Ghanaian "Moonshine"

Moonshine

Kenneth from Step FaR accompanied me on the home visit to “Aunti” today. I was very happy to have insight from another therapist on how to help her. It’s funny because last week I attempted the slide board transfer with her and it did not go well. Her bed is very low to the ground so the slide board was a poor bridge from the bed to wheelchair for her to scoot across. There was about a 5-inch height difference. I was racking my brain trying to think of inexpensive ways to even out the height. All it took was Kenneth looking at the cement blocks outside and we decided we could put those under the bed frame to raise it up. “Aunti” was then able to perform the slide board transfer with min assist from Kenneth. I think with a few more therapy sessions “Aunti” will be independent with the slide board transfers! That is excellent! It will give her a little more freedom in her room.

I saw a few more patients at the hospital and then Kenneth took me to his parents’ house for lunch. He made me eat an authentic Ghanaian meal. He said he was not going to let me get away with the way I’m eating anymore. Haha! I had bamku. I’m learning to swallow it whole. I’m acquiring a taste for it. I was only using my index finger and thumb to eat the food. I was informed that I must use my whole hand. I don’t like my hands to get sticky and so it was hard but I forced myself!!! I ended up spending the whole afternoon and some of the evening with Kenneth and his wife. We drank Star beer. It is brewed in Ghana. Also, he made me try the local “moonshine.” It is made from palm tree. My throat is still burning from it and that was 2 hours ago! It’s worse than the bourbon moonshine I had on the bourbon tour in KY during my friend Xouhoa’s wedding!!! I think I will stick to beer!

Tomorrow, Kenneth and I will travel to the village of Ho to do some education at the local hospital. We are not leaving until Monday to travel around the country. We are on African time so there are always delays. Regardless, I am really excited to help Kenneth and his organization. His goal is to come every 6 months or so and hold training sessions at hospitals here to help train Ghanaians in physical therapy. Again, it's the idea of sustainability or paying it forward! I really love the concept!

I am so stuffed from eating 2 huge traditional Ghanaian meals today! I really can’t believe how worried I was about losing weight here. The food is so so filling! I can’t quite stomach the beef and goat, but the chicken and fish is quite tasty. The various dough balls that are the main portion of the meal fill you up very quickly! I still have to get use to eating with my hand, but I definitely will not starve in this country! Haha!

Love, Kari