Bolgatanga:
Ahhh, the lovely Sand Garden
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| 16 hours on a bus...... Jeff and Robert |
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| The only US style rest stop we saw goin' up or comin' down |
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| Banku on the road to go! |
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| We met the elders and their interpreter in the green... |
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| Two different kinds of millet |
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| Nice farmer ladies |
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| Anyone want a goat? Prices start at only $18! |
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| Dowa Dowa, a medicinal plant |
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| The infamous Kola nut, part of the foundation for the medieval Ghana Empire |
Hotel. What it lacked in terms of a functioning air conditioner, water pressure, and cable TV, it had in a 40 cedi/night rate (about $13 USD), a cool central courtyard, a super strong ceiling fan, and shady outdoor dining area. There was plenty of outdoor seating areas under trees to take your ease and laundry was only 1 cedi per item!
We were blessed with an opportunity to visit with the elders from the village of Zuarungu, a very solemn occasion whose ceremony was followed by a wonderful tour of the chief's compound. We met the Queen mom from two chiefs ago, observed some pito sampling, saw a traditional shrine, and got to climb a grain silo.
We followed this visit up with a visit to Pastor Robert's Bible Institute where the students helped to refine the skit of the young American missionaries we accompanied to Bolgatanga. This regional institute was filled with an international assortment of students from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, and Togo. It was so encouraging to see the work being done here. Students were learning English language, literacy, and the Bible in a region that is very lacking in opportunities. They are in the process of building a new school to accommodate the demand. Lack of funds is slowing construction even though Pastor Robert, his wife Mavis, and the students are doing much of the labor themselves. Then we got the priceless opportunity to interview three farmers growing millet. They were very calm, helpful, and accomodating.
We broke away from the group to take a tour of the Bolgatanga market with Pastor Isaac. Notable here was the goat market. Purchased goats were loaded into the holds of waiting tour busses. Poor Tim thought he would get a clip of a market woman sifting grain and got pelted with corn from a protesting market woman sitting behind him. Tim is a soldier!
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| Goats ready for transport! |
We finished things up with the Brazil vs. Croatia World Cup game in the Sand Garden courtyard. What a productive and satisfying day!
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