I received this random email from Rachael recently, who’s in Ghana. There was nothing to preface the situation that led up to this email, but it looks like I was added to her mass email list. It’s not hard to pick up the pieces and figure out what’s going on: someone stole money from the office where she works, and it was returned. It’s just amazing to see what completely different worlds we’re living in.

So it turns out the one million magically appeared in the
secretary’s desk this morning. She noticed it about 9am, when
almost all the staff was in the office (save me and one other
member – innocent, naturally). The money was not in the desk
when she closed the office yesterday evening at 5pm. The
messenger boy and the cleaning ladies hold the keys. They are
the prime suspects.

No one knows who took the money, but the threat of the oracle
obviously made an impact. Most of the staff is still demanding
the ritual be performed so we can determine who the thief was
(is). I am amazed at the steadfast belief in voodoo (ju ju, as
they call it here). I don’t know if my boss will follow
through. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m a bit disappointed that I don’t get to be involved in the
oracle, but I’m relieved the secretary has her money back. Her
family is using it to buy cement for their home. She was
rejoicing this morning. Meanwhile, the innocent staff members
are feeling anxious. Someone among us can’t be trusted, and
that’s not a good feeling.

I’ll let you know if there are any more developments.

Rachael

PS. Spent the day in the field this morning. We traveled to a
village where they are trying to change a customary law
regarding the dowry system. There is an increase in bachelors
in this area because they simply can’t afford to offer 4 cows to
their in-laws in exchange for their bride. The village is trying
to get the dowry down to 2 cows. On our way home, we passed
three women carrying crates of beans on their heads. Since we
were in a pick-up truck, we were able to offer them a ride to
where they were going. Turns out they were walking to the mill
to grind their beans, 17 kms away. Had we not picked them up,
they were in for a 32km walk. The sun was already setting when
they began their journey. I’ve been in Ghana for 4 months, and
the heat, garbage and beliefs don’t shock me like they used to.
Or at least I think that until I come across situations like the
one today.