Rotary Fun in Accra

Cathy, Theresa and Kathy

Today we got to have some fun at the Rotary Club of Accra's President's lunch, which is an event happening all over the world in preparation for the start of the new Rotary year which begins July 1st. The club's accomplishments were summarized and the lively discussion kept the members at the meeting for close to 3 hours. It was fun to listen and learn and reflect on the many similarities between Rotary Clubs
globally.

This seafood salad was waiting for
me after the meeting

We were able to connect with some old friends from the club, some of whom I first met in 2003 when leading a Group Study Exchange Team, and we met new friends, some of whom will be attending the Celebration and Book Launch tomorrow evening. I am getting really excited for tomorrow night! In the morning we will head over to Street Girls Aid to meet with Vida and her team - so much anticipation - stay tuned for updates tomorrow and some surprises. Until then here are a few pictures...

Alex on the far left hosted Kevin, a GSE Team
member when we were in Ghana

Sam and Cathy

To get connected with the activities:

The next event, on June 30th continues to highlight the impact of the organization at the book launch of Stories From The Streets a newly published book which features twenty stories of children who were impacted by Street Girls Aid. To get your copy from Amazon click here.

The 20th Anniversary Walk

Getting ready for the launch

The book launch coincides with the 20th Anniversary cocktail party and many of the contributors to the book will be on hand for a book signing and story telling. Completing the week of activities will be a grand homecoming celebration on July 2nd. For more information about the book launch click here.

You can still be involved in the activities by supporting Street Girls Aid, purchasing Stories From The Streets or by simply making a donation. For more about the 20 year legacy of Street Girls Aid "like" their Facebook page by clicking here. To contact Vida Asomaning Amoako,  the Executive Director of S.Aid e-mail her at streetgirlsaid@yahoo.com to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in the lives of street children.

Different parts...same city...

Fishing on the Atlantic Ocean

Different parts….same city

Last night we had the good fortune to attend a fundraiser/fellowship event put on by the Rotary Club of Accra in District 9100.  They had a Cheese and Wine Jazz Night, attended by some 200 plus Rotarians (and future Rotarians…?) under a beautiful moonlit sky.  We both enjoyed some of the typical Rotary traditions (singing, greeting old friends) and were introduced to some new ones (local slang and a Chinese auction).  It was a lovely event and had great coverage by the local media due to a myriad of sponsors that were supporting the work of this Rotary Club.  And, it was hosted at the home of one of their Rotarians, who, as luck would have it, hails from the same area of Minnesota as us!  What are the chances!?!?!? 

Some more goodies
coming home with us

Today we headed out to Kokrobite Beach (recommended to us by a local at the party last night)  to sit back and enjoy the sun, sand, and the ocean.  The drive out was once again very interesting, with a lively discussion with our driver about who should maintain roads and how we think our respective governments are doing with this (as we bumped, bounced, and veered left and right…great AB workout!).  Then, around the corner and we saw nothing but white sand, waves, and fishing boats as far as the eye could see.  Amazing how quickly you can be out of the frenzy of the city and enjoying a Club beer in total relaxation! 

Tonight we’re hunkered down in the room prepping for our last day with Street Girls Aid staff tomorrow, heading to a Rotary meeting, off to pick up our new African wear from the seamstress, last errands and then to the airport!  We’ll post another update as time lets us.  In the meantime, wish us safe travels!

Goodbye Dinner

This is what 39C feels like inside...(103 degrees F)

Schwarma...yummm...

Cheese...yummmm