Well now we're out of the worst traffic we'll experience on the "going" route, this is usually the time where I try to make myself as comfortable as possible so that I can go to sleep! (I am amazed everyday at how I manage to get up at 4:30am, 4:50 when I employ my friend the snooze :)). But since you are riding with me today, I shall stay awake...
If you are wondering what those 15-17 passenger, fully packed, vans that line the street going both ways are, they are called "tro tros." (image of a tro tro) http://umed.med.utah.edu/get_involved/clubs/international/Images/tro-tro.gif The tro tro is one of the most common ways of traveling for many people living in Accra. They are cheap, and... well that's pretty much it. You don't ride a tro tro for space, air condition, or any form of comfort, believe me, I know first hand! Littered throughout the traffic as we drive along, you'll also see a Mercedes Benz, a Toyota Truck, and other high end expensive cars. You don't have to get out of your car to notice that all of Ghana is not poverty stricken. Today, if we drive near the Airport you will see many huge houses, which in the states (pre economic recession) would cost a minimum of $400,000! But for now look over there on our right at the towering 10 plus stories bank or just ahead there at the splendid football (American soccer) stadium!Yes you did read the sign correctly which says "Dedicating Ghana back to God 2009."
You will learn very quickly that Ghana is an extremely religious country, politically speaking. Culturally speaking I can only speak for Accra, mostly Christian and located in the south of the country, but will admit my ignorance concerning the northern part of the country, which is mostly Muslim (there is also a huge development gap between the south and the north; hopefully not another shameful example of how Christian hands can reach up to God but not out to others). But as for Accra, just look at the back window of any taxi or tro tro and you'll see messages reading: "God is First", "Thank you Jesus", "Christ is Lord." Look see there, it's not just the cars that bare these religious one liners, those are businesses not churches (or religious centers) with names such as: "God is good, Inc." which sells auto parts or "The Anointing of the Lord" which sales women clothing. (I always joke that even if someone did want to buy some Ghanaian products from their stores, they definitely wouldn't be using a directory of any sort to search them out). HEY!! Why didn't you laugh?!?! :) Now that we've passed the toll we're only a few minutes from the village and our school. It has been my pleasure to have you come along with me and I hope you enjoyed yourself. And if you think this ride was too long just give thanks to God you only had to do it once!
This blog is dedicated to my family members and friends who have passed to the other side. At times I sit and allow my mind to remember my great grandmother's humor or my aunt's faith and I am moved deeply to live a life worthy of the legacy and faith they've passed on to me. They are one of the reasons I make sure to tell at least one person every day that I love them. In a testament that we will never forget, I dedicate this blog to you; Love me.
No comments:
Post a Comment