November 6-9 my program took a four-day trip to the Northern Regions of Ghana, including the city of Tamale (pronounced like the food but accent the ta instead of the ma).  Two of the days we spent traveling – it takes 12 hours to drive up to that part of the country.  I’ve heard the size of Ghana compared to Indiana and Illinois combined, in case you were wondering.

As you head north, the climate becomes much more hot and dry…perhaps because you begin to get closer to the Sahara?  That’s my reasoning at least.  The landscape begins to look much more African savannah-like, complete with baobab trees.  This is the type of tree that Rafiki lives in in The Lion King.

As a group we visited a clinic in a village in Tamale opened by a Ghanaian doctor to provide free services to anyone who may come as well as a place to stay for those recovering from surgery or suffering from leprosy, mental disorders, HIV/AIDS, and other various illnesses.  This man was so full of grace.

One of the days we took a three-hour trip to the town of Bolgatanga.  There we met with a community of widows and their children.  Upon arrival we learned about the plight of widows here in Ghana – something that was news to me.   It is a common traditional belief that the wife is to blame for the death of a husband, and the cause of death is always attributed to witchcraft.  Because of this, widows become indebted to the husband’s family and are often physically abused and humiliated before their communities.  Widows and Orphans Movement is an NGO, founded by a widow in northern Ghana to provide funds and refuge for these women an their children.  The village we visited had been set up by this organization as a place for these and learn specialized trades such as basketweaving.  While with the widows we got to try our hand at weaving and play with their kids (my favorite part).  I led several in “making it rain” with claps and snaps and rubbing out hands together, but I think they were most interested in getting and giving high-fives.  We had stinging palms all-around.  We finished off our visit with a traditional dance with the women and children – it was really a joyful time in their community.  I really love this picture…partly because my wonderful friend Molly made it into the photo…she’s the one behind me with a basket on her head.


Other trip highlights: I tried guinea fowl, which tasted like a leaner, heartier chicken.  We visited Pikroro Slave Camp, a stopping point on slaves’ journey to the coast.

This trip was the last of overnight excursions with the program.  From here on out, all will most likely be spent in Accra, perhaps buckling down on the work that needs to be done over the next three weeks…

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