"Kojo Mensah"

 February 17, 2011
“Kojo Mensah”

For those of you that know the Ocean Breeze hill know that one must be very determined to make that climb. When an Elder climbs that hill to see Kojo Bey, they are on a mission. Thus is the case of Esi’s Grandmother, ‘Mommy Mensah’.

If you readers remember my journal entry back in October, you will recall the sincere ‘Thank You’ that Mommy Mensah gave me for assisting her Granddaughter, Esi, to attend cooking school. Esi was one of OYC’s first youth that we sponsored in school years ago. Once Isis decided to sponsor her in cooking school, it was yet another blessing to the Mensah family. To Mommy Mensah, it is one more step towards pulling the blanket of poverty off of the family. In that ‘Thank You’, Mommy Mensah promised me a special bracelet that she was going to make for me. I thanked her, and really didn’t think much of it again because I was on my way back to the U.S. that particular day.

When I returned in January, Mommy Mensah climbed that hill again. She climbed that hill at the end of a farming day and sat outside chalet 3 waiting for my return from some Yemoja work. It was dark by the time I climbed the hill that evening and her energy on the verandah was one to behold. She looked like a true Juju Worker that was ready to do some WORK. Those that climbed the hill with me saw her and kept their distance because of the energy. I approached her with a sense of purpose because that is my nature; but I was relieved once I got closer that it was Mommy Mensah. “Mommy!” I called out to her as I exhaled the breath that I was going to use to ward off the Juju. She doesn’t speak any English, so she went right in with her Fante; explaining her purpose for climbing the hill. She told me that she is finishing up the bracelet and wanted to confirm my wrist size. I smiled and instantly remembered her promise back in October. Nice. She completed another phase of her mission that evening and descended the hill towards the village.

One Sunday after church, Mommy Mensah climbed the hill determined to complete her mission. I saw her and called for a Translator because I could see that she had a lot to say this particular day. We sat down and she explained that she is giving me Nana Beads (Chief Beads); and that I am the Chief of our community on the Hill in Brenu. Also, that as the Matriarch Elder of her family, which is one of the oldest families in Brenu, she is going to make me an official member of her family. I reflected, “Wow, she came to conduct a ceremony to bless me as a Chief of our Hill and make me an official member of the Mensah family.”

I thought Mommy Mensah’s ‘Thank You’ in October was special…WOW! I was and still am honored. In this type of business that we do in Ghana we are EXPECTED to help people and give them hope of a better future. So unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of sincere ‘Thank Yous’ offered to us. I am not complaining because I know that I am living my purpose, so the ‘Thank Yous’ are not what we feed off of. But to have an Elder who lived during colonial times in Ghana, overstand WHO I am, just warms the heart. There are so many Ghanaians that have been educated and traveled outside of Ghana and STILL do not know who I am, historically speaking. We Africans born in the U.S. can’t help but to want to find our families in Africa when we visit. Some continental Brothers and Sisters prey on that, but still we walk with that dream.

Mommy Mensah’s journey up the hill expanded my consciousness about what returning home is truly about. I’m not sure if I will ever know how important our private ceremony was to HER, but calling me Chief Kojo Mensah was the most profound ‘Thank You’ that I have received in Ghana to date. Thank you Mommy Mensah.

Love Family.

"Charlotte"

“Charlotte”

January 28, 2011

There are times when I see an injury happen during a football or basketball game and can’t take looking at the replays over and over and over again. Why do they like to show you the injury happening over and over again? Even CLOSE UPS! I also find it a challenge to watch people on TV navigate life with their disabilities. But when faced with these same circumstances live and direct, I move through with no hesitations. I’m not sure why that is, but I do know that something turns on inside of me when I am facing new challenges in my life. There is a confidence and strength that jumps inside of me and moves me through with a very cool, calm and collected spirit. It also helps to have someone like Charlotte smiling back at you.

Kofi and I had to tour Benyadze this month so that I could meet the community. I was told by the Headmaster that one of our orphans needed immediate assistance. This is something that I am very accustomed to hearing, but this case was a bit different. Our youth is a 15 year old JSS girl named Charlotte Appiah. Charlotte was born with a deformity in both legs. Her legs are not functional below the knees. So she gets around by using flip flops on her hands and propelling herself with the knees. Other times, she uses a wheelchair. The Headmaster told us that she needed a wheelchair. He told us that others have to push her and even they find it difficult because of the status of the wheels.

We visited Charlotte’s class and met this beautiful and vibrant young lady. She had a smile that brightens the day and a very determined spirit about her. We took pictures of her and exchanged some pleasantries. We then asked to see her wheelchair. WOW!!! How could ANYONE navigate in that thing?! “THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE!” I immediately got on my ‘CrackBerry’ and began soliciting for support. [We’ll get back to the ‘CrackBerry’ comment. I have the global plan so I just intensified my addiction.]

It was a no brainer, “GET THAT GIRL A NEW WHEELCHAIR!” So we told the Headmaster and the PTA President that we would return with her new wheelchair within the week.

I left for the States a few days after meeting Charlotte, but Kofi continued the search for the right wheelchair for her. He found one and was able to keep our word by presenting Charlotte’s new wheels within the week. This is one of those WIN WIN situations. We know the value of following through in a timely manner with situations such as this one. As a result of OBey presenting the wheelchair to Charlotte within the week, the PTA President, who is also the Elder in charge of land allocation, offered OBey land for FREE. Yes, you read it correctly…FREE! We need the land to establish a sustainable project to assist in funding the OYC program there. But of course, if you all have learned anything from my messages while in Ghana, then you all know that there is NOTHING that comes without a PRICE! All in all though, Charlotte is happy. The community is happy. OBey is happy.

I am once again reminded of how much I LOVE MY JOB!

Love Family!

Grandpa!

The Journey 2011
January 17, 2011
Grandpa!

Technically, I guess they are right when they say that I am a Grandpa now. If all of these youth that we have been caring for so intensely call me “Daddy”, then yes, their children would have to be my Grandchildren. WHEEEEEWWWWW…What a mouth full there. Our YOUTH having CHILDREN.

My Mercy has ascended the Ocean Breeze hill with her 2 month old Son. I called for her since I knew that she would not come up on her own. When our youth feel that they have disappointed me, they will not come up to see me; even if they are in need of something. I was somewhat prepared to give my Fatherly speech about Parenthood and what coulda, shoulda, woulda been. But once those lil’ eyes met mine, IT WAS A WRAP! I fell in love instantly and could only hug Mercy and tell her how blessed she was to have such a beautiful and healthy Son.

She told me that she plans to return to school which will still be JSS. She is still not too sure of her birthdate, but is more confident that she is about 18-19yrs old. She was one of our first true orphans when we first started and I instantly fell in love with her stature and shy smile.

As I watched her breastfeed the baby, I thought about when they first came to me with dreams of having all of their supplies for school and regular meals. Now she is providing for another being. Her son…my Grandson…Kwamena Muhammed.

Peace and Eternal Light Family…

OYC Expansion Report

 

OYC EXPANSION REPORT

OBey Foundation is pleased to announce its success in raising the funds required to meet the challenge grant contributed by Artha Capital, having raised a total of $51,224 to assist with the expansion of our existing program.

[The following summary and attached spreadsheet explain funding allocation to date.]

In September/October 2010, OBey Foundation set out to achieve a number of goals. Our primary objectives included the following:

 Expanding our OBey YouthCare (OYC) program to allow us to serve a much larger population;

 Initiating a sustainability project for continued support of our current programs as well as our plans for further expansion;

 Strengthening OBey’s presence, both domestically and abroad, by adding more influential Board Members; and

 Maximizing resources by partnering with other NGOs within our target areas.



 

OYC –Expansion of Program

  

OBey Board member, Yuhanna Edwards visits Brenu.

 OBey met with Chiefs, Elder Councils, Teachers, and community members in surrounding villages within our target area of the Central Region of Ghana, West Africa to discuss expanding OYC services to their villages. We were successful in establishing relationships with Brenu Akyinim, Benyandze, Mpeasem, Ankwanda, and Abeye.

We have significantly increased the number of individuals who benefit from OYC services by the following means:

 by establishing OYC Programs in 5 villages within the Central Region;
 by adding new services to its existing program such as clean water projects and by securing a Treatment Team for our OYC youth including a reputable Physician, a Laboratory Technician, a Social Worker and a Psychologist;
 by offering de-worming services on a larger scale; and
 by providing a safe haven for rescued children who had been trafficked into slave labor.

Dr. Cudjoe administering de-worming meds

Our OYC Programs now serve 10,500 individuals - 2,000 of whom are children. Of these 2,000 children, 400 are orphaned or in extreme need and will receive full OYC services which include nutrition, extra classes/tutoring, health care, school supplies/tuition, and counseling.

Each of the 5 villages participating in the OYC Program will receive de-worming kits, mosquito nets, and window screens. A need assessment will be conducted in each village with respect to the drilling of water wells.



OYC staff from the 5 villages

Establishing OYC Programs in 4 new villages required additional staffing. Therefore, we added more volunteers to our staff and hired Teachers to institute a program of extra classes and tutoring in the new villages. Having hired 12 new Teachers and 4 OYC Supervisors to manage the OYC programs in the 4 new villages, our total number of OYC Teachers on staff is now 15 and our total number of OYC Supervisors is 6.

Sustainability Project



OYC Caregiver planting Pineapple plants



OBey Foundation set out to initiate a sustainability project as a means by which to support the current OYC Programs and to support further expansion of services within the Central Region of Ghana. Based upon the resources available to us, a commercial farm project was determined to be the most efficient and effective means of generating income to help sustain the OYC program in Ghana. We anticipate annual revenue from this project to reach $50,000.

In planning the farming project, we solicited the counsel of Mr. Appiah Donyina, Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry who has acted as an Advisor for OBey for a number of years now. Mr. Donyina assisted us by securing a Farming Consultant, Mr. Kwame Boamah, who will work with us on our Agri project.

OBey was able to negotiate for two farming sites. We secured 20 acres for sugarloaf pineapple farming and have been encouraged by Mr. Donyina and our Farming Consultant to also plan for Mango Farming. According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mango exporting is slowly becoming Ghana’s top business venture. Mr. Boamah has agreed to prepare a business plan for us for the Pineapple and Mango farming.


Addition of Board Members

OBey Directors had also been seeking to identify influential individuals native to Ghana to invite on as Board Members.



Mr. John Kwofie, seated on Kojo's left

 In their respective capacities as Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry and Director of Business Cooperatives for the K.E.E.A. Regional Office in the Central Region of Ghana, OBey decided to approach Mr. Appiah Donyina and Mr. John Kwofie to serve as Board Members for our Foundation. Mr. John Kwofie, Director of Business Cooperatives for the K.E.E.A. Regional Office in the Central Region of Ghana provided invaluable assistance to us with respect to our farming project and also assisted in securing the Treatment Team for our OYC youth as referenced above.

As OBey’s international chapter is based in Ghana and headquartered in the K.E.E.A. District, we felt it beneficial to have influential members of the governing bodies represent our Foundation. Both have accepted and will continue to assist with the expansion plans for OYC.

Partnering with NGOs to Maximize Resources



Chief of Brenu Akyinim and U.S. Volunteer

OBey established working relationships with other NGOs in Ghana to maximize resources and established partnerships with various individuals and organizations for assistance in carrying out our expanded services more efficiently.

Among the NGOs we have coordinated efforts with include World Vision, Sabre Trust, UNICEF-Ghana and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM will provide training to OYC staff in the area of child rescue and rehabilitation. OYC will receive rescued youth indigenous to the Central Region in February or March after the IOM completes its February rescue mission in the Lake Volta region of Ghana.



 





Transition

October 13, 2010
Day 27 – Transition

Transitioning back to the States now.

We are all moving around each other this morning, avoiding eye contact because of our departure from Ocean Breeze.

It’s 7am and the car is here to drop Kofi and I off at the Cape Coast Ford station (Ford Passenger van to Accra), and Jen to the Kumasi station. Esi had to get a few uniforms sewn for school, so she will leave on Thursday now. Of course, tears are flowing as Jen hugs Sis. Paulina and Esi goodbye. Kofi is cool, because he is rolling with me to Accra and we still have some business to handle before our goodbyes. Before I left the chalet though, Esi’s Grandmother came by to thank me for assisting Esi with her schooling. AND WAS IT A THANK YOU. She must have done at least 20 prayers for me and the family. She spoke of her role with counseling Esi and Kofi. She spoke out the blessings that will shower me, OBey and the family. It was a very special ‘thank you.’ PEACE OCEAN BREEZE!!!

We dropped Jen off at her van and said our goodbyes to her. She must have been holding on to her emotions, because her tears were flowing as I hugged her goodbye and put her on her van. She is a traveler, so she will be fine as she moves solo through the northern region of Ghana. PEACE JENNY TROTRO!!!

We arrived in Accra at about 11 am and I sent Kofi to the Registrars General Office to pick up our NGO forms that we had filed a few weeks back. I checked into my room and got on the net for a few to check on my emails. I didn’t get too far into my emails before I heard from Esther’s Sister, Sandra. Sandra lives in Accra and was assigned to me by Esther to take me around a few places to pick some items for the States. She is the middle child between Esther and Nancy. I never met THIS one and wondered why. As we moved through our day, I realized why Esther never really spoke about her. Sandra has a strong mind and spirit. When I spoke of Esther, I could tell that they have a ‘little thing’ with each other. I joked with her about it and she gave me the look like ‘please don’t start anything Mr. OBey.’ LOL!! I left it alone…FOR NOW.
I got a call from Kofi that the guy at the Registrar’s Office did not want to release the papers until Kofi gave him some money. I told him that I am on my way to go see the Minister and I will bring the Minister there with me to give him his money. Of course, he told Kofi that he will do it, but he has to give him something. I called Kofi back after riding on our THIRD TROTRO through this crazy busy city, to check on the status. I told him to meet us somewhere since he was close to where we were going to be. They met us and I had Sandra play the role of our Rep that deals with the Minister. She was to demand the guy’s Managers’ contact information for Mr. Appiah. We practiced as we were walking there. Once we met up with them, she got all DIPLOMATIC on me. Looking at me like, ‘maybe you should give him something.’ We got through it. He was trying to get GHC 50 from us and I ended up giving him GHC 6. He ended up being alright by the end. But I had to tell him that he needs to respect my Son more. My Son is a man, not a little boy. He told me that it is because of his character and good energy that he has gone this far with us. I smiled at him and we left.
We traveled to the art center to do some shopping and then back to the hotel for my 6pm meeting with Adeline, the UNICEF Representative stationed in Accra. We had a great dinner meeting. It looks like we are going to have a great relationship with UNICEF here in Ghana. It was also very good for Kofi to participate in the meeting. She liked Kofi and gave him a lot of encouragement to continue his good works.

TIME TO CHILL. Transition time. I had a full agenda as to what I was going to do to chill and transition back and ended up laying down for some quick meditation and FELL OUT! LOL! On my family to catch this flight. The shuttle is waiting for us to carry us to the Airport. PEACE GHANA!!!

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home!”

Love Family.

Medase Ocean Breeze

October 12, 2010
Day 25 – Medase Ocean Breeze

And just like that, today is my last day at Ocean Breeze. In fact, it’s also the last day for Jen and Esi. Jen will ride with us to the station in Cape Coast and catch a van up to Kumasi tomorrow. Esi will gather up her things and head out to school in Takoradi tomorrow. It will be the beginning of a new era for Kofi at Ocean Breeze. There will be no Esi and he has a new position to learn and live with OBey.

I hit the beach to catch one more vibe before leaving our beloved Brenu. It’s always bittersweet for me. I miss the family terribly but I will also miss this family here as well when I leave. I will be back in a few months, so NO PROBLEM. LOL!!


I walked the shore this time allowing for Yemoja to give me my final instructions. After I finished with my stretching and meditations, I headed back towards the beach resort. I saw Jen walking in my direction. As she came closer, I thought about her journey here. How we linked back up on Facebook after not hearing from or seeing each other for almost 25 years. I thought about how “Little Jen” has grown into such a dynamic woman with the potential to impact many people with her work. When we finally linked on the beach, she asked if I would rather be alone and I told her that I am on my way out. She asked, “So how do you feel when it’s time to go?” I told her what I told you all above. “I miss my Family, Jen. So, I am always excited. But I do miss this family and the OB vibes here when I leave.” I also added, “We got a lot accomplished during this trip, so I have that to walk with as well.” She smiled. I asked her, “How do YOU feel leaving?” She sighed and said, “I feel sad. I really got used to being at Ocean Breeze in my chalet. I didn’t realize how much I had started feeling like a part of the family. I am going to really miss everyone. Everyone was so nice and warm to me. It was so hard to do my last day of school today.” I gave her a hug and smiled at her. She got the Ocean Breeze experience. Another Happy ‘Customer’.



So, Esther decided to give us ONE last feast tonight. Esther knows she can ‘burn’. Kofi and I had to make a run to Elmina to meet with the Rootsman to get the medicine for the States. He is an intense man with a family vibe about him. He has agreed to supply us with whatever we need. He has been sending packages to Germany and the U.S. and is easy to contact. He works at the University Of Cape Coast and is Property Manager of the house in between Kohain and One Africa. So, he is easy to find. BLESSINGS!!!!

We returned to a feast. Otwidom was cutting up tonight because of Mommy doing so much cooking. He was tired and wanted the breast to put him out. Everyone was holding him, taking him for walks, singing to him, playing with him and nothing was KEEPING him chilled. I was on the computer, and finally had them give him to me. I walked him while telling Jen my secrets of dealing with ‘Marathon Cryers’. I told her that I have plenty of experience with these cases. I took him by the window where there was a breeze and the sound of Mommy Waters. I hummed to him and slowly he began falling out on my chest. Goodnight Moon, goodnight Stars, goodnight Ocean Breeze, goodnight beach, goodnight Mommy Waters, goodnight Otwidom, goodnight Family.

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home!”

Love Family.

Self-Transcendence

October 11, 2010

Day 25 – Self-Transcendence

You ever step out of your current ‘self consciousness’ and do things that you said you wouldn’t, couldn’t, or shouldn’t do? Like you have always believed that when it rains that it’s a bad day and therefore your mood is down; but you decide one day that rain is actually a good thing for life processes so therefore your mood is up. Could one say that by approaching life with a positive outlook one could actually create positive thought and behavior patterns within one’s self. I mean like mirroring the Universe. The Universe is always expanding beyond its own existence. Self-transcendence. Continuously moving beyond what one believed was the totality of oneself and never becoming content with one’s existence. I learned this concept a long time ago, but after listening to a lecture by a Cosmologist this year, I became ONE with the idea. The Most High has always channeled extraordinary visions through me. They are so real that I become one with the vision. To the point where at times I move past it even before manifesting because I felt that I have already accomplished and experienced the Divine vision. It’s truly more than dreaming some vivid dream. I LIVE these visions.

Today, I sent Esi, Sis. Paulina and Kofi to Cape to pick up the list of supplies for school. I also gave her the money for her fees. They left out of here HIGH as a kite. We are very happy for Esi and she more than earned this opportunity. Jen asked Esther if she could assist her in putting together a going away feast for Esi tonight. Nice Jen…We had a blast. Between the food, DJ Kofi, Esi’s permanent smile, and Sis. Esther falling asleep at the table, and of course the host cutting up all night, we had BIG FUN.

I also made it to Yemoja once again today. I wanted to just be open to the elements for whatever they had for me. I can feel for the farm vision what I felt from Ocean Breeze after channeling that vision. This farm thing is haunting me now. I have always loved the concept of growing your own food. When I was very young, I thought it required a God given talent to be able to grow your own food. I can remember the different gardens in Mount Vernon that I would come across and thinking at 5 and 6 years of age, how does that food just pop out of the ground. Anyone that had a garden in their yard seemed like an extraordinary person to me. I mean Mount Vernon had a lot of homes that owned gardens back then. Fruit trees and plenty of gardens. Tall and lush collard greens, tomatoes, lettuce, GRAPES, apples, pears. We ate apples from an apple tree in the backyard, which was on family land, but next door. But the tree was right up against the fence so we climbed it all the time. I loved the concept that we could just climb or throw a rock up and collect apples to eat from the TREE. When I traveled to the south in NC to visit family, I was introduced to an entirely different level of ‘pop up foods.’ THE FARM. WHOAH. Rows and rows of corn, pecan trees, string beans, collard greens, pigs, chickens, roosters. It was then when I got hands on appreciation for how those ‘pop up foods’ came to be.

That fascination grew into the desire to want to grow my own food one day. As I moved through college and began studying about nation building, the farm concept was a major component of the mission. “Stop relying on these scientist and corporations to feed you. Get land and grow your own food. Stop eating what others tell you to eat. Eat to live! Get land and grow your own food!” That was the rhetoric that we were subscribing to back then. I even came up with a proposal to bring FRESH vegetables and fruits to the desert. The concept was simple. I had lived with the concept when I small in Mount Vernon. Load up a produce truck with all types of vegetables and fruits and drive around different communities selling your inventory. My community at the time was Las Vegas. Fresh foods to the desert. I had my family in stitches thinking about me driving around in some truck, selling produce. I talked about that so much that to this day, I sometimes believe that I actually manifested that venture. I didn’t, but I should’ve…LOL!

But the vision never left me. Once I moved back to Connecticut, I saw my old home in New Milford in a totally different light. My family established LAND; and FERTILE land. All of this was at one time FARM LAND. Hmmmmmm. Let’s grow some food. That’s when I started working on gardening. Collards, corn, eggplant, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, peppers, hot peppers, squash, and whatever else I could get my hands on. At first I tried to plant everything in a small area, together. I didn’t know. I was learning as I went along. I would spend hours learning about the ‘pop up foods’ and then put designated hours into learning how to put these goat skins on wood. I worked on the garden each year in New Milford. I started to remember how Uncle J would bring down some BIG vegetables that he grew in his garden, Upstate. Oh my goodness, how could I have forgotten?! I started running Upstate to my new Gardening Consultant. Uncle J was not just my Gardening Consultant but he was also one that believed in ‘Self-transcendence.’ He was a BIG TIME Dreamer. I loved listening to his ideas and dreams, because I could see them. No, literally, you could see remnants of his dreams all around his 5 acre property. LOL!!! I loved Uncle J for being a Dreamer who would go beyond the dream and actually work to manifest it. I will never forget when Uncle J requested MY CONSULTATION about some of my gardening techniques. I was so flattered and knew that I was on to something. I was also very encouraged by Uncle J to manifest Ocean Breeze. Whenever we spoke, he would ask me ALWAYS, “How’s that project going in Africa?” Even when I knew I had no clue as to how I was going to start the building of Ocean Breeze, I would tell him my plans. He would patiently listen to me as if it were the first time that he heard the plans. It wasn’t until the year before Uncle J passed at a surprise party for Aunt Rene that I gave Uncle J some news. By this time he was declining in his health and mental capacity, but was tearing into those King Crab Legs. I went over and spoke softly into his ear, “Uncle J, we put up the first structure on the land in Africa!” He looked up and pulled my head close to his, smiled and then went back to eating his King Crab. It was indeed a touching moment for me and I do believe that it was for him as well.

So, here we are now family. We have Ocean Breeze with 3 chalets up; a pineapple farm on its way on the healing compound; 20 acres nearby, designated for our Youth Complex, which will be farmed on for the first phase of the plan; and plans to secure 50 acres of land to cultivate a mango farm on a commercial level. It seems as though there have been some wonderful seeds planted upon me throughout my years. From counseling from my bedroom in the desert of Las Vegas to counseling at Ocean Breeze, overlooking the ocean. From that first crowded garden in New Milford to the Sugar Loaf pineapple garden at Ocean Breeze. From the produce truck idea in the desert to the mango farm and processing plant business plan. Either my dreams have just grown up with my years on this earth or the Most High is moving me into yet another level of consciousness and existence. Whichever the case may be, I know that Uncle J is looking upon me waiting for the chance to let out one of his infamous pot belly throat laughs…Haaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home!”

Peace Family.

Reciprocity

October 10, 2010
Day 24 – Reciprocity

MOMMY WATERS TODAY…No matter WHAT!

I made it down to the beach today. No camera, no company, no meetings, no phone…well, yes phone, because I had to check the time for a 2 pm meeting. LOL! BUT I wasn’t listening out for any calls! No calls from the PHONE that is. Yemoja was sure nuff calling me today. I had the beach to myself of course. I went right in because the sun was ON, which made the waters nice and refreshing. As usual, when I begin to get into ‘child mode’ and succumb to the waves I imagine my family being here with me to enjoy with me. My children will lose their minds to have a beach ALL to themselves. Riding those waves in and running up and down the beach. I can see them writing words and names and building their version of castles in the sand. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that whenever we get them over here, this will be waiting for them.
I sent out my prayers to Yemoja and Olokun for ALL of the family. I remembered all of your requests and I threw in some of my own for you as well. She brought some heavy duty waves that smacked me pretty hard with some of you, so be careful for what you wish…LOL!

When I was sitting in the sun, drying off, a couple of young boys came over to stand behind me with their coconuts. They were about 7-11 in age and it was 2 of them at first. I signaled to them for one and they prepared my coconut water and jelly for me. I signaled for another and was again pulled to think about my family enjoying the simple services that come with village life. When you are here, you could easily take this type of service for granted because it is always here. If I were at a beach in the states and was sitting after going into the waters, I would love to have someone set up my own personal snack bar. Just as I was about to enjoy my second coconut water, I see some other boys approach my snack bar. I could tell that there was some aggression going on, so I just stayed aware. After I finished my jelly, I looked over and my Bartender was pushing one of the other boys away from him and about to THROW DOWN. They exchange words again and then began getting into it. I yelled out to them and had the two boxers come to me. I spoke a little Twi and then went back to English, asking them what happened. Neither one wanted to talk about it. So, I gave one of my Baba speeches and they both acknowledged the lesson and promised to stop. I told them to “BE BROTHERS.” The invaders grabbed some of my Bartenders coconuts and left. Before they left though, my Bartender went running into their direction with his machete in full Ogun position and came down with force onto a coconut in front of them. He hacked that thing like he was proving a point. Afterwards two of the invaders grabbed either half and began eating. I was pleased; my Bartender did the righteous thing.
I spent about 3 hours with Mommy Waters, taking in all that she had for me and allowing my dreams of a prosperous Africa to float in and out of my consciousness.

I traveled back up to prepare for our meetings today. We had a 2pm with the different OYC Supervisors from the new villages, Abeye, Ankwanda, Mpeasem, and Benyadzi. Everyone showed up and we had a very productive meeting. I am very encouraged by the feedback and questions that the Supervisors brought at the meeting. This is going to be a wonderful experience.

Our second meeting at 4pm was with the Brenu Caregivers. This meeting was to explain more in detail about the components of the new OYC program. We didn’t see as many in attendance as we would’ve have liked to, but there was representation. They asked good questions and seem to be in harmony with the direction that we are going in. I was pleased to hear that they ALL agreed that they should take on the responsibility of starting the Pineapple farm on OB land. They were going to meet after the OYC meeting to discuss where they were going to get the 4,000 starter plants and when they were going to start the planting. I was VERY pleased to hear this. This is true reciprocity. This was an area that I spoke of at past meetings, but really stressed it at this meeting today. I told them that I can’t believe that I would see trash on the bottom of Ocean Breeze land. How could that trash stay there when we have SO many children in our program? They agreed and promised that any maintenance work that needs to be done at OB, to let them know and they will personally bring the youth and do the work WITH them. I LOVE IT. Anyone RECORDING THIS?! LOL!!!


Jenny Trotro came back today from Busua. She had the solo travel look on her. It appears that she had a good time and said that she would go back. We were happy that she had safe travels. She entertained us at dinner time with her Trotro stories, including a flat tire and the Driver taking in well over the amount of passengers that they should be. She spoke about the pet monkeys running around at the Busua Guest House that she stayed at; and the SHARK and SWORDFISH that she seen the Fishermen pull in from their fishing expedition. It was good for her to get away to get some perspective on the different areas of Ghana and also to get her prepared for her solo travels up north soon.

I couldn’t get on the net tonight because of network problems, so I will fall out early. I told Jen that Esi will be leaving us on Tuesday. Jen asked Esi if this was true and told her that she is sad and will miss her. Esi was touched, but clearly focused. She will be picking up her school supplies tomorrow and we will send her off on Tuesday morning to start her schooling. This is what it’s all about family. We have been supporting Esi’s education since she was entering JSS and now look at her. But she has also been supporting OBey by taking care of Ocean Breeze and cooking for me and guests. She also stepped in as the OYC Cook when Esther went on maternity leave. This is the reciprocity that I spoke of earlier. She never forgot what we did for her with her education and we will never forget about her commitment to OBey.

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home.”

Love Family.

Our Investments

October 9, 2010
Day 22 – Our Investments

Back in 1997, I remember meeting Brother Shabazz and Amikai here in Ghana. They are both from the States and lived together in Pedu (part of Cape Coast). Shabazz was selling vegetarian plates on his scooter and had been in Ghana about 3 years by then. Amikai had been there about the same and he was a taxi Driver and musician. We really appreciated Shabazz’s food for the variety, but it started to get expensive ordering plates from him. I can recall asking them if they are still making money in the States and they told me that people send money here and there, but for the most part they were working for cedis then. I looked at how hard the living was in Ghana back then if one was not middle class or wealthy. It was back then that I decided that until I had a strong financial plan, that I would not be relying on the cedi to exist in Ghana. It is still my philosophy today. Whenever I am coming to the end of my time here in Ghana, my money gets low and I start counting my cedis very closely. I get this feeling over me like what if I don’t have any more dollars to pull from in order to make it through. It’s an anxiety that leads me to thinking I have NO WAY of making any money here if my money runs out. This Farm, Ocean Breeze and a small thing or two HAS TO WORK! I can’t allow my “U.S. Financial Boogieman” to enter my Ghana world. If THAT happens, then I won’t even be able to SEE the SEA (Ocean) as I SEE it today.

Today, I worked for hours on Kofi’s personal budget in Excel. He had a hard time with the concept of ‘averages’. He overstands how to get averages and what it is, but the concept that this number that we are entering in as his monthly budget had him twisted. He kept saying, “It’s not always that I spend this much in a month.” I would bring him back to the school example that I used, “Did the student get an ‘A’ EVERY term?” Until finally, I just had to threaten him when I thought he was going to say it…”If you say that it’s not always…ONE MORE TIME!” You know Esi was loving those moments. Anyway, we finally made it through and I am fully aware that he is not being paid enough for what he is doing; and the expenses that he has taken on should not be incurred by him. He is borrowing money from people on a regular. I pulled out what should be OBey’s and OYC’s expenses and then told him that I was going to make a recommendation to the Board to give him an increase in his salary. He was pleased initially, but also added “Thank you, but you know what I want you to do? I want you to give me THIS number for 3 months, UP FRONT.” I said, “Yeah Kofi, plenty people would like to get 3 months advance on their salaries, but it doesn’t work like that Son. So, even though we have been taking care of you all of these years, you have a decent salary now. You have to go to other sources to help you to get ahead financially; unless I come to you with a profit making idea.” He overstood. But it was more bitter herbs of reality. Dad gave him a potential raise and bitter herbs, together. I love the Family Business.

We heard from the New Brenu Chief that the Surveyor that we have been waiting on has returned to Elmina. We called our Surveyor and they will meet on Monday to finalize our indentures for the Ocean Breeze property and the addition that we added to it. THANK YOU. Please let them ACTUALLY DO THIS. It’s been too long now that these indentures have been incomplete. All they need are like 4 signatures in order to file with Lands Department. The new Chief won’t sign nor have his people sign until he has his Surveyor look over the papers to make sure everything is on the level. I can dig it when you are new, but Damn, almost a year of this?! So, put the prayers out for that Family.

Then Kofi and I laid out the plans to grade the OB property so that we can begin the landscaping of the land. Coconut trees, palm trees, Pineapple farm and grass. We need to meet with a bulldozer Operator nearby to negotiate the fee. Once THAT is done, then we will be able to beautify the property. The pineapple farm has inspired us to talk about the 20 acres of land that looks very promising this trip. We decided to go up there and take a look and to flash some photos. I was still concerned about how we are going to relocate all of those farmers that I saw up there last year. When we started in the bush to walk the 20 acres I was OVERJOYED to see that there were NO FARMS there. WHAT?! I learned that all of that land is community land and until there is a major project designated for it, the community just does some farming here and there. So the land is not a ‘conflict land’ at all. YES!!! First thing we are going to do here is to grade and FARM IT. We are in a farming village. Let’s FARM!

In fact, I had one of our Caregivers come up to OB land today to talk to us about the Pineapple Farm on the Ocean Breeze land. He has a 3 acre Pineapple Farm and knows the ins and outs of raising Sugar Loaf Pineapples. He said he only has 3 acres because he is old now, but he used to work a much larger farm. As we discussed the estimate that his Daughter, Stella, brought up to me the other day, I questioned the price for the Pineapple suckers (starter plants). I asked him if it would be possible to solicit the Caregivers and community to donate suckers to OBey and let us see how much we can raise before we go out and purchase any. He agreed and we decided to bring that up at tomorrow’s meeting. Our goal is to plant 4,000 Pineapple suckers on the OB land and if all goes well tomorrow, we can potentially get that project going this week before I leave. Next year this time, we will have our own Pineapples.
Back to the Youth Complex land (20 acres). Kofi and I found a ladder and put Kofi up on the roof of the school to get a good photo of the land. The roof was not high enough to get the proper perspective. So we went back up our hill and went to a clearing to take it from there. I was surprised to see that Brenu has sold a lot more plots up on the hill near us. There are people using our road on a regular now with their building projects and Surveyors. They have nice views like ours too. Well as far as I can see, NO ONE has the amount of beachfront land that we currently have though. I am working hard to finish the indentures on our current land so that we can purchase the plots right next to OB. If I am successful in getting that, then there will be about 1 acre or 4 plots that will be available for the family to build on. So again family, put the prayers out and think about whether you are serious about your plot or not.

Mercy and Stella came up while Kofi and I were in our budget meeting. I didn’t know they were here until the water truck came. They are so beautiful. I am so touched by Mercy and this baby though. She is already living a hard life and I wonder if she will indeed be able to make it back to school AND take care of a new baby. Technically, she should not be an OYC youth anymore, but we’ll see. These are my youth.


So the water is running out today. We had to call the water guy to come back. He already tried the other day, but because the ground was soft from the rain, he couldn’t make it up our hill. It was the funniest thing watching these boys climb up on our water tank and fill our tank up with water from this hose that was giving off pressure like the Fireman’s hoses. At one point the hose got away from them and it DRENCHED them and flew out of their hands and onto the ground. YES, I am paying for all of that wasted water. Anyway, it all worked out and we are definitely putting together plans to get connected to the pipe water coming into the village from the main line. It will save us a bundle of money.

Jenny Trotro left out of here on the back of Kofi’s moto; headed to the junction to catch a Trotro to Busua Beach Resort. This was her first time on his bike and it was giving him some problems. It was so funny watching her with her nervous smile and Kofi’s taped up Moto stalling on the way down the muddy driveway. TEARS were POURING down my face!!! LOL!! Unfortunately, I took the photo with her camera, so you all will have to wait until she returns to see the photo. She is staying there for a day or two.

I talked to Esi today about when she will be ready to go to school. She told me maybe next week. I asked her, “What about Monday?!” She just looked at me like a deer in headlights and said, “Ok.” She was clearly stunned. I am sending her out to buy her supplies tomorrow so that she can go to school the latest by Tuesday. If you notice by my different deadlines, I am trying to wrap everything up this week because I head to Accra on Wednesday and catch my flight on Thursday morning. My time is a snap away from being done. I am usually a bit disappointed with how much I DIDN’T accomplish during my month long journeys here. But after I jotted down all that had been done up to that point in that journal entry last week, I am convinced that we got a lot accomplished this time. I am not satisfied, but I am NOT disappointed either. I hope that makes sense to you.
No beach today, but I will try to get there tomorrow. I MUST BE working to not be on the beach everyday! There had better be some accomplishments around here for me to be sacrificing THAT time with Mommy Waters like this! LOL!!!

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home!”

Love Family.

He's One of Us!

                                         

October 8, 2010
Day 22 – He’s One of Us!


Have you ever wondered where your Ancestors come from? I mean the exact country, village, house that they came from? I have always wondered that for myself; especially, once I learned of my African heritage. Then, once I learned of how Africans throughout the Diaspora were getting insight through DNA testing, that ‘wonder’ became a BURNING DESIRE. I found out my linkages to Africa on my Mother’s AND Father’s side through the DNA testing. My Mother’s side linked me with the revolutionary Balantas of Guinea Bissau and my Father’s linked me to a Central Africa Republic nation that is linked to the Twa people. The exact name of the nation escapes me at this time. I have plans to visit Guinea and Guinea Bissau next year to meet my peeps and reconnect with my roots so that I can continue to tell the story. It is so empowering as an African born in America to be able to know and speak out the exact linkages of MY Ancestors.

We are taking Jen to Last Bath in Assin Manso. We called Daniel the Driver, who I just learned during this trip, is Isaac’s older Brother. Isaac is the Teacher that I asked to help out Esi and that we want to replace Esther when she leaves. Daniel is real laid back and cool; but has always taken care of me whenever I needed to go somewhere long distant and didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I hadn’t seen him this trip, so I thought he traveled. When Kofi couldn’t find a Driver to take us to Last Bath at a reasonable price, Esther called and gave us Daniel’s new number.

When we arrived at Last Bath, I was reminded that this would be Kofi’s first trip here. Also, Daniel decided to take the tour with us this time rather than stay with the car. I could see throughout the tour that the information was touching Daniel. It was so inspiring to watch the way that the tour was stimulating Kofi and Daniel that my wheels were turning in my head. I am beginning to see what Dr. Perbi was talking about when she said that we need to develop our own curriculum and program to teach Ghanaians as well about this Slave Route. I have been here so many times that they know me very well here. The Office Manager asked if I would like to conduct the tour or should he. I am flattered whenever they ask me that, but I always defer to them because I always learn something new with each tour that I take. Jen was very pleased with the tour and said to me,”It’s all coming together for me now, Kojo.” That was a blessing to hear. If she only knew that once most Europeans visit the Castle Dungeons, they don’t want to go any further with the heritage tour. I will have to share that with her. So, she will be another promoter for truth.
I went to the tour Manager to find out about the fee and he sent me to one of his Staff people. Before he went to his office he told his staff, “Please take anything Kojo Bey wants to give, because he is one of us; we can’t charge him.” Ase! Music to My Ears! Ahhhhhhhh…

As we approached our turn off to Brenu, we passed the village by the police barrier and we see people lined up on the sides of the road. We notice a body of a man on the ground dead from what seems like a hit and run. Daniel stopped to see what happened and who it is. I didn’t need to know anything so I tuned it out. But I thought about how here in Ghana, a dead body is BIG news when it doesn’t come as a result of sickness or old age. Well, funerals are a BIG deal as well, but I mean people are not being killed or dying violently on a regular basis like other nations. It is sad to see that this man has lost his life like he did, but this incident has also raised my consciousness even more to how much I love the peace here in Ghana. A peace that I pray will prevail throughout Ghana’s pursuit to court America and find its way with its newly found OIL.
I end my day, by walking Sista Esther and Otwidom home and on my way back, I find my chest thumping from the bass of the sound system blasting through the village from the site of the second funeral in a week here. The Elders are crossing over and the young people here are NOT stepping it up. They are drinking, smoking wee (Herb), and hanging out. The funerals last for days here. They play loud music continuously for about 3 days. It’s a beautiful sight to see how we celebrate our people’s going home ceremonies here, but we have to do something about the next generation. Sound familiar family. LOL!!!

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home!”

Love Family.

Wrapping It Up

October 7, 2010
Day 21 – Wrapping It Up

It is at this time during my month long journeys here when I feel the pull from my family in the States. It’s not a bad thing. I know that with us having such young children, my presence is needed more than if they were older. I miss everyone and look forward to sharing face to face with the family. It’s only a week from now that I will be waking up in U.S.A. airspace again. It’s time for me to wrap up these loose ends here.

Today we went to Takoradi to see a Vocational Training school for Esi. WHOAH, that Trotro ride. The Driver was arguing with his ‘Mate’ (Assistant to Driver who calls out the stops and takes money). Later he was arguing with passengers about fares. He pulled over twice to argue with folks. The Ghanaians are very afraid of accidents so most were trying to squash the arguments so that the Driver could focus on the road. What a trip. But we finally made it safely. Me and these Trotros. I have named Jen, “Jenny Trotro” because she seems to be in harmony with them. We were working on arrangements to travel somewhere and she didn’t want to spend too much on a private car, so she and Kofi were going back and forth about different modes of transportation to bring the price down. Any time they would bring Trotro in as a mode, I would take myself out of the journey. So Jen says, “Oh Kojo, I didn’t know you were so tender.” I told Jenny Trotro that I have had my share of Trotros over my 13 years of traveling here to Ghana. My Trotro days are coming to a full stop. We all laughed, and then they started trying to find a way to get a private car. LOL!!!
The Admission Director at the school in Takoradi was very informative and patient with us. We had a lot of questions and she was making special concessions for Esi since she has been out of school for so long. Also her final JSS score was very low. So the concern is if she will be able to handle the academic aspect of the curriculum. She will take catering, but once she completes the academic portion of the curriculum along with the catering studies, she will be eligible to go on to a Polytechnical School. Polytech is like going on to a University after High School but from the Vocational Training school. If she doesn’t do well on her entrance exam then she will have to go on the track that will focus mostly on the catering rather than both academics and the trade. If she only focuses on the trade, then she will NOT be eligible for Polytech after graduating. I don’t like that. So we will have to talk about that. I paid for her admission application (10 cedis…WOW…expensive ink and paper…LOL!) and we’re OUT. They only have one bed left at the hostel (dorm), so we have to move fast.


Esi is very excited. I spoke to one of the Brenu JSS Teachers that came by today to help Esi review her math and English. They started right away. The Teacher is Isaac, and he is the one that we want to take over Esther’s position with OYC after she leaves to join her Husband in Accra. Esther has been working with Isaac for years and I have always liked his energy and passion for the youth.
Once we returned, I checked my emails and saw that the Farm Consultant, Mr. Kwame, had emailed me saying “Hi Kojo,Since paying has become an issue I have provided some answers as per attached to end the debate. The meeting then will not be necessary.
Let me know if you have other questions through the mail.
Thanks
Kwame”
AND he CC’d Mr. Appiah, which led me to believe that our Gov. Official STRIKES AGAIN!!! Or it could’ve been my back and forth with him about his fee. Or maybe a combination of the two. Either way, he sent me all of the answers to my questions without me having to pay and travel to Accra. The answers were very informative and have impressed me enough to secure him as our Consultant. He told me that we will meet before I leave for the States to get things started. The biggest reality of the mango cropping that has come out of my initial inquiries is that we won’t see commercial yields until 6 years after the initial planting. So, we will have to plant other crops like Pineapple to get the program going. This is a serious project and I am convinced that we will need a Consultant like this to help us reduce our overall risk with this investment. I feel good about this relationship.

Jen is doing a great job with the youth at the school. She is really enjoying herself and the short amount of time that she is working with them will leave a long lasting impression on them. We are enjoying the stories about her daily fitness and reading classes. I would love to have an ongoing cycle of volunteers coming through to help out with our youth here. There are so many youth at the school and they need more than what they are getting in the current curriculum.

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home!”

Love Family

Stepping It Up!

October 6, 2010
Day 20 – Stepping It Up

I feel my time slipping away from me now. It feels like we have so much unfinished business left still. I wonder if I will be plagued with this feeling wherever I travel.

I confirmed my meeting for Sunday morning in Accra with the Farm Consultant today. He and his partners are currently working on a 20,000 acre mango farm for the Government; and export deals with UK clients. This came out after he and I had a few exchanges about his up front Consultant fee. He assured me that he could take care of our 200 or less acre project. LOL!! I can take the sarcasm. I had better, I give it enough. Anyway, Mr. Appiah vouched for him, so I was just working him to see how tight he is. I love having a Government Official to call and who actually answers my calls and calls me back. I need one or two in the States. I remember when we were living in Vegas and I had the Brothers at City Hall ‘on lock’. Anything I needed was just a phone call or an office visit away. But then again, I was also under surveillance for all of the community work I was doing, so I’ll just stay with the Ghana Officials for now. LOL!!

So, I heard one of the funniest stories since I have been here this time. Esther came over after school and was telling me about the PTA meeting that took place at the school today. Aggie is no longer the President. A female relative of the guy with a Hummer that came back from S. Africa a few years ago, and who wanted to take over Brenu’s land, is President now. We will call her relative “Hummer Man.” So the new PTA President is known for boasting about her rich relative that has really done well for himself and what he promises to do for his family. In fact, when Hummer Man came back from S. Africa, he found Nana Brempong, who had left the village, and bought him a car, a Driver and fixed up his palace (Bribe). They got him to sign some papers and were ready to take over all of the land in Brenu and redistribute it. WHAT?! The community went CRAZY!! Long story short, Nana claimed that he did not agree to that and it went to court. This guy had a site plan done of the entire village by using a helicopter to take photos. Yes, Hummer Man is BALLIN’. Anyway, he didn’t win and he ended up taking his car, Driver and furniture from the palace, back…LOL!!! Nana was dismissed from the palace by the Paramount Chief in Elmina and sent back to his other village. Hummer Man had some of his people in place here to stay in the ears of the Elders and community. Good Ole Brenu. Nothing was moving and so they got frustrated and left. I was getting nervous that these guys were about to take over. It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago when I arrived that I heard that Nana Brempong and his family had returned. That is why I was so excited then.
So, getting back to my story. The relative of Hummer Man is boasting now about her son getting the highest score upon completing JSS (middle school). The lower the score, the better. One of our OYC girls, Florence, for example got a very low score of 30. Stella and Noel got pretty good scores of 23 and 21. Her son got a 17. He is sure to get into a top Senior Secondary School. Esther continues with the story by then telling me that the woman pulled her aside and asked her “So what will OBey do for him to continue his education at Senior Secondary School?” I said, “Hummer Man’s relative is asking OBey for Assistance?! We need HIS assistance!!” I just laughed and shook my head. We talked about that all night. She also told me that she took advantage of the opportunity to start my campaign for Nkosohene of the village. That is the Developing Chief of the village. The one that is in charge of bringing progress to the village. Esther said that the committee was excited about the idea and will revisit making the recommendation to the Elders. Someone from the community has to make the recommendation and usually the prospect doesn’t know about it. But in this case, Brenu needs much help, so I talked to Esther and Kofi about this last year and we couldn’t do anything then because no one was on the stool. So now that we have Nana back on the stool, we have someone that has supported us from the very beginning. So yes Family, it does appear that I am entering the Political Arena. Only this will be OBey style of Politics. We're stepping it up! LOL!!
                            
Stella and Noel come by to see me every day. Today, they brought their graduation certificates. I am very proud of them. They are our top OYC students. We have to make sure we do all that we can to assist them with their pursuit for higher learning. They’re success means our success. I love this. I love them. And I love Afrika.

“I’m awake, I have worked, and I’ve been blessed. It’s Time to Take Me Home”

Love Family