Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Ghana


We are at Hotel Shangri La in Accra Ghana. It's not the fanciest hotel I've ever been in, but it is nice! A lovely place with a sweet pool (although I fell asleep and never swam!) and a very courteous staff.
We arrived around 10 this morning and they had an open room availalbe. So, we got all situated and went out for lunch and shopping. There is a little arts and crafts fair right outside the hotel. Yep, I bought my first necklace from Africa (PS: I can't show it, b/c I'm sure it is somone's Christmas present!) and a sweet skirt. . .Sorry, I didn't do the work to change my picture, so just turn your head and look at my Ghanian skirt! After that, lunch at the hotel. I had a club sandwich which wasn't really a club sandwhich b/c it had unidentified meat with some amazing sauce, bacon and egg. It was actually quite good. We were super tired, so we went back to our rooms for a nice long nap. I slept so hard that when Greg woke me up, I thought it was morning! We then walked across the street to the African Regent Hotel where we had wanted to stay, but it was booked. It is a gorgeous hotel. Then, following the desk clerk's advice, we grabbed a cab to the OSU (Oh-Sue) district. This was basically some strip stores (kind of like NYC) and outside vendors. I bought more jewelry on the street and chatted up a lot of Ghanians! We then headed to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. . .(I know, I know. . .I do NOT support the Chinese' involvement in 3rd world countries!). Dinner was amazing and we took the leftovers with us. I wish I had a picture of the probably 9 year old boy who walked up to me and signed "bite" while saying, "meal, meal, please". I was SO happy to have that food to hand him!
All in all, it was an amazing first day in Africa. I think this was a good gateway for us before Liberia. It is 3rd world, but most definitely a city. I don't think it is probably anything like Liberia but was a very nice layover. We actually had a very relaxing day. One of the things that other people have told me is how you feel when you look around and realize you are the only white face in a huge crowd. Truthfully, I didn't even notice until halfway through the day. Not surprising to the people who know me well, but my heart swelled! I LOVED it! The people are SO friendly. ,

Seriously, I love Africa. I love the people, the bright colors, the culture and the children. I can't wait to go visit Rock Hill and different orphanages!

Tomorrow, we leave for Liberia at 12:40 our time (7:40 est) so pray for a great flight that may even come in earlier! We haven't heard about our passports, so that will be first on our agenda. Keep praying, my friends. I am so encouraged by our other friends journeys, especially with Alma (read Katy, Jamie Z or Robin's blogs on the right). Tomorrow night, I'll post our week's plans to be praying. Greg wants me to go back to the room and go to bed now. It is 11:30 here. . .we were in our room and the toilet overflowed, so we had to switch rooms and the new room doesn't have internet so I'm in the lobby alone! Love you guys!

PS: Greg promises to blog some too, while we are here!







14 comments:

Unknown said...

What a sweet place! I teared up so quickly when I read you were able to give that little guy food. So cool!
Bray wants me to tell you to tell Davis Hi, and he likes your new dress, you look pretty in it!
Love you!

Unknown said...

Grace just blew you kisses and Daddy too! I am sure even though your 5 hours ahead of us your going to bed the same time as the kids...Night!

Lindsey said...

I love it, Brandi!! Keep 'em coming! Wow. December 7th...I can't believe you picked December 7th. Seriously, I can't get over it. Our God is big.

Anonymous said...

Keep it coming sweets! I'm loving it!! YEa!!! Have fun!! PRaying \for you! Love you! Denise

Laura said...

I love that skirt... so fun!

Anonymous said...

WOO HOOO!!! Very excited!

Jackie Sue said...

I keep thinking of you all and praying.

blessedmommy said...

The pictures are gorgeous. Can't wait to see your pictures of Liberia. We are keeping you in our prayers.
In Christ,
Melissa Arnold (AOH family)

Anonymous said...

congratulations on making your way to Liberia, please don't forget the others who have been waiting a long, long time in this process. Even though you made your own arrangements it still will take time from the staff to process your papers. Try to think of others who would also like to be with their children who have been in the process, waiting their turn.

Kari said...

It's so amazing that you are there! I told Graham that you were away bringing Davis home and he was very excited and wants to know if he can meet him! Kids are funny:) We are praying for your whole family. Love you!

Unknown said...

To Anonymous,

I am not sure how long you have been waiting for your child,and I am sure if there was anything you could do to get your child out of an orphanage and poverty stricken country you would.
Brandi has waited her turn, her process has not taken as long as others because she has taken a child off of the waiting list and done much of the work herself. In addition to that more information will come to light when she gets home. Don't judge her by simply reading her blog. She is in fact thinking more about the children left in that country and the rest of the Liberians that suffer in their poor country. Many people adopt and live on American soil with out regard to their childs birth country. All of us will move mountains for our kids, it's a lot harder than waiting,she is stepping out side of the box and taking a risk!

Laura said...

Jess...

well put.

Anonymous said...

I love you, Brandi, and one thing that seems clear to me is that you are very aware of the other families and individuals that are on this journey and have waited. You are so passionate about these new friends you have made through this experience, and I hope they feel the love you have for them and know that you would do whatever you could to stand by their side and help them.

You are awesome, Brandi. Thank you for your genuine love and friendship! (I miss you!)

Cassie - Homeschooling Four said...

ahhh, there it is! I sure would love to know who anonymous is!