Day 7: Sunday 25th October 2015
When we got back from the beach yesterday we all dropped our stuff and went straight out to the children in the village. We were instantly surrounded, with some of us blowing bubbles, some people were playing duck duck goose and there were a lot of people giving fireman lifts which made them all scream, but they seemed to enjoy. It was an amazing scene because everyone was out and the children were so happy and amazed by 16 white children that just came to play. Even Mr Machin ventured out to experience the incredible atmosphere and scene. The adults in the village all stood around the square and just smiled at how much fun the children were having.
At the beginning of the day we were given the opportunity to see a Ghanaian church service which was slightly different to what we were used to. We were greeted at the church by the sound of drums and sat down with the locals ready to start. The vicar gave a speech in fante, so kindly Musah stood up and translated for us. The vicar stopped speaking and the church erupted in song and the drums started up again, which was very entertaining.
The rest of the day was spent at the beach. Our buddies joined us for the first part. As soon as we got there, we rushed into the sea, but were completely taken off our feet by the power of the waves. We played football on the beach and even a bit of rugby, which the Ghanaians had never played before. One of my favourite parts of the day was going to the bar and getting a cheese burger and chips, it was divine. Meat is something that we don’t have a lot of so to have a meaty cheese burger was incredible. As I was eating my burger I turned around and saw a 7 year old child climbing a huge palm tree, pick a coconut and climb back down. He could have so easily have fallen and possibly died, but he did the whole thing with a smile on his face and even started to swing from the tree.
After a while lying in the hammocks and a refreshing shower we headed back to Egyeikrom, and had another great meal from the cooks. After another session of Book Club we went to bed.
Jack D
p.s. mum please make sure you stack up the fridge.
Day 8: Monday 26th October 2015
As many others woke up by the noise from the village and cockerels again, last night was the best night of sleep I have since the arrival. Going to bed after the “Book Club’s” meeting, I slept until Mr. Machin came in announcing breakfast is ready. We have omelettes and toasts for breakfast, with the discussion of “Who is the most tanned person from the beach yesterday?” I think that Jack D and Zac are fighting for the “champion” of it. Max is on the list too.
This morning, some of us painted the second layers of brown paint for the classroom, the guys painted the outsides of the library, while others started drawing the outlines for our mural and the classroom. We then went on doing academics based things. With the booklet materials we prepared in England, I did a reading section with our partner. It was very inspiring when I was listening to my partner reading the story. She was very concentrated and eager to learn.
Lunch was noodles (which many argued it’s spaghetti) with sauce, and I definitely can say in behalf of the team, the food have been AMAZING so far. We did more painting after lunch
On an embarrassing side, Max painted a ‘green-yellow-red’ flag on the wall, instead of the ‘red-yellow-green’ Ghana flag. Max claimed that it was one of the only few mistakes he has ever made. The wall became a spectacular scene for the students and the teachers during break time, but fortunately we have now covered it with the right colour on top the layer.
After school, we were separated into three groups according to where our buddies live in. Most of us, including me went to the village nearest to the school. I was amazed at how closely bonded the community is. We started with 9 of us and our buddies; we ended with numerous small children holding our hands, coconuts from our buddies’ family and an insight to the Ghanaian lifestyle. My personal favourite moment was when the mother of Jack D’s partner greeted all of us with enthusiasm and the biggest smile I have ever seen. She was so lovely, and her friendliness and openness made me feel like I am home already.
After dinner, we went into very deep conversations on topics such as the United Nations and migrants from war zones, in addition to the decision that we will be singing the song Pompeii on the farewell assembly.
I am now writing during one of the top, most important time of the day: the Book Club. As one of the core, original and passionate members of Book Club, it’s absolutely amazing seeing how some of us are very concentrated and deep into their book. Upon agreement, Rufus was awarded the most improved reader by almost finishing his books in two days, reading almost all the time including breakfast. We (Lotte, Hannah, Helena, Jack D, Jack F and Jenny) just want to mention on the blog that we are very proud of him.
Overall, there is this quote from Maya Angelou which I can’t remember how it’s actually quoted, but it’s about how you will forget the details, things and conversation with people, however you will never forget how they made you feel. And today, the local community made me experienced one of the most unique days of my life.
Jenny Chan, the timekeeper
Ps- The Book Club meeting is now on