Fools are for April

I was too sick to go to church today. Auntie Joe said my body was too hot (which meant I had a fever) and that I should rest small small and take my medicines. Cynthia was convinced that I have Malaria today too.

I had gone out this morning to talk to Auntie Joe and have her feel to see if I had a fever and basically just rolled out of bed to say good morning quick. I knew she wouldn’t care about my acne all over my face without makeup and my slept-on braid all crazy on my head. I sleep in virtually nothing here because of the heat, so I slipped on a tiny dress to go and see her.

She called from her bathroom and said she was taking her bath and would be out in 5 minutes time so I waited on the porch. While she was getting dressed, 3 ladies all dressed up for church came up bringing some food to Auntie Joe. Well that was embarrassing. I yanked down my dress trying to make it longer and not look skimpy and attempted to matt down my hair since it was insane and said good morning to them. Not my finest moment. I was NOT expecting company.

The other day I was reading a book outside the store for some fresh air and these girls came to look to buy some pots. They saw my hair and said that they liked all the different colours of blonde and brown in the bottom and Auntie Joe spent the next 5 minutes putting me in a friendly headlock with her arms around my head and my face in her armpit, rubbing my hair like I was her pet dog. I am a big “personal space” person and have had to let that go for Auntie Joe. She LOVES to hug me and rub me and pat me down. And usually just me too, it’s strange, she’s never really doing that to Petra. I mean, I certainly feel loved, but sometimes it’s a little weird. Yaa was sitting facing me and saw my confused look and just lost it laughing.

I had business class this afternoon. Which turned into tonight. The ladies both showed up at 5:30pm. Class was supposed to start at 2pm. They said that they had to pound foufou for their husbands and that’s why they were late. It’s a little frustrating because the power goes off on Sundays from 6-10pm so if they get here at 5, the second half of our lesson is in the dark. I always ask them if 2 o’clock is too early, but they always say it is good ... ergh.

So, I stressed that they must call me if they are going to be late. At least let me know. They said they would...we’ll see next time. Kate came with Anita today and coloured pictures with Petra while I taught. I love that little girl...she can say my name super clearly. Always have a soft spot for the children who can since most cannot.

I have a new white board in our house! No more using Auntie Joe’s fridge for a board (which we actually never really did tell her we were doing...) I wouldn’t be surprised if she wouldn’t be impressed. But, now it doesn’t matter because I have a brand new board to write on now and it gives me lots more space for notes!

Anita and Cynthia are really starting to understand the difference between an Income Statement and Balance Sheet and were excited when I told them that people learn this in University business classes too and they were soo smart. They’re starting to see the bigger picture now as to why they need to keep records. It’s nice to see it click in their minds and see them understanding. Cynthia even took the time to rewrite the flashcard definitions in her own words (still in English). Very proud of her for that!

Exactly 5 weeks from today, I will be in my bed at home in Kitchener. That’s crazy and it will come super fast. It’s a weird feeling because I am getting excited for home; for the people, for the food, for sleeping through the night without sweating...but there is so much more for me to do here yet and I know the time is going to go way too fast so I want to enjoy every minute of it while I still have it. I know that I will miss so many things about being here and will be sad to leave.

Funny thing: There is a high school in between Asamankese and Accra called Silicon Valley...HAHA. Just a silly side note.