Dec. 19

Dec. 19
This morning we woke to a beautiful cloudy sky. It was a relief to have a day with less heat. We started the day visiting the cape coast castle. If walls could only speak... There is such a strong presence of those who died within those walls. There is a cell behind 3 doors where they would send prisoners to die. They were the ones making problems and fighting back. Sometimes they would put more than 20 slaves within the room, and lock the doors until all 20 were dead. on the ground you can see the scratches they made, their last mark on the world before they died. Tears filled my eyes as I felt their presence within the room. I am unable to comprehend the horrendous actions displayed within the walls of this castle, and I wonder if I would have had the courage to fight for my equality. Although these men and women were left to die, the spirit within the room is one of strength, and it is an honor to reflect on them.

Directly above the other slave dungeons is the first christian chapel in west Africa. I feel such anger at the thought of those white men worshipping god above the suffering of those below them in the dungeons. How humans felt validated to perform such actions against their fellowmen is completely beyond me. Their are too many injustices in this imperfect world.

After the castle we got lunch, and checked our facetime connection. It worked well enough so we walked back to Doris's to grab Jude so my parents could facetime with him. It was the best hour. Jude and grandpa were playing rock paper scissors, singing songs, and sharing stories. My dad even went outside to grab snow so Jude could see what it looked like.

We walked along the street to see Francesca, and she had made me a Christmas ornament. She told us to take her number so when we come next time with our baby she can have a dress or shirt made for it by the time we arrive. Ha ha I am beginning to see that an obruni baby is quite the hot item around here. Everyone has mentioned the wish to see their grandchild, niece or nephew. We always ask if they think it will be black or white and there is always a moment of hesitation before they start laughing as they consider the possibility...it's my favorite.

We took Jude to the savoy restaurant and we all sat and talked while we each drank a pineapple Alvaro...amazing. Why America doesn't have Alvaros is beyond me. They are the best.

We finished the night eating vegetable stew, and watching cape coast with a cool ocean breeze. It was wonderful, and surrounded by the best company.

Doris sent the children away so she could talk with us, and talk she did for the next hour or so about her problems with Jude's dad, work, and life. I love that we share a relationship in which she feels she can unload on me. It helps me to understand her and love her differently.