An awesome week of partying...:)

My lao ban told a common contact that I was now back at the grindstone, head down, after a week of partying in Nigeria. I took me a while to realise he was right, I did have a super awesome time partying in Benin City, Abuja and Lagos. I got into Benin City on Easter Sunday and caught up with my close girlfriend's family. I started my Nigerian experience by boogeying to D'banj, the Kokomaster, P-Square and Rugged Man, trying to learn the latest moves from four gorgeous youngsters. The partying then continued in Abuja, where I was treated to jazz music from Sykes and Sam, which simply blew me away. They were amazing. I had so much fun. There was more partying in Lagos, chilling out with fun people and more boogeying with the same youngsters we saw in Benin City and another chance to perfect my moves. We were dancing in the car until it dropped us off at the airport. A friend in a nearby car actually saw us boogeying in the car, and he kind of did a double take, he looked at one of the youngsters and then looked at me in somewhat disbelief. But it gave me and my close gal pal a chance to spot him, get out of our car and exchange goodbyes with him. Little did my lao ban know that the partying continued in Accra over the weekend with boogeying to some cool highlife and dirty hip hop, with cool, cool people. Uwese-o, everyone, for such an awesome time! My partying days may have just returned and may be here to stay...:)

Enye nyame dzen/memories I will take with me..

Nothing is too difficult for God/enye nyame dzen (in twi) - seen on a tro tro in Accra.

"I am nothing without God. This is my story, this is my song, to give Him praise, all the days of my life." Words from the Methodist hymn book I used during my first visit to Ridge church in Accra (a great church to be part of).

On a separate note, I love the diversity of churches in Ghana - the different styles, languages - but all worshipping God. I was in Brennu Achim, a couple of weekends ago. I attended a Catholic church, the service was conducted in Fante. A few weekends ago, I went to an amazing Pentecostal church in Gboolo Kofi, a village in the Eastern region, near Mangoase. The message and worship were simply amazing. Church that day taught me to be so grateful for everything I had and to praise God with all my heart (through dance, songs and just praising Him aloud). It also drove home the importance of having a mission and vision. And back to my "home" church, Ridge church - the bible study during the youth fellowship on Sunday afternoons is so so sound. I learn so much each time I go there and the people there are kool! And ICGC, which I attended today is full of so so talented people!! Their Dramatic Arts performers (Spirit) totally rock!! Ghana, thank you for all this - great exposure, great opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships and awesome opportunity to grow.

Oh, this is good chaley.....

Oh, this is so good, eating akomfem (guinea fowl) and sipping a Golden Spark with the waves splashing against the rocks and then heading a few steps away for a little boogey with my workmates at the Osekan sea front (there's even a bar tucked away under/as part of a rather big rock - kool or what?!)....perfect, perfect way to wind down at the end of the week. Puts life into perspective. There's just so much to be enjoyed and be thankful for in life. Medasi, medasi!! Tuhan, saya cinta kamu. :)

No hand holding for you, young girl!

I was told this by my "lao ban" last week. By nature, I've always liked my hand to be held, I've always preferred being in a secure and safe environment (even as I leave my twenties!!). But I am realising more and more each day, that my hand is gently held by the creator of the universe every moment of my life. But His touch feels so gentle that I sometimes forget He's there...but He is, all the time.

Medasi Oga!

I had woken up late, so was initially not too worried when my usual cab driver had not arrived at the usual time. I took my time with breakfast before realising I was getting late for work. I called the driver to only find out he was "dissappointing me". I strolled outside and found a cab waiting for another guest of the guest house. The driver, Eddie, said he could take me to work as his customer, "Oga" was not ready yet. He said "Oga" was a really nice and cool guy, and was in the country to instal telecoms towers. Eddie got me to work in no time. When he dropped me off, he said I should hang out with the "boys" in the guest house sometime and check out the music bars in Osu. I said I would think about it. I said medasi Eddie, and in my head, said medasi "Oga" for letting me share Eddie this morning. I agree with Eddie "Oga", you are one kool guy.

People connect in the same way on different continents...

I have always thought sharing food with people brings you closer together...I have always felt that in London, and Malaysia (my two homes to date) and sharing kenkey with my workmates in Accra for the first time a couple of weeks ago confirmed that for me. I think it is a great way of bonding with people.

I also think spending time with a person' s family also brings you a lot closer to the person. My friends in Penang (where I grew up) whom I am still close to know my parents well (and likewise, I know their families). I spent Independence Day with my workmates and some of their families - it was a great way to bond...in beautiful Akosombo.

Young global citizen....

Meet Luke, a gorgeous blonde-haired blue-eyed three year-old boy, born to a beautiful Puerto Rican mum and German dad who met in London and now live in Accra. In addition to understanding and speaking Spanish and German, Luke speaks like a proper Ghanaian boy too! Chale, isn't that kool?! I de go sleep. Moro.