On the Road to Togo....

 We left Grand Rapids early Monday morning January 8 and arrived in Lome, the capital city of Togo, 24 hours later at Tuesday noon. After a night at a modest hotel, our hospital driver met us at 7 AM for the long drive up to the Hospital of Hope. The roads were quite good by African standards and we made the 330 mile drive in just under 9 hours. 

       

           

Togo is a narrow strip of land just to the east of Ghana. It lies near the Prime Meridian and we are about 8 degrees north of the Equator.              

Our long drive started in Lome and we made our way north through Atakpame, Sokode, and Kara.  The Hospital of Hope is located in Mango, which is about 40 miles south of Dapaong.

Many vehicles are crammed full of people with all sorts of belongings tied to the roofs. We also shared the road with many motorcycles and assorted farm animals.

Drivers use their horns frequently to announce their presence and intentions of passing. After passing another vehicle, they pull back into their lane very quickly - thankfully, we did not witness any "road rage"!!

Safe arrival!!!!!

We are staying at the Guesthouse which has about 8 separate rooms which are quite comfortable. There is also a large common area where meals are prepared and served by Togolese staff. The common area is also where meetings and Sunday evening church services are held.