Next we headed off to Calvary Baptist Church in Accra, Ghana. There we began our second day of physical and spiritual healing (medical clinic).

Mitch, Fork, and Noern and I got to work with the children at the Calvary Baptist Church. However, Fork and Mitch were pulled away to do evangelism work downstairs with Ghanians who were seeking medical attention.

The majority of the children at Calvary are saved. And they are far different from the children of Akotolante. They are well mannered, educated, and speaks English. The kids come to the church every Saturday to worship in their class until noon. There was a tv in the room where the children were located. Since many of the kids don’t have tvs in their own homes his was a treat. And they watched the tv so attentively as if it was the first time they ever watched it.

We broke off into small groups. I was with a group of kids at a table between the ages 6-13. We read a story called “Petronella”. Each kid read a paragraph in English aloud one at a time. Then I shared my salvation beads with the. More so to allow them a means to share their stories. They loved the beads so much. Then noon came and we headed to lunch.

We at at the cafe at church. They severed us another rice dish with some kind of meat (goat or dog). Myself, Mitch and Gill had only rice. Mitch took a drink from her pepsi and swallowed ants. She was freaking out. The ants were all around the lip of the bottle. And she felt them crawling on her face.

After that we were walking back to cominue on our work. At that moment Mitch and I met “Black Moses”. He approached us and in his intoxication asked us for some salvation beads. And an opportunity presented itself. We asked him if we could tell a story to him and he agreed. So Mitch started to explain the different colors of the bracelet. Black Moses had alot to say about the Lord. He was a Pastor years ago. He told us that he was a Christian and knew the Word. And that he did even though he was intoxicated. We had a translator with us. Eventually we understood that Moses was a Christian but he wasn’t obiedient and need spiritual growth. We prayed many many times with him and Mitch said the final prayer. I presented him with a Bible and we captured some information about him so the church could follow up. It was a neat experience. Bout it couldn’t have been done without Mitch. Black Moses now wants to be called Yellow Moses because the yellow bead are the strews of gold in Heaven where he will be one day.

After the day ended we ate dinner at the Accra Mall. We had Ghanian pizza. So different than our pizza but still yummy and we grabbed ice cream for dessert.

Mitch and I stayed up talking and sweating because the AC doesn’t work very well. It is like that every night.

From there we headed out to the Calvary Baptist Church in Accra where we met and picked up the rest of the medical team and headed to the Calvary Church in Akotolante. Akotolante is an impoverished community. The Ghanians in this area would rather spend what little money they have on partying than food.

We went there to set up a medical clinic. Not only to help the people of Akotolante physically but spiritualy as well. We brought with us a doctor, nurse, and eye care specialist. Every person that passed through heard the gospel. I had the opportunity to work with the children. Fork, Mitch, and I told the Word to all the children and hande out salvation bracelets. They were excited to receive them. But we made it clear that they didn’t have any power.

Many of the children hadn’t seen white people. And they we excited for the attention. We were doing this all outside in the blistering heat. While on a break a Ghanian woman brought her new born baby and just placed her in my lap. And walked away. Fork eventually took her from me and we were wondering if we were just given a Ghanian baby. We had her for several hours until the mom came back and picked up her baby. The day ended early early afternoon an then we headed to a mini mall to pick up groceries (we had to cook our food for a few days). Then we ended our day at the hostel.

Most of us were exhausted from the trip over and a few of us Mitch and the Doc got a bit sick. Quickly we fell asleep for a quick nap (just and hour). And then we were off.

First order of business was lunch. We went to Asanka Locals. They provided us a menu of 45 choices and one menu showing pictures. We were told to choose between two options. Chips and chicken or rice and golden shrimp.

However some other divine options were.
1. Fufu and akrantie (bush meat). Hmm what is bush meat. African road kill, maybe.
2. Plain rice cow leg stew
3. Red Red
4. Omotuo and groundnut soup
5. Gari Fot.

So I think we made the right choice. After lunch we drove around town and we visited the Christian Council HQ and were welcomed to Ghana. Next, we went to the Calvary Baptist Church, who we are here assisting. We got to meet the Pastor and several other members.

From there as we were all about to pass out we went to the local market. The local market was interesting. Our bus was immediately rushed with Ghanaians try to sell us anything. And did they see us coming. There were so many shops, too many people, and not enough air flow. And once you bought one thing everybody would rush you. But still an amazing expeience.

From there we went back to the hostel and ate dinner and crashed.

1. I am capable of taking a trip by myself.

2. I will try anything new.

3.  My taste have changed (my mom always said they would).  I have had such a different variety of food and enjoyed it all.  I would be willing to have more of it. 

4.  I might like water more that I like snow (still a toss-up).  I think I just like the outdoors. 

5.  I am a pretty good swimmer. 

6.  I am not real sure if I have any fears. 

7.  I love to snorkel. 

8.  I could live forever on a beach. 

9.  As much as I enjoyed the vacation alone, it will never compare to spending one with a significant other. 

Now my only dilemma is where to take my next trip.  I am looking at New Zealand or Africa.  Any suggestions?

The streets in town are made of sand.  Riding a bike though sand isn’t that easy.  As soon as we started I knew I was in for it.  But it wasn’t really that bad, you just have to pedal a bit harder.  And when you get stuck in sand, keep pedaling.  Have you ever had the opportunity to take a long bike ride along the beach?  It is something everybody must do.  We rode the coast and pedaled through mangroves.  Then we headed up the mountain three miles to El Muro de las Lagrimas – Wall of Tears. 

The Wall of Tears are something out of a movie.  At one point Isabella only hade 100 inhabitants.  But amongst the 100 inhabitants were 300 prisoners.  Isabela used to be the location where prisoners were sent from Ecuador.  The prisoners used to be marched up this mountain chained together and then forced into hard labor.  Sound harmless enough.  They daily duties consisted of picking up rocks and building a wall and nothing more.  Many died because of the heat and lack of water and food.  It took the 300 nearly a year to build this wall.  The wall is about 20-40 feet wide and 100-150 feet long.   This is just a guesstimate.  Toward the end of having the wall complete several men decided to escape and take a boat over and head to Peru.  Well they made it to Peru where they were executed upon arrival.  Only two stayed behind on Isabela.  One still lives there today.  The rest of the men died.  It seemed like a sight right out of the movie.  The climb on the bike was difficult, I can’t imagine walking it with chains around my ankles. 

We finally made it back into town and headed for lunch.  Alfredo had something special prepared  for us today.  We started out with wild boar.  I have had wild boar before, but this was so scrumptious.  They are trying to rid the island of boar since that are an introduced species.  But that wasn’t the main dish.  Ceviche was the main dish.  Ceviche is a cold lemony soup with squid, octopus, shrimp, and fish.  Very light and full of protein.  And of course my favorite plantains.  And yes I ate the ceviche.  Surprised that I really like the squid and octopus. 

So we were off to our last snorkel.  We walked through the mangrove forest to Concha y Peria bay to clear waters.  I couldn’t wait to jump in.  Today was the best snorkel yet.  The water was perfect.   And believe it or not I played with a sea-lion under water for 30 minutes or more.  We saw giant starfish, sting rays, tortoises, sea-lion, and penguins.  To be an inch away from a sea-lion is amazing especially when you know how powerful they are and how big their teeth are.  I wanted to reach out and touch it but we were told not to.  Just because they look friendly doesn’t mean they are not.  It was a great last snorkel. 

Then I decided to go surfing on my own.  Well I went with my Peruvian and Ecuadorian friends.  Not the best decision that I have ever done.  I went and rented the board and headed out to the beach.  I watched the guys get in the water first, since I have just recently learned to surf.  Then I headed out and it was a tough paddle out there.  But I made it.  I thing that is the hardest part of surfing is getting out there.  About the time that I was ready to catch a wave.  My Peruvian friend came out of no where from behind a wave.  Our eyes met as we realized that I was about to get ran over my him.  Thank goodness he didn’t.  As we both tried to dodge each other, I got taken under by this massive wave and he jumped off.  But I was drug under the water by my surf board strapped to my ankle.  But the time I made it up, I had swallowed at least a gallon of salt water or more.  I was done.  I realized that the waves were way to big for me.  Plus I was on a short board (fast board).  Not the best for a beginner.  I carried the surf board back into town with my friend Ana.  We got ready and headed down to the pink iguana building to meet the gang for happy hour.  Last night on the beach was perfect.  You couldn’t have asked for a better night.  We sat outside, talked, and listened to the Iguana Man play music from the island.  The night ended and the morning came.  I took one last stroll along the beach and I jumped in one last time.  Then we headed off to the airport to catch a Cessna to Baltra Island and I was the co-pilot.  Scary.  I think I was more afraid that I was going to touch something wrong. We made it safe and sound and now we are headed back to Quito.  Today was a long travel day.  It was sad to leave the islands and head back to the city.  We finished our night shopping, walking through old town, and eating dinner overlooking the city of Quito.  And then I was off the next morning to head back to the states.

Next we headed of to have lunch at the farm nearby.  We had a buffet lunch.  But what was so unique about our lunch was that our food was cooked on lava rocks.  The flavor was delicious.  After lunch we strolled around the premisses.  Every bit of the food that we ate was organic and grew on the farm.  And that is exactly what we saw on the premiss.  Banana trees, plantain trees, pineapples, mangos, guava, passion fruit, coffee, and chickens.  You name it and it was there. Then we headed back and called it a day.  I lounged around on the beach and took a stroll through town (which didn’t take long).   Today seemed like a short day but the ride and hike took hours.

We woke early than normal on this day. We couldn´t see Lonesome George that well so most of us woke up extra early and strolled down to the Darwin Research Station in hopes of seeing George. I went alone and it was a beautiful morning. I felt very safe walking the distance. It was more than a mile. I could still see Lonesome George but not all of him. But his ladies were out and about raring to go. I was a bit disappointed. But had to make the journey back quickly. I spent way too much time at the center. You kind of get taken back by everything. I enjoyed breakfast alongside the ocean. Then I headed up to the room. This was day two of bad stomach problems for me. I guess my body wasn´t used to eating such crazy food. But I loved it, so I will take the early morning tummy ache. It was worth it. I was running behind because I was using the bathroom and Alfredo was yelling for me in the hotel lobby “we are leaving you Tracey” in his Ecuadorian accent. Let me tell you, it was bad. LOL. I gathered my things and was out the door. And of course I made my apologies. I wasn´t the only one with stomach problems. Too much information I am sure. But I thought I would share.

So we were off. We went to the port and took a water taxi to the other side of the Island. Once we arrived we immediately jumped in our double man kayaks for a morning of sea kayaking. Estavan, Peruvian guide in training, rode with me. We were out for a few hours. We went to Divine Bay and Punta Estrada. We went through several lava channels via the turquoise waters of the Galapagos. We got to a point out in the ocean and dove in for a quick snorkel. Just mask and not flippers. I think I was the first to take the plunge. The cold water hits you fast without a wetsuit. But you couldn´t pass up the opportunity. Apparently, I am a great swimmer. Who would have thought it. The water was crazy and taking you in every which direction. I think I could be dropped in the middle of the ocean and swim my way out. It has to be easier that the stuff we have been snorkeling in. There was so much to see. Once again we were hoping for sharks. But no luck. I saw so many of fishes of a variety of colors and the schools of fish are amazing. Especially when they swim right around you. You become enveloped by them. Then amazingly I climbed back into the kayak in the crazy ocean. I don´t even know how I managed that one. We made our way back to shore and the hotel via the water taxi. And Alfredo gave up 15 minutes to packed, shower, and change. Go, go, go. It has been an adventure. We managed with dripping wet hair and all. Then we headed back down to the port to jump on a “fast boat” and head to Isabela Island. Isabela Island is the largest of the Galapagos Islands, but it only have 2,000 inhabitants. The majority of the island is dedicated to the National Park and it is not touristy at all. Very traditional. Once again I opted to sit of top and my fellow Chicago friend sat with me. The ride was two hours on a rough ocean. We got beat up. I am surprised I didn´t fall off the side or break my back. But we had a better ride than the guys down below. They couldn´t get air because of the gas fumes. The Chicago spotted some fins in the water and we realized that they were dolphins. So the Captain stopped the boat so everyone could see the dolphins. The were very playful and came right up to the boat. Wow!

So we eventually arrived to Isabela. We had to navigate our way through the rocks to the port. Once we arrived we were met by Oswaldo, our young buff Isabela guide, who will remain with us while on Isabela. We dumped our bags at the hotel located right on the ocean and headed for lunch. Swordfish for lunch. Yummy and maybe my favorite. Then we had about five minutes to change and head out to go snorkeling. We took some boats out to Tintorearas, small islets, in Isabela bay. And we jumped in again. I wasn´t really sure what we were getting into. But once we got in the water Oswaldo got our attention. He said stay in a straight line, we are going thought some tight channels, and remain calm because we were going to see sharks. And no flippers (didn´t want to make the sharks angry). This is it, is what I thought. A bit nervous and my heart was racing. Narrow channels and no flippers. My next thought was am I bleeding anywhere. We pushed though. The people in front left me and I couldn´t see the people behind me. Then I saw the sharks. Yikes!! They were everywhere. And only a few feet below me. The channel was shallow. Stay calm, stay calm. The my foot scrapped the rock. OMG am I bleeding. The my hand scrapped the rock. OMG, I looked down to see if I was bleeding. No blood. I was breathing a little hard but I was calm. The sharks were strong and powerful. They moved so swiftly. I was almost done. Then the water got really shallow. And I had to swim over the biggest shark yet. I think I just about climbed the wall. And I am pretty sure the shark touched me.  Exhale.

We made it thorough.  Then we continued to snorkel.  Sting rays were swimming about a foot away.  Then we jumped into the boat and headed even further out into the ocean for a deep-sea snorkel. The water is always crazy.  And this was no exception.  We were out there for about 30 minutes or better and people started calling it quits.  Too cold or too rough.  But not me.  I had become a fish under water during my stay in the Galapagos.

So we boarded the boat again and headed for a walk along dried lava to check out the iguanas.  There were thousands of them every where.  And we saw even more sharks from up top in a different channel.  Scary to see kind of what we just went through.  Wow!

Next we headed up to the highlands to look at Giant Tortoises in the wild.  These guys are everywhere.  They are like stray dogs.  Just laying on the side of the road, chilling in your front yard, or taking a leisurely stroll.  We had to get out of the bus and move one out of the street so we could pass.  Crazy. 

We didn´t do much that day because of the boat ride.  It took a while to get to the island.  But so worth it.  We had this lovely restaurant for dinner.  I think I had pineapple chicken.  It was so good.  But then I headed back to the room and crashed.  We had another early morning start on the water before we headed to Isabela Island.

Next, we headed to Isla Lobos in search of sea lions and marine iguanas.  And we found them by the hundreds.  So we decided to jump in the water with them.  It was a beautiful site with crystal clear sea-green water.  We went snorkeling for a good while.  I saw puffer fish, sting rays, marine turtles, sea lions, and so many other fish I don´t even know.  Then we loaded up and had some fish tacos (wahoo fish) on the boat with all the fixings.  It was great after that snorkel. 

Then when went to Kika Rock for out snorkel with the hammerhead and white-tipped sharks. The water was freezing and rough and we were tired after the long day.  But we jumped in.  I can´t even explain how rough the water was.  It would drop about ten feet on the rock and then rise right back up.  And to see this did wonders on all of our stomachs.  Even the experienced ones.  But we pushed on (we wanted to swim with the sharks). 

We were headed in between the two rocks (very very tight squeeze) when our guide called it quits.  It was far too dangerous and the water was out of control.  And the visibility was only 2 meters.  Our guide said that more than likely the shorts were just a few feet below us.  And he was sure that they saw us but we didn´t see them.  Scary…So we headed back to the boat and back to the casa for the evening.  It was a long day and we had an early start to Santa Cruz Island in the morning.