Life is Good . . . Sometimes

We try to be positive and we really do have a lot to be thankful for.  If you can look past the basic  ramifications of living in a third world country, we truly are blessed and can find simple joys in simple things:

1.  Our new apartment, though relatively small, is probably the nicest living quarters in all of Sunyani.  It's brand new, has lovely marble tile floors throughout, a very large dining-living area, an office, a walk-in shower, and we even have a washer and dryer.  We have hot water most of the time, not only in the shower, but in the kitchen as well (unheard of in Sunyani), and we have 3 air conditioners.

2.  Unlike the first complex we lived in where I had to open and unlock and close the huge iron gates myself, as Gary drove the car in and out, here at our new place we have two gatekeepers.  David and Yaki open the huge gate whenever we drive in and they even carry any groceries or bundles into the house for us, and they sweep our front verandah and talk "bikes" with President Thayne.  They take turns staying here all night so we have 24 hour security.  (Of course, Yaki is deaf, but it is comforting.)

3.  We have a young man named Effah who helps us whenever needed -- and whatever is needed.  He leaves work to help us and always smiles and even made an art easel for me to paint on.

4.  Although we live on a dirt road, Gary has a car-boy (also named  David) who washes and details our truck inside and out, like with a toothbrush.  He comes every couple of days or whenever needed, spends 2-3 hours cleaning it, won't take pay, and is at Gary's beck and call.  We usually try to slip him 5 cedis for food.

5.  We are literally treated like celebrities wherever we go.  Everyone knows us and loves it if we even say hi or acknowledge them.   We are always given chairs wherever we go and are always pushed to the front of any line wherever we go.

6.  Everyone always wants to say hello to the "Muh-dom" (Madame).  They always inquire about how I am or say, "Give my best to Muh-dom."  They truly revere and respect and love older women and me being white even seems to elevate the position.

7.  President Owusu is our guardian angel.  He is anywhere and everywhere.  The other day when the ATM failed to give us our cash, we didn't know what to do.  I turned around and there was Owusu, and we were on the other side of town.  He took us into the main branch of that ATM's bank which was back in the center of Sunyani.  We never would have found it.  When we walked in, there were six lines of about 20 people deep behind every teller.  He just marched us up to the front, introduced us to the bank manager and we had it all cleared up in just a few minutes.

8.  Although there are bars and gates on all the windows and doors, we have never felt threatened or in danger at any time. The people are truly very poor, but they are loving and kind and generous and accepting in every way.  It makes it easier to overlook the primitive conditions and concentrate on helping them.