The student captain for the hundred level Sign Language class arranged for us to go to the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind (CCSDB or ‘cape Deaf”) on 4^th April. This was quite an interesting trip. We had two very large University buses that were filled with my 100 hundred level students. We met on campus at 5:30 and waited until about 7:00 for the driver to arrive. Abdulai, the class captain, had also arranged for us to go to Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park to cross the canopy bridge.

When we arrived at the school, we were greeted by the head of the residence life. He spoke to us about the history of the school and took questions from the students. He then lead us around the campus pointing out the girl’s and boy’s dorms, the classrooms for the children with visual impairment, the ICT room, and the wood working room. We ended in the administration building with the Head master who also greeted us. Abduali had collected GH¢5 from each student. He gave the school a monetary donation and thanked the Head master for having u. We then loaded up on the buses and headed to Cape Coast Castle. When we arrived, we determined that we did not have enough money to do both the castle and the canopy bridge. We decided to go to Kakum.

Once we arrived at Kakum, all of the students had to get off of the buses. The buses went and parked. There was both an entry fee and a fee to walk on the canopy bridge. Abdulai and other students negotiated for us. The entry fee was GH¢2 and walking n the canopy bridge was GH¢8, which is amazing for me. The next time I went to the canopy bridge when my mother was visiting, the fee was GH¢50! Some students chose not to walk, because they were afraid of heights. Most of us “survived.”

We then headed back to campus. The day was long, but I was able to get to know some of those hundred students a little better, as well as to get to know them as a group.

I have been teaching a 400-level class for 13 weeks. This class has five Deaf students and about 23 hearing students (there is a total of 30 students on the roster — one I have never seen in class and the other came one time). Though there are 5 Deaf students in the class,I have never had an interpreter. Some days, one of the students will interpret. Some days, I sign and talk at the same time. Some days, I sign and then talk. For the past two weeks, students have been giving presentations. They read their Powerpoints, so no need for an interpreter, right? Except for during the Q&A at the end of each presentation. Last week, I interpreted part of the Q&A and then one of the students interpreted. Yesterday, I interpreted the Q&A part of the presentations. I have also interpreted in other classes where I am a Lecturer. This gives “dual roles” a whole nother dimension.

The UEW does not have enough interpreters. There are three staff interpreters and about 50 students who need interpreters. Interpreters are working long hours alone. Deaf students are going without interpreters. How can we advocate for more interpreters to be hired? Your ideas are welcome!

There is a water shortage in Winneba.

People fetch water in buckets that they carry on their heads and in their hands.

They go long distances to get water.

The water tanks on campus run dry. The administration fills them with tanker trucks.

The rumors are running rampant. Nobody knows what is happening. There is no information on the Internet. The radio station cannot get anyone from the Ghana Water Company to talk about what is really happening,

“The water is being rationed, only flowing for a short time at night — maybe.”

“The reservoir is dry.”

“A python died in the water supply.”

“A machine has broken.”

What we know is that the water is not flowing.

Imagine how stressful life would be if you didn’t have running water.

We are truly blessed.

As you may know, before I left for the US, I posted the above blog identifying ways to assist the people I have met in Ghana. The response was overwhelming! I received boxes of books, videos, three audiometers, and a laptop! A fund was set up to raise money for the materials needed at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind (if you would like the link, please let me know). Fortunately, we left Ghana bringing very little with us to the States. In fact, my carry-on bag was packed into my larger suitcase. On our return, we ended up checking 5 bags and we each had a carry-on bag and a personal item. See the bounty of what we were able to bring back to Ghana! Thank you to all who contributed.

I met Timothy Tinat, president of ASLAN, in Istanbul at the WASLI Conference. He invited me to give a workshop at the ASLAN conference in Benin City 5-6 November. I got an email from him about 3 weeks before the conference was to take place wanting a confirmation about my ability to attend and present. This email started off a chain of events that was enlightening — and far from simple! We learned a lot about how the university operates, how difficult it is to get a visa if you are a U.S. citizen in Ghana, what kinds of questions one should ask before entering another country, etc.

I asked the Head of Department (HOD) if I could go. I was told that I would need to write a memo with a formal request that would go to through the HOD, through the Dean, to the Vice Chancellor.

I began writing this letter and, at the same time, I checked on how to obtain a visa to enter Nigeria. It took some time to work out the visa, because I am a U.S. citizen, but I was not in the U.S. The online process did not give me an option for entering Nigeria from Ghana. I sent email messages and left phone messages with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra and the U.S. I contacted the online company that handles the online application for the visa and was told to go ahead and complete the online process. I went completed the application an paid $180 for a multi-entry visa.

After hitting submit, I was given an appointment at the Nigerian consulate in Washington, D.C. on October 28. Needless to say, that was not possible, so I left phone messages and sent emails to both consulates, the one in D.C and the one in Accra. I did not receive responses and nobody answered the phone. I finally decided that I would go to the High Commission in Accra. The website said that the office is open and serves the public Monday through Friday from 10 to 2. When I got there on a Wednesday, I was told that visas are only processed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Imagine my devastation after spending two hours on the road to learn that they would not process my visa. I just stood there. I finally said, I came all of the way from Winneba and I would not be able to come again on Thursday. I asked if I could please talk to someone to at least know what I would need when I was able to come back to the High Commission to get my visa. One of the kind security guards convinced another one to call someone in the consulate. He tried, but there was no answer. I just stood there. He tried again and again. He finally got through and the person agreed to see me. They said to ask for Mr. Gideon. I went in and asked for Mr. Gideon. He came out to meet with me and look at my documentation. He said that I still needed three letters – the one from the VC at the university allowing me to leave the country, a letter of invitation from the ASLAN president, and the letter of incorporation for ASLAN.

When I returned to Winneba, I was pretty certain that there was no way I would be able to get my visa in time to leave for Nigeria on 4 November. President Tinat did come through with the two letters I needed from ASLAN, but I could not get a letter from the VC by Friday. He is, after all, new in his position and administers an institution with 51,000 students on four campuses! He has important things to do and places to be. He cannot just drop everything and respond to my request.

I worked on another project on Friday morning, thinking that I would not be able to go to Nigeria the following Wednesday. I checked Facebook at about 12:30 and found a message from President Tinat saying that I needed to get to the High Commission in Accra as soon as possible because the visa would be processed, even if I did not have the letter from the VC.

It was Friday, traffic to Accra would be at its worst, and how would we get there? Frank called a taxi drive we know and he said he would take us for GHC 200.00 (about $63.00). He said he would pick us up in a half hour. An hour later I called to ask him if he was coming. He said that he was stuck in traffic, but on his way. He arrived shortly after that and off we went to Accra.

We arrived at the High Commission at 4:50 p.m., 10 minutes before the offices closed. I was led back to see Mr. Gideon. He processed my visa and we were on the way back to Winneba. We arrived home at 8:30 p.m.

Now, I had to buy my airline ticket. In the U.S. this would have been extremely expensive, but in Ghana I was able to get a ticket at a fairly reasonable rate. The next morning, Saturday, I had to go to Accra to video record the Mampong School for the Deaf Alumni meeting at the Ghana Association of the Deaf office. On the way, I asked the driver to drop me at the airport to pick up my ticket. I got the ticket and went off to record at the meeting.

We took it easy on Thursday, just hanging out with Michelle. Friday, we went to South Campus to let the Department Head know what happened at Immigration. We also headed over to the North Campus to talk with HR, PR, and International Affairs. Everyone was off campus in other parts of the country or in other countries. Everything will have to wait until Monday (31 August).

We ended up waiting until Tuesday. I met with International Affairs and we sorted out what they needed to do and what I need to do. I have now gotten all of the paperwork together. I will make copies of everything and give it to International Affairs on Monday (8 September). International Affairs will initiate the process with Immigration.

Of course, I will keep you posted!

I will give you a run-down of what a day looks like for Frank and I. This morning, Frank woke up first. Before heading downstairs to turn on the coffee pot, he switched on the hot water heater for our showers. I joined him in the kitchen and we enjoyed a cup of coffee together. We decided what we needed to buy in the market, writing a list of the few things we would pick up:

1. Groundnut Paste (like peanut butter)
2. Groundnuts
3. A sim card and credits for Frank’s new phone
4. Veggies
5. Eggs
6. Bread

Frank did a load of laundry (in two plastic buckets, one blue and the other green) while I folded the last load of laundry he did and then did some inspirational reading and writing in my journal (thank you, Helen and Bob!). Once Frank finished the laundry, I hung it up to dry out on our patio. Once that was done, we took showers and then headed out to the market.

Our first stop was at the booth where he could get his sim card and phone credits. That done, we headed down the road to the shop that sells the groundnut paste. We also picked up a snack mix there with nuts and other unidentifiable edibles. We saw a bookstore across the street, so I headed over there to see if they might have a map of Ghana or an English-Twi dictionary, neither of which did they carry. (Perhaps, we can pick those up in Accra at the airport next week.)

After the bookstore, we headed down the road to the busier part of the market where we had not yet ventured. This market was filled with vendors selling everything imaginable, milling with people, but with fewer taxis than where we began. We walked to the end to find that we had arrived at the beach where there were children playing with miniature fishing boats and boats were anchored out in the water, which is different from what we see close to our house, where the fisherman pull the boats completely out of the water and dock them on the beach.

We headed back to where we began our walk and bought a few onions, bell peppers, a “pear” (maybe – it was giant and had a hard peel on the outside), and a few eggs. I also bought a coconut and had the guy just chop off the top with his machete so that I could drink the delicious and extremely healthy coconut water on the inside. We continued toward home and picked up two loaves of freshly made bread and some groundnuts.

Once we arrived home, we stashed the groceries and sat out on the patio to cool down a bit. We watched the fellows installing tiles on the new lodge being built next door, the cabbies running by, the tops of peoples’ heads bob past, the butterflies flitting around the flowers, the dogs and children coming and going, the palms blowing. We can hear the waves crashing on the beach, the hammers and power saws used by the construction workers, children yelling, people talking, the fisherman pulling in the nets, the sound of electronic music pounding from the beach, dogs barking, roosters crowing, taxis honking.

We read. I am on my fourth mystery since I arrived, the first books I have read for fun in months!

Eating here is interesting. For the most part, we are too hot and tired to eat. I usually have bread with groundnut paste and jam for breakfast with a piece of fruit. I might have the same thing for lunch. We did buy some ramen-like packets, so I tried that today.

We take a walk to Manuel’s Hostel to get a soft drink and use the wi-fi for awhile.

We will likely have rice and veggies with groundnuts for dinner, made in the kitchen at home. (Frank wanted pizza, but the pizza maker was off today at Manuel’s!)

By the way, the temperature is mild here. The humidity is very high, though.

Tuesday, I headed over to the South Campus to await my ride. Frank was with me. We had walked about half way when my telephone rang. Our ride informed us that he would be about 40 minutes late. Frank and I decided to go on to the Department office and take advantage of the Internet. When we arrived, the door was locked, but we had just passed someone who was heading off to get the key. We waited and when she returned we headed back up the stairs to the office. The wi-fi was pretty iffy.

Our ride arrived and we headed over to the North Campus to the clinic. We went in and met the Administrator, who said that the visit would have been much more expeditious had I gotten my chest x-ray done first. The x-ray could not be done at the clinic. Since we did not have it, I could start by going to the lab and then to the nurse’s station. First, I paid my 50 cedis (about $15 American) for the exam and began the exam. I have to admit that the facilities were not the most promising I have ever seen, but the medical staff were pleasant and professional. Once I had done the usual tests and the male nurse took my vitals, I headed off to get the chest x-ray.

We decided to stop at the bank first, because it was on the way. It turns out that one needs a work permit or a residence permit to open an account. I have a business visa, but not one of those permits. I should have gotten them when I went through Customs at the airport in Accra. How did I miss that important step before arriving here? I will check on that when I go to the Embassy and then go to the airport and back to Customs.

The x-ray lab was off campus and across town through Tuesday Market Day – very busy streets with people hustling through traffic horns beeping in warning, constantly. We arrived at the lab where I was told that the technician had to go to the hospital and would not return for 45 minutes and would I like to wait. I said that I would wait. We sat. Lots of very ill people came in and out. I hoped and prayed that they were better after their visit. Once the technician arrived, he quickly took me in, did the x-ray and sent me on my way. I paid my 35 cedis (or about $10 American) and we headed back to the clinic. It was after 12:00, so I figured that I would have to wait until after lunch. I was so relieved to find that the doctor would see me. She reviewed the lab results, my vitals, the x-ray, listened to my heart, finished filling out the form and sent me back to HR. The cost for both the exam at the clinic and the x-ray were extremely reasonable.

We decided that based on my experience the previous day, breaking for lunch might be the better choice, so off we went to the Home Economics Restaurant on campus. Frank had jollof rice and chicken, while I had plain rice, fried plantains, and beans (black-eyed peas). I also had a Pineapple Juice, so sweet and refreshing!

We finished at 1:30 and headed over to HR. We went directly to the Director’s office, presented my medical form, filled out the registry, and then received two forms to complete in triplicate, another to complete in duplicate, and a fourth on which I should get the Department Head’s signature. He is out of town, so I will get that on Thursday. I also need several passport size photos.

We went to chat with the Director of International Affairs about the work permit/residence permit issue. We agreed that the Embassy would be a fine place to inquire into that issue and then head over to the airport and Customs on that same day. As we exited the building, I met a linguist from Texas A&M who is working on documenting an endangered language. There is one deaf man living in the village who is learning how to read. He said this is rife with opportunity for someone to come and document his story. If anyone is interested, let me know!

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.

The “lights out” or power outages have been frequent and last for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Wi-fi withdrawal is hitting me hard. I am Internet-dependent for everything. Unfortunately, I have not discovered a remedy for this yet. I suppose that time will help me to “unplug” from the Internet with more comfort, but, for now, I am feeling withdrawal pains.

Thursday, Frank and I took a taxi to the West Hills Mall about one hour away to buy some household items. We also wanted to see if we could get a cable for his camera and a sim card that would work for my phone. No luck on either of the latter. We do not need the cable, because the memory card will fit in both of our laptops. For some reason, my Samsung Gallaxy will not cooperate with the sim cards here.

After returning to Winneba, we headed to the Summeryard Café. We met a young German woman, Mary, and her mother. They were staying at the Summeryard for a couple of days. They joined us for dinner. Mary has been in Ghana for almost one year volunteering at a hospital. She said that the German government will sponsor young people who want to volunteer in a developing country. She said that we would be likely to meet many young Germans in Ghana. Her mother was here to visit and bring her home. I caught up a little on the Internet and then we walked home in the still darkness.

We went to a special UEW convocation yesterday where four honorary doctorates were conferred. One was given to the former President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Mr. John Agyekum Kofour, one was given to Evangelical Presbyterian Minister and former acting Chairman of the UEW Council, Reverend Dr. Livingstone K. Bauma, another to Professor Michael Lewis Shattock for his contributions to higher education world wide, and, finally, one to CEO, EPP Books and President of Zenith University College, Mr. Alhaji Gibrine Adam, for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic works. The ceremony was a mixture of present and traditional Ghana with music and dance from both the current day and the more traditional. There were speeches and the conferring of the honorary doctorates. The honorary doctoral regalia are the black packages in the lap of the woman seated on the platform. They were handed down to the stage by the woman standing on the platform.

After the convocation on our ride back home, we learned that the strike by the teaching staff had been resolved. I will report to work on Monday morning.

Today is Saturday. We have been here for one week. This morning, we took a walk on the beach to find lines and lines of people from the fishing village pulling in the nets. Frank went out and helped to pull them in. There were about 40 people working on the net he was on and there were the same number on at least four other lines. We saw our neighbors who live on our property. The mother was holding someone else’s baby on her back and her 3-year old son was running from boat to boat with other young boys.