HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hello! Sorry this is a little late, but Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Our internet has been down in the village because the building where we get out internet is being redone. They hope that it will be up and running by today, but who know?!

Wednesday - Nicole and I walked to school to find out it was a day of revisions. My teacher didn't even end up coming to school, so I spent the day reading in the courtyeard and trying to keep myself entertained for the entire day. I did answer some of my student's questions, which was nice because my teacher was not here to answer them.

Thursday - Nicole and I took the day off because it was the first day of exams. We woke up and ate breakfast with everyone and then went to the pool until about 11:30. Then, we went to Whitney's class and observed her. She has about 35 3rd graders in one class and does a great job with them. She was teaching a lesson on body odor and she controled them, while still having fun with them. I also gave them some supplies that my students in Rockford gave me! They were very thankful!

We then all went to the pool and relaxed and celebrated Thanksgiving! We ended up going to a Chinese resturant rather than trying to find a turkey somewhere. It was an amazing meal, and the company was excellent.

Friday - Friday was a National Holiday for Ghana, so we all had the day off. We went to the pool and played around. Francesca, August, and Francis joined us! They are great kids and I'm really going to miss them. After a relaxing afternoon, we joined up with our friends from England, John and Nina. They moved to Tema in June for John's job. We all went to Accra and saw "New Moon". I forgot I was in Africa because the theatre was so nice on the inside... and AIR CONDITIONED :) The movie was pretty ok too. They took us home and we ended up playing some cards before heading to bed.

Saturday - We woke up and went to the Volta River for a boat trip. We purchased some jewelry and then got on the boat. It was a 2 hour ride to the island, and then a 2 hour ride back. The scenery here was so beautiful. We played cards and chatted. Also, we had an amazing lunch of chicken, rice, and spag! When we finally reached the island, it was like a scene from a movie. There were villagers playing drums and children waiting for us on the dock. A child would just come and take your hand and then lead you up this path. It was very sad because all along the way, children were asking for money. I gave my guide some coins because she told me she wanted to buy a book because she loves to read. I hope this is what she uses it for, but I know food is more important. On the way home, we met Maximus and Abraham on the boat. They are 2 guys from Nigeria who were visiting. Jen and I neded up dancing with them towards the end of the trip and it was a lot of fun. We even taught Maximus how to play cards!

In the evening, we went to the World Aid's Day Concert in Accra. It was amazing! The crowd was so diverse, and there were so many good acts, from a doctor speaking, to a theatre group, to rappers. I am so glad we went.

Sunday - Since we got back late on Saturday night, we opted to not go to church and to have our own service. We slept in... I slept that latest I have here... 8:30! and then, of course, we went to the pool. We had our service at the pool and it was great to just hear what people had to say and to talk about God with them. I feel so blessed to be here with this group. I know all of them are going to be wonderful teachers, and will go on to do wonderful things in their lives. I will be so sad to leave them. We have all joked about going somewhere and teaching together, but who knows?!

I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings! I will sadly, be leaving Ghana in 11 days. The happy thought I have though is that I will be with my sister and Matt for 2 weeks and then back with my family for Christmas!

If you need to contact me, just send me an e-mail, as our internet has been down in the village. I love you all and I hope God continues to bless you all!!!!

Peace and Love,

Christina