Cupid Shuffle, Bobobo and Ampe

Today we hit the ground running. We were at the orphanage by 8:30 for the start of school. The kids did their assembly, and we hung out for about 30 minutes before meeting Jen in town.

We planned to visit the other villages in Hohoe proper (like the cities in a county) today. Orphans’ Heroes recently installed water pumps in Andokope and Segbedeme, two of the poorer villages, so we went to see the pumps working.

First, we visited Andokope. I went there last time I was here, as many of you probably remember. It was a very eye-opening experience for me. The people there walked over a mile to a river to get water that was dark green and cloudy, and that was their only option. As soon as we turned down the path to go to Andokope today, I told Jen, “There aren’t any women walking with water on their heads.” It was a striking realization that life is really different now for these people. They no longer have to walk to get water, and the water they get is actually clean. It was really cool to see such progress in such a short period of time.

The children of Andokope chilling, because they don't go to school

The children pumping water from their new pump.

Clean water for Andokope!

On the way back from Andokope, we wanted to stop by to see another orphanage we had heard about. After making several wrong turns, our driver finally found the right road…or so he thought. X-hibit (named after a rapper) actually drove us to Hohoe’s compost pile. And, on top of that, our car got stuck. Thankfully, we made it out fine, after some digging and pushing, but it was pretty crazy there for a minute.

The boys digging out our car...in the middle of nowhere.

We grabbed a quick lunch of (I’ll give you one guess) – rice and egg! Woo! Then, we went to the Town School. The Town School is a school that is right around the corner from where we are staying, and it is owned by the orphanage. So, the kids there are also really poor, but they are getting a great education. They were so cute and sweet and SO obedient. We gave them goody bags, and they sat there quietly until everyone got one. At the orphanage, when we give stuff out, people usually get hurt and tears are shed due to the chaos.

We had also brought them some crafts, so we decided to do the candy bracelets while we were there. All the kids at the Town School are younger, so they were all really small. They were so surprised to know they could eat the beads! All of them kept yelling, “Sister!! See!!”

Fati showing us her candy bracelet she made.

Katie and I with the children at the Town School

Some of the Town School kids with their goody bags.

Katie and I needed to check on our dresses before dinner, but we had to run by Segbedeme (one of the other villages first). It wasn’t as enjoyable an experience as Andokope. Two drunk men were following us around, they asked us to stop taking pictures, and the kids practically attacked me to get candy (and they were all lying). They were definitely using the pump, and the women were very grateful, but I was glad to leave.

After our dinner, we rushed back to the orphanage for the best night we’ve had yet. Something was in the air, because the kids were precious. We had a big dance party in the yard, and Katie and I taught them the Cupid Shuffle. Then they taught us how to do the bobobo, which is the Ghanaian dance to the drums they do in a line. You stick your butt out and shake it as fast as you can, simultaneously rolling your hands and doing a conga line step. It’s hilarious to watch. The girls then taught us–FINALLY–how to play Ampe, which Katie and I have decided is the Ghanaian version of RPS, with way more emotion and jumping and noises (like most things here). The kids were squealing and laughing at the fact that we learned Ampe and bobobo in one night. They had Katie and I challenge each other in Ampe (Katie won), and then everyone cheered that we could play by ourselves. They were so proud.

The kids have already started in on the “Don’t leave” and “Take me with you” stuff. It kills me. I hate this part. I wish I could take all of them home. Katie and I will ask each other all the time, “If you could take one home today, who would it be?” Every day it has changed for both of us. The truth is, they are all so beautiful and such amazing little people. I wish you could meet them for yourself.

Thanks for all your support. Tomorrow we are taking about 10 of the girls to their first GYN appointments, so it should make for an eventful day. Prayers are always appreciated!

Much love to everyone…

 

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