dry season?!?!

1.13.09
got caught in a freak rainstorm walking to the internet cafe - lucky me! too bad i had already had my shower for today. thankfully it was short lived and the very gracious hosts of the cafe gave us all towels to dry off! it's getting better, at least in terms of me adjusting. i am going with a couple other volunteers to wlii falls this weekend where there will be more hiking! it's funny how my perspective has changed in such a short amount of time. the poverty here is really something else, but i am slowly noticing it less and less. it's a world where cassette tapes are the norm, cars are older than i am, and they sweep the dirt floors. but it's also a country of incredibly friendly people with a more laid-back attitude. at work (i'm helping build the structures for an orphanage) i've learned how to pour foundation, mix concrete, make mud bricks and lay bricks. i will try and post pics next time but the connection here is kind of slow so we'll see. there are several volunteers who have now arrived so i am no longer the newbie - out of 8 of us i've been here 3rd longest! we went to the local bar/club last night - it's really just a place with loud ghanian music, plastic chairs and not so cold drinks. but it was fun and i tried to dance (i seriously have NO rhythm compared to these people). i've been reading and hanging out in the afternoons and just marveling at the vast cultural differences. i can't say at this point that i won't be happy to leave but overall it's a good thing i'm here. i have the most amazing understandings of hardship and a true insight as to how lucky and fortunate i really am, both of which will make me a stronger and better person. feel free to email me - i'm not so good at getting back to people but i really really appreciate all the love and support!