, but he made me so aware of how much prayer, each member of our team invested into the entire trip. Whether that be for health, blessing the food, blessing the journey or anything else, it was incredible to see the whole week just drenched in prayer! and it's definitely something I've learnt from that week, I was with an incredible team, some of whom were particularly eager for a life of prayer... and I'm going to take that away with me and hopefully implement that in my life.
Sunday 20th February
Church service at Pastor David's church. We were welcomed so warmly and got to join in with the dancing and praising with those from the local village. The Ghanians certainly know how to praise Jesus. We were also able to do some of our songs, for some reason they laughed when we did Father Abraham, whilst kicking our legs and waving our arms, can't think why!
Then Lewisham's very own, Pastor Dave, and i've said this to him in person, but I was so proud (I'd say i cried, but everyone will tell me I cry all the time, so that doesn't mean anything!) Dave is already an incredible man of God, and his words and passion were incredible passionate. Good job Dave!
We followed his sermon with a time of ministry for the congregation and I got to pray for the most gorgeous little boy, who had a really bad belly button hernia. I showed him to Pastor Akouswa, and was so impressed by how involved she gets and how eager she was to sort out the problem and ensure his wellbeing. He then fell asleep on me, which was just adorable! He was sooo cute.. ok, I'm gushing! But he honestly was the cutest little boy! and when I gave him to Josh, when i got up to sing with the other girls, he started snoring and dreaming. awhhh, my womb is in spasm at the thought. LOL
Later on in the day, after an epic nap, we went our for the adult football competition. I don't really know what happened, but something to do with the players not being paid and kicking off, meant that we ended up in Ajerico (yup... definite theme of the week) for the football. I got to see my beautiful baby Kevin again, and discovered that he is a very healthy baby boy! which is such a relieve, but I really hope somehow to continue to be able to be involved in his life. I also looked after a little girl called, Anita. She was the responsibility of her 11 year old sister, so I took on baby sitting role, so she could have some fun (yeah.. tough job for me :P) she was just gorgeous, and she fell asleep on me (yes, I do have a baby sleeping talent). But when we went to leave she screamed, and gripped on to me and didn't want to go back to her sister, it broke my heart sooo much! I cried for a really long time once I got back in the van. But was soon cheered up by a mineral stop and dancing at a cafe/bar local to our house.
Sunday was such an up and down day for me and I was so exhausted by the entire week.For the first time, I wasn't hungry for rice and I was just getting a bit fed up generally. Despite having a day and a half left. I was so ready to check out and go home.
Monday 21st February
This day just showed the power of prayer. I was so concerned about my heart and mind being too checked out for the last day, so my bible study group prayed about it with me the night before. and by Monday morning I was so ready for the new, really busy day.
We had two primary school lessons (yup.. primary school lessons were back on!) which were just amazing and so exciting to see so many kids getting excited about stories in the bible and songs about God. Although, the funniest moment was when i introduced myself to a teacher, who repeated all our names back, and he obviously couldn't understand mine, so he said, "Hello Au Revoir." just, genius!
We then visited a village, we were meant to visit a village which Zoe had a real heart for, but unfortunately this didn't translate. so we ended up in a random village. But it was incredible, as a village it was obviously so hardworking. we met some women who were in charge of drying cocoa beans, another women who was pounding a dough (out of a vegetable I cant remember) and the village was pretty deserted, because they were all out farming. We did get the chance to pray with local people and find out more about the village. Then we took an impromptu visit to the local primary school and ended up doing our third lesson of the day. So it'd been a busy, hectic morning, but probably exactly what I needed.
Lunch was followed by some home visits to the homes of some of the jubilee young people. Talk about extremes, myself, carlie and matt first visited one house with a girl and it was huge! with a massive TV and satellite and all sorts of luxury. Then we walked across the village with a boy, and his house was just entirely different. But his family were amazing, so welcoming and eager to serve and just so eager for prayer and the protection of God. I hope the Lord blesses everyone in Ghana, but they are certainly kept in thoughts.
Then, it was the time, a lot of had been waiting for, Market time!!!! I'm so glad I had African-veteran, Carlie with me, but seriously, I loved the market and am so in love with the fabrics I bought home.
Monday was such a long day, and it hadn't ended yet! we had dinner and a feedback session with Pastor Akouswa where we reviewed our last week and then the party started! local kids and young people joined us for food and dancing, ironically, the party started at about the time we'd been going to bed each night, but thankfully the energy was really good. and yet again, I was on babysitting duty and the beautiful, Margaret danced with me and then fell asleep on me. So gorgeous!
I don't think i'm alone when I say, I was ready for bed when the party winded down!
Tuesday 23rd February
Our final day in Ghana. We started with some lessons at the school next door to the house. All our energy was put into that final lesson and it came off really well. Then we were just bundled by school children, who actually pinned Carlie down and I got pinched at one point, which was just mental!
Then came the emotional goodbyes. We were really blessed to be given gifts of fabric and beads from Pastor Akouswa, it was a complete surprise and so sweet. Despite being ready to go home, saying goodbye was really difficult and saying goodbye to Pastor and Kofi was especially difficult. It made me realise that Ghana will certainly have part of my heart, for a very long time and I will be going to visit again soon!
I would go into the journey back to England, but Accra Airport practically deserve it's own blog, and quite honestly, I've written this blog in about 4 instalments, and i'm knackered, so good job if you read all of this in one sitting, I'm so impressed.
Everyone said Ghana would change my life and it honestly has. I can't begin to tell you how my life is going to be from now on, but I'm rethinking my ambitions and i'm more aware of being joyful for every blessing, no matter how insignificant it might seem.
I would honestly encourage anyone to go to Ghaha, it's amazing country and i'm only just beginning to process how much of an impact it's had upon me and my future.
I hope you enjoyed my blog, sorry it's soooo long!
let me know what you think :)
Laura x
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