We arrived!  After 14 hrs on planes (Chicago -> Brussels -> Accra), we are exhausted, so our update will be brief.  Michael and Matthew handled all the terminal traversals, passport probes, customs checks, and even the infrared fever (ebola) scan without a hitch.

They were also introduced to foreigner crowd etiquette after we exited the airport.  With three tall white guys, we have trouble blending in, and one after another, people offered to help make phone calls, carry bags, provide directions, and take us to a hotel.  A mix of extreme politeness and conversation with smiles, confidence, and laughter, always works well.  No matter how bewildered or worried you might be during any situation, the crowd outside the airport is not a good time to reveal that.

We thank everyone for their prayers.  We arrived with all eight of our 50lbs bags and our carryon bags.  The customs agents waved us straight through.  Whoohoo.

Jeff Korum and his friend Ebenezer drove us through the traffic of Accra, a marvel of stop and go and squeeze and cut driving.  Laurie had made Red Red for dinner (one of Beth’s favorites) and so we all feasted on fried plantains, rice, spicey sauce, hot peppers, and fresh pineapple, papaya, and watermelon.  A five star meal to be sure.  Even more incredible, the feast was topped off with homemade cookies.  The only problem is that now Michael and Matthew think the remainder of the trip will be like this :-)

So… this being Africa, plans are just rough sketches, like a impressionist’s draft.  In our case, Ray’s truck has not been repaired, and so he has not driven north to Tamale, where we are flying tomorrow morning.  So…. we will improvise…  It will be as exciting as we hoped it would be.

Good night.

-Pete