Good morning loved ones,
So I sit here today slightly regretful that I haven't been able to keep you posted as I would have hoped, or stay as connected at home as was my original intent. Although I know many of you will tell me not to worry and to enjoy my experience, which I have been doing. I can certainly tell you that this goal is beyond accomplished. Of course a million occurrences could have deterred be from that path but I cannot begin to imagine how this experience could have been dampened (especially with the amount of prayer and good thoughts that I have been receiving). But my outlook when I am in Ghana is in constant effort to avoid compliant, to avoid all negative that might have me miss a lesson I am to learn in these swiftly dissolving three weeks. And how could I complain, when we have been traveling and touring the Gold Coast like kings and queens, staying in the best hotels and absorbing all the cultural riches Ghana has to offer?
And I must of course express, water may not run, bathrooms maybe be slightly, streets may be dirty, facilities may not meet our American standards, but I tell you why is that to matter? When you see people who live owning less that I did when I was five and beaming the most beautiful smiles from smooth, healthy faces how can I begin to muster a cry? We are BEYOND privileged. I wish in my youthful ineloquence I could conspire a more fitting word. The profuse riches that we possess mean nothing. What lasting value do they possess? Happiness and joy, fulfillment and inner peace, these are the makings of the best life and I see that in so many want-for-not Ghanaian people. The heart of this country inspires me. Even bumper stickers (rather that defacing sports teams we dislike or listing profane jokes) boast “DO GOOD” and “GOD IS GREAT”. I have yet to see sarcasm plastered on the back of a vehicle, does that not say something?
And of course I have no intent to sensationalize the people as a whole. There are also the prevalent barriers of sexism and the exploitation of the tourist, and maybe a general attitude that is not as persistent as the go-getting American way. Of course it is not as if this was a country of perfect saints, but there are lessons to be learned (not taught) from these African people. The rates of crime are minute, the car accidents event fewer. I feel so at peace and at home here it is incredible…Sorry Mom and Dad, I will probably be back again. ;)
But that is the captivating affect Ghana has and has had on many. Plus the opportunities for development here are exciting. I am continually grateful to God for this gift of travel and knowledge.
As for my mural, I am stressed! Having to only start this past Thursday has been hard but I am hoping to finish it for tomorrow. I will be working my very hardest! Let us see how far I get.
And I will leave you with a photo of the day ;) This is a view of Akosombo dam, the largest man-made dam in the world contrasted under the visionary president Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah (whose hundredth birthday is this year!...That also reminds me today is Marcus Garvey’s birthday! Go read something new today to honor the father of Pan Africansim.) It is a beautiful place and a powerful sign of what Ghana can and will produce as a rising leader for the future.
So I sit here today slightly regretful that I haven't been able to keep you posted as I would have hoped, or stay as connected at home as was my original intent. Although I know many of you will tell me not to worry and to enjoy my experience, which I have been doing. I can certainly tell you that this goal is beyond accomplished. Of course a million occurrences could have deterred be from that path but I cannot begin to imagine how this experience could have been dampened (especially with the amount of prayer and good thoughts that I have been receiving). But my outlook when I am in Ghana is in constant effort to avoid compliant, to avoid all negative that might have me miss a lesson I am to learn in these swiftly dissolving three weeks. And how could I complain, when we have been traveling and touring the Gold Coast like kings and queens, staying in the best hotels and absorbing all the cultural riches Ghana has to offer?
And I must of course express, water may not run, bathrooms maybe be slightly, streets may be dirty, facilities may not meet our American standards, but I tell you why is that to matter? When you see people who live owning less that I did when I was five and beaming the most beautiful smiles from smooth, healthy faces how can I begin to muster a cry? We are BEYOND privileged. I wish in my youthful ineloquence I could conspire a more fitting word. The profuse riches that we possess mean nothing. What lasting value do they possess? Happiness and joy, fulfillment and inner peace, these are the makings of the best life and I see that in so many want-for-not Ghanaian people. The heart of this country inspires me. Even bumper stickers (rather that defacing sports teams we dislike or listing profane jokes) boast “DO GOOD” and “GOD IS GREAT”. I have yet to see sarcasm plastered on the back of a vehicle, does that not say something?
And of course I have no intent to sensationalize the people as a whole. There are also the prevalent barriers of sexism and the exploitation of the tourist, and maybe a general attitude that is not as persistent as the go-getting American way. Of course it is not as if this was a country of perfect saints, but there are lessons to be learned (not taught) from these African people. The rates of crime are minute, the car accidents event fewer. I feel so at peace and at home here it is incredible…Sorry Mom and Dad, I will probably be back again. ;)
But that is the captivating affect Ghana has and has had on many. Plus the opportunities for development here are exciting. I am continually grateful to God for this gift of travel and knowledge.
As for my mural, I am stressed! Having to only start this past Thursday has been hard but I am hoping to finish it for tomorrow. I will be working my very hardest! Let us see how far I get.
And I will leave you with a photo of the day ;) This is a view of Akosombo dam, the largest man-made dam in the world contrasted under the visionary president Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah (whose hundredth birthday is this year!...That also reminds me today is Marcus Garvey’s birthday! Go read something new today to honor the father of Pan Africansim.) It is a beautiful place and a powerful sign of what Ghana can and will produce as a rising leader for the future.
With all of that I pray you enjoy your Monday, stay at peace and be constantly aware of your blessings,
-Shelley
No comments:
Post a Comment