On the last trip from Accra, the night bus got into Sampa at 4:30 am. Late enough that many people will be awake and about, and I had my headlamp with me, so I just set out for home on foot.
Continue reading Pano Frenchie and Other Stories →

The thing about medical is, you know they can’t do too much over the phone. So when I noticed a little bump, I didn’t do anything right away. I figured it was my “get out of jail free” card, that I could use when I needed an expense-paid trip away from site. Me so smart.
Continue reading White Light/White Heat →

I was reading and dozing, ready to sleep for the night. I suddenly became aware of sounds that had crept into my waking consciousness.
Continue reading Rhya →

There’s a meeting of everyone in Habitat, a couple of houses over, while I am sitting on my porch. A lot of shouting ensues, some kind of huge argument. As the meeting disperses, the arguing continues, especially between Auntie Ama and Stephen’s sister, who look as if they will come to blows. They continue to argue on the path, Stephen also yelling and trying to separate them.
Continue reading Sheep and Goats →

Every volunteer has to deal with grants in some way, even if it’s only to decide whether or not to help a community apply for grants. Continue reading Money, Money, Money →

I hate asking for money. But I’m going to do it anyhow.
Continue reading For Kindergarten Classrooms →

Water for our household—for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and laundry—must be fetched from the well. Esther does this three or four times a week, making several trips each time until both of our barrels are full. Continue reading Fetching Water →

We’ve been working on a proposal for the French Fund for Social Development, hoping to get a grant for the co-operative. Continue reading Valentines →