Give a little, take a little

This weekend was amazing! On Friday night, all of us played Phase 10. Now, I must admit, I am AWFUL at this game, but it was fun. Then, Gradyon, myself, Jen, Christina and John (our friend who lives in our complex who teaches at my school) went to a gas station to pick up some snacks. I found popcorn!!! Then, John, me and Gradyon sat around outside talking. We stayed up very late, but it was extremely funny and a great time getting to know them both better.

On Saturday, we traveled to Accra, the capital of Ghana. We were able to see many sites including the first president's memorial (pictured here), the University of Ghana, the Gold House (like our White House) and a huge market! We all tried this corn malt drink. It was probably one of the nastiest tasting things of my life, but I'm glad I tried it. We also walked around the huge market. It was pretty overwhelming.

We then went to the cultural center. You barder for everthing here. I was nervous at first, and I know I paid too much for some things, but I did get a great deal, with a good story. So, I had been ripped off by a man selling some paintings, so I was very frustrated. I verbally stated I wasn't going to buy anything more. A man asked me to come and look in his shop. There was a beautiful mirror in the shape of Africa with shells and a giraffe print aroudn it. The problem was it was HUGE! I asked him if he had anything smaller, and he said he would check. He came back and did not, so I left. He kept tyring to get me to stay though. Well, I found a table that I fell in love with. I offered the different shop owner 10, but he said 20, then I offered 15, and he still said 20. I knew that he wasn't going to budge, so I was going to leave, when the original guy (with the mirror in his shop) came over. He told me he had a table and woudl give it to me for 15. I told him I really wanted the symbol on it, so he said he would crave it in, with my name. So, I am now the proud owner of a table shaped like Africa, with an elephant stand, with my name on it :) I was pretty proud of myself!

After shopping, we were all super hungry, so we went to Frankies. Here, we were able to eat pizza, which was amazing and ice cream!!! It was proabably the best meal I have had in a while. I just have really missed those foods. I was stuffed.

We then traveled to the Accra Mall. It is very similar to malls in the US, except the power goes out from time to time. I was with Adam and Nicole when this guy approached us. Turns out he graduated from CMU. Adam had been wearing a Tigers shirt and that is why Scotty approached us. It is so crazy to think that the world is so small!!! We were in the middle of the Accra Mall, and met a CMU Alum! CRAZY!!

On Sunday, we went to church at my school. It was the 19th anniversary of the school opeening and the very first church service there! It was so amazing to see my students in their traditional African dress. They looked so beautiful. Also, the singing was amazing! Words cannot describe how powerful and beautiful the voices singing were. The message was about how Jesus came to Earth to expereince what humans experience so he could understand it better. I think the kids really liked it, and many of them were excited to see me.

After church, we went to the pool for 2 hours. It was SOOOOO relaxing, and exactly what I needed. Then, we had lunch, and relaxed all afternoon. I took a nap and read for a little.

I miss you all and I hope things in your life are going well. Remember to always thank God and I hope he continues to bless you!

Peace and Love,

Christina