August 25, 2005
Being left behind is a difficult place to be standing.
Alone, waving as he leaves.
Thursday, July 21, 2005 VACATION: planning is 20% of the fun. Remember the planning? Coming up with an idea and trying to make it a reality for many, that turns out to be for two. Talking it up, scheming on how to pay for a costly trip and finally, the work pays off and the university believes in you and demonstrates its support for your dreams! But the next five months will seem like a lifetime amidst studying, partying, exams and LSATS.
Friday, July 22, 2005 And then you demonstrate that you can handle the complexities of planning a trip that will take you thousands of miles and several continents from home: the shots, the medications, your first passport and the day of departure still without your most important travel items – a VISA, your passport and mosquito netting.
As we sort through clothes and lists and products, I remind him that he is going on a once in a lifetime journey, an adventure that will change his life forever and will change others lives as well. Always saying goodbye. Always saying I am proud of you. Always saying I love you; until the end, when I tearfully say goodbye, “do your best, be safe, choose wisely, experience this world and go make a difference.” My last words to him.
27 days is an eternity for a mom with a son without a cell phone or computer; for one who will not write. And these are uncertain times. As he anxiously looks forward to ten hours to “kill” in London, Heathrow Airport, there have been bombings by terrorists on July 7th where 56 people were killed in the city's worst terrorist incident and then again two weeks to the day later, July 21st a series of small, synchronized explosions on three London underground trains and a double-decker occur. But the young are invincible.
Saturday, July 23, 2005 My 55th birthday...Ironically, our newest Netflix selection, The Motorcycle Diaries arrived and so we settled into that film as your nonstop to London flight was carrying you across heavens’ highway.
*I was in high school when Che met his death. Hypnotized by JFK, fascinated by the Bay of Pigs Invasion, (Bahia de Cochinos) and the government’s unsuccessful attempt in 1961 to overthrow Cuban premier Fidel Castro, I had been wrapped up in liberal, no radicalism at the time to the point of addiction and today I look back at the 60’s-70’s as the Decade of Destruction.
At any rate, it’s the morning after and I am celebrating my 55th birthday thinking about the movie and the adventures that await you and Fima and draw some similarities. A standard road movie… two buddies on the road together for the first time; women, drinking, made up stories. Guys giving up their comfortable lifestyles. There will be volunteer work and the two will be exposed to a lifestyle of poverty and social insanity that they (may) have never come face to face with before. Perhaps like Che and his friend Alberto who are separated by the Amazon River from the Lepers they serve, the two of you will put your head on a pillow in your hotel room while your students return to their villages. Perhaps.
(Before he became the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara was an introverted medical student living a sheltered life in Buenos Aires. His life changed in 1952, when, despite almost being done with his degree, he decided to take a break from his studies and join his friend, Alberto Granado, on a trip through South America. Their journey, begun on an old motorcycle and completed on foot, by hitchhiking, and on a raft, took months and covered 7500 miles. By the time it concluded in Caracas, Guevara was not the same man who started the odyssey. The Motorcycle Diaries, which is based on Guevara's journals and a book written by Granado, is the story of that trek.)
I contend that the Brazilian director Walter Salles (Central Station) avoids the easy path of politicizing Guevara's life and turning him into a symbol or an icon. At this point in his life, Che is a mere 23-year old whose exposure to the realities of poverty and disease causes a monumental spiritual upheaval. The transformation is presented slowly and subtly, and, although it is pretty much complete by the time the end credits roll, only those who are aware of Guevara's role in history will understand what comes next. The movie contrasts the beauty of the countryside with the ugliness of human conditions. I understand that in making the film, Salles took cast and crew along the exact route described by Guevara and Granado in their accounts. The Motorcycle Diaries tells a personal story with a theme we can all relate to: the loss of innocence. Alright, so you (or I) may not all become revolutionaries like Guevara, but perhaps you will note that moment when you realize that the world can be a bad place. That speak to the universality of this film, and please, you don't have to share Che’s politics to appreciate this telling of a key chapter from his life.
I started thinking about Che--- he was a sickly kid who was homeschooled due to asthma. He read Marx and Freud in his early teens. He left med school to take this one-month road trip that turned into almost a year. He experienced impoverished conditions first hand. In his later years he walked and hitchhiked through Guatemala to witness political unrest. I recall that he even went underground, traveling through Africa. And at the time of his execution, he was remembered for saying: "It is better to die standing than to live on your knees. Know this now; you are [only] killing a man." With that, an M2 carbine was fired knocking Guevara back into the wall of the small house.
The movie’s trailer is emblazoned with these words: let the world change you… you CAN change the world.”
Sunday, July 24, 2005 Thinking of your comings and goings today, son. It’s 8:30 AM in Orange County and the temperature is 69 degrees, and in Accra it 3:30 PM and a nice 84 degrees.
AKWAABA! Greetings from the other side of the globe! It’s 7:45 PM here in Accra. Fima and I got in last night. The flights were long but fine. There was someone from Global Volunteers at the airport to pick us up. We stayed in a hotel last night and were taken to a different hotel today. We briefly met our group leader this afternoon. He is out taking the last group to the airport and picking up some people from our group. It kind of seems like we are just going along for the ride for now, so we are being patient and doing lots of waiting. It VERY different here, as you might imagine. Very humid but good weather at night. We are going to the village tomorrow for our orientation. I still don’t know quite what to expect, but everything is going well so far. Don’t know when the next time that I will have internet will be but I'll send another email when I get a chance. I am taking lots of pictures too. Hope everything is going well there and happy birthday Mom. T
Dearest Jonathan! Yes, I see you have already learned a new word! I was delighted to receive an email from you with so much information. I learned that you are safe; the welcome greeting from Ghana; the time differentiation and the temperature; and that you remembered to wish me happy birthday! I am anxious to learn about your assignment and the village. Village --- it's such an endearing term. Whether you use the standardized dictionary definition reflective of a rural setting or something more global, thanks to Hillary Clinton, who brought attention to the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," which has become a focal point for the debate over the role of government and communities in supporting families and children. At any rate you sound like you are acclimating quite well! I recall that your destination is to be Prampram, isn't that a seacoast fishing village? Come on, try the fish! I recall reading somewhere that the Ashanti are the tribe you may be working with. I understand that they are noted for their expertise in weaving, kente cloth! (hint, hint) Cloth, material, fabric! * (inserted info on the movie, The Motorcycle Diaries) I love you very much, son. Keep your eyes wide open. Give my best to Fima...LAM P. S. The way you get meaning in your life is to devote yourself to helping others and creating something that gives you purpose.-- Morrie Schwartz, in "Tuesdays with Morrie" Mitch Albom
July 27, 2005 Hey, my time at the internet cafe is almost up so I can’t talk long. Thanks for the email. We are having an amazing time. Ghana is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been the people are amazing and very welcoming. The beach is beautiful here and reminds me of home, even though I am many miles away. We are going through the rainforest this weekend. It should be amazing. I am teaching social studies mostly in schools and the kids are great. Gotta run. Fima says hi. Hopefully ill be able to send you another email again soon. T
Hello son: I love your updates! How are your accommodations: are you rooming with Fima, do you have air conditioning, are you using that mosquito netting? Are you enjoying the Global volunteer staff and the other volunteers? How about being immersed in the cultural eating experience: porridge for breakfast; lots of soups, rice, beans; have you tried any local food?
Off to the rainforest this weekend, eh? So you say you are teaching SOCIAL STUDIES? As I understand Ghana was once a heavily forested country. I recall that Africa was big into harvesting timber, and the impacts on the country's environment have been devastating. Is it true that there are no rainforest tracts left that are large enough to sustain stable populations of the region's animals, such as elephants and monkeys? I actually read somewhere that the first extinction of a primate in the 20th century occurred in Ghana due to habitat loss and hunting! I also recall reading that Ghana is about the size of the state of Oregon. There is a slight difference: Ghana's population is well over 20 million and Oregon has about 4 million...
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear your positive comments... You are using words like "teaching" and "social studies" and "the kids are great." You are changed!!!! Hope you are healthy! Tell Fima his OC mom wishes him the best!!! LAM and don't forget---Be the change!
There are defining moments in life that are akin to the religious rite of passage as the Bar Mitzvah. It is said that “supposedly” that required community service project completed in high school is life-changing; but I am convinced that the Global Volunteer work in Ghana is becoming that for you. Teaching, responsibilities and respect required as a visitor in a third world country, as well as developing common bonds across economic and ethnic groups are all of that for you, my son this summer. The benefits are many – to your personal growth, to others whose lives will be changed by spending time in your presence and by the community for which you are serving. Drink in this summer of service --- rite of passage!
August 5, 2005 mom, how is everything at home? I can’t believe the second week is already almost over! It was good to hear from you. Teaching is very challenging but very rewarding. I’m teaching mostly social studies to a class of middle schoolers. They are fun kids but challenging to control at times. I have some awesome souvenirs for you, and can’t wait to show you the pictures that I’ve already taken. I am writing to you from the brand new internet cafe that opened up TODAY here in Prampram. It’s very convenient because now we don’t have to drive 45 minutes to check email. I may be checking my email more often now, but at the same time, I'm enjoying now worrying about what is going on elsewhere. EXCITING NEWS: Fima and I were able to change our flight out of Ghana. WE ARE KEEPING THE SAME FLIGHT FROM LONDON TO LAX (same flight #, flight times, etc.), but we changed the day of the first leg. We are going to be able to see pretty much everything we wanted to see in Ghana by the end of next weekend. (We originally weren't sure if we would have time to travel and sight-see on the weekends so we wanted to give ourselves more time to do that at the end of the trip). Since we don’t need that time, we will be leaving with the other volunteers on Sunday (the 14th) and getting in to London on Monday morning. We will then be cruising around London all day Monday and Tuesday, then take the flight that we had originally planned from London back to LAX. This will give us more time to explore London and definitely not worry about rushing, since we will be done here in Ghana. We already changed the flights with British Airways. It was $100 for the changing fee plus $40 in taxes. That was all taken care of. Let me know if that is unclear. I will still be seeing you at the same day and time in LAX. Gotta go. Heading out to some big festival in a town called Ada tomorrow. Should be fun. T
Dear Jonathan! You say "I can’t believe the second week is already almost over!" And I say, it seems like you have been gone an eternity!!! You say that you are finding teaching (challenging and rewarding)... And I say that is awesome… You say that middle schoolers are fun kids but challenging to control at times. I say that now you what teachers and parents have to put up with and maybe you will have a better appreciation for all the hard work we do! I am so anxious to see photos & of course, I want my souvenirs.
Nice to hear about the new internet cafe that opened up in Prampram. Probably you shouldn't have told us about it now we will expect to hear from you!!! As long as you are safe and healthy, once a week is nice! I am thrilled that you will be able to chill in London for a day or two. How fun is that? The politics of the brits are very whacked (in my never to be humble opinion) but the country is so amazing to see. How is Fima doing? Is everyone getting along and making new friends?
So you say that you are going to the Ada festival... I read that just happens to be at a beautiful estuary and beach area, again with the beaches! They say that the pomp and pageantry of this festival include the king, riding in a palanquin and adorned with gold ornaments comes out to receive homage from his sub-chiefs and people. I read that it is a spectacular sight to watch the colorful canopies and umbrellas, the skilful drummers, dancers, horn-blowers and praise singers at these regular festivals, held in honor of their ancestral spirits. But from someone stuck in the OC, I say... that don't impress me much! Ha Ha Ha! (At least that's what Shawnia Twain said...)
I will take sports and the sports page any day. We went to UCLA (sorry, but we had no choice) and saw Andre Agassi win in the semi finals at the Mercedes Benz Cup! It was a real comeback for 35-year-old Andre who has not played tennis since the French Open due to health issues. He was a star in rare form. Then there is the news of hockey. Sports is full of hockey today! To keep you up to date, Burke is the new General Manager for the Mighty Ducks (yes, there will be hockey this season) and they signed Bobby Ryan born in 1987--- yes 1987 and they signed the Neidermeyer brothers! Finally, football returns to the headlines with three pages devoted to Matt Leinart and USC football. You will like this: "One Matt Leinert is the club-hopping playboy with celebrities for friends college history in the making. The other Matt Leinhert spends most of his free time with his steady girlfriend and is eager to practice football. (Matt is quoted as saying) “My celebrity-like lifestyle is so stupid; I don't have a lifestyle. I'm just a normal guy who plays football." you can now visit mattreggietv.com
Anyway, we will be there at the airport to pick you up whenever we are supposed to be there!
I know there will be much to talk about, much to hear about your adventures... our lives here pale next to yours, but we must continue on without you! Anything else I tell you about like running into Mrs. Davidson (ZBT mom prez) at South Coast, or Mrs. Williams (kindergarten teacher) at a Russian Quintet performance in Newport Beach or the Orange Drop first-ever celebration of the ball in OC for New years eve.. is trivial.
I love you so much and miss you more! See you in about 12 days! How was the forest!!! LAM
August 7, 2005 mom, like I said before, only one more week. I’m having an awesome time but am really looking forward to some good American food. Let’s just say we were really excited because we thought we were getting fries with dinner tonight but it turned out they were YAM fries. Not so good. Anyway, one of the girls that was with us left tonight - she was only here for 2 weeks. Next week I will be teaching for a few days and helping paint the school where I teach for a couple days. We are also going to be meeting a lawyer from Ghana and we may even be able to watch some trials in Accra. Should be interesting.
The festival in Ada was somewhat disappointing. The beach was pretty and the festival was really cool at first, but then it turned out to be somewhat of a letdown of a day. It was cool to see the chiefs carried in and all of the dancing, but the whole festival was really disorganized and seemed to just drag on (there seemed to be about 100 different chiefs that just kept coming and coming). Then our bus that drove us there pretty much ditched us, and the hotel where we ate lunch took an hour and a half to give us our food (despite being almost completely empty). Today was relaxing, though. We went to church this morning at the local Methodist church. There are sooo many churches here in prampram, which is really interesting. Pretty much name your Christian denomination and you've got in. (no Jews though, and even though it is fairly big in Ghana, no mosques in prampram). We went to the Methodist church because we teach at the Methodist school, in case you were wondering. I want to check out the Catholic Church next week, but it depends if we are going to be back in time. The Methodist service went from 9:00-noon, but we only stayed for part of it. It would have been a lot better if it wasn’t in Dangme so we could understand what was going on. It was a LOT of singing from their hymn books (which were in English), although no "fun" song with drums or percussion. Since I had never been to a Methodist service before I can’t really compare.
Next weekend we are going to go up to Lake Volta and hopefully to a monkey sanctuary. Really excited about Europe. Ill try to shoot you at least one more email before I leave. Can’t wait to show you pictures. T
My dearest son...I am thrilled to hear you are having the time of your life. I am indeed envious so much so that Last night I had the best Italian sausage you can imagine! HA HA HA...And actually I have had Yam fries (you know they are all the rage here!) and they are pretty darn good! I do hope you get the opportunity to hook up with an Accra attorney that is amazing!!! You know what I learned reading about your recent adventures to the Ada celebration, is that you really don't have a clue --- YOU are in a country where all they have is time!!!!! You are edgy and impatient and that is so funny!!! Still you have NO patience! I do hope you get to go to the Catholic Church. One thing I will tell you about that experience is that remember this: in every Catholic Church in every corner of the world they are reading the same readings and gospels, and it is the same one hour that you are used to!!! You say you may go to a monkey sanctuary... I visited one in Florida when I was a kid! Ha Ha … I can't wait to see you and your pictures!!!! Live large, LAM!!!
So much going on here... remind me to tell you about:
1)Tim Shaw, remember Tim (from the Orange County Homeless issues task force) he is not only the Executive Director of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation but it doing stand up comedy gigs in LA!!! You should go see him in September...
2) You must go see the movie Hustle & Flow when you get home. That is an AWESOME movie. It is awesome. Whoa it is good.
3) Newport beach is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. The beach boys will be headlining and they are looking for OC bands to perform on 10-02-05! Cool...
4) Finally we are looking at a fun home in the Westside of Costa Mesa; I wish you were here to help us decide...
August 11, 2005 Son, When you left the states a month ago, there was terrorist trouble brewing in London. And so here we go again, as you prepare to come home: Heathrow is locked out. There is a strike at Heathrow... all flights have been cancelled. As of 3PM on Thursday... Check the news... Hope you are enjoying your final days in Pram Pram. I love you and miss you son. LAM
August 13, 2005 hey. We heard about the situation in London. CNN is one of the 2 TV stations that we get in our hotel, so we've been following it as much as possible to get updates. The internet here at the internet cafe has been down since Thursday, so I wasn’t able to check the flight details until now. It seems like the current status is that everything is cleared up for the most part and all of our flights should be fine. According to the British Airways website the flights should both be taking off at the scheduled times. We will check again tomorrow before we leave. If there are any problems I will find an internet cafe in London or get a phone card and call. We are either staying at my friend's place who is studying aboard there or at a hostel. It will be fine. Don’t worry. Can’t wait to get home see you on Wednesday T
August 14, 2005I am in London. Everything is great. I got my room for tonight and tomorrow night. I am staying at the Generator Hostel. I will probably meet up with my friend from work tomorrow also. Everything seems fine with British Airways. Gotta go. Just wanted to check it and say I'm ok. T
August 15, 2005 Well, well, well... You young people!!! It's fun to be smart enough (and care enough and be interested enough in what you are doing) to figure out your comings and goings... I checked out Generator Hostels and geeze, am I getting old! Finding a place like that must be like heaven on earth... The photos on the website look just like your fraternity parties; huge and cheap, you get breakfast, bed linen, towels, 24 hour hot showers, lockers and the most important feature is the famous generator bar, and the good stuff, the amenities just go on and on...hot evening meals, internet café, satellite TV, pool tables, 24 hour refreshments...movie nights, discos, quizzes, competitions, karaoke… no curfew...central location in Russell square, Bloomsbury. I didn't know much about that outrageous area you are staying, but it is a slice of London that can whet your appetite with British flavor and lots of pubs! (I remember when you were a freshman at SC and I would click on the Tommy Trojan site to feel like I was not too far away from you)... When I did the virtual tour 360 panorama view and whoa, are you in a cultural shock state of mind or what!!! See you in a couple days. Have fun. LAM
Alone, waving as he leaves.
Thursday, July 21, 2005 VACATION: planning is 20% of the fun. Remember the planning? Coming up with an idea and trying to make it a reality for many, that turns out to be for two. Talking it up, scheming on how to pay for a costly trip and finally, the work pays off and the university believes in you and demonstrates its support for your dreams! But the next five months will seem like a lifetime amidst studying, partying, exams and LSATS.
Friday, July 22, 2005 And then you demonstrate that you can handle the complexities of planning a trip that will take you thousands of miles and several continents from home: the shots, the medications, your first passport and the day of departure still without your most important travel items – a VISA, your passport and mosquito netting.
As we sort through clothes and lists and products, I remind him that he is going on a once in a lifetime journey, an adventure that will change his life forever and will change others lives as well. Always saying goodbye. Always saying I am proud of you. Always saying I love you; until the end, when I tearfully say goodbye, “do your best, be safe, choose wisely, experience this world and go make a difference.” My last words to him.
27 days is an eternity for a mom with a son without a cell phone or computer; for one who will not write. And these are uncertain times. As he anxiously looks forward to ten hours to “kill” in London, Heathrow Airport, there have been bombings by terrorists on July 7th where 56 people were killed in the city's worst terrorist incident and then again two weeks to the day later, July 21st a series of small, synchronized explosions on three London underground trains and a double-decker occur. But the young are invincible.
Saturday, July 23, 2005 My 55th birthday...Ironically, our newest Netflix selection, The Motorcycle Diaries arrived and so we settled into that film as your nonstop to London flight was carrying you across heavens’ highway.
*I was in high school when Che met his death. Hypnotized by JFK, fascinated by the Bay of Pigs Invasion, (Bahia de Cochinos) and the government’s unsuccessful attempt in 1961 to overthrow Cuban premier Fidel Castro, I had been wrapped up in liberal, no radicalism at the time to the point of addiction and today I look back at the 60’s-70’s as the Decade of Destruction.
At any rate, it’s the morning after and I am celebrating my 55th birthday thinking about the movie and the adventures that await you and Fima and draw some similarities. A standard road movie… two buddies on the road together for the first time; women, drinking, made up stories. Guys giving up their comfortable lifestyles. There will be volunteer work and the two will be exposed to a lifestyle of poverty and social insanity that they (may) have never come face to face with before. Perhaps like Che and his friend Alberto who are separated by the Amazon River from the Lepers they serve, the two of you will put your head on a pillow in your hotel room while your students return to their villages. Perhaps.
(Before he became the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara was an introverted medical student living a sheltered life in Buenos Aires. His life changed in 1952, when, despite almost being done with his degree, he decided to take a break from his studies and join his friend, Alberto Granado, on a trip through South America. Their journey, begun on an old motorcycle and completed on foot, by hitchhiking, and on a raft, took months and covered 7500 miles. By the time it concluded in Caracas, Guevara was not the same man who started the odyssey. The Motorcycle Diaries, which is based on Guevara's journals and a book written by Granado, is the story of that trek.)
I contend that the Brazilian director Walter Salles (Central Station) avoids the easy path of politicizing Guevara's life and turning him into a symbol or an icon. At this point in his life, Che is a mere 23-year old whose exposure to the realities of poverty and disease causes a monumental spiritual upheaval. The transformation is presented slowly and subtly, and, although it is pretty much complete by the time the end credits roll, only those who are aware of Guevara's role in history will understand what comes next. The movie contrasts the beauty of the countryside with the ugliness of human conditions. I understand that in making the film, Salles took cast and crew along the exact route described by Guevara and Granado in their accounts. The Motorcycle Diaries tells a personal story with a theme we can all relate to: the loss of innocence. Alright, so you (or I) may not all become revolutionaries like Guevara, but perhaps you will note that moment when you realize that the world can be a bad place. That speak to the universality of this film, and please, you don't have to share Che’s politics to appreciate this telling of a key chapter from his life.
I started thinking about Che--- he was a sickly kid who was homeschooled due to asthma. He read Marx and Freud in his early teens. He left med school to take this one-month road trip that turned into almost a year. He experienced impoverished conditions first hand. In his later years he walked and hitchhiked through Guatemala to witness political unrest. I recall that he even went underground, traveling through Africa. And at the time of his execution, he was remembered for saying: "It is better to die standing than to live on your knees. Know this now; you are [only] killing a man." With that, an M2 carbine was fired knocking Guevara back into the wall of the small house.
The movie’s trailer is emblazoned with these words: let the world change you… you CAN change the world.”
Sunday, July 24, 2005 Thinking of your comings and goings today, son. It’s 8:30 AM in Orange County and the temperature is 69 degrees, and in Accra it 3:30 PM and a nice 84 degrees.
AKWAABA! Greetings from the other side of the globe! It’s 7:45 PM here in Accra. Fima and I got in last night. The flights were long but fine. There was someone from Global Volunteers at the airport to pick us up. We stayed in a hotel last night and were taken to a different hotel today. We briefly met our group leader this afternoon. He is out taking the last group to the airport and picking up some people from our group. It kind of seems like we are just going along for the ride for now, so we are being patient and doing lots of waiting. It VERY different here, as you might imagine. Very humid but good weather at night. We are going to the village tomorrow for our orientation. I still don’t know quite what to expect, but everything is going well so far. Don’t know when the next time that I will have internet will be but I'll send another email when I get a chance. I am taking lots of pictures too. Hope everything is going well there and happy birthday Mom. T
Dearest Jonathan! Yes, I see you have already learned a new word! I was delighted to receive an email from you with so much information. I learned that you are safe; the welcome greeting from Ghana; the time differentiation and the temperature; and that you remembered to wish me happy birthday! I am anxious to learn about your assignment and the village. Village --- it's such an endearing term. Whether you use the standardized dictionary definition reflective of a rural setting or something more global, thanks to Hillary Clinton, who brought attention to the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," which has become a focal point for the debate over the role of government and communities in supporting families and children. At any rate you sound like you are acclimating quite well! I recall that your destination is to be Prampram, isn't that a seacoast fishing village? Come on, try the fish! I recall reading somewhere that the Ashanti are the tribe you may be working with. I understand that they are noted for their expertise in weaving, kente cloth! (hint, hint) Cloth, material, fabric! * (inserted info on the movie, The Motorcycle Diaries) I love you very much, son. Keep your eyes wide open. Give my best to Fima...LAM P. S. The way you get meaning in your life is to devote yourself to helping others and creating something that gives you purpose.-- Morrie Schwartz, in "Tuesdays with Morrie" Mitch Albom
July 27, 2005 Hey, my time at the internet cafe is almost up so I can’t talk long. Thanks for the email. We are having an amazing time. Ghana is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been the people are amazing and very welcoming. The beach is beautiful here and reminds me of home, even though I am many miles away. We are going through the rainforest this weekend. It should be amazing. I am teaching social studies mostly in schools and the kids are great. Gotta run. Fima says hi. Hopefully ill be able to send you another email again soon. T
Hello son: I love your updates! How are your accommodations: are you rooming with Fima, do you have air conditioning, are you using that mosquito netting? Are you enjoying the Global volunteer staff and the other volunteers? How about being immersed in the cultural eating experience: porridge for breakfast; lots of soups, rice, beans; have you tried any local food?
Off to the rainforest this weekend, eh? So you say you are teaching SOCIAL STUDIES? As I understand Ghana was once a heavily forested country. I recall that Africa was big into harvesting timber, and the impacts on the country's environment have been devastating. Is it true that there are no rainforest tracts left that are large enough to sustain stable populations of the region's animals, such as elephants and monkeys? I actually read somewhere that the first extinction of a primate in the 20th century occurred in Ghana due to habitat loss and hunting! I also recall reading that Ghana is about the size of the state of Oregon. There is a slight difference: Ghana's population is well over 20 million and Oregon has about 4 million...
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear your positive comments... You are using words like "teaching" and "social studies" and "the kids are great." You are changed!!!! Hope you are healthy! Tell Fima his OC mom wishes him the best!!! LAM and don't forget---Be the change!
There are defining moments in life that are akin to the religious rite of passage as the Bar Mitzvah. It is said that “supposedly” that required community service project completed in high school is life-changing; but I am convinced that the Global Volunteer work in Ghana is becoming that for you. Teaching, responsibilities and respect required as a visitor in a third world country, as well as developing common bonds across economic and ethnic groups are all of that for you, my son this summer. The benefits are many – to your personal growth, to others whose lives will be changed by spending time in your presence and by the community for which you are serving. Drink in this summer of service --- rite of passage!
August 5, 2005 mom, how is everything at home? I can’t believe the second week is already almost over! It was good to hear from you. Teaching is very challenging but very rewarding. I’m teaching mostly social studies to a class of middle schoolers. They are fun kids but challenging to control at times. I have some awesome souvenirs for you, and can’t wait to show you the pictures that I’ve already taken. I am writing to you from the brand new internet cafe that opened up TODAY here in Prampram. It’s very convenient because now we don’t have to drive 45 minutes to check email. I may be checking my email more often now, but at the same time, I'm enjoying now worrying about what is going on elsewhere. EXCITING NEWS: Fima and I were able to change our flight out of Ghana. WE ARE KEEPING THE SAME FLIGHT FROM LONDON TO LAX (same flight #, flight times, etc.), but we changed the day of the first leg. We are going to be able to see pretty much everything we wanted to see in Ghana by the end of next weekend. (We originally weren't sure if we would have time to travel and sight-see on the weekends so we wanted to give ourselves more time to do that at the end of the trip). Since we don’t need that time, we will be leaving with the other volunteers on Sunday (the 14th) and getting in to London on Monday morning. We will then be cruising around London all day Monday and Tuesday, then take the flight that we had originally planned from London back to LAX. This will give us more time to explore London and definitely not worry about rushing, since we will be done here in Ghana. We already changed the flights with British Airways. It was $100 for the changing fee plus $40 in taxes. That was all taken care of. Let me know if that is unclear. I will still be seeing you at the same day and time in LAX. Gotta go. Heading out to some big festival in a town called Ada tomorrow. Should be fun. T
Dear Jonathan! You say "I can’t believe the second week is already almost over!" And I say, it seems like you have been gone an eternity!!! You say that you are finding teaching (challenging and rewarding)... And I say that is awesome… You say that middle schoolers are fun kids but challenging to control at times. I say that now you what teachers and parents have to put up with and maybe you will have a better appreciation for all the hard work we do! I am so anxious to see photos & of course, I want my souvenirs.
Nice to hear about the new internet cafe that opened up in Prampram. Probably you shouldn't have told us about it now we will expect to hear from you!!! As long as you are safe and healthy, once a week is nice! I am thrilled that you will be able to chill in London for a day or two. How fun is that? The politics of the brits are very whacked (in my never to be humble opinion) but the country is so amazing to see. How is Fima doing? Is everyone getting along and making new friends?
So you say that you are going to the Ada festival... I read that just happens to be at a beautiful estuary and beach area, again with the beaches! They say that the pomp and pageantry of this festival include the king, riding in a palanquin and adorned with gold ornaments comes out to receive homage from his sub-chiefs and people. I read that it is a spectacular sight to watch the colorful canopies and umbrellas, the skilful drummers, dancers, horn-blowers and praise singers at these regular festivals, held in honor of their ancestral spirits. But from someone stuck in the OC, I say... that don't impress me much! Ha Ha Ha! (At least that's what Shawnia Twain said...)
I will take sports and the sports page any day. We went to UCLA (sorry, but we had no choice) and saw Andre Agassi win in the semi finals at the Mercedes Benz Cup! It was a real comeback for 35-year-old Andre who has not played tennis since the French Open due to health issues. He was a star in rare form. Then there is the news of hockey. Sports is full of hockey today! To keep you up to date, Burke is the new General Manager for the Mighty Ducks (yes, there will be hockey this season) and they signed Bobby Ryan born in 1987--- yes 1987 and they signed the Neidermeyer brothers! Finally, football returns to the headlines with three pages devoted to Matt Leinart and USC football. You will like this: "One Matt Leinert is the club-hopping playboy with celebrities for friends college history in the making. The other Matt Leinhert spends most of his free time with his steady girlfriend and is eager to practice football. (Matt is quoted as saying) “My celebrity-like lifestyle is so stupid; I don't have a lifestyle. I'm just a normal guy who plays football." you can now visit mattreggietv.com
Anyway, we will be there at the airport to pick you up whenever we are supposed to be there!
I know there will be much to talk about, much to hear about your adventures... our lives here pale next to yours, but we must continue on without you! Anything else I tell you about like running into Mrs. Davidson (ZBT mom prez) at South Coast, or Mrs. Williams (kindergarten teacher) at a Russian Quintet performance in Newport Beach or the Orange Drop first-ever celebration of the ball in OC for New years eve.. is trivial.
I love you so much and miss you more! See you in about 12 days! How was the forest!!! LAM
August 7, 2005 mom, like I said before, only one more week. I’m having an awesome time but am really looking forward to some good American food. Let’s just say we were really excited because we thought we were getting fries with dinner tonight but it turned out they were YAM fries. Not so good. Anyway, one of the girls that was with us left tonight - she was only here for 2 weeks. Next week I will be teaching for a few days and helping paint the school where I teach for a couple days. We are also going to be meeting a lawyer from Ghana and we may even be able to watch some trials in Accra. Should be interesting.
The festival in Ada was somewhat disappointing. The beach was pretty and the festival was really cool at first, but then it turned out to be somewhat of a letdown of a day. It was cool to see the chiefs carried in and all of the dancing, but the whole festival was really disorganized and seemed to just drag on (there seemed to be about 100 different chiefs that just kept coming and coming). Then our bus that drove us there pretty much ditched us, and the hotel where we ate lunch took an hour and a half to give us our food (despite being almost completely empty). Today was relaxing, though. We went to church this morning at the local Methodist church. There are sooo many churches here in prampram, which is really interesting. Pretty much name your Christian denomination and you've got in. (no Jews though, and even though it is fairly big in Ghana, no mosques in prampram). We went to the Methodist church because we teach at the Methodist school, in case you were wondering. I want to check out the Catholic Church next week, but it depends if we are going to be back in time. The Methodist service went from 9:00-noon, but we only stayed for part of it. It would have been a lot better if it wasn’t in Dangme so we could understand what was going on. It was a LOT of singing from their hymn books (which were in English), although no "fun" song with drums or percussion. Since I had never been to a Methodist service before I can’t really compare.
Next weekend we are going to go up to Lake Volta and hopefully to a monkey sanctuary. Really excited about Europe. Ill try to shoot you at least one more email before I leave. Can’t wait to show you pictures. T
My dearest son...I am thrilled to hear you are having the time of your life. I am indeed envious so much so that Last night I had the best Italian sausage you can imagine! HA HA HA...And actually I have had Yam fries (you know they are all the rage here!) and they are pretty darn good! I do hope you get the opportunity to hook up with an Accra attorney that is amazing!!! You know what I learned reading about your recent adventures to the Ada celebration, is that you really don't have a clue --- YOU are in a country where all they have is time!!!!! You are edgy and impatient and that is so funny!!! Still you have NO patience! I do hope you get to go to the Catholic Church. One thing I will tell you about that experience is that remember this: in every Catholic Church in every corner of the world they are reading the same readings and gospels, and it is the same one hour that you are used to!!! You say you may go to a monkey sanctuary... I visited one in Florida when I was a kid! Ha Ha … I can't wait to see you and your pictures!!!! Live large, LAM!!!
So much going on here... remind me to tell you about:
1)Tim Shaw, remember Tim (from the Orange County Homeless issues task force) he is not only the Executive Director of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation but it doing stand up comedy gigs in LA!!! You should go see him in September...
2) You must go see the movie Hustle & Flow when you get home. That is an AWESOME movie. It is awesome. Whoa it is good.
3) Newport beach is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. The beach boys will be headlining and they are looking for OC bands to perform on 10-02-05! Cool...
4) Finally we are looking at a fun home in the Westside of Costa Mesa; I wish you were here to help us decide...
August 11, 2005 Son, When you left the states a month ago, there was terrorist trouble brewing in London. And so here we go again, as you prepare to come home: Heathrow is locked out. There is a strike at Heathrow... all flights have been cancelled. As of 3PM on Thursday... Check the news... Hope you are enjoying your final days in Pram Pram. I love you and miss you son. LAM
August 13, 2005 hey. We heard about the situation in London. CNN is one of the 2 TV stations that we get in our hotel, so we've been following it as much as possible to get updates. The internet here at the internet cafe has been down since Thursday, so I wasn’t able to check the flight details until now. It seems like the current status is that everything is cleared up for the most part and all of our flights should be fine. According to the British Airways website the flights should both be taking off at the scheduled times. We will check again tomorrow before we leave. If there are any problems I will find an internet cafe in London or get a phone card and call. We are either staying at my friend's place who is studying aboard there or at a hostel. It will be fine. Don’t worry. Can’t wait to get home see you on Wednesday T
August 14, 2005I am in London. Everything is great. I got my room for tonight and tomorrow night. I am staying at the Generator Hostel. I will probably meet up with my friend from work tomorrow also. Everything seems fine with British Airways. Gotta go. Just wanted to check it and say I'm ok. T
August 15, 2005 Well, well, well... You young people!!! It's fun to be smart enough (and care enough and be interested enough in what you are doing) to figure out your comings and goings... I checked out Generator Hostels and geeze, am I getting old! Finding a place like that must be like heaven on earth... The photos on the website look just like your fraternity parties; huge and cheap, you get breakfast, bed linen, towels, 24 hour hot showers, lockers and the most important feature is the famous generator bar, and the good stuff, the amenities just go on and on...hot evening meals, internet café, satellite TV, pool tables, 24 hour refreshments...movie nights, discos, quizzes, competitions, karaoke… no curfew...central location in Russell square, Bloomsbury. I didn't know much about that outrageous area you are staying, but it is a slice of London that can whet your appetite with British flavor and lots of pubs! (I remember when you were a freshman at SC and I would click on the Tommy Trojan site to feel like I was not too far away from you)... When I did the virtual tour 360 panorama view and whoa, are you in a cultural shock state of mind or what!!! See you in a couple days. Have fun. LAM
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