By far the biggest event on the calendar this week was John and Bev's leaving party. I think I mentioned they wanted a quiet affair, just a small something to say a few little goodbyes...well when you have made so many friends, and had such a positive impact on so many people, it's kind of hard to slip away quietly!

After lots of preparation (and support from friends in Bolga!) we had the whole shebang ready and set for a fun day of frolics. Bev had cooked up some mean yam balls (taste better than they sound!) and candied nuts, my Ghanaian friend and her younger sister had offered to prepare some Ghanaian cuisine and the Bolga crew arrived with all kinds of dishes to make, from the adventurous Ghanaian groundnut stew, to the safer pasta dishes and fruit salads. We hauled in a heap of beers and drinks from the local spot, borrowed some speakers that wouldn't blow the roof off (like the usual Ghanaian party), and re-arranged the house to accommodate the heaps of people staying over.

The guests started arriving about 10 am (with, in true Ghanaian style, someone we didn't actually know, but who was keen to keep in touch!) and were still coming 12 hours later. Colleagues came, old Ghanaian friends, new ones, our landlady, the local shopkeeper, and even the Queen Mother. Volunteers came from miles away - especially the Upper Westies who made a horrendous two day trip, James even still suffering from his moto accident bloody knee - and we had a pretty good party. Bev even put on her new Ghanaian dress, and of course there was lots of dancing J.

This experience, of meeting amazing and wonderful people, bonding over the crazy situations we find ourselves in, and quickly becoming friends, only to then be saying goodbye literally a few months later, will not, I imagine (and am told) get any easier. It's so bitter sweet, but as Nique tells me - it is better to have loved and ... well not to get too soppy, but damn it'll be quiet around here when they are gone! And on the upside - a trip to Canada is now definitely on the cards!

With love,

Em

xx