20 days and counting

Hello everyone! I'm sorry the photos didn't work. I'm really disappointed, because I spent the whole time working on them. Awww well, when I get home I will post them all. Anyway I can't believe all that I have been able to experience and do while I have been here. A few weeks ago I got to watch a football/ soccer game on a old fuzzy tv screen that belonged to a family that lives on the school grounds. I had gone to visit the kids after dinner, when they all came running up to me. They all wanted to tell me that Ghana was playing Brazil for the world cup. They were so excited! Richard then grabbed my arm and lead me to the little houses that line the school grounds. As I approached I saw what seemed like every student in the school surrounding a tiny house. Older kids where sitting on the porch wall peaking through the door at the tv screen inside. The younger ones were pressing their faces up against the screen on the window and pushing through the legs of the older boys by the door. They welcomed me as I approached and some of the older boys made room for me by the door. When the family sitting inside saw me and another volunteer, George standing outside, they pulled us inside and sat us down on the couch. The score was 0 to 0, but I was much more entertained by the old man sitting in a wooden chair next to me. He yelled and screamed at every little thing. Of course I had no idea what he was saying cause it was all in Twi. I had to keep myself from laughing when he suddenly yelled "Ha Brazil! I Do Not Think So!" in broken English. I had to leave before the game was over but I did find out later that Ghana won.

These last few weeks have been a dream. Meghan has been helping me when I teach in the morning so I don't have to worry about my students not getting one-on-one help. We are moving onto Unit 2 of the math book. The kids are having the hardest time with subtraction. The concept of borrowing doesn't seem to make since. Meghan and I are trying to think up tricks and stories to try and help them. We'll see how it goes. Yesterday was their sports day, Shannon, Meghan, and I went at 7:00 in the morning to watch the boys practice soccer. Little did we know that when we got there we were expected to practice with them. Luckily the girls have their own workout to do and I got to spend some time with them. I came in 3rd place in our race on the soccer field and I only dropped the ball twice in a game of throwing it back and forth. It was pretty fun.

It's also nice to get some down time with the students. I have been helping in the kindergarten after I teach my class and found myself attached to those amazing children. A few nights ago I sat and rocked little Matthew, in my arms, as he rested his head on my shoulder. He was feeling sick (nothing serious) and tired. I rubbed his back as we just sat there like that for the longest time. I was still able to hold a conversation with one of the older kids in P 6. Isaac, told me the story of how he became deaf and that his parents died soon after. He is such an intelligent young man, and I have such hope for him. I just wish he could get the accommodations he needs so that he could go as far as he could if he were hearing. It kills me to think about leaving these kids. It is going to be so hard, I just want to take them all home with me. I want to thank everyone that helped me get here and who gave me the chance to meet these beautiful children. They have such hope and joy in life. They have taught me so much! I feel I am so selfish, I came here to teach them, and in reality I'm the one being taught. I love my students and all I have been able to experience here. I can't wait to show you all pictures of them and tell you stories about them and what they are like. I love you all and I wish you all the best life has to offer. I will post once more while I am here. Next week.

Love, Briana