I hope this email finds you well. Thanks for the continued emails and birthday wishes - it was an interesting day, to say the least, haha. I don't think I've told you, but I've been rooming with one of the other volunteers, so she was so sweet - snuck around to get me a birthday cake and plan an evening out, so that was nice (although we all know how much of a non-partyier I am...thus why it was 'interesting'). We also went out for a 'western' birthday lunch - boy, it was really nice to have some good 'ol western food, haha!! My host mother (what a wonder she is!!) made quite the feast in the evening and I was instructed to bring my friends over. It was great! I was to have a traditional Ghanian birthday feast on Sunday, but for the past few days I have pretty much been in bed with some sort of sickness - the sickest I've been in probably 6/7 years! Oh dear... I've been well taken care of, though, and am feeling much better today (enough to walk an hour to the internet cafe and spend some time at the orphanage!). Hopefully tomorrow I'll be completely back to normal. We're not sure if it was some sort of food poisioning (which I don't think it was - it just doesn't make sense) or just a general sickness (my best guess, especially considering that a number of kids from the nursery at the orpahange have been sick), but I'm definitely glad to be feeling better. It for sure wan't malaria though - so don't worry Mom!!
On a better note, I was able to attend a traditional African wedding on Saturday!! Although I didn't know the bride or groom and the ceremony lasted over 2 1/2 hours, it was definitely one of the best weddings I've ever been to!! haha It's nearly impossible to describe the beauty of it - but it was a Catholic wedding, with the bride being from a northern Ghanian community. There was a choir, a tribal band, and a WHOLE LOT of dancing! And the church looked absolutely stunning. At one point, one of the priests was dancing with the bride - it was pretty hilarious. One of the other volunteers got a short video, so I'll have to post it on my blog once I get home. The most hilarious part of the wedding was when it was time to 'kiss the bride' but the groom didn't know what to do with her veil. At one point we thought he was just going to dive under the veil and kiss her - haha, it was great fun. Finally after some explanation on her part, he was able to lift the veil over her head and tuck it back... I'll admit, it beat Matt saying Megan at the wedding - so it looks like you're off the hook now Matt!!! hehe We also stayed for part of the reception, spoke with some of the drummers, etc - it was really interesting to learn about some of the traditional dances that were done, the bride's family dance giving her away to the groom's family, etc. Really quite amazing.
My roommate leaves to go back to the UK this Friday, so I will be very sad to see her go. It's been so nice to have someone else to share meals at the table with (the family generally doesn't eat at the 'dining' table), someone my own age around to chat with, and just generally relate to more easily... I've requested another volunteer to come stay with me, so we'll see if that happens... Only time will tell!
Well, as always, there's lots more to say, but I've better cut it off here. But thanks again for all your prayers and encouraging words (especially towards me not being married yet!! haha) - I'll admit, especially while sick, I was missing the comforts of 'home' - but my time here is nearly half done and I really am enjoying it.
With love and hugs to all,
Teresa
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