Ghana Airport

So here I am in Ghana.  This is like the longest day ever.  We have an 11 hour layover here.  We met another American guy here who is on the same connecting flight with us, and we're passing the time talking to him about his time in Kenya.  Someone in the airport tried to make us pay money to get a transport visa when we arrived.  I'm pretty sure that was just some shady deal he was attempting to make.  He said we needed the visa because our time between our connecting flight was so long and that it cost $20.  I said we don't have any money with us (which is true.  I have like 50 shillings left and no American money).  And after some talking back and forth he said he was willing to wave the fee for us.  So we bypassed the customs line and walked out of the airport again to go back inside to departures.  Again we definitely could have left the airport, but the problem is that they wouldn't check our luggage all the way.  So we are sitting with 3 suitcases and 1 bag.  Rachel is on luggage watching duty while I'm typing.  No where in the whole airport accepts credit cards and so Rachel walked quite far to find an ATM to get some Ghanan money so that we could eat.

It has been an extremely hard day for me.  I was crying hysterically all morning and at the airport.  Edwin drove us there and Tall and Julius came with.  They were all watching us through the windows waving to us as we waited in line for our tickets.  I can't believe I am leaving all these people that I care about so much and that I have bonded with so well.  Yes, there have been struggles at times and living with everyone was difficult.  Us mzungus often got frustrated by the loud music which woke us up many times in the morning.  But overall it has been such a good experience and I have learned so much.

Yesterday we went to juvenile for the last time to make chapati with the boys.  Nearly everyone loves chapati here and for these boys it's a rare treat.  They never have it at juvenile because it takes so long to make for that many people and isn't as cheap as other foods.  This process went extremely smooth, much better than I expected.  All the boys took turns mixing, rolling, and cooking.  Overall there was minimal amount of pushing and fighting.  And with so many hands we finished cooking in 2 hours.  One boy told me he remembered doing this in 2008 when I was here.  It is good to know that people remember.  We had a small drama to deal with during the day because John, the street boy, stayed at our house on Friday.  And Julius discovered in the morning that John had taken 3000 shillings from his wallet.  So there was lots of discussion with him about what happened.  It seems he misunderstood that Alex was only temporarily taking him to Kibera to stay for a few days before taking him home.  I think John thought he was being left there.  Of course that doesn't justify the stealing though. 

We went out for Ethiopian food last night as a farewell dinner.  And then we came back to the house for tea and people came over to pray for us.  It was good to hear everyone recap about how they think the 2 months went and what we have learned from each other.  Rachel and I tried to stay up most of the night so that we are very tired for the plane so that our bodies can adjust. We made it till about 3:30 a.m. and slept 2 hours before getting back up.  We are decked out in our Kenyan garb, braided hair, and tire shoes.  I think minus our skin color we could pass for Kenyans.

So Monday morning I will be home.  I feel so conflicted and pulled in many directions.  I know that school is about to begin in America and that I have a purpose there.  But it is very hard to leave behind my life in Nairobi.  The people that I've met are like my family.  And the stories of the women and boys we've met really tug at my heart.  I am so encouraged by the way people share the little that they have and the strong faith of people who have been through so much.  I may be leaving Kenya, but I know that I will not forget what I have seen.  This place is such a part of me and I pray that I will be changed for the better by what God has allowed me to experience.  Thank you again for all your prayers.  We have stayed fairly healthy for our whole trip and have yet to have anything stolen.  We were kept safe at night when so many scary things happen in Nairobi.  Truly God has protected us and we appreciate your prayers.  Asante Sana.  I hope to see some of you soon and share with you about my time here.  Barikwa sana!