tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65370597178086530422024-03-13T19:05:39.667+00:00Levin's ScytheJonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-29864115232925531362011-07-31T12:56:00.005+00:002011-07-31T18:43:53.703+00:00Open Letter to Mom and Dad<div style="text-align: left;"><i>As many of you know, my parents will be arriving in Accra this week to serve in the West Africa Area Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In my two months in Ghana, I have thought a lot about them and what their life will be like for the next several years. Unfortunately, I haven't done a great job of communicating my thoughts to them (medical school applications and no/unreliable internet haven't helped in the matter). What follows are some thoughts I have had about what they can look forward to here in Ghana.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear Mom and Dad,</div><div><br /></div><div>You have an adventure in store. Don't worry--from what I can tell, it is the good kind of adventure. You are lucky to be coming to such a dynamic part of the world. I mean, you could have gone to Idaho, and what is dynamic about Idaho? (answer: spuds) West Africa awaits you with colorful cultures, faithful members of the church, and a tropical climate.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I have only been lucky enough to explore Ghana, there are so many moments that I have thought, "Mom and Dad are going to love it here." Granted most of those thoughts came either at church or the temple (not while eating grass-cutter and banku). There is so much to look forward to; Here are the top ten reasons why you will love Ghana:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. The beautiful flora and fauna. </b> When you think of Africa, you may think of lions, elephants and zebras. While you are sure to see some of these, your more common encounters will be with fierce pygmy goats (about 40 cm tall), free range chickens (Whole Foods would drool with organic desire), and lizards. The plants are amazing--the trees are diverse and beautiful and the flowers are bright. Be sure to take advantage of local "nature walks" to learn about the cultural and medical uses of the plants. The most beautiful flowers are near the temple. The climate is similar to Hawaii, so expect to see green.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIaKlA40xrFT5uuXtKThFP8C1qSM_VU68QioxC0VJMM5M7r6UjqsSeFhXjO9etY4KruDTxoZRwkzTRaGIK2NlfYlg1eTqG0KLjXXB2XWRw72GP_dH3GU3izb68kr7K1J4p6YxBaoMS68/s640/IMG_1130.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhv2QQjvzrBMg1IteJ-O-95g3R8liMZkShv4ALPcXARD1py6uJwHvxCTt7rHqSt018QhGSMufPKO9qDQXqmVKlqxoQE525fvf1WZcQJrPkPmubbOXf7psm6Zsif_45qluxY9VWJggSBI/s512/IMG_1021.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMdjnyNwXvUUqUqXaVOme89l177cIYqK9BKiHvXYZy2ZNSle7vpjUKVAqreSvlqA2GUt28FHyVXDacvkcj_kI-ufP-meEkNd9VLfIK9czNrJPgcvrOn8WBkkjfx83oPke7aKq0Sc4Av4/s512/IMG_1135.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMdjnyNwXvUUqUqXaVOme89l177cIYqK9BKiHvXYZy2ZNSle7vpjUKVAqreSvlqA2GUt28FHyVXDacvkcj_kI-ufP-meEkNd9VLfIK9czNrJPgcvrOn8WBkkjfx83oPke7aKq0Sc4Av4/s512/IMG_1135.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESOeW_FXboFcKCHtAnl98e4HIzFAkW5GQKIDKnzsAnXsgx2x-k51vGl5dOadE7jx8IO9dVO7yhvTgs5hoa7kqQAMma9A4iOcWsO93HYyG2KVjb3W6iB3K-f8LLxirz5mhdolwX7P5xaQ/s512/IMG_1132.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESOeW_FXboFcKCHtAnl98e4HIzFAkW5GQKIDKnzsAnXsgx2x-k51vGl5dOadE7jx8IO9dVO7yhvTgs5hoa7kqQAMma9A4iOcWsO93HYyG2KVjb3W6iB3K-f8LLxirz5mhdolwX7P5xaQ/s512/IMG_1132.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DeCWK_SGlJEqIMfS27c4xuBW3BXc10djlCCPHM_BWrwztOVYoTxH7TFbzels9os_F_uNTCZtSQBB9DCnKdKb7t7Cu2A8tG_EsWQTP1EU9YOJ7ZeENwsYrAwMxYPEK0RcXkwRyZXF9-4/s512/IMG_1138.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DeCWK_SGlJEqIMfS27c4xuBW3BXc10djlCCPHM_BWrwztOVYoTxH7TFbzels9os_F_uNTCZtSQBB9DCnKdKb7t7Cu2A8tG_EsWQTP1EU9YOJ7ZeENwsYrAwMxYPEK0RcXkwRyZXF9-4/s512/IMG_1138.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkJHlDaBqDxWetVlIurK6isa5ivI_Qo7zJbaaaAfwm-Q7Bbf13gB25bwCLCuPPgjDrAd4-3sPkUv5usLFJ1xA1mNczbgs0PAlZmhno4gXGeiB-2T8b6a3mlJpxC0q4L2vL64VaYGThtw/s640/IMG_1143.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCmh-F3s3Oa23w-t_snS_JpfabnKAqLGRaKhf6vmNP0vhM_miu9OTNa_oXS5DCODbwXwJPLsg351YXeCroKHMH4WL626QO43g3W9RQ6DWBnnl9QYLYadUnLZer9jEvUp2lJ6a4OiKF8k/s512/IMG_1128.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. The ubiquitous religious-pop culture references</b>. Can there ever be too many cheesy sayings or inappropriate uses of scripture references? Whether posting titles on their cars that read "Not my wheel, but thine be done" or naming a salon "He Is Mighty to Shave Hair Cutting Salon," Ghana tests the limits.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs84Gl3vVTztnAFTj2DW14lm0GZtYM7jREKxSZUdnftocop6bfUC0P1XHIms5Q0FC8erg-HQg0yxxC1AxfwlIXh3F8Xqpy0jKqYystcABDs5KGbRnViGfbQZWMJL0BPJqBi9PC-OoGlkg/s640/IMG_1189.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs84Gl3vVTztnAFTj2DW14lm0GZtYM7jREKxSZUdnftocop6bfUC0P1XHIms5Q0FC8erg-HQg0yxxC1AxfwlIXh3F8Xqpy0jKqYystcABDs5KGbRnViGfbQZWMJL0BPJqBi9PC-OoGlkg/s640/IMG_1189.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA428MKoXoC2kS3FM9nO8Ftt2EfxwZP4N39vyKEgPF7IMZR0WJv42PBk9SgT_xdTd_kiSihiRgimhD5ZNSIA5yQym0Ybt-PVmpIA0d2U9yrfjjTRO0cuOiAM1THYUM8GRTVW_J9ak31UE/s512/IMG_1196.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA428MKoXoC2kS3FM9nO8Ftt2EfxwZP4N39vyKEgPF7IMZR0WJv42PBk9SgT_xdTd_kiSihiRgimhD5ZNSIA5yQym0Ybt-PVmpIA0d2U9yrfjjTRO0cuOiAM1THYUM8GRTVW_J9ak31UE/s512/IMG_1196.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCiyBwcBRefvo2cSUbvtgGDIkKZoEV-auE5pASekNw6Pslnmu5Dywyt_tuS4fur87bMwpq_76CueQH5M6rUYqElYjCd0Ejc02QiFHqb2KiUf2jELEirgLhRZDzhgukkUsvNvPAOUDmnM/s640/IMG_1191.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. The children. </b>Most are initially timid, but they will move closer each minute. They are genrally well-behaved and will speak softly in the presence of an adult. I love going to villages and seeing the children--they are so happy and excited to see an "obruni." My favorite exercise is to have them do their times tables.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7CFuezl5gapPE1ZsJ9HrRYkCKziY5b2dULOKclDXEwSv1YkPc6ZcHZmwunlzTMv86Wif5fqPIme1EhZL7KdNKrpBuP3r9QUQ4CieGLw3Drayxf1YWWTnWUCmfabj7HUSHicqf8S4iKo/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7CFuezl5gapPE1ZsJ9HrRYkCKziY5b2dULOKclDXEwSv1YkPc6ZcHZmwunlzTMv86Wif5fqPIme1EhZL7KdNKrpBuP3r9QUQ4CieGLw3Drayxf1YWWTnWUCmfabj7HUSHicqf8S4iKo/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Maize and blue</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DeCWK_SGlJEqIMfS27c4xuBW3BXc10djlCCPHM_BWrwztOVYoTxH7TFbzels9os_F_uNTCZtSQBB9DCnKdKb7t7Cu2A8tG_EsWQTP1EU9YOJ7ZeENwsYrAwMxYPEK0RcXkwRyZXF9-4/s512/IMG_1138.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1grwpmgVOeAnMsuRG7Oec8QdWABo0jX9XssS-7vQZXQ7Q_-MPHVXaslLLQE2CbFfEgn0mjUOIeSbOunb4hLsbuiXDhYqPa8sRDG_giKo_SxsueaBHw6d0FWKRxnyoa06qgKZ3vecYGk/s512/IMG_1170.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZs9oIWkiM0ZRYbPuREGozr-Bq_p0Gpubw0C_QxMkUfewnpqcmO3JYeBSP-O8whmosdro9NLZFgZAiiDpKTIiJ1h6hUmzOVr1Z59x2gn4Ct63pEi1kkOrepn0uN1hFfSxoiyLFFL2yc/s640/IMG_1227.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZs9oIWkiM0ZRYbPuREGozr-Bq_p0Gpubw0C_QxMkUfewnpqcmO3JYeBSP-O8whmosdro9NLZFgZAiiDpKTIiJ1h6hUmzOVr1Z59x2gn4Ct63pEi1kkOrepn0uN1hFfSxoiyLFFL2yc/s640/IMG_1227.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqG8XVc8DnsWwWaRRT60Wx0me1cg0ZfZNAaJFrNftwQUyUqN-R4xijj7CshWIX9Aoc4xdyek-aLnzIj0jTnB_j9W-ELdIqnxKXRqplETYNsQbRBHyFpkeJhmgqmV_FnfmYVqbzCBLiAE/s512/IMG_1230.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqG8XVc8DnsWwWaRRT60Wx0me1cg0ZfZNAaJFrNftwQUyUqN-R4xijj7CshWIX9Aoc4xdyek-aLnzIj0jTnB_j9W-ELdIqnxKXRqplETYNsQbRBHyFpkeJhmgqmV_FnfmYVqbzCBLiAE/s512/IMG_1230.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4a7mjXPmmX2pLrlFtVgzhIpMQEksVidL21-0GfksXBX8WRxH63u-IHoKsWFJ2InHUGlQro955Gd6LdsGd47srt6bV_HNs4q5pRlm58f817isA_fsktX3pAQiXPTWBcXZea2ITahlVQ8/s640/IMG_1225.JPG" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4a7mjXPmmX2pLrlFtVgzhIpMQEksVidL21-0GfksXBX8WRxH63u-IHoKsWFJ2InHUGlQro955Gd6LdsGd47srt6bV_HNs4q5pRlm58f817isA_fsktX3pAQiXPTWBcXZea2ITahlVQ8/s640/IMG_1225.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Flessissomo</b>. Ghanaians are flexible. Time is often called "elastic time" or "Ghana Mean Time." While it can be frustrating to get meetings started on time, Ghanians have learned to be very flexible, and they don't let things outside of their control (like time) stress them out. Maintain some of your Western timeliness, but don't let it hamper your joy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><b>6. Ghanians love America.</b> While much of the world criticizes the USA, Ghana loves America, warts and all. Obama's visit to Cape Coast two years ago was nearly as euphoric as Ghana's success in the most recent world cup. American flags are everywhere, as is President Obama's name and image ("Obama biscuits," "Obama belt buckles,"...even a town named "Obama"). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4102786136_8bdb2a4e39.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Fresh fruit and interesting dishes.</b> Be ready for the best mangoes, pineapple, papaya, coconuts, bananas, and avocados you have ever had. Fruit is everywhere and it is cheap. Also, Ghana is the second largest exporter of cocoa in the world. Foods that you will enjoy include: fufu and groundnut soup (a dough made from casava and plantains that is taken with peanut soup), red red (fried plantains with stewed beans and tomatoes with a splash of palm oil), jollof rice and chicken (oily, spicy rice with grilled or fried chicken), ofo tuo (rice balls, usually taken with groundnut or palm nut soup), Milo and RichCoco and Royal (all types of locally grown and produced chocolate drinks). If you are adventuresome you may also like banku and tilapia (fermented corn dough taken with light soup and a whole grilled fish), kenkey (very fermented corn dough wrapped in a plantain leaf and eft out in the sun), grasscutter (wild rat), and antelope (antelope).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfGg0Q_blrMffjAf7vGdLmi1uJx80ppg6twUk0eWshJpdRwuLTZWhtsnGNUQ-b0EquemowbAKdklKyjcRVMwWyerTXmNmk5c9E4NMoHd5Q2FAkk6KXW-qof07iSsPiSQqGqXkTCTurzA/s640/IMG_4081.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Mangoes galore</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz2TSt4W47ovW64S1Ar-h9DQ2roc1l7gYf6OPqGl_j3xlGepcPKX-hIFc23zUOaF9dwCUjbesZFRBCCXGqBDH6ZjLgMD-oyTeV11e7qBu8TYT5Ke7WTJyJ82P22fW22j-tW1eGlwqPD0/s512/IMG_4564.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 512px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A small fruit stand</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtyUldc3fSeCWp4JJDcRg97JLziyLkArTeWIPCiLvKANcfDKsUcaWRmWeJnB7qB3ktuIDuH7kqnERSfhcBqibXqGA-0lRIzjbKsLoModBDgftNupQA4VutQ2h_1Az4lM54IXhuYDq1Gw/s640/IMG_4001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtyUldc3fSeCWp4JJDcRg97JLziyLkArTeWIPCiLvKANcfDKsUcaWRmWeJnB7qB3ktuIDuH7kqnERSfhcBqibXqGA-0lRIzjbKsLoModBDgftNupQA4VutQ2h_1Az4lM54IXhuYDq1Gw/s640/IMG_4001.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Banku and mudfish</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesM_4-9gzwDt1vraQvNWsE4s20cR2bwxTqnX-3uAxY5RTzkv2CJfkbxf3cEboWGrusQy20FN3KyTmA8ujM-3bWz1KuLKRetEgaX5_RC6-mkcYqM0Mx5ZVVa44VDOsh1bKMNiiTPrLT3Q/s640/IMG_3487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesM_4-9gzwDt1vraQvNWsE4s20cR2bwxTqnX-3uAxY5RTzkv2CJfkbxf3cEboWGrusQy20FN3KyTmA8ujM-3bWz1KuLKRetEgaX5_RC6-mkcYqM0Mx5ZVVa44VDOsh1bKMNiiTPrLT3Q/s640/IMG_3487.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plantainimania</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkJHlDaBqDxWetVlIurK6isa5ivI_Qo7zJbaaaAfwm-Q7Bbf13gB25bwCLCuPPgjDrAd4-3sPkUv5usLFJ1xA1mNczbgs0PAlZmhno4gXGeiB-2T8b6a3mlJpxC0q4L2vL64VaYGThtw/s640/IMG_1143.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkJHlDaBqDxWetVlIurK6isa5ivI_Qo7zJbaaaAfwm-Q7Bbf13gB25bwCLCuPPgjDrAd4-3sPkUv5usLFJ1xA1mNczbgs0PAlZmhno4gXGeiB-2T8b6a3mlJpxC0q4L2vL64VaYGThtw/s640/IMG_1143.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Red red</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCiyBwcBRefvo2cSUbvtgGDIkKZoEV-auE5pASekNw6Pslnmu5Dywyt_tuS4fur87bMwpq_76CueQH5M6rUYqElYjCd0Ejc02QiFHqb2KiUf2jELEirgLhRZDzhgukkUsvNvPAOUDmnM/s640/IMG_1191.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCiyBwcBRefvo2cSUbvtgGDIkKZoEV-auE5pASekNw6Pslnmu5Dywyt_tuS4fur87bMwpq_76CueQH5M6rUYqElYjCd0Ejc02QiFHqb2KiUf2jELEirgLhRZDzhgukkUsvNvPAOUDmnM/s640/IMG_1191.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Watch your fingers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs84Gl3vVTztnAFTj2DW14lm0GZtYM7jREKxSZUdnftocop6bfUC0P1XHIms5Q0FC8erg-HQg0yxxC1AxfwlIXh3F8Xqpy0jKqYystcABDs5KGbRnViGfbQZWMJL0BPJqBi9PC-OoGlkg/s640/IMG_1189.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOxn1mSQBh6x3i9ntzLK6dzo9b_3-Ak84LBmX6-4g-rGOUqe9zyiL9w3zdAsS6hX7EqvRsA4uxN1LfaY8Pohek_CwAm68To-qFi3yf2g9VfEiVwFA3LivSSfaOgaLvkFUWX-U0gD4Zd8/s512/IMG_1223.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Waayce: the breakfast of champions</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_llGD7gReupiA5hD1Zocf7qs3AQ64xqNE5PEJ9tPSLgNGTtZWx2anyH4vSNWY0jfP9YkB6GDDmenv_iQc8BKgs33QSGU9swg00nNPwmYKdzACq4TnuEYAmN6zRYJptvUum8bOq52Ykc/s640/IMG_1245.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_llGD7gReupiA5hD1Zocf7qs3AQ64xqNE5PEJ9tPSLgNGTtZWx2anyH4vSNWY0jfP9YkB6GDDmenv_iQc8BKgs33QSGU9swg00nNPwmYKdzACq4TnuEYAmN6zRYJptvUum8bOq52Ykc/s640/IMG_1245.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My friend, John, and I taking fufu and grasscutter. Food is a very communal event in Ghanaian culture.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZs9oIWkiM0ZRYbPuREGozr-Bq_p0Gpubw0C_QxMkUfewnpqcmO3JYeBSP-O8whmosdro9NLZFgZAiiDpKTIiJ1h6hUmzOVr1Z59x2gn4Ct63pEi1kkOrepn0uN1hFfSxoiyLFFL2yc/s640/IMG_1227.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOxn1mSQBh6x3i9ntzLK6dzo9b_3-Ak84LBmX6-4g-rGOUqe9zyiL9w3zdAsS6hX7EqvRsA4uxN1LfaY8Pohek_CwAm68To-qFi3yf2g9VfEiVwFA3LivSSfaOgaLvkFUWX-U0gD4Zd8/s512/IMG_1223.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><b>4. The scenery. </b>Ghana has lush ran forests, Savannah plains, bubbly forested hills, waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful, undiscovered beaches in the world. Check out the canopy rope bridges near cape coast, the Volta estuary near Ada (great beach), Bodi waterfall (twin cascades with beautiful hills), and Nkawkaw (red cliffs...but I didn't see a lodge).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii37MR7UjaH3tSZ_gZNCqQWSxCF3PNCUGcdXAqIkYJCmiCN8No20m61HfiL3bY44f_mtKOYyTdCXYsWUUYJ_VfyJJoLAwdO2tycfn1VV_qecWA28O7uAhitW8VrKFaB4TkoMK408rYeZw/s640/IMG_0433.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii37MR7UjaH3tSZ_gZNCqQWSxCF3PNCUGcdXAqIkYJCmiCN8No20m61HfiL3bY44f_mtKOYyTdCXYsWUUYJ_VfyJJoLAwdO2tycfn1VV_qecWA28O7uAhitW8VrKFaB4TkoMK408rYeZw/s640/IMG_0433.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Near the estuary of the Volta</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtyUldc3fSeCWp4JJDcRg97JLziyLkArTeWIPCiLvKANcfDKsUcaWRmWeJnB7qB3ktuIDuH7kqnERSfhcBqibXqGA-0lRIzjbKsLoModBDgftNupQA4VutQ2h_1Az4lM54IXhuYDq1Gw/s640/IMG_4001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HBp-SkWKOMQRsMEWv09qlV42kGRzNZMRlzWu7FC_P8OFSOLDnUzsCnm-FqMYF0pLp5k75m-X2z2f_AKuoDD9_O_MJ9BN4_BkA19wOMmiLVJ3i9PTo0lzokhlg7ElD6C42WtNSLA7JE4/s640/IMG_1156.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HBp-SkWKOMQRsMEWv09qlV42kGRzNZMRlzWu7FC_P8OFSOLDnUzsCnm-FqMYF0pLp5k75m-X2z2f_AKuoDD9_O_MJ9BN4_BkA19wOMmiLVJ3i9PTo0lzokhlg7ElD6C42WtNSLA7JE4/s640/IMG_1156.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7CFuezl5gapPE1ZsJ9HrRYkCKziY5b2dULOKclDXEwSv1YkPc6ZcHZmwunlzTMv86Wif5fqPIme1EhZL7KdNKrpBuP3r9QUQ4CieGLw3Drayxf1YWWTnWUCmfabj7HUSHicqf8S4iKo/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ43_ec-dTuiHvF6lrwAwLH84gdg4W0b8CXvd9sFqHb0TckmQk_b5MLg1nEXxp0A6IHdeitRLs3A0Ie4IEHt8_mT1PGSZshZTbmir4iczVAQk7rINaUu-_SJmItmv8c5ZmcZOAK2Yo4E/s640/IMG_1166.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ43_ec-dTuiHvF6lrwAwLH84gdg4W0b8CXvd9sFqHb0TckmQk_b5MLg1nEXxp0A6IHdeitRLs3A0Ie4IEHt8_mT1PGSZshZTbmir4iczVAQk7rINaUu-_SJmItmv8c5ZmcZOAK2Yo4E/s640/IMG_1166.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Fort Williams near Cape Coast</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HBp-SkWKOMQRsMEWv09qlV42kGRzNZMRlzWu7FC_P8OFSOLDnUzsCnm-FqMYF0pLp5k75m-X2z2f_AKuoDD9_O_MJ9BN4_BkA19wOMmiLVJ3i9PTo0lzokhlg7ElD6C42WtNSLA7JE4/s640/IMG_1156.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTCBqo3pr9HItf4zYkdo8DC76qWTJZYOdV6K2oxuDv3Dnaw5MaB0UN-aMjIQpycgd3vepzq1ozjy_Kck-OwfMWXD_ie0QGQ0Th0NbGjC3NdXKvr6b4wsjQOSLaHqUloXG51GitWysAUo/s640/IMG_1205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTCBqo3pr9HItf4zYkdo8DC76qWTJZYOdV6K2oxuDv3Dnaw5MaB0UN-aMjIQpycgd3vepzq1ozjy_Kck-OwfMWXD_ie0QGQ0Th0NbGjC3NdXKvr6b4wsjQOSLaHqUloXG51GitWysAUo/s640/IMG_1205.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Me near the cocoa hills in Akoase</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSwW5juvUtGIDPIeJGq2zvp4G_YDn9cVVeYv2NMvTNxO7YQDoczIig235VUkpFsq2wyaWMX1-E2G7teNIspA4NZY_pGVngbWNYiDDJEuFH8HNq_vCHSbMqt_rTdcdQIgpUb8fKYDpqYU/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. The people.</b> Ghanaians are genuinely happy. They are very positive and pleasant. Think of them like Africa's Polynesians--just smaller and quieter. Like Italians, Ghanians are very dramatic and like to overreact, but they are charming and will eagerly try to be your friend. Church members are the greatest. They give very formal talks, and (usually) stick close to the gospel (though there have been some interesting moments (discussion on whether priesthood bearers can bless themselves or give blessings over the phone)). They men often out number the women in church (a peculiarity), and the 20-30 year olds are rock solid. They will be a great boon to church leadership in the coming years.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w9-sqlTP5_GiweXfDuFIksOO4BGF4-9SuWSbDazgmb-PI9dldKJtJ4pzlmuQFf7GBSF3G5E5Rqshyphenhyphen2SsneQUeWIpDolSuLGrwa2DHq6Buydsi41BjCkQHwHxPgRQVQziFV4SOC5N4Z0/s640/IMG_1172.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSwW5juvUtGIDPIeJGq2zvp4G_YDn9cVVeYv2NMvTNxO7YQDoczIig235VUkpFsq2wyaWMX1-E2G7teNIspA4NZY_pGVngbWNYiDDJEuFH8HNq_vCHSbMqt_rTdcdQIgpUb8fKYDpqYU/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSwW5juvUtGIDPIeJGq2zvp4G_YDn9cVVeYv2NMvTNxO7YQDoczIig235VUkpFsq2wyaWMX1-E2G7teNIspA4NZY_pGVngbWNYiDDJEuFH8HNq_vCHSbMqt_rTdcdQIgpUb8fKYDpqYU/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA428MKoXoC2kS3FM9nO8Ftt2EfxwZP4N39vyKEgPF7IMZR0WJv42PBk9SgT_xdTd_kiSihiRgimhD5ZNSIA5yQym0Ybt-PVmpIA0d2U9yrfjjTRO0cuOiAM1THYUM8GRTVW_J9ak31UE/s512/IMG_1196.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w9-sqlTP5_GiweXfDuFIksOO4BGF4-9SuWSbDazgmb-PI9dldKJtJ4pzlmuQFf7GBSF3G5E5Rqshyphenhyphen2SsneQUeWIpDolSuLGrwa2DHq6Buydsi41BjCkQHwHxPgRQVQziFV4SOC5N4Z0/s640/IMG_1172.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuReNqOaEnuvDc5KlwzaEWmgRECHY80enRpIKSvA9z9L61OqLEaFDdlHWUVsEGpS1gkLHvQ00L1SpWD-0czOR2mVpj_865BRfs8VFxj_gOacT2EWlwF97euAasLk10wC7fG2WlkhPbaEA/s640/IMG_1214.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Cool grandmama</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><b>2. The temple</b>. Hands down the most beautiful building in Ghana--probably all of West Africa. The Accra temple is a pristine house of the Lord in a country where dust seems to be everywhere. The grounds of the temple are beautifully maintained with hundreds of species of flowers and trees (including these amazing fanning palms and bright birds of paradise). inside the temple is an exceptional peace. The workers are friendly, yet reverent, and the rooms are familiar, but with a distinct african flair (kente-cloth geometric patterns, symbolic colors and shapes, traditional signs, etc.). If you ever get homesick, go here...because it is home.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydPaMX89crwApmqSi3gNwCu9KdYLVqnnWWhVtJO8itGDSKr_H8p6tbtNWLmGBjFcsbRjY2G0TbjgjtZsqnOzr7hyphenhyphenuSIhNzOu_Bh6DYY05nozOawM1jbNrqdtwUAQeyS_75l4D6LuwNng/s640/IMG_1122.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydPaMX89crwApmqSi3gNwCu9KdYLVqnnWWhVtJO8itGDSKr_H8p6tbtNWLmGBjFcsbRjY2G0TbjgjtZsqnOzr7hyphenhyphenuSIhNzOu_Bh6DYY05nozOawM1jbNrqdtwUAQeyS_75l4D6LuwNng/s640/IMG_1122.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQnoFzXPi8wInSpVbuX7elaLp1gyhldHa7OP-KzWpcFq60546pUs9KXXqcjsZLgkeiQ2YCvpLQw44ASHHJuHBRjNCpXWp2zsweSzChm7RC4f-5ylM0bkd6VgzsJUR21llOeiZEctJT2o/s640/IMG_1125.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQnoFzXPi8wInSpVbuX7elaLp1gyhldHa7OP-KzWpcFq60546pUs9KXXqcjsZLgkeiQ2YCvpLQw44ASHHJuHBRjNCpXWp2zsweSzChm7RC4f-5ylM0bkd6VgzsJUR21llOeiZEctJT2o/s640/IMG_1125.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nt6nOnJFmS4ikJiA3QJIIqUXteZkksVSaZtJeZ8tUWmAS2H0jQEDJEWoOwRUJO5w0CI4aN15UC23oV2_nV6WjAEWhN3fG4pO728H1NjJhg4Gm1goVVAyXw675RNGneHGC50_Y7bmujw/s640/IMG_1119.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nt6nOnJFmS4ikJiA3QJIIqUXteZkksVSaZtJeZ8tUWmAS2H0jQEDJEWoOwRUJO5w0CI4aN15UC23oV2_nV6WjAEWhN3fG4pO728H1NjJhg4Gm1goVVAyXw675RNGneHGC50_Y7bmujw/s640/IMG_1119.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCmh-F3s3Oa23w-t_snS_JpfabnKAqLGRaKhf6vmNP0vhM_miu9OTNa_oXS5DCODbwXwJPLsg351YXeCroKHMH4WL626QO43g3W9RQ6DWBnnl9QYLYadUnLZer9jEvUp2lJ6a4OiKF8k/s512/IMG_1128.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCmh-F3s3Oa23w-t_snS_JpfabnKAqLGRaKhf6vmNP0vhM_miu9OTNa_oXS5DCODbwXwJPLsg351YXeCroKHMH4WL626QO43g3W9RQ6DWBnnl9QYLYadUnLZer9jEvUp2lJ6a4OiKF8k/s512/IMG_1128.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSfHLEVfP6H9ytJxzs4XBA8H9HKpVMz0ZDBdQNaYbw31cdwukWLoflOiFdKeyx79GeHDeBMz_wb-vRtivF89pk3LY7hyS_9NPsdXVOaIAxoSOg0EmsfgGKA63Dygmn_AeQqXevzGAIj8/s512/IMG_1123.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSfHLEVfP6H9ytJxzs4XBA8H9HKpVMz0ZDBdQNaYbw31cdwukWLoflOiFdKeyx79GeHDeBMz_wb-vRtivF89pk3LY7hyS_9NPsdXVOaIAxoSOg0EmsfgGKA63Dygmn_AeQqXevzGAIj8/s512/IMG_1123.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxwzycmIdEFWY_OIe6vS5-HmEIBZzpOlJXWDPsIslCgJ9WL90CO6k7YuZ3osKCL1PYZrWu6WSdWEhwOzjlhfVqLG0oNUzYRBp9wyPEqSnr_vBR3dJRr6rAC2w7NAot_m5EPGffTXTEOQ/s512/IMG_1121.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxwzycmIdEFWY_OIe6vS5-HmEIBZzpOlJXWDPsIslCgJ9WL90CO6k7YuZ3osKCL1PYZrWu6WSdWEhwOzjlhfVqLG0oNUzYRBp9wyPEqSnr_vBR3dJRr6rAC2w7NAot_m5EPGffTXTEOQ/s512/IMG_1121.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmpMpPsZFIL9hVZyodYLi7j38dIObZj10N1-6zsDPF67Q-tTC8DduHZPRDMd2a1iLzL0vaDdhSryQhTk6HpbIQuLUdy8GJxJYk6sX1_vLHKU1yg78lMUTgqFqhwcN28B7BQTwa7aIkVk/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmpMpPsZFIL9hVZyodYLi7j38dIObZj10N1-6zsDPF67Q-tTC8DduHZPRDMd2a1iLzL0vaDdhSryQhTk6HpbIQuLUdy8GJxJYk6sX1_vLHKU1yg78lMUTgqFqhwcN28B7BQTwa7aIkVk/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8J3xKHQs9h3Q6Oyc2_lismV7omdXASwzXft9IEj7KvVS1nAr7qNQxj4ODOCOaKo7QJJsgOS5HwErp-d61uuxaAQlmkwJXSDwzB9E_CN2Ghjp1_r9dUrrvhbr0NkOWniZYVqvu4EVhVM/s640/IMG_1141.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8J3xKHQs9h3Q6Oyc2_lismV7omdXASwzXft9IEj7KvVS1nAr7qNQxj4ODOCOaKo7QJJsgOS5HwErp-d61uuxaAQlmkwJXSDwzB9E_CN2Ghjp1_r9dUrrvhbr0NkOWniZYVqvu4EVhVM/s640/IMG_1141.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. You are where the Lord wants you to be.</b> Probably not what you were expecting for #1, but I think it is the most amazing assurance that a person can have, and you are fortunate to have it on a daily basis. The Lord has tenderly put you here, and this is where you can do the most good and also have the most good done unto you. I am so proud of my parents--not because of your callings or positions in the church or worldly success, but because of the continuous examples of faithfulness and kindness you have been throughout my life. There isn't a moment I can recall in which you were not doing the will of the Lord, selflessly and with complete faith. I am sure that God knew I needed angelic parents--I just don't know why I got such stellar ones--even cool ones (yes, you are cool). I hope you know that you have my complete support in this call. Jamie and I will do whatever we can to make sure that you can wear out your souls (soles?) in the service of the Lord without concern for temporal things. I am certain that we will be blessed (just as we always have been from your faithful service), and that the blessing gained from your service in Ghana will far exceed the blessings we could receive if you were still working in SLC. Yes, Jamie and I have big, life-changing events ahead that I am sure that you would love to help out with through time, money, or service; but those things will be provided for in even greater amounts through a loving Heavenly Father.When we add to your posterity, we will make it a priority that they know their Nonno and Nonna wherever you are. You are where the Lord needs you. You know that. All of your children know that. And we all know that we will be better because of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcTNzgzetXCYZkUpdofDBWNWHYUATBQjwboaPc55T9562sF5A2ol5NezCDVgodJhyNd-x6BkrG52lMp5cBuKT9TwTAte5LCEbRWHv9VXkpBx-s3BeMnRP5UwEmPPtwmItrQbdDO59C7s/s640/CF050763.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcTNzgzetXCYZkUpdofDBWNWHYUATBQjwboaPc55T9562sF5A2ol5NezCDVgodJhyNd-x6BkrG52lMp5cBuKT9TwTAte5LCEbRWHv9VXkpBx-s3BeMnRP5UwEmPPtwmItrQbdDO59C7s/s640/CF050763.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 481px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmok_yaKZeuioJA0soR_o7CS5m31zkUyJeE7fdXc-mJ1pTedF-JGMSA7TOhsFzVxHoPBJOkogMlmgpA_NAJe3n-9BKG-81w-TaUFupyAAwKSyFR2nWeKjQArO67yVrAnWjDI255XPe3BU/s640/IMG_1325.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmok_yaKZeuioJA0soR_o7CS5m31zkUyJeE7fdXc-mJ1pTedF-JGMSA7TOhsFzVxHoPBJOkogMlmgpA_NAJe3n-9BKG-81w-TaUFupyAAwKSyFR2nWeKjQArO67yVrAnWjDI255XPe3BU/s640/IMG_1325.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQhMuuoseZGqWMHyOTKcI5n9DozOQAIeCOhFVj8L5Fnj_zswuCa3voTXSLPyckwuJ157vuRaCazOOqzxp5XCqQn_zdowtOkiCg7jN162MA2dBc8tpwoVW7AF-RoV5E5DOtIsJdIi0bBA/s640/IMG_1477.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQhMuuoseZGqWMHyOTKcI5n9DozOQAIeCOhFVj8L5Fnj_zswuCa3voTXSLPyckwuJ157vuRaCazOOqzxp5XCqQn_zdowtOkiCg7jN162MA2dBc8tpwoVW7AF-RoV5E5DOtIsJdIi0bBA/s640/IMG_1477.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px; " /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlemkhgEiyifFa5DQv0tM3mD7Gt3Jqx3C_KIpbkZQSgnsKEhe6jhbAkkO879xXtkqRlyAodVO3MO9qDOn_ODuuT94GGwR7wizA6nA8EhMdTwzYh_0_so0AIikUsjZUC3hEoBkthuhwxgc/s512/Wedding5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlemkhgEiyifFa5DQv0tM3mD7Gt3Jqx3C_KIpbkZQSgnsKEhe6jhbAkkO879xXtkqRlyAodVO3MO9qDOn_ODuuT94GGwR7wizA6nA8EhMdTwzYh_0_so0AIikUsjZUC3hEoBkthuhwxgc/s512/Wedding5.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1i6HFKjqG9wUwh3E0KCvdKkv8SKDLDkuiKMOcy7wCfG-eMzR-7aqRRvqCl6VsFnVi41QgPX4_2HkQDb38brMmCl7hUmqMj1sw_Y-mdX666QVmwP6fQjrlvmSJL9jInRWcrEtiHfiH5Y/s640/Wedding10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1i6HFKjqG9wUwh3E0KCvdKkv8SKDLDkuiKMOcy7wCfG-eMzR-7aqRRvqCl6VsFnVi41QgPX4_2HkQDb38brMmCl7hUmqMj1sw_Y-mdX666QVmwP6fQjrlvmSJL9jInRWcrEtiHfiH5Y/s640/Wedding10.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 497px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1B-58camtdqFHtUKmd4_sWlvzOGTQot7krEJUk7VnCLxjobdHgCCNHdeyvRMbRd1WZs3yndTQdIwd6bEpRKgO9LlDJ01IgIixiynYg2hEyvQmaqBfTfM0d-YqLMG0VoQHoDOp7_LC28/s512/Wedding52.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1B-58camtdqFHtUKmd4_sWlvzOGTQot7krEJUk7VnCLxjobdHgCCNHdeyvRMbRd1WZs3yndTQdIwd6bEpRKgO9LlDJ01IgIixiynYg2hEyvQmaqBfTfM0d-YqLMG0VoQHoDOp7_LC28/s512/Wedding52.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 508px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06YjXeY8Zuw5-wdAGe2gI6lhiuspEk3Uto406drtqpd-l26LdXJJaOBtev99aYdlrWogHUqdXc4Ev6QRK6amZbHmwtzbBrn87sdeXOWWAaFfBF8o6YMkHOmrO9akaFsPlbXHMfcn7TAE/s640/IMGP0934.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06YjXeY8Zuw5-wdAGe2gI6lhiuspEk3Uto406drtqpd-l26LdXJJaOBtev99aYdlrWogHUqdXc4Ev6QRK6amZbHmwtzbBrn87sdeXOWWAaFfBF8o6YMkHOmrO9akaFsPlbXHMfcn7TAE/s640/IMGP0934.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMQk1Yx5S-lfrrEPA_9vGGMlzKJM29wXX20WuFRPijNU2_ltUGe7cfjviylbd_HRWQ8Sx9i2FO7_uGHt7nrNWeRKrZr23iX8wr5ZPQm2nz5SU9T3iAurdOGEHiXR82-Bu6GwabVoiVH8/s512/IMG_1987.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMQk1Yx5S-lfrrEPA_9vGGMlzKJM29wXX20WuFRPijNU2_ltUGe7cfjviylbd_HRWQ8Sx9i2FO7_uGHt7nrNWeRKrZr23iX8wr5ZPQm2nz5SU9T3iAurdOGEHiXR82-Bu6GwabVoiVH8/s512/IMG_1987.JPG" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 512px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I look forward to meeting you at the airport on Wednesday. Look for the guy with the long, canary yellow hair and bold glasses. Well, maybe just the bold glasses this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, good luck with the packing. I have been collecting bottles of hand sanitizer and insect repellant from departing volunteers. You may be able to open up a side business hawking these things to travelers. I will help you get settled and show you where to find Mary Kay products and Barilla pasta. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vi voglio tanto bene,</div><div><br /></div><div>J.Grandy</div><div><br /></div><div>PS-Get your negotiating skills ready, 'cause we're heading to the market soon after you arrive. I will teach you the Ghanaian way of saying "Do you think I am fool?" All it involves is a sci-fi sounding noise.</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-43374739855537897272011-07-04T00:02:00.004+00:002011-07-04T22:47:22.837+00:00The OutreachMost days we travel to remote villages and set up our eye clinic. These outreaches are coordinated by the local eye care staff based out of the Crystal Eye Clinic in Accra, and patients are recruited in towns by trained local healthcare workers. Our coming to town is a big deal. The chiefs and elders (not the Mormon kind) come in their cloth, school is let out early (usually due to the uncontrollable ferver among the students with a bunch of "obruni"), and shops close so that workers can get their eyes checked.<br /><br />Here is what a day typically looks like:<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIwCziN73MggSjLW7IZgLwsQDe8vPQGDl9KZvydyT_8t3APHVnhqm1vkaQK9p-4WaZ844AnOv6kYy-uNzMKMolIE6lWKnuMzGVdL1eB235roST1R24x_S5Ik3Ts57P6sLMiZiRG6HREA/s640/IMG_0978.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIwCziN73MggSjLW7IZgLwsQDe8vPQGDl9KZvydyT_8t3APHVnhqm1vkaQK9p-4WaZ844AnOv6kYy-uNzMKMolIE6lWKnuMzGVdL1eB235roST1R24x_S5Ik3Ts57P6sLMiZiRG6HREA/s640/IMG_0978.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>We leave Accra or another overnight location around 7:30 AM.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD85TEV-o6PJkUkPI6V75rsStMVwcAmugD8sP5zy3KWHyV9RAjFsC5nL77EH6V09RXwcI0C5clZ21x4JpwvXl8ZuGAAaezPZ9WfL2IC9fXQ2i-4vwKcnfmNPucYUCx-I3yTR1_LMFbPMM/s640/IMG_0507.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" border="0" /></span></div><div>We all crowd into the van and travel along some rollah-costah roads for 2-4 hours.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSanCw2EAfT8V3eAvbTIQaXHVtVlwnggLSaKxXfQXTaxNkfDsIw9FnDpTahcNl7pb7XSm6gy20VWa12LR2_OHmXhBWJ7W2kyBZOlf5GLXTY83eHW79nFRXVfK50I-bgnsuzl4q5mQGdM/s512/IMG_4288.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSanCw2EAfT8V3eAvbTIQaXHVtVlwnggLSaKxXfQXTaxNkfDsIw9FnDpTahcNl7pb7XSm6gy20VWa12LR2_OHmXhBWJ7W2kyBZOlf5GLXTY83eHW79nFRXVfK50I-bgnsuzl4q5mQGdM/s512/IMG_4288.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>We arrive at the village site (usually a church) that has 100-150 people waiting inside.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FFhOtkJ8vHAlT1wdG8hE-rdZk6B3pBz9EMaVfYDFRXT-HvEslYBVa2LYnveHQbZC9NblBafq-p644a3bdWgLFPgRO9wt-AapxqpuObuWhb4BECXLyFl7qlKCiFfTQOjL_YTVGKHn7ds/s640/IMG_4039.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" border="0" /></span></div><div>One of the local staff members gives a presentation on general eye health and the loigistics of the outreach.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBqg9UmEAebmkgtvANmf0I2PEJ4Qkt-enX0XltLqMORQg0yfOLbXRE9suCvwmI6Sfc9pFNsoWGXf1bYFXbHv0iDEBTRDN4yu7yETIo2VGWKO8TU-EAMoUHjya_ZtdC9EoIaac4Fndtj4/s640/IMG_4030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBqg9UmEAebmkgtvANmf0I2PEJ4Qkt-enX0XltLqMORQg0yfOLbXRE9suCvwmI6Sfc9pFNsoWGXf1bYFXbHv0iDEBTRDN4yu7yETIo2VGWKO8TU-EAMoUHjya_ZtdC9EoIaac4Fndtj4/s640/IMG_4030.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>We, the volunteers, set up the medication dispensing table and visual acuity station.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N-E0E5phFfOjRvBSBIE09Wwpiot7VyXb-33G9SnjDERlXPKlBJWoLdie5_XmXr_jpmovS4v14Y9qSWeVpJvzyuV_tllDv8zb-ZVdCkOgtSaHuEREjBI4TQP91nK0xU9DXoFMNfkCXZ0/s640/IMG_3954.JPG" alt="" border="0" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrAg_k6NVtUJv_No7MGje4wComklm_3ehmcQy6-Q21aucPvpm2oIW2BNyArBzhRn3Eerj2-Ra8m4f2KuIawM70ahB9vK6_4VuMYTxgp2vC3bZVSevCx5rhBcmgt_69DWfE85Rxfpk8oc/s640/IMG_0541.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrAg_k6NVtUJv_No7MGje4wComklm_3ehmcQy6-Q21aucPvpm2oIW2BNyArBzhRn3Eerj2-Ra8m4f2KuIawM70ahB9vK6_4VuMYTxgp2vC3bZVSevCx5rhBcmgt_69DWfE85Rxfpk8oc/s640/IMG_0541.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRVsG_iG4AzlBzlNz7rri-YZb1ZWTCel2jBG3Uymy7o_91cNAVeY-mATtu0jo333GOVBP7DQ1_U62qxlObssaRYsa8qjpIJdajUiV0HVlUG5H_-mB03N-zEiNYOchsXYqzKbf3r5FkQo/s640/IMG_0534.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRVsG_iG4AzlBzlNz7rri-YZb1ZWTCel2jBG3Uymy7o_91cNAVeY-mATtu0jo333GOVBP7DQ1_U62qxlObssaRYsa8qjpIJdajUiV0HVlUG5H_-mB03N-zEiNYOchsXYqzKbf3r5FkQo/s640/IMG_0534.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>Following registration, the patients' visual acuity is assessed.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUGvZgRGNwd3mQPPIASj1UUzj8rHCkwsIc5NXYVZkPBP_BtKshMUARUouip8gvIhg4XJqPvVUVfss4x_b7USojISpq5InN_HHre_c3mUas_Dvx0zMIB3XsVhIdoRyjHGj3BCm9f6tQHM/s640/IMG_3948.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUGvZgRGNwd3mQPPIASj1UUzj8rHCkwsIc5NXYVZkPBP_BtKshMUARUouip8gvIhg4XJqPvVUVfss4x_b7USojISpq5InN_HHre_c3mUas_Dvx0zMIB3XsVhIdoRyjHGj3BCm9f6tQHM/s640/IMG_3948.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HRo4XQCTcEn5ylSsZygwHQ9n5Kj98ip4hsaZArCJlwzP4F41lcqh-eYYz8x6UVodiYkGEFN8xKu7X7qFXPq4vfbyTX-shJ_qI4cb2vUpU1g7soun1GOlP09oX4jVvtAJc5l3ZvoZMM/s640/IMG_3888.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HRo4XQCTcEn5ylSsZygwHQ9n5Kj98ip4hsaZArCJlwzP4F41lcqh-eYYz8x6UVodiYkGEFN8xKu7X7qFXPq4vfbyTX-shJ_qI4cb2vUpU1g7soun1GOlP09oX4jVvtAJc5l3ZvoZMM/s640/IMG_3888.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Next, the optometrist or ophthalmic nurse examines the eyes. Those that have mature cataracts, pterygium, or other significant eye issues are referred for surgery provided free of charge (thanks to the generous contributions of many of you--on behalf of hundreds of patients: madassi (thank you!)). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVI_AsLljnlLzn2o7T8lFWUkVuB2MaTKtMLG5JuixOhrSS_Sb-YlMuT1Nn0A_H38ZbWiSCUpez8hsy36Xak0CpaYFyTERkozyhwhGU4I_6a4Le1Onwgrtz1MlciAAAm3xdlFTIToQDZ0/s640/IMG_4389.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Patients move to the medication station where they receive drops and/or glasses as prescribed by the eye doctor.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VGWVCX-hBFcfK5uqoHIeLXoZSacbXV4jqGVMsa2wIHyhQyVWTYg2aK4DFAfbWSwgCKcnL3BqL5t5QgSEp9K2NmFh9QBWDzmDxlAq7SFQsUBA6Cfr35moQdmOWON5zaCrVCYiP6RXjiQ/s640/IMG_0563.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div>My research involves patients referred for surgery; those that qualify are interviewed with the help of a local interpretor. So far, I have interviewed more than 120 cataract cases.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2e2RcYFn6VHkz3WTqU0Zga3yCkq_bjNyNsrDz4JTMmowUBOgMB_2bXOLSf0y6_83MZkFd060FtV33q1cPSk33k_cZiGSssQDSp_Oo_U-IdeY0_41iwJzNVI-tOWbFXw-t7V25aSIccs/s640/IMG_3836.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">After nearly 200 patients and 7 hours of work, we clean up.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtyUldc3fSeCWp4JJDcRg97JLziyLkArTeWIPCiLvKANcfDKsUcaWRmWeJnB7qB3ktuIDuH7kqnERSfhcBqibXqGA-0lRIzjbKsLoModBDgftNupQA4VutQ2h_1Az4lM54IXhuYDq1Gw/s640/IMG_4001.JPG" alt="" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">If we are lucky, the local village prepares a meal for us, otherwise we stop at a chop bar on our way home. This is banku and mudfish--it is a fermented corn and casava dough that you eat with your hands. Yum!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvr5LeeaeAbHah9Xe6WSV-rSrVe-un5NldenHyV0WlRBYpQV8nRlz3kotLVEkfHPL4EKJvbtvFpivt86aeLYWMHh96ETDdR0k3Bmif0a84MO4cxD41XRL6GI_UJrFSZcyZavWjwHFiyI/s512/IMG_3903.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvr5LeeaeAbHah9Xe6WSV-rSrVe-un5NldenHyV0WlRBYpQV8nRlz3kotLVEkfHPL4EKJvbtvFpivt86aeLYWMHh96ETDdR0k3Bmif0a84MO4cxD41XRL6GI_UJrFSZcyZavWjwHFiyI/s512/IMG_3903.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrAg_k6NVtUJv_No7MGje4wComklm_3ehmcQy6-Q21aucPvpm2oIW2BNyArBzhRn3Eerj2-Ra8m4f2KuIawM70ahB9vK6_4VuMYTxgp2vC3bZVSevCx5rhBcmgt_69DWfE85Rxfpk8oc/s640/IMG_0541.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YQAexJya0uxi3KftcH3vV8Fr2vMEaiQ_jlnclvFStwWGxrFtUPh4kGq2JbTe5N_gS8EgVhKS2B_INUskclEK5zZVNAYC_f2Hni_GYWrhewhcnCNfOhr_uNVEGLZNImGCEwLHRFzh9rg/s640/IMG_4011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 426px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YQAexJya0uxi3KftcH3vV8Fr2vMEaiQ_jlnclvFStwWGxrFtUPh4kGq2JbTe5N_gS8EgVhKS2B_INUskclEK5zZVNAYC_f2Hni_GYWrhewhcnCNfOhr_uNVEGLZNImGCEwLHRFzh9rg/s640/IMG_4011.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD85TEV-o6PJkUkPI6V75rsStMVwcAmugD8sP5zy3KWHyV9RAjFsC5nL77EH6V09RXwcI0C5clZ21x4JpwvXl8ZuGAAaezPZ9WfL2IC9fXQ2i-4vwKcnfmNPucYUCx-I3yTR1_LMFbPMM/s640/IMG_0507.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjodoUGT3ok_QOSCRuvn-MOZvrfexKqTVhBpRLoCWrwibBYQzsOb-4EgIiTOLgT4UpJw5oIPNE27GyyaluheTc7dXMvgIV4cTUf_IlTJuR1jeit4xNwbORJlB3t6GxCtEQPSmB8KWaCE/s512/IMG_3912.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjodoUGT3ok_QOSCRuvn-MOZvrfexKqTVhBpRLoCWrwibBYQzsOb-4EgIiTOLgT4UpJw5oIPNE27GyyaluheTc7dXMvgIV4cTUf_IlTJuR1jeit4xNwbORJlB3t6GxCtEQPSmB8KWaCE/s512/IMG_3912.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JQeAYmdz2v4WIQCLGVGCDesocUgJkeLgYk8ykFE2Mtf4crYYI9S057FGpay8CGGq_CtmRdMsqvLljZsaJoJ0vHlPhyphenhyphen3PaUrdWgeWNwDGgLjKU6UPjFvEgb5bxtnvjHGfAy-IdnzkNCk/s640/IMG_0947.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JQeAYmdz2v4WIQCLGVGCDesocUgJkeLgYk8ykFE2Mtf4crYYI9S057FGpay8CGGq_CtmRdMsqvLljZsaJoJ0vHlPhyphenhyphen3PaUrdWgeWNwDGgLjKU6UPjFvEgb5bxtnvjHGfAy-IdnzkNCk/s640/IMG_0947.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite things about outreaches is seeing so many children. They are always timid at first (for many, they have never seen an "obruni" before). With time, they gradually encroach until they are holding your hand or staring over your shoulder.</div><br /></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-64179901511139532652011-07-03T23:31:00.002+00:002011-07-04T00:01:08.419+00:00Monkeys and WaterfallsOne Saturday a group of us hired a driver to take us to play with baboons and antelopes. Along the way we also hiked Boti Falls and ate cocoa pods (slimy, sticky, strange...and I kind of liked them).<br /><br />I really got into the monkey thing. Baboons and I haven't always gotten along--ask my brothers.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm18PIJWvbtr1uVPOWka_S6io5lri3HqTxlpxrbRCsIhpJ7Iw8SUBcIm1sMxHbUg1gLkqAAjY9oH3PZt7uNA4aLUGvOg4YmBa07C3ceWp5ENwthTHYL9RBxy3Js5RyYuNFmOtzNLRhcLQ/s640/IMG_0784.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm18PIJWvbtr1uVPOWka_S6io5lri3HqTxlpxrbRCsIhpJ7Iw8SUBcIm1sMxHbUg1gLkqAAjY9oH3PZt7uNA4aLUGvOg4YmBa07C3ceWp5ENwthTHYL9RBxy3Js5RyYuNFmOtzNLRhcLQ/s640/IMG_0784.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HwaxKO8DVdWFVAQQv_lipQMByCeIenksPyksW_PdR_WXqb3OuUS4dOPrKOmxnlB3GzsTWldPyDXRDFXNldZmpc5ApK1KKHKWBGYp-nqRnoaRWG78jc9CKFiBIqOHHdzvJ9uZU91WMmo/s640/IMG_0593.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HwaxKO8DVdWFVAQQv_lipQMByCeIenksPyksW_PdR_WXqb3OuUS4dOPrKOmxnlB3GzsTWldPyDXRDFXNldZmpc5ApK1KKHKWBGYp-nqRnoaRWG78jc9CKFiBIqOHHdzvJ9uZU91WMmo/s640/IMG_0593.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus81VrWFDClOp7Ya_SdIBZkQuBIfE6cZDUIM70kB-G-rMSw0VJrn-FEizdAOgVS3WzvleKydmREh-AwAH-MoKqEjb5wCSwBkgiYHohhBJlCOaW-1yYgwC3kY8iokSXfORVyvIcslYs0k/s512/IMG_0884.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus81VrWFDClOp7Ya_SdIBZkQuBIfE6cZDUIM70kB-G-rMSw0VJrn-FEizdAOgVS3WzvleKydmREh-AwAH-MoKqEjb5wCSwBkgiYHohhBJlCOaW-1yYgwC3kY8iokSXfORVyvIcslYs0k/s512/IMG_0884.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubTx7IRj5zbzS1zLj5xK01C_pwZ8cM4Ima9l4XMMnVPA8SKLceykrHdtrgqrXe7qQkFpwR6JsgflMN5QbnVNeBMIRlN_dRL1f3NFfcWZB3DQbTYywncfrHd4ksi1SwAufyJnkXWCdWi4/s640/IMG_0904.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubTx7IRj5zbzS1zLj5xK01C_pwZ8cM4Ima9l4XMMnVPA8SKLceykrHdtrgqrXe7qQkFpwR6JsgflMN5QbnVNeBMIRlN_dRL1f3NFfcWZB3DQbTYywncfrHd4ksi1SwAufyJnkXWCdWi4/s640/IMG_0904.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ypuP-NpR_S2tMlfNae6S3ENb9iU4dmdTlbEHHqhUptNuMM7QyNzLuERCh7Y_bE8HPz3ldn9J7osKLsO5PdtQ0JgeKLE9he4JAdjleoLImyhAExScfAWYh0LjH7uLuC8p-Cea19yTobE/s640/IMG_0694.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ypuP-NpR_S2tMlfNae6S3ENb9iU4dmdTlbEHHqhUptNuMM7QyNzLuERCh7Y_bE8HPz3ldn9J7osKLsO5PdtQ0JgeKLE9he4JAdjleoLImyhAExScfAWYh0LjH7uLuC8p-Cea19yTobE/s640/IMG_0694.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd4tPQPkVTHn3tnMQZ7mnndkOmXcCWbGJY_t92gqBir_6nzyeUTd0USgwPubJwa3Rd77tIOQGPsUN8KVyRM5X1LzHien5cv-cwlr58c81VVi9IxiQqlE636ZHtGXN-mJc6W8OiFyZSJw/s640/IMG_0929.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCd4tPQPkVTHn3tnMQZ7mnndkOmXcCWbGJY_t92gqBir_6nzyeUTd0USgwPubJwa3Rd77tIOQGPsUN8KVyRM5X1LzHien5cv-cwlr58c81VVi9IxiQqlE636ZHtGXN-mJc6W8OiFyZSJw/s640/IMG_0929.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq_WKli_pVuWNd8EAogCEfEEj9iB4LBKy2G9N-BK_1dNPKC5Y2YEisbNLs4cdaCEWdzwl3y5clAvAIRKLiz2YXAB_IqQNuke1kMWXEfBQVrnY7kYZMlY92OuyOLiVWU4h6MMvRgQiT-c/s640/IMG_0911.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq_WKli_pVuWNd8EAogCEfEEj9iB4LBKy2G9N-BK_1dNPKC5Y2YEisbNLs4cdaCEWdzwl3y5clAvAIRKLiz2YXAB_IqQNuke1kMWXEfBQVrnY7kYZMlY92OuyOLiVWU4h6MMvRgQiT-c/s640/IMG_0911.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://goo.gl/photos/OenZXNZwMc" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWeBWs22zlBROlfD4CKOMkN0e_nWLtiFnkiL3z_xoyb0fo4iJEm90xixRSyL8N_apdLZ465o2czZDUAa-1APPVcIOZ_p12rWZnxWplPYNFZUcFPL9ItvAbd7MletnzEL3py6GKIw0uj4/s512/MVI_0877.jpg" /></a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-3050079521938105802011-06-03T23:36:00.004+00:002011-06-04T01:48:32.208+00:00Suggestion #1: Find fragments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoPYoAlic9X5CyKHWBHtX7Z0HGXWtEJ4qA7h9D2pDbS3laXzjOY-y0i9AfxT6XhUeBSoRyeFShsC1ISsWEy-z_y7zbKbmjmVPT2KO2bNwS35KMizaQzjWl3BSmTVYTFwVRGD1DC5l4A8/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoPYoAlic9X5CyKHWBHtX7Z0HGXWtEJ4qA7h9D2pDbS3laXzjOY-y0i9AfxT6XhUeBSoRyeFShsC1ISsWEy-z_y7zbKbmjmVPT2KO2bNwS35KMizaQzjWl3BSmTVYTFwVRGD1DC5l4A8/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614172161554627170" /></a><br /><br />On a VERY bumpy road to a small, tropical town called Kyepi, we entered a large village. Along the road were hundreds of people running to the windows of the car trying to sell sweet breads, dried fish, and water. behind them were the little roadside stalls with more of the same goods. The scene is frantic, with snarled traffic, dusty roads, and people all in commotion. Amidst the calamity came the calm: a clear, clean sign for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<br /><br />I have never felt much from fonts (though a good sans serif gives me occasional glee), this fragment of familiarity buoyed me up on a turbulent road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sYOXQl7mmXUWiDWpvgbyt0uf9VO7csifLjDj147oHdXN54qYy7BKAhHUwSNLYJdEWPSyl6f2B8iBi4M_OJLec9AVS2viba12BgS4jkDJKBGY1_N4UVGzfgrUzFqOxfUHtFCmjbmD0NA/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sYOXQl7mmXUWiDWpvgbyt0uf9VO7csifLjDj147oHdXN54qYy7BKAhHUwSNLYJdEWPSyl6f2B8iBi4M_OJLec9AVS2viba12BgS4jkDJKBGY1_N4UVGzfgrUzFqOxfUHtFCmjbmD0NA/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614175151396271730" /></a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-63512101337791090622011-06-02T23:31:00.001+00:002011-06-03T01:10:28.363+00:00Outreach: Teshie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TLl6rfUJQz9mfvLl6RCqawBdC0hvjTSdoTAwn5smuUFCrI4yboewXap4Sn3LbRkgC5lNodmrvnhNPZoWZo2dZD5qVD43rmtd5UlGAo3u2X4BMpZNpQU_HXpZP9kmZAXTYuP2eFRCR_g/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TLl6rfUJQz9mfvLl6RCqawBdC0hvjTSdoTAwn5smuUFCrI4yboewXap4Sn3LbRkgC5lNodmrvnhNPZoWZo2dZD5qVD43rmtd5UlGAo3u2X4BMpZNpQU_HXpZP9kmZAXTYuP2eFRCR_g/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613774125730953106" /></a><br /><br />Our group of 11 volunteers crammed into a van and rode through hectic traffic to a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Accra called Teshie. I thought Bismark made a mistake when we pulled off a dirt road onto an even worse road that went around a school and into a field where a church building stood with an outdoor pavilion. Goats and chickens ran in horror as our van pulled up. Inside the large, cement church building were 200-250 people, mostly over the age of 40 patiently awaiting our arrival. <br /><br />The ophthalmic nurse, Dennis Baah gave a short presentation about common misconceptions about treating eyes ("Do not try to treat eye problems with urine or breast milk" was one of the key objectives). After we had introduced ourselves, the patients went through a series of stations where we measured their visual acuity, received an examination by Dennis, and received eye meds and/or glasses. I spent most of my day assessing visual acuity and dispensing medicine and glasses. <br /><br />The entire time, little kids would stop and stare. The brave ones would play games with us or say hello. One 3 year old girl came up from behind and grabbed my hand. She didn't know any English (they speak a language called Ga in this particular area). She spent most of the day playing in the courtyard, picking up rocks, chasing other kids, and playing peek-abo with me. Children seem more resilient here--very few cry, even if they take a tumble in the dirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-ZksTTntbbQDca2w-4Fk7hmxuYUM-vyensFPzwYpb7lQsbKVAUzniytEYlCcaPaOhr3tqpnXr46nQiJXgDFdVu255984Do29fxoBRTKYnuA3mb5cgy2QdhuzJAIN3yiKsDsClBw-ex0/s1600/IMG_0382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-ZksTTntbbQDca2w-4Fk7hmxuYUM-vyensFPzwYpb7lQsbKVAUzniytEYlCcaPaOhr3tqpnXr46nQiJXgDFdVu255984Do29fxoBRTKYnuA3mb5cgy2QdhuzJAIN3yiKsDsClBw-ex0/s320/IMG_0382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613793757677353746" /></a><br /><br />One of the old women who helped organize the event told me that she was going to go get water, "But not the one that makes your stomach runny." She came back with bottled water. So far, my stomach is not runny.<br /><br />One of the things I appreciate about the women in Ghana is their fashion sense--although glasses are not the fashion accessory of choice her, they get very particular about how they will look. We have to make sure that they don't choose the frames over their ability to see. They wear these beautiful dresses, gowns and head wear--so bright and detailed! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0eegsL0PNX4l8L8GqSiaW6mVkESs1kHDuvbDb2wd_9XYKIyRaHv4qOOZYBoUs_eHXPZBcEbwxdxddGpRHZzo47fO15Kd7yKTkQhOqvzrU0NaUlR2ObVXbKAxWyqqSXBpm41sq2BIFfc/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0eegsL0PNX4l8L8GqSiaW6mVkESs1kHDuvbDb2wd_9XYKIyRaHv4qOOZYBoUs_eHXPZBcEbwxdxddGpRHZzo47fO15Kd7yKTkQhOqvzrU0NaUlR2ObVXbKAxWyqqSXBpm41sq2BIFfc/s320/IMG_0383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613792620567742818" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGuFFTjgJM-2t0Z_FpnRJ3dsXtxtrSYm5l3aQV6vENUXwuVJ5LPLaGg4UoT5cMg-EAPQXGMySmA3fqDzpmVw2iHBYJFodHaQGLRRcKPOHSSxNx3AfCobVcEhHcGyRwN856UTkpJjNqSU/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGuFFTjgJM-2t0Z_FpnRJ3dsXtxtrSYm5l3aQV6vENUXwuVJ5LPLaGg4UoT5cMg-EAPQXGMySmA3fqDzpmVw2iHBYJFodHaQGLRRcKPOHSSxNx3AfCobVcEhHcGyRwN856UTkpJjNqSU/s320/IMG_0386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613794275776544210" /></a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-46829707850378868802011-06-01T18:43:00.000+00:002011-06-02T23:18:44.169+00:00I am a Ghana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihso4E2tPdM96K0eb4DnVg7kfp8kS_TGBgZeXsmOvx4I-0eZf58Rdy8TYFRN3WVmnAPrfi05jrYThyphenhyphen8OvK7OtRkSwXZTVOJk7Il3ZlfeLte7APFyvPDeNNrIXCTsYIQNTQqIuUO2VT698/s1600/IMG_0371.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihso4E2tPdM96K0eb4DnVg7kfp8kS_TGBgZeXsmOvx4I-0eZf58Rdy8TYFRN3WVmnAPrfi05jrYThyphenhyphen8OvK7OtRkSwXZTVOJk7Il3ZlfeLte7APFyvPDeNNrIXCTsYIQNTQqIuUO2VT698/s320/IMG_0371.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613765561635817346" /></a><br />In an instant, I am gone.<br /><br />Well, more like after 16 hours of flight time, I am gone.<br /><br />Jamie dropped me off at LGA yesterday morning. Fighting back tears we said arrivaderci (which, looking back probably wasn't the most accurate language to use). All 145 pounds of me moved all 160 pounds of my luggage through a coral of check-ins, security check-ins, security screening, check-in-check-ins, and onto the plane. <br /><br /><br /><br />My bags contained the following essential items: <br /><br />1 indirect opthalamascope (it sort of looked like the medical devices Will Smith was selling in the "Pursuit of Happiness," only with less beige and more bubble wrap...more on this later)<br />250 pairs of glasses<br />6 pounds of beef jerky<br />~10 L'Oreal products<br />20 pounds of granola/energy bars<br />1 1-person tent<br />4 cans of 100% DEET<br />5 outfits (variety on an African/medical theme...NOTE: some articles, i.e. pants and shirts that don't show dirt/stench may appear in multiple looks)<br />1200 copies of patient intake forms & informed consent<br />1 water-bottle fan<br />1 tropical first aid kit that should earn me another First Aid merit badge<br /><br />I felt like I got away with something by sneaking all my heavy items into one of my carry-ons. All was rosy until I attempted to heft the rolling anvil warehouse into the ultra-slim overhead compartment. Shifting a lump of granola bars around, I was able to ram the bag in, though I made sure that it would not be resting precariously over MY head during the flight.<br /><br />I made it to Atlanta ok, where it was once again confirmed to me that Chick-Fil-A, Jesus, and big hair are all the rage.<br /><br />Knowing my time in the Western hemisphere to be limited, i paid my tribute to the western cuisine and got on a plane for Ghana. <br /><br />On this leg, I was extra lucky--I was on an aisle seat, AND the person next to me failed to show up (maybe they asked to change seats after smelling my insect-repellent soaked clothes. The flight was mixed with snoring, a man walking around without his shirt, a breakfast items that looked like a chocolate brioche but ended up being a Jamaican pie with black beans (words cannot describe my surprise).<br /><br />After a long flight, we arrived in Accra, where my luggage had arrived mostly intact. The final test was to run the customs gauntlet. Keep in mind, that I was low-hanging fruit for a customs officer: I was obviously not Ghanaian, I had way too much luggage, and I wore glasses (we are the first to be picked on). Sure enough, I was pulled aside and asked to display the contents of my luggage. The first bag was the one stuffed with glasses and the sketchy-looking medical device. When opened, the women's surprise was obvious: "What is this thing?" she asked. Panicked, i started to make a medical explanation "You see, traditional opthalamascopes only allowed doctors to visualize a certain portion of the retina..." I could see she was losing interest...my plan was working! Next was my large back-lacking bag, where i noticed a watermelon-cucumber-sunscreen-min toothpaste smell emanating from a moist portion of the bag. I had packed my cloths in tight bright duffel bags which closely resembled plastic explosives. Miraculously, she waved me on. My other Unite For Sight friends had their glasses held in customs for an hour, while I slipped through.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlMZFNCgiFH9JkA67yJrr-xk-u2yWfz1cgdniXYxWljx3MNWIkt90R8xJe-wT9R7uF3OaxgS83vvI1jvt_xMSPmiD64LNVsz_UhfTvEFsLtq2ix9UFA96Zk4x3D8pFtjGPHNXW0s2Ac8/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlMZFNCgiFH9JkA67yJrr-xk-u2yWfz1cgdniXYxWljx3MNWIkt90R8xJe-wT9R7uF3OaxgS83vvI1jvt_xMSPmiD64LNVsz_UhfTvEFsLtq2ix9UFA96Zk4x3D8pFtjGPHNXW0s2Ac8/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613341574958751234" /></a><br /><br /><br />We were greeted by Jerome and an assistant who helped us pile into a large van/bus/leftover piece of cold war transportation. The streets were crowded with men and women trying to sell plantain chips, drinks, soccer balls, super glue, even puppies to the gridlocked traffic. Women balanced large baskets of goods on their heads as they gracefully moved between the cars. A man on the corner was chopping coconuts with his machete, while another was churning cassava into fufu. The roads were in terrible shape; pot holes the size of small dinosaurs pocked the streets. Finally, we made it to our little hostel, a clean place in the northern part of the city.<br /><br /><br /><br />We unpacked, exchanged money, got a bite to eat (I had joffah rice and kewele (fried plantains)) while flies buzzed around our table. now we are back and the journey that started more than 30 hours ago is finally catching up.<br /><br />I am thrilled to be in Ghana, working with amazing physicians, nurses, and volunteers. From my first impressions, the Ghanaian people are very kind and happy. The attendant at the front desk of the guest house was so excited when I told her that my parents were moving to Ghana that she clapped her hands and let out a little cheer. I can not help but think of my parents and the adventure they are in for. <br /><br />Most of all, I miss Jamie--it is a funny thing how oblivious I have been to the large role she is in my life. I am glad that she is busy in NYC, and that her sister can keep her company. Jamie is supportive of me and my dreams, even if they make her life more challenging. She deserves big blessings.<br /><br />I will post periodically, so if you are looking for time to kill, check back often.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-9131547180551706562009-02-20T20:15:00.000+00:002009-02-20T20:41:16.691+00:00Bronx Lab, mateRecently, one of Australia's larger networks came to New York and did a story on small, progressive schools, and my school was the one they chose to feature. If you have 15 minutes, check it out--you will see two of the most powerful people in education: Chancellor Joel Klein and the UFT and AFT president, Randi Weingarten (any wonder why we get Yom Kippur off?). Also of note, my principle, Marc Sternburg (seeing a trend here?), several of my colleagues (including .3 seconds of me), and, of course, my students. everyone did great--Marc is the best principal you could ask for, and the students are the reason I teach.<br /><br />Check it out:<br /><br /><a href="http://video.sbs.com.au/player/news/index.php?mmid=31566&chid=13"><img class="size-full wp-image-9731" title="picture-161" src="http://gothamschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/picture-161.png" alt="picture-161" height="257" width="321" /></a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-35208268782351783162009-01-28T03:05:00.000+00:002009-01-28T03:07:02.231+00:00Bullet for a targetNew York is a target. Some days I feel like I am scrambling around, dodging the shower of ideas and personalities pouring down. Something mysteriously draws the best and the worst to Manhattan--and oddly enough, Manhattan so often brings out the best and the worst in us. I was reminded of this no long ago when I was rushing home from teaching in the Bronx. My students had been testy, and I was eager to crawl into our one-room refuge. I was day-dreaming about making it home, when i discovered that the train I had been on was being rerouted to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">east side</span> of Manhattan. Mechanically, I got off at the next stop, a busy station in Harlem. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">There</span> I waited for a bus with a pushy rush-hour crowd. <br /> When my turn came, i hopped on the bus, swiped my card, only to have it rejected. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">This</span> couldn't be. I tried it again. Same result. I was incredulous. I tried it 3,4,5,6 more times, before the bus driver indicated that I needed to step of his bus (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MTA</span> employees are very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">possessive</span> about what they move). I objected, saying quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">desperately</span> that I had purchased a monthly pass, and that I was trying to get home. The bus driver said even louder, "Sir, step of MY BUS!" I stepped off, and went to the end of the line, confused about the card malfunction. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sneaked</span> back on, and sheepishly said, I want to try one more time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ERRRR</span>. The card was not working. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">This</span> time, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">didn't</span> need the driver's booming voice to tell me what to do, I dropped by head and stepped off.<br /> But <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">just</span> as I did so, another passenger, a friendly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Harlemite</span>, said, "Hey, don't worry, I've got you, man." And with that, he took out his card and swiped me on. The bus driver muttered something and peeled off as I reached for a bar to hold on to. I was shocked--and quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">embarrassed</span>. I looked so foolish, dressed in my tie and jacket, throwing a fit because my card wasn't working, and here was this smiley guy in old sweats who pays my fair. I cowered in among the crowd and thought about what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">just</span> happened.<br /> Too often I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">misjudge</span> myself. I hate to admit it, but I like to think of myself more generous that the strangers around me. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">look</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">around</span> and too often I see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">people</span> that I think <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">could</span> careless about what is going on around them. I have come to realize that that is what I do. It is shameful. New York City provides so many opportunities to be a good Christian and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">just</span> as many not to be. It is humbling being on the receiving end after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">you</span> have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">embarrassed</span> yourself like I did. <br /> What becomes of the small things we do--or don't do. In a city so stuffed with egos, can we sift through the smokescreens enough to see humanity as it really is: a frustrated home-hungry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">person</span> who needs a simple gesture of kindness--a reminder that hearts are here in New York.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537059717808653042.post-88360694049874801282009-01-10T01:58:00.000+00:002009-01-10T16:01:15.260+00:00Combing the Concrete<div> At the school where I teach, I run a little exercise that goes like this:</div><div> Imagine that as you enter the dusty classroom you notice a plain, brown lunch sack at your group's table. The top has been creased down sharply, and although you have yet to heft the bag, yo can tell that something is inside. As you toss down your fake-label book bag you reach towards the bag only to hear my teacher-voice breaks the shuffling air, "If you so much as touch the bag before I give you permission, I will knock 5 points off your grade" (arbitrary point threats go straight for the jugular). We begin class and for the first 15 minutes I make no allusion to the mysterious paper bags sitting right in front of you. You find it hard to concentrate on what is being said, so curious are you for what lies just beyond your fingertips. Suddenly, this built up speculating is released as I say "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, now open the paper bags and place all of the objects on your table. Your group will have 3 minutes to arrange the objects into two piles based on what they have in common. Each group will have three attempts at organizing their materials. When you think that your group has it, raise your hand and I will tell you whether you are correct."</div><div> With that you scramble to be the one to dump he contents onto the graffiti-splotched table. Hands fly madly, turning over paper sacks. You are puzzled at what is inside--it seems that none of the objects are related: a Russian spoon, a hair clip, a pretzel, a CD, a candle, a celery stick, a digital watch, a water bottle, a rock...a whole assortment of what appears to be random objects. As you quickly search around the classroom looking at other groups you find that nobody has the same materials as you, y<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">et</span> they all are equally perplexed. Your confusion moves to frustration as I remind you to focus on your own work and that you now have two minutes left. Your eyes wander at your collection and you wonder, "How am I to make sense of all of this?" </div><div> This activity proves very frustrating for students who are used to having knowledge given to them in neat, predictable lessons. It challenges students to make their own connections and to discover their own learning. While the debate about this for of discovery-based learning is always hot in the pedagogical world, it is none the less a very telling approach that challenges every student. Learning--true learning--is never comfortable.</div><div> I teach 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> grade biology at a progressive school in the Bronx. Each morning I get on the Uptown 2 train in my neighborhood on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I cut through Harlem, across the Harlem river, through the Dominican pockets of the South Bronx and end up in the middle of one of New York's largest project housing facilities at Gun Hill Road. Seventy years ago this neighborhood was filled with poor Italian and Irish immigrants, now it has been replaced with Dominicans, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Puerto</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ricans</span>, Caribbeans, and African refugees. Ninety percent of my students qualify for free breakfast and lunch (Title 1); most read on a 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> grade reading level, and all have real problems. </div><div> Mine isn't a story like "Dangerous Minds" or "Freedom Writers"--I'm not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">memoiresque</span> or Hollywood friendly. Rather these are my thoughts and musings--most wash through my exhausted body as I snake back down the Bronx on the 2 train. Trains have long been the vessels of my greatest understandings of life--they are my rolling sepulcher, the adhesive ribbon in a life scattered across three continents. My words are not meant to entertain or to to teach--merely to exist. They are the contents eagerly spilt from a paper bag, left for you--and me--to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">rearrange</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">separate</span> as we deem appropriate. You may now begin.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371175201972949757noreply@blogger.com0