Surprise Challenges

Jim frequently says he starts out in the morning thinking: "What exciting thing is going to happen today?" Often an interesting medical case presents itself. Sometimes it may be an enjoyable interaction with either a friend or complete stranger. This past Sunday and Monday, it was me tripping over a small step in church causing the old Baker's cyst in my right knee to give way, followed by Jim falling on a steep slope on the side of the road as he exited a taxi. I have been rolling around in an old office chair with wheels or slowly walking while supported with a sturdy cane loaned by my good friend, Jane. Jim is back to work with his shoulder injury, limited in how far he can raise his left arm, but plugging along as usual.

The result of friends to the rescue - sturdy cane and delicious food.

Unexpected Exit From Church

Attendance at Holy Cross Church was enhanced as always by three different tribes providing enthusiastic singing and rhythmic drums. Each tribe takes its turn performing at various parts of the Mass.

While going to receive Communion, however, I managed to miss a slightly raised step which caused my right knee to give way. No longer able to put any weight on it to stand, I was helped into a seat and eventually carried outside on a chair at the end of the service where still another kind parishioner gave us a ride home. Am hoping this may be just the recurrence of a Baker's cyst acting up as it did two years ago and that with a little rest, I'll soon be back on my feet.

Back in the Swing

Our first two weeks back in Tamale involved the usual cleaning up, re-settling and repairing. Plus we had a guest from the U.S. who had to deal with the inconvenience of no running water for a few days. He gamely survived, but looked forward to relaxing at the Holiday Inn in Accra while waiting for his evening flight home yesterday.

Now into our daily routine of work, marketing, cooking, etc. - always enhanced by seeing good friends here in town. Sunday lunch out is always a plus; so far this stay: Gariba and Chuck's. Soon we look forward to the grand opening of Andrew Alhassan's new restaurant "Oasis." To celebrate, we should wear the wonderful Ghanaian outfits recently received from Rahi and Musah.

Annelyse, Jane & Cyndy at Gariba

Gordana, Jane & Cyndy at Chuck's

Traditional Northern Smocks

Donning our new Ghanaian Gifts

Thank you to Rahi & Musah!

Philomena "expecting"

Summer Arrival in Tamale

After attending the wedding of our son, Jim, and Kate in the U.S., then spending a six-day holiday in Portugal on our way to Ghana, we arrived back in Tamale on 3 August. Challenges met us head-on as our roof needed repair having been damaged by heavy rains a few weeks prior. This was followed by three days of no water. During the night, a pipe broke apart which resulted in the entire water in our poly-tank emptying out into the backyard. Coincidentally, the town water flow stopped as well which had us filling coolers and other containers from a neighbor's supply. With the eventual delivery of a tank of water, we are now back on track.

More Photos From Tamale

Veronica

Blessing in her New U.S. Dress

Mona and Joanna

Woman With Her Children in Taxi

Accident Waiting To Happen

Speaks For Itself!

Rahi and Basma

Barbara and Jane

My Recent Protector Outside Our Front Gate

New Baby Goat Residents In Our Neighborhood

Together Is Good

Always "Bitter-Sweet" to Say Goodbye

I will not especially miss the "spoiled" pump which has recently had our water stream close to a trickle, or the 104 F temperatures which thankfully are now beginning to welcome some occasional rain, or the hair-raising misses as the taxis, motorcycles, bikes and lorries vie for their place on the road.

I will miss, however, good friends, a certain peaceful, slow-moving way of life which allows one to think, the feeling of accomplishment when a particular challenge is met, and of course, Jim, to whom I've become rather accustomed for the past thirty-seven years of marriage.

I am thankful for our good health and well-being; I am forever proud of the difficult and amazing work that Jim faces daily. I pray for those in need - the serious medical problems of Wetani who is now in Accra and Abdulai, who we have helped to get a German visa and air transport enabling him to undergo appearance-changing reconstructive surgery after the removal of a tumor of the jaw.

With a few more photos taken here in Tamale, I treasure my memories and look forward to a return in a few months.

Young Ghanaian Family Visit

  Today was Independence Day in Ghana - a national holiday, so Jim had a relaxing break from the hospital. This afternoon, we had a nice visit from my friend, Rahina, her husband, Musah, and their two young children: Basma (3 years) and Muslim (8 months). All four came on their motorcycle. Unfortunately, helmets are the exception rather than the rule in Tamale. Musah is a teacher of the Dagbani language in one of the Junior Secondary schools and seemed happy to give Jim and me a very welcome home tutoring session.