Sunday, October 7, 2007

When in Rome...

...So we got our hair braided. Our host mom took us into town and we bought hair- about 6 dollars worth- and took it home. Two days later, 8 women came to our house and braided the fake hair into our real hair. The whole process took about 3 hours, 4 girls on each of us, and cost about $5 (the $11 total makes it about the most expensive thing I have done since being in Ghana- not too shabby). It was one of the more painful things I have willingly sat through. For 3 hours, they scraped, pulled, dug, yanked, and tugged at my scalp, then burned, cooked, and cut my hair. The rest of the day my head ached, that night sleeping was slightly more difficult, but by the next day I started getting used to it. Now I love it. I don't have to wash it, it never gets in my face, and it should look good for a month or two. What do you think Katie--should I keep it for the wedding??

Equally exciting, a new baby arrived at the orphanage this week. I met her when she was two days old (not yet named) and got to bathe her, feed her, change her, and put her down. Incredible. So here is a picture of me with this gorgeous new baby.

I am sorry for the infrequent posts- about 3 weeks ago, we stopped by the internet cafe in Mampong and they said the internet was down, but to "check back this afternoon". It still doesn't work... So we must find internet when we travel, which is not always easy (and everything is closed on Sundays). The closest spot is Kumasi, about an hour tro-tro ride away.

I think I am really starting to adjust here. The food still gets me every once in a while, and I find I crave salty things, as everything we eat is rather bland. But I am settling into the daily lifestyle, and just adore travelling around the country. It is always an adventure!

16 comments:

John said...

Introducing.....Becca Marley!
HAHA I love it! Im sure Bob is VERY jealous.

Cant wait to see you.

John

Meem said...

I love you and will write more tomorrow. Love the hair. Love, Meem

Mom said...

Hi Becca:
You now look like you belong with the babies!! I love the look on you, but not sure it's that the look goes best with a bridesmaids dress at River Road Church. You would be the talk of the night, but that's not fair as Katie is supposed to be the topic of conversation.

The litte girl is beautiful, with bright eyes. Who will be naming her? And how did she come to you so young?

News from home: It's October but the weather thinks its still August. It was 91 today, humid, sunny, and still no rain. We think when it starts raining that it won't stop for a month. the only creatures happy in our yard are the fish!! One good part...we have had a LONG stretch of good "driving in the convertible" weather.

You look good. With the laid back days, do you look at your watch very much? tell me more about what you are eating. And have you learned much twi yet?

Love you and miss you lots.
Mom

Jane LL said...

Boxley here...yes, a "papapapa ti twa"..Ben says cool. Three of the Green Bay Packer defensive linesmen have the same "ti twa", and they can't even keep it tucked in their helmet! By the way, I would "horo" it occasionally, even if the local custom says not to.

Oh, you wanted news. Loved your baby picture - no new granddaughter over here yet, but watch the blog - the "awonfonom" are eager to see Llandis, especially Mary. Nationally in the news, sports is all about who gets caught "sisi", politics is all about who can "sisi" with the truth, and all the good deeds are relegated to page 10. But the Nobel prizes will soon be announced for the folks that did "papapapa" deeds...we are hoping to get one for "adidiadidi" - if they give awards for the joy of eating.

I hope the Twi is going well - I am trying to help. I wish you could record the sounds of a day in the life - the sounds must be as interesting to "tie" as your pictures and reports are fun to "kenkan".

Stay "ahocden", and "horo" your "ti" occasionally. And let us know what you need to make Ghana a happier place.

BP said...

The hair is awesome! Nuff Said.

Bailey Thomson said...

you look amazing. if you were a passport counselor, this is how i would imagine you.

name that baby bailey. i mean, i'm just saying.

LOVE YOU. i think you should keep the hair for rrcb- the church could use some diversity.

yours, bailey

Anonymous said...

So good to hear from you & i'm anxious to hear if you received the food pkg. from Zoli & me. I'm afraid the chocolate chip cookies will not be the best. The new born is precious in her picture & I too think your hair looks great. We love you, MaMa jack

Meem said...

Becca, it is tomorrow and now I write as I have gotten my password straight, took a while. I am so glad you are doing as the Romans do, the hair is great but as you mom comments maybe not with a bridesmaid dress.
Still hot today 90 or above. Weary of hot and dry.
Your mom and I had such a wonderful visit in Washington with Beth and then our trip to San Francisco was fascinating. She treated me to first class flying which I had never had and we did all the tourist things, even taking a tour bus. My feet will never be the same but worth it.

I love your adventure and the children will win your heart, I am sure. The last small one is precious.

We were concerned when you told Katie how much trouble you were having adjusting to the food, tummy ache and all. That sounds better and I am relieved. I hope you have received the care package your mom and I sent from WA.

An email from Dexter relates that they are just back from visiting Australia and loved it. As of now he plans to probably get out of the service and work in his field. Their trip here Thanksgiving is iffy and I am disappointed but he will soon be transferred to Ft. Hood, TX.
WE miss you and admire your efforts to help these little people. Let us know your project.
With all my love, MEEM

Meem said...

Becca, it is tomorrow and now I write as I have gotten my password straight, took a while. I am so glad you are doing as the Romans do, the hair is great but as you mom comments maybe not with a bridesmaid dress.
Still hot today 90 or above. Weary of hot and dry.
Your mom and I had such a wonderful visit in Washington with Beth and then our trip to San Francisco was fascinating. She treated me to first class flying which I had never had and we did all the tourist things, even taking a tour bus. My feet will never be the same but worth it.

I love your adventure and the children will win your heart, I am sure. The last small one is precious.

We were concerned when you told Katie how much trouble you were having adjusting to the food, tummy ache and all. That sounds better and I am relieved. I hope you have received the care package your mom and I sent from WA.

An email from Dexter relates that they are just back from visiting Australia and loved it. As of now he plans to probably get out of the service and work in his field. Their trip here Thanksgiving is iffy and I am disappointed but he will soon be transferred to Ft. Hood, TX.
WE miss you and admire your efforts to help these little people. Let us know your project.
With all my love, MEEM

Anonymous said...

Becca, Your Locks of Love have turned into Brades of LOVE Love you, MaMa Jack

Andrew said...

hey becca,

great to be able to read all about your adventure. sounds like an incredible experience. the UK is rainy as usual but life is good.

andrew

Unknown said...

Becca...That 'do' is really quite the bargain! I'd love to pay 5 bucks for hair and then not have to do much to it for 2 months, (but I think I'd have to add in some henna or whatever coloring agent is available!!)
What a hoot! Sounds like you're settling in nicely and I just love all those babies!!

Norma

Anonymous said...

Becca, The Punta Gorda Post Office says you have to go to the PO there to pick up your package from me as they attempted to deliver it on the 24th of September. They will return it here as they only attempt to delver once.Good Luck. Love you, MaMa Jack

Unknown said...

Becca I have to say I dig the new hair.

Keith

Dad said...

Such a coincidence as I have just done the same thing with my hair.
Team and team.

Love, Dad

Advocate said...

Great hair, pretty baby! Any luck getting them to release clothes and toys at the home? Jeff is headed back to the Philippines the 1st 2 wks of November...Jordan and I are returning to Nova Scotia as he's considering applying to Dalhousie University (!). Love, Peggi