A Visit to Emmanuel

Today we went to visit Emmanuel in his region. What an experience it was! We went on winding, bumpy roads through the mountains to get to the site where we were meeting him. It was a long ride & luckily I didn't get carsick! (That is quite an achievement for me haha)

We got to a place called O'Green Canteen and we were greeted by Emmanuel and many of his friends. They were all so kind and welcoming. Emmanuel spoke to us briefly and then we were entertained by many traditional African songs and dances. I cannot even explain it but I took lots of video. He later explained to us that the children who were dancing live in the orphanage that his sister runs - what a great family effort!

After watching some of the entertainment, we went in the building to watch a video of Emmanuel accepting an ESPY award with Jim MacLaren, and the award was presented by Oprah Winfrey. It was quite inspirational to hear both of them talking about what they have overcome.

Then we were served a delicious lunch! They gave us a great salad and a type of bread to go with it that was just like American waffles. It was so good. Then, we saw more songs and dance, and then we were served peanut soup and rice balls.

After lunch, we took many pictures and then traveled to a bead market. We were accompanied by a shop owner who sells jewelry made by people with disabilities! We all purchased many items from him (at least I did!). I am bringing back lots to share!! Then, Emmanuel took us to see the land where his school for the disabled will be built. He has a large plot of land and is breaking ground in May. He is anticipating the school opening in about 5 years. I wish I could come back for the ceremony for breaking the ground - he anticipates his good friend Oprah will be here, too!

Tonight some of us went to the restaurant on campus and had a delicious dinner. We had grilled chicken, fried fish, some sort of beef stew, fries, plantains, rice, cucumbers (very different than American cucumbers), and some sort of fried dough balls. It was the best meal I've had in Ghana.

Tomorrow we're headed to the Cape Coast Castle & then Saturday we have free time before our flight to Dubai at midnight! When we get to Dubai, I'm going to try to post the videos and pictures I have taken - the internet here is just way too slow.