Lasting Impressions

I arrive early stateside tomorrow. While most of Ghana has been trauma inducing there have been some really positive moments I would like to share:

• Briefly learning another African language and culture.
• Meeting new people, both Ghanaian and American.
• Drinking fresh coconut juice right out of the shell. Then watching machete man cut the fruit into thirds and using a scraper to eat the flesh.
• Fried ripe plantains and homemade spicy salsa!
• Watching my host family make soy milk from soy beans. What a process--all for a few cups of joy!
• Early morning runs on dusty, hilly, overgrown African roads with several children in tow shouting "obruni, obruni" (white person).
• Hours swinging under the shade tree.

• Teaching my host sister and friends how to play Yahtzee and Uno, followed by a countless number of games.
• Making country flags from Play-doh.

• A conversation with my host sister about the genetics behind her sickle cell anemia.
• Experiencing the hussle and bussle of market day in West Africa. Thousands of vendors selling trinkets and treasures--cloth, beads, wicker baskets.
• A terrific thunderstorm to entertain me on a sleepless night.
• Receiving two letters from the states.
  

Ghana, thank you for opening your arms and embracing me with lots of love in a time when I needed it most. It wasn't right for me at this point in my life, but with time I know I will crave the simplicity of your lifestyle. Your country is beautiful, your people friendly, and the atmosphere of Western African culture is indescribable--I will encourage everyone to experience in their lifetime.