In Ghana, I’ve had the chance to observe, take in, and
practice a lot of different customs, practices, and traditions. One of the
things that continually astounds me (apart from the out-of-this-world musical
talents to sing and dance) is the idea of balancing something on your head. I
was intrigued from the getgo- staring out the window on the ride from the
airport to Kasoa that late August night. I was even more fascinated when the
Sisters carried stacks of 40 textbooks on their heads from the convent, down
the hill to the school, and up the stairs to the library. As the days went on,
I thought I had seen it all. Everything from water sachets, huge boxes of ice
cream, rolling suitcases, tables, desks, 15 stools at once, watermelons, and
propane tanks (gas cylinders). I could not, CAN not believe the incredible
balance that Ghanaian’s have.
Apart from the practiced skill of carrying everything A-Z on
your head, which I haven’t yet mastered, Ghana has taught me another balance:
balancing life. In Ghana, I learned the hard work of pounding fufu. The relaxation
of an afternoon nap. The simple beauty of the African sunrise. The nation-wide
passion of football (soccer). The thrill of buying plantain chips from the
window of a moving vehicle without using your left hand. The patience of
sitting in traffic. Or waiting 3 hours for a bus. Or explaining things 7 times
because it’s hard to understand our accent. (I’ve learned a lot of patience).
I’ve learned the pure joyfulness and celebration through song and dance at
Church and festivities. I’ve learned the sorrow, the grief, and the communal
support given at a funeral. I’ve learned to express friendly greetings to
everyone I encounter. I’ve learned the peace of solitude, found under the shade
of a tree.
Ghana has taught me to keep all things in balance. Stand up
tall. Don’t look down. Embrace life, keeping all things in balance.
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