Ghana
			AFRICA

BACKGROUND

I have been involved in a leadership class for the last 2 years with a focus on the state of Kansas and in particular, rural areas.  The problems that rural areas face now and in the future are not unique to themselves, (many problems are also those that urban areas face!) and by working together and sharing ideas we can try to solve problems without 'reinventing the wheel', so to speak.  This class consists of 30 people from all over the state with a diversity of jobs and backgrounds. This in itself  lends greatly to the learning experience.  The monthly seminars were held in different parts of the state so that we experienced all the growth, excitement and also problems that exist.  We spent time in Topeka with the governor, legislators and other public service offices, and then spent a week in D.C. with our federal officials.  Our final lesson was in diversity of culture and trade, for which we went to sub-Saharan West Africa, Ghana in particular.  We did experience extreme differences in culture and ways of life, but at the same time realized the similarities of people, no matter the situation.  The Ghanian people were absolutely wonderful and welcoming, and the experience was once in a lifetime.  I have a few pictures below of some of the highlights.

  I will never complain about wind and heat in Kansas again!!  Wind because we were begging for a breeze, and heat because it was HOT, Africa hot.  A mile from the sun!!

Click on the picture to enlarge it. 

African Cattle	Barb at the watering hole	What an elephant looks like right before he charges you!
The Mognori villagers getting ready to dance for us.	African jungle trees, they were so cool!	Just off the coast were villagers fishing in hand dug boats.
This is right outside the door of my quarters.	We ate lunch next to this big dude.	Pumba!!  Also just outside of our sleeping quarters.