Building a foundation …

A month ago I left the comforts of my home to begin my journey to Ghana but before I could set my first steps on that land I had to built a foundation.

I have spend the last few weeks learning about the history, politics, economics and the cultures of Ghana; enhancing awareness and analysis of poverty and injustice; developing consensus decision making and conflict resolution skills; and preparing mentally, emotionally and spiritually to live cross-culturally.

I spend time with the urban poor working at St. John’s kitchen part of the Working Center in Kitchener / Waterloo area learning about local experiences of poverty. http://www.theworkingcentre.org/

The group also had the opportunity to rise to a challenge of getting to know each other better by taking a five day bike trip. We started of in Kitchener and travelled to Brantford then to Cayuga after to Waterford and then to Pinehurst conservation area in Glen Morris and finished off in Guelph. I will like to share with you that it was quit the physical and mental challenge. As it rained for part of the first three days and my bike broke down a few times to the point that I had to get a whole back wheel brought to me on the third day.
At the end of the day the group kept its cool, we work together and bonded as we got to know each other better.
follow this link to see a map from yahoo maps of the places where we stop during our trip.http://ca.maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=43.123353&lon=-80.009275&zoom=9&q1=kitchener%20on&q2=brantford%20on&q3=cayuga%20on&q4=waterford%20on&q5=pinehurst%20rd%20glen%20morris%20on%20&q6=guelph%20on

I Am travelling with 2 other females Enya and Jolene you will also have the opportunity to read there blogs if you like.

I at this time I would like to invite you to learn as well by informing yourself. This link is to the website "free documentaries" where you will be able to pick a topic and learn about it. The link will take you to the film “life and debt” which is one we watched during our orientation.
http://www.freedocumentaries.org/film.php?id=91
hope you enjoy!

Next time I write I will be In Ghana. I will be learning the Adangebe language. I ask that you be patient with me as I will not have constant access to the internet but I will try to write at least once a month.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Diana M.