There is nothing more appropriate than writing on my blogspot especially when I have a paper for African Art due tomorrow.

I spent the past weekend at the Appiahs' in Kwashieman for the homestay. I was expecting two things: a modest home, and awkward conversations. Modest home? Not according to Ghanaian standards. They owned a huge house AND a complex- which was named after the wife, Agnes. Awkward conversations? There were hardly any. I got along considerably well with the Appiahs. There was only a little awkwardness whenever someone found out that I am from the states. The conversation would go something like this:

Me: Oh, I am from the U.S
X: Oh, that's nice! I want to go to the United States.
Me: Yeah, and I want to stay oh Ghana...
X; OH! Please, I beg you- bring me with you to America.
Me: Uh........
*Cricket sounds in the background*

Let's see. On Saturday, we went to a wedding. The bride was absolutely gorgeous. It was a little uncomfortable being the conspicuous Obruni. On top of that, I felt almost intrusive with my camera, but no one seemed to mind. (This picture is of Aunti Aggie praising the Lord)

There was no power or water later that night. Growing up and living in a tenement building, I have gotten used to not having those things periodically. HOWEVER, that night was one that I will not forget. The entire day I had sweat so much (which is what happens all day everyday) so by the end of the night, I could feel a thick film of grime on my face and body. I could smell myself and I smelled like a urinal. No fan meant attack of the mosquitos. When I woke up in the middle of the night, there was a rat in the tub. Good times.

The next day, Derrick (one of the older sons) took me to Church. If Hell does exist, I am more convinced than ever that that is where I am going considering the fact that I brought a bag of shit with me into the House of God. It was my first time attending Church... I only enjoyed the choir because one of the lead singers sounded like Mariah Carey (and he was a man, so I was pretty darn impressed!). I wonder if Ghanaians know that Jesus was black? And that Christianity condones slavery?

Switching topics now. I haven't done anatomy drawings since junior year of high school so when Lizzy volunteered to model for me, I was thrilled. Have to say it was awkard for the first two minutes as she laid buck naked on the floor-- not to mention Deborah was watching happily on my bed. Aaaaand to top it off, we watched her __________ _________ off on the webcam. My life is kind of obscene- and I like it! Anyhoo, here's one of my favorite sketches:
It is good to know that my four years at LaGuardia were not in vain :D I'm starting a new painting of Mr. Tego and Kofi's studio in Nima.

This weekend, we are doing a Habitat build, which I am really excited about!

It's John's 20th birthday today, and we all went out to Celsbridge to celebrate. Here's to turning 20 in Ghana!

So my last blog was a little angry. You would be too. I do not take any of it back.

Spring break ends tomorrow. I spent most of mine relaxing, volunteering, and towards the end I traveled with my Thelma to Takoradi, Akwidaa, and Busua. Despite some disappointments, it was still a lovely time. Exhausting seems to be the most enveloping adjective to describe our trip. Between the STC buses (the one to Takoradi was three hours behind schedule), tro tros, and rest stops, both ways took about 10 hours each (that's about how long it takes to travel to the Northern Region!). We were both very happy to be back home. That is what the Buf (our nickname for Abafun Crescent) and Accra have become to us: home.

Time is rapidly slipping away, and there is still so much I want to do here. I've been thinking about May 21st (more than I have in weeks), and I am dreading it. I love New York City, but I'm in love with Ghana. This is REAL; it is not the romantic little thirteen year old girl speaking. Look, New York, it's not you, it's me. You know what? How about we take a break? I just can't be in a relationship with you right now. I'm digressing as well as quoting indirectly. I've lost my faith, not my spirit. Back to Ghana... so much to do, so little time.


This picture is a little old, but it was taken at Larry's art studio in Nungua. He is a wonderful man.

You are cordially invited...

Question: What did I ever do to deserve the fucking shit that you people put me through? I am done feeling responsible. I am done feeling guilty. I am done feeling like I owe you shit. I am done feeling like I have to please your fucking ass. What the fuck did I ever do to you guys or anyone else?

Please, I kindly invite you to kiss my ass.

I am not proofreading this.

Time for an update. It has been the most futile Saturday. I got more fucked up than I had intended last night, my body is still trying to revive itself. Spent some time with Mom on Skype, rolled around in bed for a while, got a massage from Debo, and uploaded pictures on Facebook. Yes, it has been an exciting day. I don't mind giving my body a rest though. Shit has been crazy- both in Ghana and back home in the wonderful New York City.

Tuesday was Ghana's 50th year of independence. Monday night, a bunch of us went to the Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum to watch the fireworks. We should've have known that they wouldn't go off until an hour after the scheduled time because it is Ghana, and we are running on what is known as "Ghana time." Right when we got into the van to head back home, Justin told us that we were finally allowed into the memorial park and we got there just in time for the reeactment of Kwame Nkrumah's speech and the fireworks. It was beautiful. The atmosphere was filled with such pride and excitement, you could almost reach out your hand and grasp it. The night didn't have a very happy ending though. We got onto the platform to celebrate and to take pictures, but in a few seconds we were bombard with ten or more men who wouldn't let us get off. Little did we know, our pockets were actually being searched by them. When I finally got down safely, pairs of hands just grabbed at my shit. I was really surprised to see that my bracelet was still on my wrist (those fuckers were fierce). Unfortunately, John got robbed. I really respected his calm approach though. He reminded all of us (we were all pretty shook up) that they are just tangible items, and we were lucky that no one got hurt.

I find myself always learning.

The actual day of the independence was good. We all decided to sleep in and watch the parade on TV instead haha. We went to the Trade Fair when vendors from all over Africa come to sell their goods. I bought a lot of cool stuff, and now I have about six dollars to last the weekend :/

So I met Jesse Jackson at the Osu Children's Home because the day I volunteered was also the day he decided to make his donation. I found him very inspiring and really enjoyed the part of his speech when he made all of us repeat positive sayings after him (i.e., I am beautiful, I am somebody, etc etc). This guy who is working on Jesse Jackson's book interviewed me, but I really don't think he is going to include me because I sounded like a complete tool. That's okay.



So Spring break officially begins on Monday although we kicked it off early last night with a birthday party Deborah. It was pretty kick ass.

Many of the kids are going off to Europe. The idea has passed me before. Keith has suggested that I join him and Olsi in Barcelona, and I really did consider it. It was during a time when I needed to just say "fuck it" and do something drastic (because me going to ghana was not drastic enough), and also my scholarship money had finally arrived. Anyhoo, I will be staying in Ghana exploring different regions with some people here. I've decided that this is my time to fully be in Ghana. Europe will just have to wait for another time.

I'm really starting to feel at home (it's possible). I've been thinking a lot about how fast time is flying, and it depresses me when I think about having to say goodbye to the people here. I've really fallen in love with the security guard at the academic center, Mr. Tego. Going home makes me a bit stressful; there is just too much to deal with when I go back home (I will not disclose any of it on blogspot). Well. You can't hide forever.

"Ghana, your beloved country is free forever." -Kwame Nkrumah, March 6th 1957

Ghana just celebrated its 50th birthday, and I was lucky enough to be here to experience it myself. It was magical. Will write later.