Longitude

I had to run an errand in Accra today so I got a chance to walk around the neighborhood of Adabracka, where Laura and I lived when we first visited Ghana in 2003. It’s now five years later and I was caught off guard to see the same woman who was selling grilled plantains on the corner of our street, for less than 5 cents each, is still there. I can remember my feelings of admiration for the stoic and friendly way that this mother greeted everyone who passed her during the day. She works in conditions that by any measurement would be considered poverty, but her affect and personality always radiate nothing but pleasure and an enjoyment with life. Seeing her today, she didn’t recognize me by the way, I was once again impressed with her upbeat enthusiasm regarding life and what life has to offer, but I couldn’t help wondering if this woman at one time dreamed of a job with a paycheck? I couldn’t help but wonder today how she differed from the numerous students who have poked their heads into the new PROFESA building this week, excited about the opportunities that await them when the building is finished. Does she have regrets because the opportunities for her to succeed never existed, or is she resigned and contented in this life that she leads with a happy smile, day in and day out?

Anyway, the building is cooking along. While we sat in limbo waiting for a non-existent election day riot yesterday, the rest of the construction crew knocked out the roof of Meshach’s office as well as the frames for each of the classroom doorways. Jack and Ed were up early and ready to go so we got started before the rest of the crew arrived this morning.

We decided with Meshach that instead of building individual desks, we would create long, built-in tables that run along the walls of the computer lab and typing classroom. Even though this means that Ed has to pound masonry nails into solid concrete walls with nothing but a basic hammer, they are looking sweet. Its really starting to feel like a school now as we begin to discuss where to hang the white boards, where to place the bookcases, and what chairs should we purchase.

I know Ed and Jack are incredibly excited about the progress they have made regarding the building, but I think more than anything they are enjoying the comraderie of the make-shift crew that has developed around them. They vary from age 8 to age 50 I would guess. They come for a short period or they stay after we leave. There is Kweku, the local master carpenter who Ed enjoys batting around ideas with, but who in the end just does it his way because it hasn’t failed him thus far. There is Stephen, who must be at least 50, but who cuts with the precision of a table saw.

Patrick who really had no skills when the job first started, but who is now probably the most active and valuable member of the local team because he not only busts his butt to learn and improve, but also because he keeps us entertained with tricks like eating pieces of paper that he has lit on fire. I know it sounds incredibly juvenile, but its pretty cool to see the smoke billowing from his mouth and nose.

Today was also a day of creative genius on the work site as a group of three children between the ages of 7 and 10, snuck into one of the rooms where we had neglected to clean up. They found on the floor one of the hammers, some scrap wood, nails, and a giant knife with a piece of rubber tire for a handle. The boys must have been working quietly for about 15 minutes before Ed found them huddled around their makeshift workshop. We let them be as they seemed to be doing a great job sharing and working safely. At first it appeared that they were just building small boxes upon which to sit. However, after checking in on them three or four more times we realized they were constructing a stand alone table tennis net. When it was finished I sprung for a couple balls and we turned the adjacent, empty rental space into a full on tennis court. I can’t wait to get back tomorrow to play a few sets against Patrick.

That’s all for now. Enjoy the photos. Spread the word of the blog as far and wide as you can. We are building a great thing here, but when we return we are going to need all the support we can get to keep the electricity flowing and the teachers paid. Thanks for all of your incredible comments. We miss home, but we are having and unforgettable time.

Shawn