Day 30 Ghana

This is R and R's Colleagues...

I have to start by going back to yesterday... when R came home from work he invited me to a birthday party for one of the girls in the office. I was told all the arrangements (be at the office at 4pm) and could I bring a card.

So this morning I went to the hotel as usual had a lovely swim, sat in the sun and purchased the birthday card.

Augustine picked me up at 3 to take me to the office and once there I waited for the party to begin. K whos "birthday" it was supposed to be came into the office and I gave her the card and a whole load of giggling ensued as she explained it was actually a surprise leaving party for R.

The party was in one of the other buildings and someone was sent over to escort us there which is when I told R the party was for him as he had guessed that something was going on.

The party started with music and went on to 6 or 7 representatives talking about R's work and what was incredibly clear was what a difference he had made to the way they work and how much it means to them. They also often said how much they appreciated R as a person too for who he is. It was very moving and humbling and I know R was bowled over by it. They presented him with some lovely gifts and surprised me with a few too... very generous and an amazing gesture.

To sit there and listen to them highlighted to me what he had been doing and just how important it had been, it helped me understand and I was immensly proud of him. R is quite uncomfortable with this kind of thing because he's the type of person that shy's away from wanting acknowledgement as he does what he does because... its his job! He would have been quite happy to say his private goodbyes and walk away quietly. He was very humbled by the speeches and the gifts and all in all the party was a big success. Testament to his time there and how highly he's been thought of was that the room was full for the party... following the official proceedings they put on a lovely spread of food with more music too.

Akwaaba means WELCOME and my did the Ghanians do that!

I have spent some time at the office over the time I have been there and got to know the people around and they are fantastic people and to them I have this message.

I know R will miss you and so will I. Thank you for making us so so welcome and looking after us so so well. Till we meet again Take Care!!