Julie Myhren’s Blog

Makeshift Fourth of July

Well, today was our holiday…  I hadn’t thought about this before, but in Africa the sun comes up between 5 and 6 every morning and sets before 7 every night because we’re so close to the equator.  So, earlier than planned, I was awake this morning around 5:45.  It was a good thing, though, because I was able to help Kate with some laundry (she had two procedures scheduled before lunch), to work even more on catching up on my reading, and to make some things to cheer up the walls in our bathroom.  In all, not a very eventful morning, but a productive and relaxing one.  I think my sleep schedule is adjusted now.

 Oops, sorry… I should back up a bit…  After I wrote last night, I trekked to Dr. Faile’s house with Dr. Norman for a visit.  I was able to get to know Miriam and Annalie better and I met Emily (from Maryland, but goes to undergrad in Washington) and Peter, Dr. Faile’s son.  I learned how to play a Swedish card game, which is loosely translated “Bum” in English.  AND, Miriam made chocolate cake and we had ICE CREAM!  (Sorry, Mom!)  It was very nice to meet more people my own age. 

Back to today… At 1 pm (give or take about 20 minutes–Africa time), we had a July 4th party complete with hotdogs, hamburgers, potato and macaroni salads, and even jello and strawberry pie!  A missionary couple and their two little girls came, as well as three girls who live with host families in town: Carolyn and Caroline are here with the Peace Corps, and Ashley is here with Engineers without Borders.  After our excellent lunch, I helped clean up the kitchen and got to know Caleb and Bawa, two Ghanaians who work in our guesthouse kitchen.  Caleb promised that he’ll teach us some Mampruli (one of the local languages) and we learned a bit about the possibility of meeting the chief.  We played games all afternoon, including a Swedish game called Kubb (pronounced koob).  But, we had none of the actual equipment and improvised with sandals and glass Coke bottles… We only had two  casualties, but apparently have to pay to replace them because they reuse the bottles.  No one has any idea how much that costs, however…

It’s been a nice, relaxing day of settling in and forming friendships.  Tomorrow morning, I think I’m going to church in the bush with Andy, Oli, and Annalie, and an older gentleman named Tommy.  That should be an adventure!  Good night to all of you! 

Oh, and sorry, I’m having trouble with the pictures… I’ll keep trying!