Ready... Set...

Tonight made it all seem real. We are actually going to travel to Ghana once again, leaving MSP January 22 on KLM’s 6056 to Amsterdam and then down to Accra. After this initial meeting of the four travelers from Willmar (Harold, Mary Jo, Dennis and Doug) we can begin the process of packing and selecting what comes, and what stays. Having all the phone numbers and contacts we need to make is essential—hopefully we won’t leave the important info at home. We hope a volunteer from the Willmar United Methodist Church is able to drive us to MSP in his van—if not, then we look for commercial carriers.

This trip will take us to Accra, Cape Coast, Kakum National Park, Sekondi-Takoradi, Axim, Nzulezu, Tarkwa, Obuasi, Kumasi, Ahwiaa, Kintampo, Damongo, Mole National Park, Larabanga, Tamale and Saboba. We’ll be joined by Ralph and Rachel in Accra and possibly Anna a week later. Tonight we discussed luggage, clothing, food and destinations. E-quip Africa’s Vice President (Mary) worked out a sensible method of paying for our transportation and lodging. It should save us a lot of headaches in Ghana! Our insurance is paid up, our shots and proof of immunization ready, our passports in order and tentative itinerary formulated.

So why are we going? In October, 2006, E-quip Africa shipped a 40 foot ocean container full of computers, hospital beds, used clothing and you name it to Takoradi. It now needs inspection and distribution. More than that, the recipients of these things are required by their cultural values to thank someone in person... and we’re it! So the E-quip Africa volunteers do all the work and we get all the praise and fun! Hey! Nice work if you can get it.