Preparing for Culture Shock...

It's obvious that Ghana is different from the United States, - DUH! As we prepare for this trip, we are beginning to realize that the small, every day things we take for granted may be the biggest difference. To learn more about Ghana we have been reading the book "Culture Smart: Ghana". It has been an eye-opening book, and here are a few of the things we have learned so far -

1. The left hand is traditionally used to wipe yourself. Therefore it is not acceptable to use your left hand to eat, drink, give anything, or accept anything. Along the same line, toilet paper is not readily available in public restrooms. (Note to self: Tie left hand behind back and bring own toilet paper.)
2. Attire and appearance are very important to Ghanaians, but there are criteria - females should only wear loose fitting skirts that hit below the knee(no pants or shorts), men should wear "smart" closed toe shoes and loose fitting cotton pants. (Note to self: Loralynne gets a pass to shop at Old Navy and Gap to buy new skirts.)
3. Older people are highly respected and regarded as the embodiment of experience, wisdom, and traditional lore. Funerals are more celebrated than weddings, and the older the person, the larger the party. (Note to self: Retire in Ghana.)
4. It is not proper to cross your legs so the sole of your shoe is pointing toward someone. (Note to self: Keep feet on the ground.)
5. Water from the faucet is only for washing, and drinking water must be filtered and bottled. However, water for washing your hands is not always available. (Note to self: Always carry wet wipes or antibacterial gel.)
6. Don't sing in the shower. (Sorry Sam!)

There is no doubt that we are going to experience culture shock unlike anything we have experienced before, but that is one of the key reasons for this trip. We want to understand a culture unlike our own and work within that culture on projects that will benefit students in Ghana. This trip is not about us - it is about the people in Ghana.

An Amazing Blessing!

Considering the high cost for this trip ($8,000 for airfare and 3 weeks of lodging), we were advised to raise funds to help cover some of the costs. Asking for money is not easy or something either of us enjoy. And the current economic downturn makes it even harder to ask friends and family to contribute. During a discussion with our mission adviser, he helped us see that giving is a great way for those who believe in mission but cannot travel to Africa to be a part of this trip and the good work we hope to do in Ghana.

To date, we have received $3,500 from friends and family, and a $1,000 mission grant from our church (First Presbyterian Church of Evanston)! This puts us at more than 50% of our fundraising goal! We are so humbled and thankful for all of these contributions! We have been absolutely amazed at the outpouring of support we have experienced. What an amazing blessing to be surrounded by such generous and supportive people!

Most of all, we ask that friends and family pray for us, that we may be focused and effective to do God’s work and make a difference, and stay safe in the process. We are excited to embark on this adventure, and we’ll be carrying so many of you in our hearts.

Vaccinations

While it is important to always be current on your vaccinations, it is amazing the number of shots required for foreign travel - especially to Africa! Thankfully, the Center for Disease Control has a great Web site where you can see news about current global health risks, information on recommended/required vaccinations per country, and resources for illness/injury while abroad.

For our mission trip to Ghana, it is recommended that we have the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever - proof of vaccination is required to enter the country
• Polio booster

We went to the doctor on Tuesday to talk about getting these shots and get health clearance to travel. Thankfully, we have both had the Hepatitis B series and Sam had the Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines last year when he went to China. In the end, Loralynne received a Hepatitis A shot and a prescription for an oral version of the Typhoid vaccination. We have to go to a special travel clinic to get the Yellow Fever and Polio booster shots. The doctor also prescribed malaria and Cipro pills.

Overall, we are in good health and are glad to check this "to do" item off our planning list.

Going to Ghana...

Welcome to our Ghana mission blog!

Sam is graduating from the Kellogg School of Management in June 2009 and starts work with PepsiCo Chicago in September 2009. With a few months between graduation and work, we have decided to plan a multi-week mission trip. God has truly blessed our lives and we would like to share His blessings with others. Following several conversations with our church missions director and Kellogg Intervarsity director about how and where we could contribute the most, we were invited by the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) to work with them in Ghana. At first we were a little apprehensive about going to Ghana, but after doing some research, we are now really excited!!

We are working to finalize our projects, which may include:

• developing a training program on HIV to help Christian students lead a campus education effort,


• designing a partner-building program for IFES to increase fundraising and support for evangelism across Africa, and


• building a strategy for a self-sustainable microfinance operation in Ghana.

Our friends Robert and Malissa, another couple at Kellogg, have been planning to do a mission trip after graduation as well, so we approached them about going to Ghana with us. They jumped at the opportunity to join us and we are so excited to work with them!

A few weeks ago we had dinner with Daniel Bourdanne, IFES General Secretary, and Deborah Lake, Head of IFES Advancement, during their visit from headquarters in Oxford to Chicago. It was wonderful meeting them and learning more about IFES's global initiatives.

We are in the full swing of planning for the trip. We have reserved our flight to Accra, are reading several books about Ghana, and have scheduled monthly meetings with our mission mentors. This week we have appointments to get blood tests to find out our blood types and confirm whether we need Hep A/B booster shots. And we have to get malaria pills?!

It is all a little overwhelming, but also exciting! Stay tuned . . .

Sam, Loralynne, Daniel Bourdanne (General Secretary of IFES),
Malissa Albright, Deborah Lake (Director of Development for IFES), and Robert Albright