ISP (Independent Student Project)

So, for our last day in Tamale we had a free day; and Sierra and I went to nearby communities/villages with Auntie Fati to figure out our living situation during ISP. I'm so excited! We're both going to stay in the same village, but we'll be living with our contact people. Since I'm doing motherhood with a Muslim family I'm going to live in a small mud hut with a thatch roof with another woman. They have compounds here, and multiple families live in one. So, I'll be able to observe the daily lives of mothers within the compound I'm living in. Sierra is studying Traditional Birth Attendants, and my "mom" is studying to become a TBA, which is pretty awesome! I have no idea what to expect, except the last 4 weeks in Ghana might be rough, but very fulfilling!
I also felt very Ghanaian earlier today when I took a taxi by myself (!) to the Vodaphone Internet Cafe (where I am now). I got into the back of a taxi where there was a pretty old woman with a young girl, about 4. I offered the woman a piece of gum (with help from the driver) and then she told me to give a piece of "sugar" to the driver, and he accepted. I gave the driver my money before reaching the destination, and he didn't overcharge me! Then the old lady and girl was getting out at the same stop as me, and I got out first and grabbed the girl from the lady's lap to help her get out of the taxi. Then I held her as she got out with her bowl and bags. She was very grateful, and we both said goodbye...
All this time I was wearing my headscarf, which almost all the women wear here, in the North. It isn't only for Muslims, but to keep your body cool. It helps a lot with darker hair, so I got a mossy green scarf with sequins. I've been wearing it everyday!
So, anyways, that was my Ghanaian moment of the day. It is very normal here for adults/teens to hold and watch out for any and all children; (It takes a village to raise a child) and the children and parents alike are okay with it/expect it.
I will try and get more photos up soon!