Monday, my plan was to report to work (though, that was not what I was calling it until later – I thought I was filling out paperwork). I headed over to the South Campus Department office to wait for a ride. I was able to download the Ghana travel guide recommended by Mary, our German acquaintance. It is a great resource and I am so glad I have it. It has a few helpful Twi words and phrases that surprised and pleased our neighbors living in the other house on the property when I tried them out on Tuesday morning.

I rode over to the North Campus with the Department Head. After the driver dropped off the Department Head, he took me to what appears to be the Administrative building and the department of Public Relations. Andy, the man who worked there, was extremely helpful. He printed my letter of acceptance and introduced me to Human Resources. The woman at HR suggested that I return after lunch. It was approximately 10:00 in the morning, so I had quite a bit of time on my hands. I thought I would take advantage of the time and find a place to plug into the Internet. So, I headed back to see Andy and asked him if there was a library. He said that there was (as I suspected), but it was not close. He doubtfully suggested the “Internet Café” in the building across the parking lot. I wandered for some time, before asking a female security guard where it was. I was expecting a lounge with an espresso bar (I know, I forgot that I am not supposed to do that here). What I saw was a room with rows of tables and chairs. I sat down and plugged into the Internet. I was able to accomplish several things and then read through parts of the Ghana travel guide.

At about 1:00, I ate my Groundnut Paste and Apricot Jam sandwich and then headed back over to HR. When I arrived for an orientation, she said that I should go to another room, where I met a familiar face. I had not met anyone in HR when I was at the UEW the first time. I didn’t figure out until later how I knew him. He was the Interim Director of International Affairs! So pleasant, but on his way to some work on two other campuses. He called International Affairs and off I traipsed to see what kind of guidance I could get there. I saw Rose, who was the person who met us at the airport in March 2014. That was nice and then she hooked me up with the Director, who it turns out was on sabbatical when I was there the first time. He was very supportive and helpful. I made an appointment with the U.S. Embassy. He thought it would be good for us to check in there. I have already registered with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, but a visit to the Embassy seemed like a good idea.

I met with the Assistant Director after that. We made arrangements for a driver and a ride to Accra. Then I was hastened off to HR, again. This time the person I needed to see was not in, so I ended up in the Director’s office. He determined that before I could sign the register, I would need to be cleared by the Health Clinic. I was given a medical form and tasked with a visit to the clinic. At this point, it was 4:00 in the afternoon, so we determined that the next day would be better and I headed back to the South Campus.

I was exhausted and wondered how I might have known more about the process before I arrived.