How does one settle into a new home? Aparently, one item at a time. Early this morning, porters at the residence hall brought a LOT of stuff out of storage. It took about an hour of hard work to get everything onto the porch. It will take several days to sort it, one item at a time.
During this process, we talked to the porters about the condition of some items in the flat. In particular, the valence fringe was hanging off throughout due the combined effects of gravity and rot. We decided to simply rip it off while we wait for replacements. Catherine was plenty happy to assist.
Even a run to the grocery store can be an adventure. Mark walked to the Night Market for some fruit. Along the way, had a conversation about DC superheroes (he was wearing a Superman shirt) and was asked by a Liberian refugee for money. We took our first trip to the Accra Mall and encountered significant traffic. Tracy and Stephanie obtained SIM cards for their cell phones. Catherine and I bought more groceries.
In additon to the literal speed bumps we encountered with the car, we hit some figurative bumps today, too. The Calvin bank account has been declared dormant, so Tracy and Stephanie have quite a bit of unplanned work ahead. The car's right front tire and muffler need replacement. The finish is in very bad shape, too. It needs a paint job.
If that weren't enough, the international Kindle that we gifted Mark doesn’t appear to work … internationally. At least, it can't connect to a cell network here, so it can’t download books. He’s really bummed. But, that means we just need to make a run (many runs?) to a used bookshop that Tracy heard about today.
That said, we’re all still healthy, and if you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything. Also, we found a nearby school that has an opening for Catherine. We’ll visit next week Tuesday.
On a final note, it has been fun learning how kids of similar age can have similar interests, despite a cultural gap. Catherine and Mamme Serwaa made a fort this afternoon.
—Matt
