WOW - THANKS!!

The bible says, "Ask, and you shall receive". That really works! Thanks to those who sent Care Packages: Rob, Carol, Kara, Mark, Gail, Sharon, Kathy, and anyone who may have sent one that I haven't received yet. I am already REALLY enjoying the goodies, books, goodies, batteries, goodies, local newspaper articles, goodies, and, let's see........seems like I'm forgetting something........oh, yeah...THE GOODIES!! Made me very popular here at the Peace Corps sub-office in Tamale since this is where the packages come to and I'm a sharing kind of guy. Although you can be sure I hoarded plenty to take back to Daboya with me!!

Also thanks to those of you who have written comments to this site. I probably won't get an opportunity to respond directly but, believe me, I really appreciate reading your comments and knowing that there are those of you out there who enjoy reading this site.

CORRECTION: I gave an incorrect address for where to send letters, although if you use that address, they will get to me anyway but it would be better to use the correct address, which is: Larry Pearlman Box 30 Daboya-Tamale, N/R Ghana, West Africa. The address I gave for packages was accurate. I hope you wrote it down! I can't tell you how much fun it was to come to the sub-office and find those packages waiting for me!!

So......here's an update on Daboya:
Going through Xmas week in a small village where there is not a single sign of Christmas as we know it in the States is an experience. I mean, after 30 years in Phoenix, I’m finally used to no chance of a white Xmas but no lights, trees, tinsel, Santas, carols, or ads for toys? No pumpkin pie, turkey and ham, stringbean casserole, mashed potatos, and Alka Seltzer? No Christmas music in the streets, on elevators (oops – we don’t have elevators), or on the radio (oh wait – don’t have radio either!)? It was very different and, if it weren’t for the calendar, I would not have known it was Christmas. But I did have a wonderful Christmas morning. Mussah, Farouk, and I took a canoe and paddled down to the salt mine, which is actually just a very large beachy-type area where salt comes to the surface due to underground water. It’s a beautiful, secluded area and we walked quite a ways on the beach and then settled in on a comfy sand dune for biscuits and tea. After a bit of relaxation in the sand, we set off to explore a wooded area with wonderfully Dr. Suess-like trees (if I can figure out how to download pics, I’ll show you) and shady glens. I plan to revisit the area a few times during my stay in Daboya. Care to join me??

Been here about 6 weeks now and I can’t say I’m doing much on my primary assignment but I always do what I’m told and Peace Corps made it very clear that the first 3 months, and maybe more, are about integrating into the community and not “getting your assignment done”. So I go out almost every day and continue to draw a map of Daboya. This is taking a while because I’m really bad at it, but it’s coming along. While meandering, I meet all kinds of different people who wonder what I’m doing so it gives me an opportunity to let them know and meet folks. So far, it works best with those who speak English since my Gonja runs out quickly after “Hi, how are you? I’m fine. I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer and will live here for 2 years. Where can I buy a cheeseburger?”. To be fair, I have been meeting some of the people and organizations inside and outside the village that I’ll need to coordinate with so things are moving along even if it doesn’t seem like it.

Two companies, TIGO and MTN, were racing to see who would be the first to have a cell tower up and running first. Both predicted confidently that theirs would be ready by 12/15. Hmmmm….that would have been over a month ago and no phones yet. I’d hate to see how they do if they weren’t competing! Come to think of it, neither said anything about 2007………. Seriously, TIGO says they should be complete by the end of next week. You should be able to call me at 001 233 311 0018 or just by drop by for milk and Graham Crackers!

I miss my fellow PC Volunteers (Hi to any of you guys who actually find time on the internet to check out blog sites!). I have gone to the sub-office in Tamale twice since moving to Daboya and run into a few compadres but it’s rare so I enjoy it when it happens. Got in some great Scrabble games with Mike and two volunteers from other classes (Hey – I’m not done with you yet Kim!) last time in Tamale.

Lately I’ve been going out at night, laying on my camping mat, and just enjoying the night sky. With minimal lights here in Daboya, it’s clear and beautiful and my favorite, Orion, is always right above me.

I have a “small girl” (that’s what they call any girl from 5 – 20 years old, even if she’s 6’2”!) that will come over and cook for me 2 nights/week and I’m working out my own menu for the rest of the time – which actually is only 3 nights/week because Nashibatu always cooks enough for me and 10 other people to have for at least 2 nights! I’m working with her on portion size. I think she’s trying to fatten me up. Under that black skin beats the heart of a true Jewish mother! So my cooking for those 3 nights + lunches is, so far, spaghetti, fruit salad (right now I can get pineapple, watermelon, oranges, bananas, papaya and I throw in some peanuts, called “ground nuts” here. Pineapple season is over and watermelon is coming to a close but mangos and avacados will be available soon), tuna, Pearlman scrambled eggs (sadly without cheese), powdered soup mixes, canned veggies, beans and rice, fresh veggies (when I go to Tamale) stir fried over rice, and I’m about to try a sweet potato and Spam concoction that another PC Volunteer showed me. I’m already down one waist size and should be a 26” waist by the time I get back to the States!

OK – That’s it for now. Keep those cards and letters flowing!!

Love from Ghana…..Larry