Wednesday morning brought the
delicious aroma of Ann’s pancakes and omelets to the Fair Hill house. And, as usual, we enjoyed them on the most beautiful patio in all of Ghana. After
breakfast, we gathered our supplies and headed to St. Cyprian’s for our second
day of teaching. Teachers were MIA again, but some of the older students were
ready to assist our team members with translating for the younger students. Some of us read books like The Very Hungry
Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, and
The Rainbow Fish. Other lessons consisted of creating 3-dimensional geometric shapes out of toothpicks and mini-marshmallows, learning about the life
cycle of a frog, and methods of collecting data. After spending some time with the children at recess, we got into
the tro tro and headed to Cape Coast. Prof needed to
stop at the bank to get the latest Western Union draft of funds so we can continue here this week. So his little birdies flew to Melcom (Cape Coast’s version of
Big Lots) where many purchases of Ghanaian goodies were made. We arrived back at Fair Hill for a
delicious lunch of chicken and beef kabobs (another immediate favorite) plus macaroni and
cheese. 
After short naps, we were driven by Dominic to our well-missed children at Tuwohofo-Holly School for a walking tour of Akotokyir Village. But before we could get
our long-awaited hugs and smiles from our former students, we had took our second and final
Fante lesson from the great Thomas Baidoo.
We learned some useful phrases, like:
We learned some useful phrases, like:
Edzi mfe ahen? – How old are you?
Etse ase? – Do you understand?
As well as one of our favorites: Yε foo! – Keep quiet!
Thomas also assigned us a homework
assignment, which the veterans said was a first! We are to write a fifty-word
short story in Fante! Many of us are a little concerned, but we have had a great
teacher. He finished our lesson as he always does with one of his wonderful
Ghanaian folk tales. Today’s was called How
the Chameleon Won the Race.
Before heading off on our student-led walking tours of Akotokyir village, Ato Baidoo wanted to show us the newly furnished ITC room of the school. This is the room where the laptops we brought with us will remain throughout the year. The technology teacher was very excited to hear about our plans for the room.
Our team then split up into
groups of two for the tour of the village. Led by at least two Tuwohofo-Holly
students, we made our way through Akotokyir village, learning about all of the landmarks
and lifestyles these children have come to know. It was very interesting and
eye opening to see these students’ world through their eyes. Upon arriving back
at the school, team members snuck off (or tried their best to) with their sweet
favorites from each class. (Gifts have to be exchanged in private so that the
other students don’t ambush the giver and/or receiver.)
We said our goodbyes and
yelled, “See you on Monday!” as we boarded the tro-tro.
Another fabulous Ghanaian dinner awaited us at
Fairhill: Kontomire/Palava sauce, a traditional Ghanaian spinach stew; Ga Kenkey,
a dough of fermented cornmeal; and fried plantains. For dessert, we were spoiled again
with strawberry ice cream!
After dinner, the house received
multiple visitors - some were expected, some were not; but all were pleasant and, since it is Ghana, welcome.
Victoria, Ann’s seamstress, came with our adjusted pieces of clothing and took some last minute orders
for additional kaba and slit outfits. Mr. Esoteric,
the tailor, returned with samples of bow ties and Gabriel came with more
personalized license plates. And, as an added bonus, an unexpected Muslim trader
showed up with ancient brass pieces and wood carvings for sale. No one knew how or why he appeared; but even he made a couple of sales. Surprise, surprise.
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