Ghana: Days 7&8

Yesterday, we went to meet the Bishop of the diocese, and he was very curious about the marriage status of the girls. We gave him some gifts including a stoal, mosquito nets and he was very grateful. We then went to the New Edubiase Nursery School where Reverend Twum's wife was in charge. There was dancing and Evan presented the gifts of mosquito nets and Beanie Babies. They were so excited to receive us. We then saw the New Esubiase Hospital where Zane presented the nets. We visited some of the children in the hospital and gave them some Beanie Babies. It was heartbreaking to see little children suffering and the hospital had so few supplies, but it was inspiring to see the mothers who were with their children and they looked exhausted but were glad to see their children find some comfort in a stuffed animal. We then ate at the Coconut Grove and by this time we all were starving. And Renee invented this fun game of rolling the bottle caps like dice and getting them to land on a certain side. It was a long yet rewarding day.
Today was a lovely day considsering we didn't have to meet until 8:30 for breakfast. After the usual toast and eggs and coffee combo, we headed out for another adventure.First we checked out the Barekase Dam and water treatment center. There were some lovely photo opportunities, including one of mark climbing a tree. The dam provides water for the entire Ashanti region. However we Americans still can't drink it because our bodies are not accustomed to the Ghanaian water. Next, we after much urging from the youth (and mark) we finally got to buy our much desired soccer jerseys. However in Ghana they do not have sporting goods stores so it was a radio station that was selling them. They came in several colors including yellow, red, and white. Steve and Ama were concerned about us getting the best jerseys and ones that would fit right. We then stopped by the hotel for a lunch composed of chicken, beef, ratatouille, and pasta all of which was yummy. Next stop was the palace of the Asante king Osei Tutu II. The guide told us that both a man and a woman rule the region. The woman is called the Queen Mother, and she is not the king's wife. It is her children that can apply to be the king's successor when he dies. After the Palace, we went back to the cultural center and purchased some more souveniers. Then we came back to a wonderful dinner from the lovely staff at the hotel. Before we went to sleep, we tried to teach Emma how to eat sunflower seeds, but to no avail. Thus ended our day in Ghana.