Procrastination is the Thief of Time

I am a college student, who procrastinates about most things. The above quote in the title of this post was found on the wall of one of the building in the village I stayed in this weekend. This weekend I went to the Volta Region, home to Wli Falls (West Africa’s Tallest Waterfalls). At the base of Wli, there a few places to stay. A friend had suggested we call a man named “ Mighty Wisdom,” who had met them randomly last week when they said they were hiking up to the falls, and he suggested that they follow his lead to experience something “real.” We followed this route on Friday, where we met Mighty and a young man named Innocence, who worked at the place we spent Friday night after we saw the lower falls. The evening was relaxing. Rice and beans, one candle as our source of light, and meaningful conversation definitely put us in a state of peace.

On Saturday, Mighty, my three friends, and I embarked on a seven-hour journey through the mountains to a remote village located in a place dubbed “No Man’s Land,” because of its location between Ghana and Togo. Without having to say it, probably the most I have ever challenged by body and mind to this day. Once in the beautiful village, we cooked contomere (sp.) with rice. After eating heaps upon heaps of rice and beginning to feel the soreness of the physically straining day, I had no trouble falling asleep on the straw mat. It was nice being up in the mountains, especially since it was much cooler than Accra’s roasting sun and humidity. 

The morning consisted of dressing in traditional cloth, having a meeting with the chief of the village, where he and all the elders greeted us. When visitors come to a village, they must greet the chief with a gift, and of course Mighty Wisdom said the best gift is some Gin. We proceeded to take shots early in the morning with the group of elders. After our meeting, we learned how to carry a baby on our backs, how to pound Banku and Fufu, and carry water on our heads. The open arms of this community of farmers and self-sustaining workers made us feel more than welcome. A plate of beans, cassava, palm oil, bananas, and a bowl of palm wine later, we set off on our trek down to the base of the falls.

I already miss the village. Accra does give me a sense of comfort and home, but nothing like the village did. It is surreal being able to understand what living abroad is doing to us when we stop to think about our changing and learning minds. A friend and I were chatting on our journey down the mountain about how we would even attempt to explain the transformation we are going through. It is about stripping down these layers of “ourselves,” but it is not our real selves that we are stripping away. These layers are visages and what we want people to see. Although many are comfortable in saying that they are themselves 100% of the time, I do not believe it. I am actually seeing it in action now, but life is about stripping away these parts of ourselves that lead to your inner core and the consistencies of who one is. Personally, I find myself being true self almost all of the time, but I am realizing there is this wall often times that I do not notice.

This leads me to the point that we need to be more open with other humans. If we have these fears of being judged constantly, we are going to go day by day without something that is essential to life, and that is the concept of meaningful relationships. If we all put away our judgmental mentalities and are more accepting of others, we will receive much more meaning in our lives instantly. So lets stop procrastinating about the unimportant aspects of our lives, and really try to understand why we are here. I believe we are all set out to retrieve our destiny. There is something we have within ourselves that is a passion, a driving factor in our existence, and if we don’t dive into our core and challenge ourselves to find it, we are only wasting what could be meaningful minutes, hours, days, and years in our lives. The exchange between two real people is an indescribable concept, and if we strive for that connection, I believe true happiness will come for those individuals and their lives. 

Time is Ticking

I have been terrible at writing down snippets of life recently. Keeping a journal was beneficial the first few weeks, but slowly life has turned up its speed and it feels as though so much is happening so fast, therefore its been tough keeping up on it. Cannot believe it has already been a month and a half here. Although the days are slow, time is flying.

Probably one of the most eye opening experiences I have had was two Sundays ago. One of my classmates took me to her friend’s family party. I had no idea what I was going to or how formal it was, so I wore a neutral outfit of a white top and brown skirt.  Of course everyone was matching in a uniquely patterned white and black fabric.

 After being introduced to many Ghanaian elders, I took in all the excitement and mayhem around me. Soon to realize, I was at a celebration of death. When someone dies in Ghanaian culture, after their burial, there is a very big party mid-afternoon. There was traditional dancing, drumming, food, and an uplifting sense of community and acceptance. I felt very welcomed to say the least.

View from the top of Elmina Castle in the Central Region

After the celebration, my friend insisted I come with her to a “meeting,” which I soon realized was a religious service of some sort. Now, I did know that Ghana is a very religious society, especially for those who are Christian and Muslim. I ended up at a chapel, immediately going to the front, dancing and singing. I did not know the words to the songs so I smiled, danced, and clapped along to the beat. For the next five hours, I had experienced something I had never come close to in my life. People were preaching in tongue, passing out, screaming, crying, and all the above. I did not really have a sense of what or how to feel during the service, but after I got to thinking. Of course I went through many conversations after about my relationship with Jesus with many of the Ghanaians at the service, but the Pastor in particular threw some discouraging words towards me when he realized what my stance on religion is. In the utmost respectful way possible, I explained to him that I do not have a relationship with God and it is not a part of my life. I respect and am fascinated by religion, but if someone asks me upfront if I believe in something, I will not lie to him or her. He proceeded to explain that he was very disappointed that God has sent someone from the West to Ghana for a reason, and that is to convert and find my relationship with God, and she does not want to accept this blessing.

After talking to my friend and explaining to her all my emotions, she still was very happy that I took part with her and did not leave. I am very grateful that I had this experience because it helped me gain more respect towards the culture, as well as understand why certain aspects of Ghanaian culture are practiced in the way that they are.

Sunset in Akwidaa, Western Region

Last weekend, I went to Cape Coast. I saw Elmina Castle, which was the oldest and largest castle used during the Trans-Atlantic Trade Slave. It was a very confusing experience. It was hard to know how to feel while walking through rooms where thousands of people suffered and many died. Before the castle, I went to the river where the slaves were taken for their last bath. The image of dozens of slaves chained together in the rugged river is still ingrained in my head. Although it is an emotional experience, many Ghanaians explain it as something that happened centuries ago, so investing their time in being sad about it is a waste because what is more important is being able to put food on the table.  

Canopy Walk at Kakum National Park, Central Region

Another day in Cape Coast, a visit to Kakum National Park was taken. A walk across seven stretches of rope, wood, and metal canopies hundreds of feet above the ground in the jungle was not tooooo shabby! This past weekend I went to a small village called Akwidaa located in the Western Region pretty close to the Ivory Coast, where I plopped myself into isolation on a beach in the middle of no where...

I want to write lots, but can’t do everything much justice so I’ll leave it at that-more adventures to come!

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!

Tuesday to Tuesday

Today is Tuesday, July 26, 2011. In exactly one week I will be aboard a plane flying to the city of Accra, just off the Ivory Coast in Ghana, population four million. Bittersweet feelings fill my heart but I am very thrilled nonetheless. I will try and update on this blog as much as possible while abroad, so those of you strangely interested in my life could follow it I suppose.  

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

The road is life and no matter where we are, the road winds constantly... Peace & Love dearest friends & family... I will miss each and every one of you...brace yourself for some crazy times come January :)

I am a loner sometimes...and love the simple things in life...

Chelsea, Faraji (Kaka aka Brother), and myself on our last day together. 

That title has been the depiction of my mood the past week. Although I haven't updated this in a while, I do not think I could with all the emotions and thoughts that have graced my hectic brain lately. Holy shit, so...Tanzania. WOW. One word to describe it- I don't think one word could even describe Bagamoyo and it's people. Where do I begin?

Children of AMAP

Once upon a time, a little Russian girl traveled to Eastern Africa and never wanted to leave, the end. No, but in all seriousness, the three weeks I spent in Bagamoyo, Tanzania have brought an extreme positive light to my life. I have definitely caught the travel bug...and have realized that the passion I have for helping others is raw, real, and the path that life has given me. The beautiful people of Bagamoyo---all of you including the boys of Uhuru and all of those associated with it, African Modern Arts Park (Saidi and all of his beautiful students), Imuma & its children, and every single citizen of this wonderland on the coast of the Indian Ocean--- I miss and love all of you so much, it aches my heart every single day.

I cannot begin to describe how much all of you have given me in return, much more than I could ever give to you. Along with the beautiful place, culture, and people of Bagamoyo, the people I spent the trip with are just as equally important. I love you all for sharing such an experience with me and it will always be something we can share, laugh, and love about together. Although I cannot sulk and simmer in sadness over the fact I am not there, I take all that I have learned of others and myself into my life here. We don't need what we want, we need what we need. I have less than a month until I am back in Africa and I cannot wait to embark on future journeys that will never end. I will not settle & that's that.

Sunset in Bagamoyo 

After Tanzania, I went straight to California after a trip back to Vermont from Mass. My best friend Phoebe and I traveled together. I was able to meet so many of her Filipino relatives, who are amazing people. Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and San Diego were all wonderful places with AMAZING food! I loved being in diverse atmospheres getting a feel for new cultures while being with my sista from another mista. I miss her lots and lots and lots <3

Jumping rope on Father's Day with Pho, her cousin Alfredo, and the rest of her family.

          It is amazing how everything seems to come together, or seems like it does. Does it ever come together? I feel as though we are always on this journey and we think we've achieved that pure happiness at some points or another. On the other hand, life is a journey in itself that IS a pursuit of happiness. Change, turmoil, stress, love, and fear are all in the mix and without those elements we could never reach our own sense of peace. Stop worrying about what's coming tomorrow and live your life today for what it is and its beauty. I love my life and it's fucking extraordinary...cheers to the world and it's beautiful people.