If it's Tuesday it must be Kyekyewere

Akwaaba from Kumsasi! For family and friends, we are here and arrived safetly, all be it, a long day and long flights. The flight from JFK to Accra wasn't that crowded so I was able to sleep somewhat laying down. We arrived on time and breezed through customs. Emmanuel was there waiting for us so we collected bags and boxes, and out to the care. Edward is our driver and we have a nice 4WD. All the luggage was able to fit in the car so off to Kumasi. That was a long ride as there was road construction....now for those of you from St. Louis, this construction makes the Highway 40 project look like child's play. They rip up the whole road, re-route you along side a dirt road along the side of the construction site. And traffic...well, I won't comment on that.

After a stop for lunch at the famed Linda Dor rest stop, back in the car. We all slept almost all the way into Kumasi. We arrived at the Beauty Queen abour 3PM and were shown to our rooms. Amy and Lizzy, if you are following, Erin has your room. I am fortunate to have the Fred Garvey Memorial Room! We contacted Daniel, Pastor Ben and Bea. After a dinner of some pretty good pizza, along visit with Daniel and Lydia (who was quite sick) it was good to get a shower and literally crawl into bed about 8:30. The staff at the Beauty Queen sends their greeting for those of you on the Habitat trip last year. The Madam, Quamie, Hobie....

This morning we had a great breakfast of scambled eggs, baked beans and sausage (that would be hot dogs to all of you) and some great instant coffee. Edward picked us up at about 9AM after Daniel arrived. We were off to Kyekyewere. This was the informal meeting with the Chief (no Schnapps this time Ken, that is the formal meeting on Thursday). We were seated in his Palace in a semi circle. The Tribal Elders entered and Chief Nana last. We were officially greeted and welcomed. Part of this custom includes sharing a beverage and the Chief kindly provided sodas for us. Then I was asked to speak. After thanking Chief Nana and the Elders for their kind hospitality, I explained our visit and briefly what we came to accomplish on this trip. Erin to see some patients, discuss land and building and medical legal issues and Chris to explore water, electricity and sanitation.

Chief Nana arranged for an architect from the University/Habitat office to be there so that we might explain what we will be needind. The village is in need of a 'maternity' hospital. In order to actually see this, we went to a CHPS facility clost by where there was a birthing facility. The nurse there was more than kind and showed us the small compound which included a labor room, delivery room, ante-natal room, and 2 general exam rooms. There was also a dorm facility on the property. Toilet facilities were outside. Pictures of this will be posted later as the computer servers are slow here tonite.

Daniel took us back to the village and we were able to see the existing wells, and, the houses that were built by the group last year. This was a long day, so back to the hotel for a nice late lunch and nap.

Pastor Ben and his wife, Pricilla, came by in the morning to greet us. Then Pastor Ben also stopped by late this afternoon. We will go see his sanitation facilities tomorrow afternoon after we visit another hospital. These visits to various hosptials and clinics are wonderful as we are able to take pictures and visually see how the medical facilities are set up. Same with the water and sanitation.

The people here are most interested in the US Elections. The weather is hot, partly cloudy..and the people are wonderful as ever.

The server here in Ghana is running slow this evening. So I will close and pray that this message gets posted. Hopefully, tomorrow we will be able to post some pictures and write more.