It’s lunch break and I finally have an internet connection. Let’s see how long it lasts!

My People

Seven percent of Peace Corps volunteers are over the age of 50.  While I always want to think of myself as young, the reality is that my life experiences, my historical reference points, my music, and so many other things are different from those of the younger volunteers, who range in age from 22 to 35.  We are having fun together and building relationships, but we’re at opposite ends of the career spectrum and it takes some effort to establish connections.

For that reason, I’m grateful to have the company of fellow volunteer Bruce, a retired Professor of Mathematics from the (The?) University of Arizona, where he taught Partial Differential Equations (i.e., super advanced Calculus), among other things.  In particular, he specialized in the theory of and solutions to the Navier-Stokes Equations, which are near and dear to every Aeronautical, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineer as well as many Physicists.  In other words, they were the bane of my existence in many of the Graduate level classes I took.  We haven’t actually gotten around to discussing that topic, but it’s nice to have another thing in common with someone my own age.  In addition, Bruce has a wonderful baritone voice.

In addition to Bruce there’s Liz, who arrived in 2022 as part of Peace Corps’ return to service in Ghana in the wake of COVID.  Liz and I connected late last year via a Facebook page for past, present, and future volunteers to Ghana.  She is a retired math and science teacher who has offered me lots of useful tips on everything from classroom teaching, to packing, to how to cope with the stresses of daily life in Ghana.  It was fun to finally meet her in person and hear more about her firsthand experience living and teaching here.

In terms of making connections, I’m pleased to report the success of our Peace Corps talent show effort last Friday.  At first I thought of singing a song by myself.  (I’m a heretofore undiscovered bathroom bass singer.)  The song I chose was “Travelin’ Shoes” from Maria Muldaur’s Waitress In A Donut Shop album, which I encourage EVERYONE to seek out on YouTube.  Then I learned that Bruce had lots of experience singing a cappella.  It took no convincing to get him on board, although we realized that we needed another voice to balance out our bass and baritone.  It only took a moderate amount of persuasion to enlist Gaella, who carried the lead.  We actually practiced a few times and received enthusiastic applause for our performance.   It was great fun, but we agreed to postpone a touring career until after our volunteer service is completed.

Me, Gaella, and Bruce, the itinerant gospel singers. Suleman is a sign language interpreter.

Shop names

Religion is an important element of culture in Ghana, so much so that it is reflected in the way that people choose to name their businesses.  I’ve seen signs for God Is Great Enterprise (not sure what the Enterprise is), God’s Own Shop (again, not sure what the merchandise is), then there’s Amazing Grace Hair Boutique and God First Barber (a promise of an absolutely divine outcome?).  My two favorite names so far are Jesus Never Fails Hardware (I wish I had such a track record with hardware) and Dear God Hardware, which most closely matches my prayer when I have to head to the hardware store.

More to come!