Dear Trio:

We arrived in Ghana on August 3rd. The flights went well and we made our connections well. Everyone enjoyed the flights and the kids did really really well. We had to repack a few things at JFK in NYC because they were extremely strict about weight.

When we arrived at the Accra airport, NKABOM was there and gave a welcome performance outside the airport. They have taken extremely good care of us.

We had a bit of sorting out to do at the hotel. We are staying in a village called Nungua. While the accommodations are good, they are not luxury. We have no phones and no nearby access to phones or internet. We don't always have electricity or running water. Everyone is learning that in Africa water is like gold. The kids are learning a great amount about waste.

About 50% of the group has had various stomach ailments and a little thing called travelers diarrhea that are common here. We are lucky to have a physician with us. No one has been seriously ill. About the 3rd or 4th day most everyone had a bout of homesickness. 14- and 15-year-olds were crying because they missed their mothers and fathers. We tried to call everyone and that helped a lot. Everyone is in good shape right now and we will try to call again when we can access a phone - it is hard to get access to things here.

We have had drum, dance, jewelry making and textile design workshops. But most important, we have had daily rehearsals developing the AIDS performance we are doing. It is coming together in an incredible way. Some of our boys are now dancing... like Tre, Tony Mack, and Keontri. Shamekia, Mariah, and Kayla have taken it to the next level in dance. Our dance instructor, Nana is marvelous and has many years experience teaching children. Powerful is very inspirational. The kids are getting more out of this time than dance and drumming - they are growing up a lot and seeing how privileged they are.

We have visited the markets in Accra. An older woman ran up to Miss Mit and asked where she was from. When she told her America, the woman said, "you have come home." Miss Mitt is getting so much respect here. It is fantastic.

Mr. Addison is viewed as a chief and he has been asked if he is Kofi Annan or George Bush!

On one day we had to go to the village chief to get the journey blessed and approved. Quite a ceremony - we'll have to tell you all about it.

We had a performance on a stage at Labadi Beach on Sunday and the kids got a chance to swim in the ocean. They are giving the performances of their lives - very sharp.

Yesterday we visited the land where we will build the centre. We planted all kinds of flowers and herbs and blessings were given for the centre. After that the local village of Okurase invited us to join them for a performance. We brought lunch with us and there were many little children who were hungry. Our kids gave up their lunch for the children - these are the kind, wonderful, truly great people our children are. Be very proud.

Today, we are in a town called Kumasi. Here, they hand weave kente cloth. We will visit a palace later today.

On Saturday the 12th we will have a performance at the Accra Arts Centre. We will give our HIV/AIDS performance and dance a finale with the Ghana dance association. What an incredible opportunity.

That's all for now. Everyone sends their love. We are all doing well and having a true experience of Africa. We are going to try to put some pictures on the website: www.djoledancecompany.org so check for them.

Love to everyone and keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we do this important work.

Cindy