First day in Ghana

SATURDAY JULY 17

After a long and exhausting 10 hour plane ride from JFK, we finally arrived in Accra, tired but ready to see what Ghana had in store. We were welcomed by the staff of Hearts of the Father, and John Moritz, who traveled with us, happily introduced us to every one. Immediately after leaving the airport, we were quickly immersed in Ghanian culture. As we drove down the motorway, we were continuously inundated by hawkers who were persistent in trying to sell us their goods. This was a very interesting experience for many of us, including Olivia Dolan. Olivia and Elena Kikis were surprised when a man came up and started kissing their window trying to cajole them into buying his plantains.

We arrived at the Sea Lane hotel in Pram Pram, which is located next to the town of Old Ningo. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the hotel was equipped with AC and king sized beds. After a short nap we headed out to the JoshKrisDan home where we met all of the kids. We turned into the driveway and we were greeted by orange gates and white walls and the smell of the house mother cooking a delicious lunch. The gates opened and we saw the house with a deck, and an open court yard in the middle.

Winston Boney finally had the opportunity to meet her sponsor children, Belinda and Emmanuel. Everyone fell in love with the kids almost instantly. The kids were eager to play with all of our cameras, they were mesmerized by all the electronics. Elena made friends with a boy named Atteh, later to find out he only liked her for her nice camera. That was a huge disappointment for Elena, but as of now...they are friends.

The newest member of the home, Monica age 3, quickly stole all of our hearts. Especially Winston's and Taigh's who want to take her home with them. Jeremy was only referred as "tattoo boy" and all the kids were fascinated by them. Sebastian was often confused with a girl, due to his long luscious locks, because the kids aren't used to boys with such long hair. Lena and Winston being blonde and fair skinned was entertaining to the kids. Sara Cox and Olivia taught Richard, Emmanuel, and Jonathan how to play chopsticks on the piano. Olivia managed to get everyone's phone number....of course.

We made it back to our hotel in one piece, tired and ready for dinner. Agreed on by everyone, the food here is absolutely unbelievable. Olivia says "I would pay so much money at a restaurant to have what I just had." We ate chicken, fish, and two kinds of fried rice. Our weak taste buds were not conditioned for the spice, but it was incredible all the same. We all slept like babies and had crazy dreams due to the Malarone.

Love, the team in Ghana