Site Visit to Karaga

It was yet another long journey to the north, though this time we were able to see our new home of Karaga. We had to stay over in Tamale for a night as the last bus to our town leaves at 3:00 and we got in (again against Peace Corps recommendations) after dark. We were able to move into our new home. It is a quaint two room apartment on a compound shared with around 15 other professionals. Kymberly and I met our Counterparts that we will be working hand in hand with and who will be showing us the ropes. I think that they may have introduced us to the entire town. We met the Chief of the village who has over twenty wives. There are very structured ways of greeting a Chief. First as you enter his palace, you must remove your shoes. You then squat or sit at his feet and next to his interpreter, as no one is supposed to talk directly to the Chief. Once we are in our squat we start to clap during which a plethora of greeting are said to which we reply "Naa". This take almost a full minute to get through all the greetings (e.g. How are you? How is your work? How was your journey? How is your home? How is your family? just to name a few.) Then our counterpart tells the Chief, through the interpreter, why we are here. Kymberly and I got a chance to visit the dam, the largest source of water for the community. It had recently broke and is a big concern for the upcoming dry season. I will definitely have my work cut out for me with water, sanitation and guinea worm. Kymberly will be working at the Nutrition Center for malnoursihed children with kwashiorkor and marasmus. It's intense to see these children, completely emaciated. We both had to fight off tears the first few days we were there. Also, we'll both (which we're so excited about!) be starting a preschool for the young girls in the town. This trip was amazing and we can't wait to go back home and get started.