Monday, April 22, 2024
As I stumbled out of bed, half asleep and groggy from a late-night
reading binge, I never expected a showdown with a scorpion on my way to
the bathroom. But there it was – small but menacing, its pincers raised as if
daring me to come any closer.
Now, let me tell you something about myself – I am not one
for bugs or creepy crawlies. Just seeing the little arachnid sent shivers down
my spine and made every hair on my body stand up. But being the brave (or maybe
foolish) person that I am, instead of running away screaming as the sensible
person would do at 2 am in their pajamas, armed only with a broom, I decided to
take matters into my own hands.
With shaky hands gripping the handle of said broom tightly
enough that they turned white; my heart racing faster than Usain Bolt could
ever run and adrenaline coursing through my veins like electricity – all thoughts
flew out of my head except one – KILL THE SCORPION!
I cautiously approached it inch by inch until finally, I was
a broom distance away. And then, with one swift motion, I brought the broom
down on it like Thor’s hammer – or so I thought.
To my horror and dismay, instead of squishing the little bugger
into oblivion as intended; it quickly darted away under my front door and out
onto my enclosed porch. Panic set in as I realized that not only was this
creature still alive but now it had escaped to an even bigger space where there
were more hiding spots.
You are probably thinking problem solved, it is no longer in
your house, let it be. But I say to you, NO! I could not accept this outcome
because my porch is an extension of my living space. It is where I eat meals,
entertain guests, and do my laundry. So, this was a battle to the end.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down before
making any rash decisions that could result in either getting stung by said scorpion
or burning down my entire house (yes, those were actual thoughts running
through my mind at that moment). After gathering all of the courage left within
me – which was not much considering how terrified I was – I grabbed another
weapon from inside: a wooden stick.
With newfound determination fueled by fear, anger, and pure
adrenaline: armed once again with something other than a flimsy broomstick, I
followed the scorpion outside. It was now or never – either I kill it, or it
kills me (okay maybe that is a bit dramatic but you get the point).
The porch light illuminated its tiny body as it crawled
along the ground; almost taunting me with how easily and quickly it could move.
But this time, there would be no escape for this little critter – not on my
watch! With great strength, I swung down hard on top of the scorpion like Babe
Ruth hitting a home run in baseball – except instead of sending a ball flying
into space; I sent that pesky arachnid straight back to wherever hellish place
from which it came.
A sense of relief washed over me knowing that finally after
what felt like hours (but realistically only about 5 minutes), the showdown
between myself and this creepy crawler had come to an end.
Feeling victorious yet still slightly shaken up by the whole
ordeal, all I could think was that this would be a story worth sharing with my
friends and family. I am sure they will laugh, though I am grateful they were
not here to witness what undoubtedly looked like a mad woman on the loose.
And in case you were wondering, I made it to the bathroom eventually without
further incident.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Poison that is good for you? What is she talking about?
I do not blame you for asking these questions. They are
perfectly reasonable responses to reading such a title but let me reassure you
that you will desire it by the gallons once I have explained myself that is.
For the poison I speak of will see you burst into fits of giggles, unable to
contain your mischievous delight.
When we, and by ‘we’ I am referring to Peace Corps
Volunteers, first enter our communities our main responsibility is integration.
This entails making new friends, meeting local officials, and getting the lay
of the land among other things. But one of the best ways in which we can
fulfill the task of integration is by connecting with the children of the
community. In truth, becoming children ourselves and shelving our adultness.
Acting like a child as an adult may seem counterintuitive to
many, as society often emphasizes the importance of maturity and responsibility.
The Peace Corps, however, has other ideas. Often challenging conventional
notions of what it means to behave like an adult by encouraging volunteers to
step out of their comfort zones and embrace the unknown. So, when a group of
children came knocking at my door, well my window that is, I accepted the
invitation to be a kid again.
To begin with, I was introduced to a game called Ampe. It is
a one-on-one game that saw me jumping up and down while clapping. The idea is
to put the opposite foot out from your opponent to gain a point but if you put
the same foot out, they then gain a point. The first person to 10 wins. The
child in me would like you to know the final score for the first and only game
I played was 10 – 7, my way!
I had a perfectly wonderful time playing this game. At first,
I did not understand the mechanics of jumping and clapping, and then sticking one’s
foot out. The children got a fit of the giggles every time I messed up. But they
were extremely patient and all too happy to show me a demonstration when asked.
Next, we have Roza, Roza, Roza. This is a hand-clapping game
that reminded me of playing Miss Mary Mack and Patty Cake when I was a child.
It involves you and your partner locking your hands together and swinging them
side-to-side. Then you begin to clap your hands together and in between hand
clapping you touch your hip, chest, and forehead. There is no winner or loser,
it is only played for good fun. The adult in me would like you to know that my
hand-eye coordination failed me, which in turn had the children laughing in
stitches.
Now – drumroll please – POISON!
Poison is the final game of
our laughable adventure. This game is like tag back in America but with a
twist. It is played by multiple individuals grabbing the fingers of one
individual's hand. This individual is responsible for saying ‘poison’ in
between the player's response of counting to ten. The dialogue would be:
Player 1: ‘Poison’
Player 2: ‘One’
Player 1: ‘Poison’
Player 2: ‘Two’
Player 1: ‘Poison’
Player 2: ‘Three’
And so on until the count reaches ten. Once the count gets
to ten you want to release your grasp on player one’s finger and run as quick
as you can before he/she catches you. If you are caught, you now become the
poison maker. There is also a part where you must crawl in between someone’s
legs. Though I did not quite understand the rules for this section of the game,
I am happy to inform you that I did not partake in any crawling between legs.
Besides I question if I would have been able to get off the ground. I was
terribly exhausted after the sixth round of this game.
As the sun began to set, I was tired, my feet ached from
all that jumping and running, and I was hot and sweaty, and yes, I am pretty
sure I was a bit smelly from all that sweat. But as the night drew near it was
in that moment that I was reminded why children are so special and why they are
undoubtedly the greatest teachers of life. They have a unique ability to see
the world through a lens of wonder and curiosity, finding joy in the simplest
of things. They remind us to live in the moment and focus on enjoying the present
without worrying about the future. They connect with others genuinely and
authentically, which leads to meaningful and long-lasting friendships.
I do not know what the future holds for me here but whatever
lies ahead I know I will go forth with a spirit of adventure, empathy,
curiosity, joy, collaboration, and community that is based on service, compassion,
and social responsibility; and all because a group of kids came to my window
and simply asked if I would come out and play.
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Naming ceremonies in Ghana are deeply rooted in the country's cultural traditions and play a significant role in the social fabric of society. It is an important event that serves as a way to introduce a new community member, typically a newborn. However, these ceremonies are held for outsiders such as myself who move into a community for a time. I was lucky enough to experience a naming ceremony last week and I would like to share this tradition and my experience with you today.
Now to the food, which plays a central role, with a lavish feast of traditional Ghanaian dishes served to guests. Special dishes such as jollof rice, fried plantains, and fufu are often prepared for the occasion, along with a variety of meats, soups, and stews. The food is shared among family and guests as a way to celebrate the new arrival and bring the community together in a spirit of love and unity. As stated, mine was a small intimate gathering and that day I was away the entire day on Peace Corps matters and did not get home until later in the evening, so the food for me consisted of meat pies and a Coca-Cola. Which was excellent!
Let us talk about the dough, the cheddar, the all-mighty dollar! In Ghana, their currency is known as the Cedi and at naming ceremonies it is usual for money to be given to the individual being named. It is a way of helping them on their path in life, not that dissimilar to receiving money inside a birthday card. What is unique about this particular part is that the money is stepped on by the person giving said money. It is a way of showing approval, of validating not just the individual being named but a means of injecting prosperity into the money. I received 150 cedi, which I am grateful for.
I also received a bracelet, which coincided with me being told that my new name means - Strength, Courage, and Peace.
By the end of the ceremony, a group of school-age girls sang a few songs, we laughed, ate some more, talked, and then went our separate ways. It might not have been grand or injected with copious amounts of rituals and tradition but it was a beautiful and meaningful celebration. One that saw me welcomed into the community with love and joy. As a cherished part of Ghanaian culture, for me, this ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, community, and tradition in celebrating new beginnings and honoring the circle of life.
Friday, March 8, 2024
Embarking on a two-year overseas journey can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. From understanding destination requirements and gathering essential documents to packing appropriate clothing specific to a region's climate and cultural sensitivities. There is much to consider. As volunteers, there are plenty of recommendations on what and what not to pack. Unsurprisingly, these recommendations often conflict with one another. However, it is important to remember that needs will vary based on location, assignment, and personal preferences. That being said, here it is: All the items I have packed in my bags. Only time will tell what will be useful.
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Taking a bucket bath is an experience like no other. However
having immersed myself in the local culture and daily routines of my host
community, this practice is not only a practical necessity in many parts of the
country where running water may be limited, but it also serves as a cultural
tradition that has been passed down for generations. When I first arrived in Ghana,
I was intrigued by the idea of taking a bucket bath and was eager to experience
it for myself. Now that I do it daily, I have come to realize that this method of
bathing is both efficient and environmentally friendly, as it requires much
less water than a traditional American shower.
One of the most striking aspects of taking a bath this way is
the sense of mindfulness and intentionality that it requires. Unlike a quick
shower where one can simply turn on the water and rinse off, a bucket bath
demands a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to bathing. By having to
physically pour the water over oneself, one becomes aware of the amount of water
being used and is more conscious of conserving this precious resource.
It is a humbling experience that challenges one’s
preconceived notions of luxury and convenience. As someone who has grown
accustomed to the comforts of modern plumbing and hot showers, I found the simplicity
of this process to be a refreshing change of pace. It forced me to confront
my own privilege and reconsider my definition of what it means to live a
comfortable and fulfilling life. In a country, where many people do not have
access to running water or electricity, taking a bucket bath is a daily
reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit.
That being said…
Washing oneself this way can also present challenges and difficulties,
especially for those not accustomed to this practice, such as myself. The lack
of running water and the need to manually scoop water over oneself can be
physically and emotionally demanding. However, these challenges can also serve
as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. By embracing the simplicity
and humility of a bucket bath, one can learn to appreciate the little things in
life and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the basic necessities that
we often take for granted.
Bucket Bathing Process & Tips
Despite the simplicity of bucket bathing, there are several steps involved to ensure that one is effectively cleaning oneself. Below I have outlined the steps of taking a bucket bath and provide tips for making the process more efficient and comfortable.
- Gather all the necessary supplies. This includes a bucket or basin filled with water, soap, a washcloth or loofah, shampoo, and a towel. It is also helpful to have a small stool or chair to sit on, as well as a jug or cup for pouring water over yourself. Once you have all these items assembled, you are ready to begin the bathing process.
- Wet your body thoroughly with water from the bucket. This can be done by using your hands or the jug to pour water over yourself. It is important to make sure that you are completely soaked before applying any soap or shampoo, as this will help to lather and cleanse your skin more effectively.
- After wetting your body, apply soap or body wash to your skin. This can be done by lathering the soap in your hands and then rubbing it onto your body, or by using a washcloth or loofah to apply the soap. Make sure to scrub all areas of your body, paying special attention to areas that tend to accumulate dirt and sweat, such as underarms and feet.
- Rinse off the soap and dirt. This can be done by using the jug or cup to pour water over yourself, or by standing up and letting the water from the bucket run down your body. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap and dirt from your skin.
- Now it is time to shampoo and condition your hair. Do this according to the type of hair you have and the product you are using. Make sure to scrub your scalp thoroughly, especially if you are living in a dusty region such as Ghana, to remove any excess dirt or oil buildup.
- Once you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, the next step is to use the last of the water to rinse off any remaining soap or conditioner from your body.
- Dry yourself off with a towel. Gently pat your skin dry, taking care not to rub too vigorously, as this can cause irritation or redness. Make sure to dry off all areas of your body, including underarms, feet, and between your toes.
- Once you have dried off, the final step is to clean up the bathing area. Remember you do not have running water to flush away the dirt you just splashed onto the ground, so do a final rinse of your bathing area. That way the area is clean for when you use it next. Make sure you clean your bucket and any supplies used.
Friday, February 9, 2024
SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXT:
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS:
DIVINE BLESSINGS AND PROTECTION:
TRUST AND CONFIDENCE:
EMOTIONAL CONNECTION:
CULTURAL PRESERVATION:
NORMATIVE INFLUENCE:
GHANA BUSINESS NAMES
- The Finger of God Catering Company
- Blessed Furniture
- Serenity Lodge
- Allah is Wonderful Supermarket
- God With Us Cold Store
- God First Moto Repairs
- Gods Own Disposable Items
- Allah is Great Restaurant
- Blessed Market
- Power of God Sounds
- Trinity Aluminum
- Thank You Jesus Special Food
- Hosannah Heart Hospital
- By The Grace of Almighty Furniture Shop
- Almighty Metal Works
- Gods Time is the Best
- God is Great Building Construction
- God Clear Sky Electronics
- God is in Control Kitchen
- God is My Provider Beauty Salon
- Finger of God Foods
- Life is War Electricals - This is my favorite one, so far.
- Second Chance Unisex Barber
- Phastor Limited
- Power of God Sounds and Services
- God is Good Supermarket
- National Lottery Association: God Will Provide
Social Media