Guilt in the Time of Cholera

Spoiler Alert: This is about my trip to the hospital. But don't worry, I clearly lived to tell the tale!

So, this being a "developing" country it was only a matter of time before certain...tummy issues came up. In Ghana, its tactfully yet descriptively referred to as "running stomach", though you all might be more familiar with the medical term: diarrhea. Yes. I'm blogging about poop. Never thought I'd see the day, but I feel like it - or what it lead to at least, is an important part of my experience and so I will shed my modesty and openly admit that I had running stomach last week.  At first, not a big deal, I figured it would go away. It didn't, still no big deal though, it wasn't debilitating or anything and it wasn't uncontrollable so I decided to go to the hospital on Monday, since one of my roommates was going anyway for an infected toenail. Which was a good plan. Because Sunday night things took a turn for the worst. Frequency skyrocketed, and I couldn't eat anything without it immediately coming out the other end. Including water. Including two motrin which somehow triggered an attack (is that even possible?). I went to bed with chills and was up at all hours, developed a fever and a pounding headache and started to feel pretty much like I wanted to curl up and cry until it all went away. Unfortunately, this was not an option because I was much to dehydrated to produce tears. Instead, we stuck to the hospital plan and my roommates packed me up sat me in the waiting room and were completely awesome in getting my paper work done and my drugs bought. I was seen reasonably quickly and was immediately hooked up to an IV (yes, it was a new needle). Pretty much not the best experience of my life. I hate needles as it is, and the training nurse couldn't get it in so I ended up crying and shivering and puking up really nasty bright green vomit while sitting at the front of this huge waiting room...you know, because I just don't stand out enough as it is as one of three white people in the whole place. But I'm glad I got hooked up, because as soon as the first bag was done I felt 100% better. I got a blood test and then spent the rest of the day waiting for the results, drinking oral re hydration salts (hey! I learned about those in school!) and reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (which may have helped just as much as the ORS) (also, side note, why is Azkaban not a  word? Stupide muggle spellcheck). In the meantime I was also started on treatment for malaria (which I didn't have) and cholera (which I also didn't have, but there's a cholera outbreak in Accra right now so better safe than sorry!). I had a couple of minor freakouts when my re hydration IVs were finished or moved or something or whatever happens that makes your blood go back up the tube - but apparently that's "very normal". I told the nurse I didn't like blood and she told me it was ok, because "see? It's going back in". Ahhhhh.

When Hannah and Jennifer came back to check on me, it was getting late  and my tests weren't done. So I had to be admitted, even though I felt totally fine and my stomach wasn't running quite so urgently as it had been before. No beds in the hospital so I was taken by ambulance to a clinic where I spent not a very pleasant night in an extremely uncomfortable bed. In the morning all was well, the diagnosis came in and I was discharged with orders to go get another blood and stool test (don't want to talk about it) and to come back Friday. Oh, and I was given more drugs because shockingly it was neither malaria nor cholera but a mere bacterial infection.

TMI? I hope not. It's all just background information for this musing. When I went to the hospital, I'll admit, I was scared. I'd had a fever that night and I'd seen group mates with malaria and it isn't pretty. A cholera outbreak is also more than a little alarming, though I was reminded that I was vaccinated against that (I think..).  Obviously, it was nothing so dire, but when you're sick and already feeling like crap everything seems a billion times worse. But what a relief - just bacteria! It was all just dehydration that made me feel so bad! Hurrah! Tuesday, once I'd been home, showered, napped, and was back at the hospital getting photocopies for the almighty insurance people I started thinking about how unimpressive it is to have been hospitalized for diarrhea. Not that this is in any way a good attitude, but at least malaria or cholera would have seemed a bit more bad ass. I mean those diseases are intense - they kill people. Then I remembered my food security prof from last year - the one who looked like a middle aged Harry Potter - and how passionate he was about diarrhea because that kills too; in fact it kills a lot. It may not sound as dramatic as other illnesses but its a leading cause of death among children in the developing world. So, yes I'm glad it was only a bacterial infection; I'm glad it wasn't cholera, or malaria; I'm glad that I'm in a country and city where proper treatment is available and I can get re hydrated easily;  I'm glad I  have access to treatment because I have insurance and even if I didn't I can easily afford the 2 cedi drugs. To me, it was a nuisance, 24 hours of discomfort and an extra trip to the bank . And maybe kind of a funny story. To others, it can literally mean death. What the heck? It sounds so dramatic, and also a bit ridiculous because it's diarrhea - it's not that bad ass malaria or other deadly disease; or at least we don't think about it as such. And its sad because treatment is so a friggin easy. And its another one of those moments where I realize that the gap between me and them; "rich" and "poor", is so very, very wide and that as much as I try to catch a glimpse of life on the other side there's no way I will ever truly know what that's like.

So. As I said. I'm glad it was just a minor infection, and that I was easily treated. I'm happy with a side of guilt - a feeling I've come to know only too well. But I hope, as I prepare to go home, that I'm learning the difference between the guilt of having things and of the guilt of other people not having things. What I mean is, there's guilt for spending money on things I don't need that are only available to me because I'm part of an exploitative upper class (hi Marx!). Say, the guilt of buying a t-shirt made by child labour. This guilt is useful because it tells me, don't do that again! But then there's the guilt of having access to amazing medical care, when others don't have it. And that guilt tells me something different - it tells me to work harder in my life to ensure that these things are available to everyone, not just me. I'm kind of stealing this from a prep month activity, but I feel like its really sunk in and its worth sharing. I'll point out too that both these feelings of guilt are useful, in some way. Both are important. Telling the difference is important. Not easy, but important. And it's not to say I'll never feel guilty or I'll suddenly become a saint, but I'm learning how to live with guilt and to live better because of it. And not to ignore it or escape it through lame justification.

So moral of the story: Listen to guilt, it can lead you to some interesting places.

And also, wash your hands before eating!

This week I organized and judged a debate for the AFAWI Teen Club on the topic "It is good for teenagers to be in a relationship at this age". It wasn't exactly parliament, but it was interesting to listen to their arguments and in particular to get a sense of what they consider "a relationship". I guess what struck me most is that most of the arguments had to do with things like STIs, HIV/AIDs and in particular with teen pregnancy. Now, maybe in my old age of become a bit out of the loop...but these kids are junior high - most between the ages of 12-16 so this was mildly shocking to me. Not so much that they would be thinking about sex, or considering it in their arguments, but rather that "relationship" translates into "sexual relationship". I talked about it afterward with a fellow volunteer and one of AFAWIs employees - both Ghanaian. They explained that if you have a boyfriend, even at that age, sex is expected because why would the guy spend money on you if not to get something in return. Um, hold on, what? At that age, why is he spending money on you at all? And even if he is, so what? I mean, I know we talk at home about whether or not the guy should pay, and if he does, are their expectations - I know I've watched at least one episode of sex and the city about it. It's not a new argument....but it was presented to me not so much as an issue or quesiton but just the way things are. I realize I'm basing this on a debate by junior high students and one short conversation with two young people...but what I got from the day is that the gender roles of "guy pays, girls puts out" is very strong here, both in dating and within marriage. My colleagues and I talked about how financial security for women can mean that they also have more of a voice in the household, as well as in sexual relations, which is why they were really encouraging the students not to have relationships - particularly girls: so that they don't get pregnant and lose the opportunity for education and good employment. Which I know is something that Hannah's work placement is also looking at - the importance of financial inclusion in the role of empowering women inside the home and within their relationships; a main focus being to empower women to be able to insist on condoms to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDs (which is what her work placement focuses on). Let's hammer this point home once again; in development, and in gender issues, everything is connected! Education, income, reproductive rights, roles within marriage etc. I'll mention here too that marital rape is a huge problem in Ghana...well, depending on who you ask. In the recent Domestic Violence Bill, it was not really included which was a major disappointment. It reflects the view of many Ghanaians, however, that marital rape doens't exist, because it's part of a wife's duty to always be ready and willing. Remember that wedding I went to, my second day in the village? I don't think I mentioned that the homily touched on this subject. The minister made a joke about martial rape and basically said that there would be no marital rape in this marriage beacause the bride would always be ready for sex, and would never refuse it - thus the need (?) for marital rape would never arise!. Nice huh? I know that's what I want my friends and family to hear on my own special day. It ties into those same entrenched gender roles though - man provides, woman puts out. AFAWI has done some research on the topic of marital rape and domestic violence, and are trying to figure out how to get funding for a publicity campaign on the subject, possibly through church groups (which are quite influential in Ghana).While I'm trying to resist judgment and imposition of my own cultural/gender norms on a country in which I know I'm a visitor, and to acknowledge that I'm hardly an expert.... this is one subject on which I feel very strongly that attitudes need to change. It's not just because of that class on sexual violence which made up part of my grade 10 gym credit that taught me demanding sex is sexual abuse. It's because it is one my core beliefs that a persons control over his or her sexuality is a basic human right. It is everyone's right to refuse sex, even to someone he or she is in a relationship with, or even married to. A marriage should be a partnership - give the man the right to demand sex and you are giving him control over his wife's body and totally change the dynamic of this 'partnership'. And while I can understand why AFAWI is advising teenagers not to have relationships, I feel that this accepted norm of relationship = sex is taking away young peoples' opportunities to start dating casually. In a way, it denies girls the possibility of being in a relationship in which they have the right to say no, and of both parties to be in a relationship in which they can decide together when to have sex. Anyway, like I said, I'm not expert on this issue - and I'm not advocating teenage sex or dating even I guess. It's just one more of those things that I've glimpsed, and am trying to figure out.

I've been thinking a lot too about reproductive rights in general. I have a certain amount of interest in the issue of overpopulation, and have been taught, time and time again that key factors towards reducing (or just slowing the growth of) a country's population is to educate the women, and have accessible birth control. I don't like the idea of arguing for human rights using practical concerns. But I will point out that educating women, and empowering them to control when they have sex, and how they have sex (not positions, I mean with a condom or other birth control methods) will almost guarantee a reduction in the birth rate. So besides the fact that rape isn't acceptable in any way shape or form - its also not good for development? This is the kind of cynical argument my degree taught me to formulate. Anyway, those are my thoughts on that for the day.

Only 4 more weeks here in Accra - less, actually. Hard to believe! I'm starting to panic a little bit about deciding things like where to go to school and which program to chose. I love english, and looking at the courses for postcolonial literature at Leeds makes my mouth water. But then the Global Gender program is also awesome, and would prepare me for a career in development which can really address women's issues while also helping me figure out how, as a priveleged, white, woman I can engage with these issues without becoming a modern day colonialist. And in Global Genders, I can take a couple postcol lit. classes...albeit not the coolest ones. This is why  I did a double major - too indecisive! Two overseas masters degrees might be a little extravagent though. Anyway, the point is, the future's coming. I'm not just preparing for coming home, but trying to prepare myself for all the things that come after that as well. Scary - I've been thinking about home so much these past months, and yet its becoming a reality rather than a fantasy. I love it here in Accra, but I think I'll be ready to go hom, and ready to start figuring out my life. That's the hope, anyway.

Love,
Jac

Adventures of Aunt Flo in Ghana

Shockingly enough, I've never been a big fan of my period. Cramping, bloating, pms, leaks - none of this is fun. I've also been particularly mad at it lately because it can't seem to stick to a schedule since being in Ghana, and I'm not too big on surprises of that sort. But next time it shows up (whenever that is) I've made up my mind that I'm going to consider myself lucky. Lucky that I have a diva cup which is comfortable, and hygienic  and that I only have to change every 12 hours. Lucky that even if I didn't, pads or tampons would be well within my budget and easily accessible to me. Lucky that I knew all about menstruation long before my first period and was pretty much prepared for it when it came. And Lucky that, with the exception of a few skipped classes in high school, and possibly a pool party or two in those early years, my period has never significantly stood in the way of my experiences. Certainly, it has never been a barrier to my education. These are a few more items in the long list of things which I have taken for granted for so long, and for which I'm really grateful. On that note, let me tell you all about AFAWI's Sexual Maturation and Menstrual Hygiene Project! (funded, btw, by CIDA).

In 2007-2008, AFAWI conducted a research project to determine to what extent the onset of menstruation in young girls contributed to the low performance and attendance rates of junior high school girls in three of Ghana's northern regions. The findings revealed several challenges facing young girls, including a lack of education prior to the onset of menstruation. In the schools studied, sexual education was found to focus primarily on factual descriptions of the reproductive system, with little or not attention paid to practical elements of menstrual management, providing little help to girls learning how to cope with their periods hygienically. Attitudes towards menstruation in these communities have generally been negative, with 98% of girls surveyed saying that they felt bad when they menstruated. Of the three major religions in the areas - Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion - all viewed menstruation as "impure", and restricted the activities of girls who are menstruating, albeit at varying  levels. While these beliefs did not explicitly keep girls out of school, they did contribute to an overall negative attitude towards menstruation and a lack of willingness to address the topic openly. Education was also difficult as some teachers were embarrassed to teach about menstruation, or were insensitive to girls who came to them for support. It is also worth noting, that traditionally, when girls started menstruating, the Queen Mother would take them aside and educate them on their sexual maturation, as well as how to fulfill their roles as women in the community. With the breakdown of this traditional system, education falls primarily on the shoulders of the family, and has not been substantially aided by the education system. This had led to gaps in girls education, who are often not informed about menstruation until their first period.

In addition to these gaps in menstural education, the study found specific challenges which kept menstruating girlsout of the classroom, or which affected their classroom performance. One of the most significant is the lack of proper toilet facilities and waste disposal systems in schools, which make it difficult or impossible for girls to change their menstrual hygiene products at school. Girls will thus often stay home when on their period, or will only change their materials before or after school. This can also lead to the problem of  leaks, the fear of which directly affects girls' confidence and participation. As Ghanaian students are often required to stand when speaking or answering a question in class, fear of leaks has been identified by girls themselves as a barrier to their participation and performance. Access to hygienic sanitary materials are also limited, being either unavailable or too expensive. Most girls surveyed were using toilet paper or old cloth, contributing to the problem of controlling leaks, made worse by their inability or discomfort in changing their products at school. Finally, 86% of boys surveyed admitted to teasing girls who are menstruating, further adding to these girls' discomfort and lack of confidence. 

These are all things which I didn't realize were very real barriers to education. They may not seem like huge problems, but for junior high school girls, they can have significant impacts. Given these problems, and the importance of keeping adolescent girls in school,  finding solutions is extremely important. AFAWI's Sexual Maturation and Menstural Hygiene Project arose out of the results of their initial research activities. It was funded by CIDA, as well as Abantu for Development; the latter providing sanitary pads for distribution among female students. The project focused on two main areas - enhancing education and sensitization, and providing adequate physical facilities for girls' use. The latter included the rehabilitation of urinals and toilets, providing added privacy for girls as well as hand washing basins. The project also built incinerators in two of the schools, to allow for proper disposal of sanitary products. Educational and sensitization projects were run, and a training manual produced to give teachers the training and resources needed to educate girls and offer them a more supportive school environment. Educational workshops targeted both boys and girls, and emphasized the positive elements of menstruation - such as its necessity as part of the reproductive cycle. The training manual also incorporates units on STIs, HIV/AIDS, gender equality and empowerment and lobbying practices. Tied into the project, and to the problems facing girls are more overarching issues such as waste management, garbage disposal and gender roles and expectations. Like so much in development, the interconnectedness of these issues can create additional challenges. For instance, the lack of latrines and toilets in one of the targeted communities has meant that  community members are using the facilities, and the latrine has filled earlier than expected. There have been challenges associated with emptying the latrine, meaning that girls in that school are again facing a lack of proper facilities (as is everyone else in the community). While these interconnections are challenging, I think they also provide opportunities for creative solutions that tackle more than one issue at once. It's unfortunate that CIDA is no longer funding this project, as AFAWI had plans to expand the project  into 17 more schools. However, they are not the only organization that is addressing this issue, in Ghana nor in Africa. I'm a fan of the project because it represents some of the ways organizations are finding solutions to concrete problems which seem small, but which in reality create barriers to gender equality and women's development. It's unfortunate I won't have the opportunity to travel up north and visit these projects, as I would love to see them and hear some of the positive feedback the program has recieved. I really hope that AFAWI is able to get funding for the continuation of this project, or that they are able to find a partner organization to work with, because I think it's something that can really make a difference for girls in Ghana. That being said, its also an issue I'm going to keep looking into once I'm back in Canada and back in school.  My Mum already sent me some information on girls in Uganda - which I can't wait to look at (but which I haven't yet because of my limited internet time)

So, that's a brief, simplified overview of that project. Feel free to ask me any questions - that was mostly written off the top of my head but I have access to reports and things if anyone is interested. You can read a brief description of the project as well at www.afawigh.org.

P.S., not to take away from this post but for those who are interested I got into University of Leeds for Postcolonial Literary and Cultural Studies! Whoot!


Oh, and Happy Belated Valentines Day!

I said I'd blog again this week and here I am! I don't know how much I'll write about projects though, since I planned nothing and am kind of just in a free writing mood....

Today, for the first time since November it rained - like, really, really rained. It came slow... I heard the thunder last night, and felt the pressure change in the form of one of rain headaches (don't laugh, at least I don't feel it in my joints...yet). It wasn't until this afternoon though, while I was at work that the heavens opened, and the air just broke. All that heat and humidity melted right on away. Soon the power went out, meaning I couldn't work on the ancient desktop I usually do so I wrote a letter instead, chatting with the volunteers and feeling the childish excitement a snow day usually brings. The two other volunteers, Emily and Peter were supposed to leave around 1:00 but couldn't because of the downpour and the fact that cabs couldn't even get through because our (dirt) road was flooded. We waited for a small break, when the rain slowed to a drizzle and booked it to the junction to catch a trotro home (I was afraid if I didn't leave then I'd miss my chance). The three of us picked our way through puddles, over the dirt road, fjording small streams and rapidly flowing sewers, our bags in plastic bags to protect their laptops and my camera. I sat in that troto, window open just feeling the cold, fresh air and realized that, for the first time in God knows when I wasn't sweaty. The ride home was so refreshing - even the moments where we got a little stuck on the roads, driving through puddles the size of small ponds, fighting our way through traffic. It's amazing how the rain changes the city. Things slow down, the vendors are few and far between and what with lights out and roads flooding, it seems that some offices (aka mine) close down for the day. It felt like a little mini adventure, and what with how much I've missed cool breezes and (slighty) fresher air, I feel like it was just what I needed.

It's been a long time coming, but I feel at home in Ghana. There's still a lot which frustrates me, but I genuinely enjoy my days. Accra may not be the most beautiful, or nicest smelling city in the world but it has so much going on, and the business has become a huge comfort, even though its sometimes exhausting.  I love my work placement, not because it's my dream job, but because I get to write, and I get to learn and I feel like's its exactly what I need right now. I love that I'm starting to have relationships with the people around here - not super exciting ones; I've never been a huge people person. But I have my porridge lady, and my rice lady, and my bofruit lady, and my wakye lady and my internet guys - and they notice if I'm not around for a couple of days and that feels kinda nice. There are so many more moments now where this doesn't feel like a "program", but rather just like life. And being in the city, at a work placement I am starting to see how maybe one day I could find a way of belonging here, despite my whiteness and my money and my western views. I think I'm starting to strike that balance. And I no longer feel bad about not living up to anyone's expectations - including my own. I may not have the same relationships or social life or adventures as other obrunis, or others in the program - but I'm also not a social, adventuresome kind of girl. I admire people who can go out and make friends and put themselves out there. But I'm happy having finally connected with one of the girls in the hostel (other than the ones on my program), even if it was just a gradual conversation as we were watching Van Helsing on the crappy, common room television. (Her name is Aggie, and she's from Tema and taking a managment course here in Accra).

Something else I've gotten the hang of is haggling. Sometimes I feel too guilty to argue about prices - or too embarassed because I know the person selling me the toothbrush or whatever knows I can afford to pay more. But I totally respect the whole idea of haggling. I can just see the words in my first year econ textbook describing how prices are determined based on the interaction of what people are willing to pay (price demanded) and what people are willing to sell for (price supplied). Somtehing like that. I think. It was a long time ago and I used to skip that class a lot. So maybe I can't see the exact words in my textbook... But I do remember learning about how it's impossible to determine the optimal price/quantity demanded for individuals, so we have other ways of determining the market price/quantity supplied. Here, I feel like there's a much more democratic way of determining price - the price you pay really is representative of the price that you want to pay, and same for the person supplying it (at least, in theory). While there's some comfort, sure, in having a price tag you know represents the "market price", I like the idea that people with more money, or who are simply willing to pay more for a product will sometimes end up paying more. If you are willing to pay a lower price than the last person to buy the product, as long as it still makes a profit for the seller, they'll still sell it ot you.

In any case, I pulled off my first "walk away" the other day at this really expensive used book stand (ok, its cheap, but by the standards of my usual book stands its expensive). The Agatha Christie book started with a price of 5 cedis. I offered two. He countered with three. I usually will pay 3 cedis for a book, but this one wasn't that thick and I knew I could get thicker ones, which would last me longer for the same price so I walked. He called me back, and gave it to me for two. What rocks about this  (I think) is that I was genuinely just not willing to pay more, and totally ok with just not buying the book. The fact that he called me back tells me that he really was willing to sell for 2 cedis, even though its not the optimal price. And it was a nice surprise after making the decision I didn't need it that bad. So I don't feel guilty, because I didn't force or manipulate just to get it as cheap as possible, but rather just let my actions be guided by how much I valued the Agatha Christie book. (Funerals are Fatal - a Poirot mystery!) And I have bought a Christie book for one cedi before so I still feel like he got an ok price. Anyway, it's such an interesting way of buying for me, when I'm not paralyzed by guilt. Whoever thought I'd willingly be thinking about/blogging about economics by choice.I still wish I knew more about prices paid and how much street vendors make, but I'm working on asking more questions and finding out more.

Ok, seriously, I will blog about projects soon!! Meanwhile, tomorrow I give my talk on personal hygiene which hopefully goes alright. Today (before the power went out) I also wrote up my evaluation sheet and set up for next week's Teen Club Debate on whether or not it's good for teenagers to be in a relationship at their age. I'm interested to see what they come up with. Also, I am kind of excited just for the debate - reminds me of my own high school days (yes, I was a nerd; and yes, I still am).

Until next time,
Jac

Caution: Obrunis at Work

Sitting in an internet cafe in Ghana with bad superhero/soccer player cartoons playing in the background.....I'll try not to let it distract me as I blog.

It was back to work at AFAWI this week for me. The new office is still having work done, but the main room is set up and so that's where I've been this week. The new location is a bit of a trek from my hostel, but it's in a really nice area so it evens out. It's in a residential area; a classy-ish Ghanaian suburb which feel removed from the city. I walk the last 30 minutes from my trotro station to the office (or vice versa) and the change is incredibly dramatic from when I'm walking around my area of Accra. For on thing, the roads are dirt and there are trees all around, and usually a bit of a breeze which is a really pleasant change. It's also just less hassle from people around me. Even though people still yell "Obruni" at me, I don't get nearly the hassle I do in the main area of the city. The difference between that walk and the walk from Circle (a roundabout/market area where I get dropped off on my way home) is insane. I get let off at one of the craziest areas of Circle, and get grabbed, and pushed with men hissing at me to get my attention and telling me I'm beautiful or that they love me (um, thanks?) and shoving cell phones or other products in my face. It's not a great end to what usually ends up being at 2 hour commute home. But I am grateful for the change in environment and the (relatively) peaceful walk right before and right after work, and am trying not to let the hassle of that last little stretch ruin my day. I've also made arrangements to leave work early so that I can make it home well before dark - because that is not something I particularly want to experience.

Now that the office is ready, I've also had a bit more work to do. The accountant hasn't been in too much this week so I've had a lot of use on his computer which is nice. I've written up a few articles on different projects, which will be used to update AFAWI's website. I also completed an application for a conference on HIV/AIDs for the Chairperson, and an article for a partner organization's newsletter. Even though the work is sporadic and a lot of it has been reading up on programs and going through documents it feels really good to be productive. In particular it feels great to be writing more and to be writing things other than journals and letters and blogs and personal things. I don't think I realized just how much I missed writing articles and essays and more academic stuff. It makes me super excited to go back to school. It's also really reaffirmed my sense that whatever career I finally chose or end up in, I want writing to be a huge part of it. Doing the updates and articles and things has also given me a chance to familiarize myself with the different projects AFAWI has undertaken, as well as to get a sense for how these projects are funded and carried out. Which is fantastic, because I feel like I'm already achieving my goals of learning about how NGO's and development organizations function.

This week AFAWI also had three new volunteers come in. They'll be interning part time, as they are also students at the University of Ghana. One is a Ghanaian guy who lives and studies in Germany, and the other two are American girls - all doing a semester abroad. They're all really nice and in a way it's cool to have other westerners in the office (or people who have at least lived in the west), just to get a break from the extra challenges of cross-cultural communication. It's also a little weird though, because their experience of Ghana is so different from mine. I talked to them a bit about my program, and even about the artificiality of it and how different it is for them - living as students and also as tourists while I'm living on this strict budget but with the ability to walk away at any time. They were pretty understanding of it all, and were able to see both the value and the limits of this kind of program- maybe not as clearly or deeply as I can, but they still kind of got it. I think it's another one of those previews to coming home and what it might be like trying to relate to people who may not understand that I haven't just been off in Ghana for 5 months, but that I've been trying to live in solidarity with the economic poor during that whole time. In that sense, it was reassuring because we were able to have a conversation about it and I didn't feel like some radical hippie or like a complete hypocrite. So, I think it'll be alright.

This week I also had my first full meeting with AFAWI's teen club (last week's was cancelled). The communication barrier I guess is a bit tough, because of my accent. Even though I try to speak slowly I don't know if they always understood what I was saying. This isn't really my favourite part of my job - just as the articles have reaffirmed my love of writing, the Teen Club is reminding me that I'm really not a people person. But I'm the only volunteer with Friday's off, so I'll embrace it! Next week I'm apparently leading a Health Talk on personal hygiene so that should be interesting. It ties into the issues of menstrual hygiene and education, which AFAWI has addressed through a couple of different projects as its actually a significant barrier to young girls attending school. I'm planning to blog about that project soon because I find it particularly interesting but my time here is running out so I'll try to do that later this week! I've been trying to cut back on my internet time - for financial reasons and just also because I felt like I was getting a little too caught up in communicating with home. So I took the week mostly off. This week though I'll try to really dedicate some time to blogging instead of getting re-addicted to e-mail and facebook. Going without and then suddently having it all again has made me realize what a big part of my life computers and internet are. And I don't think that's a bad thing, because communication is great - as is having access to the news (bbc.com is open in another window). I just do want to really make sure I'm present here and that I'm still immersing myself and taking advantage of my last couple of months in Ghana. It's great to be able to reconnect and start to face that transition of coming home...I just need to find a balance.

That being said, I will blog again soon because I really do want to share my experiences and in particular to start sharing some of the work AFAWI's doing and some of the social justice issues they are addressing, as well as those I see around me. So, stay tuned!

Jac