Thursday 21 April

Signs of independence and pride

Most of the staff are late in this morning.  Apart from Eyrun and I, one of the others who is in early today has had a rough couple of days.  She’s been off work as her five year old has been unwell with pneumonia, and she was behind with two months of rent.  She has had to sell her DVD player for Ksh6000 (approx £43)to pay her landlord arrears totalling Ksh4,500 (approx £32).  Getting her child the right care is also costly.  I feel for her.  I think she’s a lovely girl who has a passion to do better in life.  Later in the afternoon, when we board a matatu to a local restaurant for lunch she pays her way there and back.  She even makes a contribution towards lunch, money given to her by a relative of hers who works in a restaurant close by.  Considering we had already indicated we would pay her share, I’m really touched that she still offers to make a contribution when she had the choice of not doing so.  I warm to her.

Later, I get another surprise at the office when I explain to colleagues that I will be collecting lunch money for the next week.  Earlier on we’d left two staff in the office to man the office – Mike and Sandra.  We’d also left them the remaining weekly lunch money from the kitty.   Sandra gives me back the money given to her earlier as she did not need it.  I sense some pride from her and I like it.  This is a new side to the staff that I’m seeing.  I don’t know what it is and I can’t take credit for it either - habits do not change in a week.    I may have misjudged them completely.  For the second time this afternoon, I’m touched.   

Winding down

Later in the day I check my emails.  There are one or two I’m looking forward to receiving.  I read them.  They put a smile on my face – just what I need to start off my Easter break.  There’s nothing more satisfying than reading from friends and family when I’m miles away from everyone.

This evening I’m transported into the world of Ghanaian film making – A sting in a tale.  It’s brilliantly written, utterly hilarious, well acted – all qualities I haven’t seen in Ghanaian films in a while.  I stay up late to watch it.  I do not have to be at work tomorrow. The next day, I relate the entire film to my host mother in true Stella narrative!