Charlie! Guess Who's Coming Home!

Tomorrow I head back to my village for a last visit with my family before returning to Canada. Now it seems like my return home is imminent. From the time I left Tiawiah, I knew that I would always come back before returning home. Now I'm going back - to both of my homes.

As I sit here, I get really excited for my journey back to my village. I see myself on the trotro, then finding a taxi to take me back into Tiawiah, where the red dirt, smell of drying cocoa beans and people's chatter filling the streets, awaits me.

I love the sense of community that exists here. When one of the women in my compound was out of town for a few days, the rest of the families in the compound rallied to make sure the children were fed, bathed and looked after. There was never any hesitation or questions, it just happened. I also feel like I've built a community in Accra. I've made friends and can walk down the street, be recognized and recognize people. Yes, I admit that a large part of what makes me recognizable is the colour of my skin, but that's not the only thing. Ghanaians greet each other on the street, when getting into taxis or trotros, they greet each other while waiting in line to buy food, they're involved in each other's lives.

Sometimes its a bit much because there are times one just wants to be left alone, but in the end, its nice. The harassment or meddling or curiosity or interest, however you want to define it is never done in a negative or harmful way. Even the times I don't appreciate it, I recognize the questions are rooted in a positive place and I've really come to appreciate it.

For instance it opens the door to ask for directions or more information if you need it. It gives you license to be a bit nosey and get another glimpse into everyday Ghanaian life, which is exactly the point of spending six months of your life in another culture.

Were it not for Ghanaian openness and my need to ask a lot of questions, a lot of opportunities and experiences wouldn't have made themselves available to me.

I recently read this quote that has been sticking with me:

"Sometimes you are aware when your great moments are happening, and sometimes they rise from the past. Perhaps its the same with people"
~James Salter, Burning the Days.

I'm sure the people I've been surrounded by both here and at home will ensure great moments continue to rise throughout my life. Ghana and the people in it have reignited a passion and love that has faded slightly over the years.

So, prepare yourself, Canada! I'm packing up the lessons, experiences, joy and laughter and am coming home!


**note: in Ghana, 'Charlie' means friend!**