Tie Dye, Beads and Green Eggs and Ham

The days are beginning to run together, and we haven't had internet at the apartment for over a week, (that's a whole other story that makes all the customer service horror stories at home seem so insignificant), but one day last week when we were at the Osu Library some people came from the community to provide an activity for the adult literacy students. Sort of took us back to the 60's. They hadn't ever heard of "hippies" but definitely have the tie die thing figured out. 

As part of the activity everyone was expected to write down all the instructions. Everyone was super focused on getting this part done well.

In preparation for another day there, we had downloaded the book "Green Eggs and Ham" onto the phone. Two of the students who we have been mentoring are learning those same phonics words, but their readers are so boring, seriously!!  Humor is always a bit different so we weren't really sure what they would think.  

We decided it was worth a try.

There were some new words but they didn't let that stop them.

There was no language barrier here, as Dr. Seuss seems to speak all languages.

On Saturday we took an excursion with 3 other couples outside Accra to the Cedi Bead Factory. Jewelry is always appropriate for Valentines Day, wherever you live. 

The owner, who is nicknamed "Cedi" and has followed in the tradition of his great, great grandfather, was out guide.

 

First step, various kinds of recycled glass, either powder or pieces are placed inside the molds. He is making a special focus bead (above), layering colored powdered glass to create the design. 

                                             Various sizes and shapes of molds.

Then the molds go into the oven where the glass is melted.

 While the glass is still hot, a hole is made in the middle and the hot bead is rotated around in the mold to make the round shape.  Then the hot bead is flipped over in the mold and the process repeated on the other side.  This is what you would call "red hot."

Next the rough beads are polished on a wet stone, all by hand. 

And these are the results. The black and white striped bead chain on the top is hand painted and was handed down from oldest family member to oldest family member since 1500, so they claim.  They were sold to Cedi Beads by a family as they wanted it duplicated so more of the family could have the beads.  

Life is too short to wear boring jewelry!!

The guys mostly waited outside and watched the food preparation of Fufu going on. Why is that not surprising?

Fufu is a dough that is made from cassava and plantain, mashed repeatedly until it reaches a very smooth texture. It is served in a spicy red soup or stew with vegetables and fish.

I had to try my hand at it of course. I'm not sure why, but the lady who is seated was reluctant to put her hands in the pot while I was pounding the Fufu. We all had a good laugh.

Sunday we went back to the Tesano Stake to visit the literacy classes after doing the training for them a couple weeks ago.  

You will see a lot of people going to church here on Sundays, and there are more ways to get there than you would imagine.

Between us, the Wakilds, and the Stake Literacy Specialist, we were able to visit 4 Wards. We learned some ways we could improve to help the teachers, and had the opportunity to teach a class as well, which is the best teacher.

The highlight once again this week was teaching gospel principles in a beginning literacy class. There is an amazing spirit there and amazing people who not only love the Lord but want to learn as much as they can about him. It's incredibly humbling and reminds us why we are so grateful to be here.