Conversations

The more I think about it, the harder it is to "update" this blog. In general, updating on my life currently is damn near impossible. Ghana is great, and life is good. As for specifics, I would not be doing this place and its people any justice by attempting to write a few paragraphs about these things I've been experiencing. I'll try my best to keep it simple yet informative:

I began my internship at a different place because of some circumstances. I am now at the Hope Community Chapel, which is an orphanage located in the town of Hacho. The children are amazing and brilliant individuals with infinite amounts of potential for greatness. A friend of mine now, who has lived in the orphanage for many years, takes care of the library and other facilities. I had one of the most inspirational conversations with him. I told him that I am quoting him on everything and compiling a book. Practically he gave me a sermon on his ideals, life struggles and successions, values, and beliefs. We exchanged great conversation that has stuck with me since. 

Many wonder, so what is Jess doing for fun in Ghana? Well, when I have free time here I have spent it getting to know some amazing people. Of course this is aside from travel, exploration, work, class,  and studying. I have been cooking, which has become a great way to fill hours of free time and relax, also a great way to finally eat some hearty vegetables! Yes, I could be hitting the club scene and all sorts of craziness, but in fact I would rather spend my time learning about others and learning from people through one word, conversation. Human existence thrives off connecting and learning from others' past, present, and future. How do we learn if all we do is constantly feel the need to entertain ourselves? I believe "entertainment" is able to come from enjoying other people's company, enjoying music, laughter, and exchanging stories. 

I urge people to take advantage of the fact that we as humans are trained to have lasting connections, whether with humans or nature. With that said, put yourself out there in a way that you feel vulnerable. 

Take a risk, do something you would never imagine yourself doing, and step out of that bubble, because the world is a magnificent place with fascinating people all around, who are surprisingly just like you. 

I will end this post with a quote from the brilliant Albert Einstein:

"Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received."

 

Oh Hey Kofi !

Home Sweet Home

It has been an interesting journey thus far. Although sickness has overtaken my energy the past few days, I'm not letting it completely drain me. It is just a matter of getting acclimated to the food, climate, ect. I have been doing lots of contemplation, reading, and relaxing the past few days. Besides those three, I have been doing some exploration. Some of this includes parts of Accra, such as the hectic Makola Market, and the fascinating encounter with KOFI ANNAN....i mean only the past UN Secratary General, no big deal. Appartnely he is the Chancellor of my University now? Who knew...

Kofi Annan at the Kwame Nkruma Memorial Center

TroTros (the cheapest means of transporting from point A to B) have been such an adventure. It takes more than an hour of TroTro/Walking to get to my internship sight. It is located in a pretty rural area, but not too far from the hustle and bustle of the large market in the area called Medina. 

Classes began this Monday. I am taking Twi Language (a dialect of the Akan Language--tonal, fun, and difficult), Development Studies (with the Internship), International Conflict, Resolution, and Human Rights, Social Psychology, and Community Entry Techniques in Social Work. Have had most of these in the first half of the week- so far so good :)

Makola Market - Downtown Accra

Seeing the different neighborhoods of Accra was quite shocking. There were very large houses in some areas and grappling poverty in others. Reminds me of the huge gap between rich and poor we have in our own country. A conversation with a Ghanian friend the other day really inspired me. She reminded me that we do not choose where we are born. No matter what, we must make circumstances work and just go with it. It is amazing how much we learn through conversation and connections. Only a short time I have been here and I could write a novel, therefore I will leave this post with a quote by MLK Jr. that sums up some recent thoughts of mine:

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

Akwaaba!

Officially moved into the International Hostel located outside of Accra, Ghana in the town of Legon. Walking the chili pepper-smelling streets has been an adventure thus far. I have met some amazing people through the organization I am studying through, and those are mostly all Americans. We are now on campus with people from all over the world. Orientation has taken up most of my time, but some exploration of mostly the University has happened. Ghanian Hiplife music is the most popular music according to the locals I've spoken to. The live bands have been awesome and so much fun! At one bar, a woman made an announcement for no bone-to-bone or flesh-to-flesh dancing...major cultural difference among many. Homosexuality in this religious society is unheard of, but is becoming more exposed through the media. 

The University of Ghana has somewhere between 30 and 40, 000 students (quite the change from Champlain College).  The campus is filled with dirt paths, spanish style architecture, and beautiful trees and plants. Of course, water runs out sometimes, so buckets are a must...but such is life! Life here is simple yet lively. I found out my internship is at a place called Echoing Hills, an NGO that works with mental disabled children, youth, and adults. I am really excited to begin classes (too many amazing ones to choose from) and work. 

Have yet to become proposed to but an "I love you" was spoken. The reason why I mention this is because every semester, just in my study abroad program at least a few girls come back engaged or married to Ghanian men. The first program in 1993 there were twenty students, and a whopping ten came back with a ring on the finger...perhaps I am the next? Jokes, jokes....

There is currently a Ghanian dance party going on in the cafe...maybe I'll join....

 

Tata!