Akwaaba!

Hello friends! Akwaaba!

I have officially experienced my first African Sabbath, and I must say it was probably one of my favorite days on the continent thus far. A few other exchange students and I awoke this morning and trekked thirty minutes to the Legon Interdenominational Church across campus.  While I was probably the most underdressed person in attendance, I felt completely at home there.  I left wishing I were a black woman with rhythm and the singing abilities that seem to be unique to their race. I also wished I had a flashy African hat like the ones a few of the elder women were wearing. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and I was encouraged by everything said as well as the scripture readings and prayers.  There just seemed to be a sincerity and passion that is sometimes absent in some churches in the states.  It really felt like home there, and I hope to go back soon.

After church we were taken on an expedition to the beach. It was most definitely interesting.  Each of us had to pay an entrance fee of 4 cedi, which in Ghana is a lot of money.  I would say three to four hundred people were packed onto a piece of ocean that was about the length of an American football field. Once again people trying to get us to buy fried plantains, bracelets, sunglasses, etc. surrounded us, but other than that I loved the atmosphere.  People just seemed to be happy to hang out and play football or dance to music and watch the beach performers.

It was interesting to see that many of the locals couldn’t actually swim, yet would jump into the waves anyway.  There was one man with a whistle making sure we swam between the two flags that designated safe waters.  I asked a local if the man would jump in the water to save us if we were drowning, and he informed me that Ghanaians expect white people to be able to swim so the “lifeguard” would probably let us save ourselves.  Helpful.

At one point we were walking on the beach, and a few men had drawn a line in the sand and were demanding we pay 50 pesewa (about 45 cents) to cross.  One of the girls with me proceeded to set down her bag and run through the shallow water to the other side of the line in protest.  We found it hilarious, but a local told us if we hadn’t been white the men probably would have chased us with machetes.

Tomorrow is the first day of classes, but the students here tell me it’s a waste to go because the professors won’t bother showing up for class until a few weeks into the semester.  It’s going to be interesting. I’m amazed by how relaxed schedules seem to be here. Only one out of five clocks here is even set to the right time.  I’m pretty sure my concept of time will be ruined by the time I return to the states.

I’m hoping to hit up some gardens that are supposed to be beautiful just north of Accra some time this week.  Apparently the dry season is coming soon bringing the death of many plants. I must say I’m not looking forward to seeing the beautiful trees wither.

Blessings and love!

Becca