Independence Day

Nothing quite makes you miss home as much as a special holiday usually full of family gatherings and celebrations. I went into the end of June slightly dreading the upcoming 4th of July because it just symbolized, quite boldly, the beautiful country and home I wasn’t in. It made the homesickness kick in with a vengeance. I decided that maybe instead of wallowing in sadness and homesickness, I could instead bring a little bit of my beautiful America to Ghana!

I decided to ask some friends to come and join us for a little Independence Day dinner. I was able to make hot dogs, what they call sausages here, homemade hotdog buns, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, and chickpea cucumber salad. Doris made some BBQ pork, which I learned does not in fact have BBQ sauce on it, but is just meaning it is grilled. Still delicious though! For dessert I made chocolate depression cake and homemade brownies, with some watermelon on the side. It felt like how we celebrate with my grandparents every year and felt like a wonderful sharing of myself with the community. 

We invited all the Dutchies, Annemiek (On-a-meek), Claire, Marlieke (Mar-leek-a), and Sophie. We also invited fellow coworkers at the hospital and many others who have made us feel at home and safe here in Ghana. The Ghanaians finished their plates, which could mean they liked it or they are trying to not be rude. Some went for seconds and even thirds so I think that they enjoyed it. Fingers crossed. I know for a fact that the chocolate cake was a hit. Many said that they want to learn to make it and that I needed to make it for their birthdays. 

U, our neighbor, tried mustard for the first time. She quickly learned it is quite bitter and not her favorite to eat at all. She looked at me astounded that something so bitter wasn’t expired or bad and enjoyed by a whole country! 

My favorite part was getting to share about my typical 4th of July shenanigans. How we celebrate at my grandparents and now how we have the addition of the hootenanny at my Aunt Jessica’s with Hillbilly Olympics. They all seemed to enjoy the stories of past celebrations I shared. We also got to hear stories from the Dutchies about King’s Day where they celebrate their King’s birthday. They said it is probably the closest thing they have to an Independence Day type celebration. We also got to hear from the Ghanaians about their many celebrations such as their Independence Day in March as well as their July holiday of becoming a republic. I dubbed everyone honorary Americans for the day which had everyone laughing! It truly was a blessedly wonderful day that I will cherish forever.

Visit From Home

After the first three months here in Ghana I can safely say that there are little things that I miss from home that I never thought I would. After sitting down to really ponder what exactly these little things were, I discovered more than what I had originally thought. The biggest one, that I never thought would be one, is people saying my name. I think it is such a small thing that we all take for granted. How when we are home with those we love and the accents we are used to we don’t notice that there is a specific, and dare I say meaningful, way that people pronounce our names. Here because of the Ghanaian accent it is very hard for them to pronounce Karlee. It will often come out as Carolyn or Curly. They truly struggle with it and oftentimes will ask if I have another name that is easier to say. So like in high school I am back to being known as Duffey. Another little thing that I noticed making me feel entirely homesick is the fact many people here have no idea as to the slang and movie quotes that I throw out in conversation. Again something we entirely take for granted when surrounded by those in our culture.

Through this time of reflection I have really been trying to see what God may be revealing to me. What I think I have discovered is that when taking in the whole of our day, in the comfort of our mundane lives, we should look at all the tiny little things that made us smile, feel safe, loved, joyful, and known. Many times in the rush of the day we struggle to see past what we must get done in the moment, or the one negative thing that may have happened. I am seeing now that I should take each day and really look at the miniscule details that make it a day worth remembering even if it feels like another monotonous day. 

So with the reflection in hand I have been trying to apply that to everyday that I have been here. One of the biggest joys that I had, that helped assuage the homesickness was the visit of Amie, the program director of Mission Doctors Association (MDA), and a dear friend. She came for a site visit and to just give wonderful company and the best hugs. She arrived on May 26th. We had a wonderful week that we got to spend with her, showing her around Damongo and even traveling to Kulmasa and Kalba. We also got to enjoy an exquisite dinner at the Bishop’s house.

Her first day she arrived we got to unpack the very large suitcase of supplies from home she brought. It felt like Christmas in May. Never in my life did I think the sight of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and bouillon cubes would almost bring me to tears of joy. What a blessing it was that she was willing to lug all these little things we were missing or needing all the way across an ocean for us!

The next few days of her visit she came and took pictures of us at the hospital and met with the staff we have been working with. She also got to tour the facility and see all the new additions since she last visited.

Friday we went out to dinner with Lin, Noah, and Lu. Lin is a doctor from the Netherlands who came to Damongo to finish up her specialization in tropical medicine. Noah is her wonderful husband who works in tech and while he was here wrote an imagery filled collection of short stories about Damongo. Lu is their now two year old daughter who loves to sing in Dutch about several things, especially a peacock. 

Saturday was a day of adventure and exploring. We went to Mole National Park for a Safari. We got to see four different types of antelope, three male elephants, a very large lizard, warthogs, and baboons. The baboons were our welcome crew when we first arrived. Mothers with babies on their back were waiting at the entrance of the park to see all the people that would be coming to visit them. The baboons were also our companions for lunch. They came up onto the veranda to see if our lunch could be theirs. Thankfully the staff scared them away. While on the safari we went to the man-made watering hole where we saw all the elephants. Two were cooling off in the water when we first arrived. One decided to show off for us by walking out of the water. It was very slow going and the whole time he was walking out I kept singing “I like ‘em big, I like ‘em chunky!” from Madagascar. Granted that song was for a hippo and these are elephants but at the time it felt like the right soundtrack for that elephant. Another elephant appeared right before we left to continue the safari and we got to watch him enter the watering hole. As we continued we came across a small little tribe of warthogs. Of course more music came into my head when I saw them. I kept singing “Hakuna Matata” but mostly just Pumba’s parts about being a young warthog. I had such a relaxing and joyous day!

 

Sunday we were up bright and early to travel to Kalba and Kulmasa to visit some other clinics. Kalba just built a new maternity ward and a theatre (OR). We attended mass there and it was said in the local dialect. It reminded me of another reason I love the Catholic church so much. No matter where you are or what language mass is being said in, you can still follow along and know exactly where you are at in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. From there we went straight to Kulmasa where we had a delicious lunch with the Mission Sisters. They had potatoes, so I was instantly overjoyed! Their little polyclinic was beautiful and extremely tidy. You can tell how much love and commitment they put into their ministry. I believe I may even get to go help out there for a few weeks in my years of mission here. 

Monday we went to Tamale for our monthly stock-up as well as sending Amie off. We got to explore the cultural center where I will definitely be returning to purchase some more homemade Ghanaian gifts for the family. I was awestruck by the artistry of all these wonderfully hardworking people. After our day about town we went back to a wonderful hotel where we enjoyed a delicious dinner. We all were so tired that we went back to our rooms and crashed after dinner. I got to have a hot shower for the first time since arriving in Ghana and boy was that a luxurious feeling! The next morning I woke up very early to give Amie one more big hug before she returned back to the States. 

 Our home away from home!

The Offering of Waiting

We will be hitting month two in Ghana next week. I have been struggling with this period of waiting that we have found ourselves in. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am constantly doing something. If I am not juggling at least 20 plates, I am so lost on what my purpose is in life. I have not been juggling more than two plates at most these days and it has been not only tough but mentally challenging. I am wondering what my purpose here is, if I am not offering my services in some way. Am I needed or wanted if I cannot give the people here something? I have been asking God to help me see why He brought me here. What is this period I find myself in for? What am I missing? And I always ask politely if He would kindly reveal some more of His infinite wisdom to me. 

So far this is what I have gleaned from our lovely talks. This period of waiting is an offering from the Lord. He is gifting me the blessing of seeing myself as His child who has more to offer than just the works I can give to others. I truly believe that He again is creating in me the most beautiful of hearts. Not just one that can love those around me, but one that sees the creation He made and can love the human that He created, myself. For He created me not for what I could do for others. He created me because He loved me so much that He thought the world needed me in it. The human soul, not the works it can produce

So, in trying to just appreciate this time that I have been given I have been trying to make friends with those at the hospital, at church, and here at the guesthouse. There are so many kind people eager to ask about the U.S. and just get to know the person that I am. I have also had the privilege to shadow in the two places in the hospital that they want me to work, the ER and the NICU. More on that in a blog to come. This past week we also were given the blessing of going to Accra with Aiden (he is who is helping get us our licenses). We got to know more about him, his family, and how he came to be in the position he is in. I am still struggling, but I am also trying to have some grace with myself as I learn any and all lessons God is revealing to me.

Aiden, Doris and I at the airport heading to Accra.

Doris and I enjoyed a good ole’ hamburger. Something we have been dearly missing.

Statues at the first president park and garden. This is an African guitar typically used in the north, and the drums are that of the south. Together they represent the two cultures united.

“Always forward, never east, nor west, nor backward”

President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

Holy Week

 

We started off the Holy Week on Saturday. We had a procession for about two and half miles to a cashew plantation on the road to Tamale. As we were processing we were also doing the Stations of the Coss. We were singing and giving praise to our glorious God. Because it was hard to hear the priests speaking, some young boys put a massive speaker in their motorcycle truck to drive along with us. That right there is what us Ohioans call jerry-rigging. Once we got to the cashew plantation we sat and had some reflections. Then the priests heard confessions for a couple hours. Once the Bishop arrived we had a penance mass. It was a cool day because the night before it had rained. It was such a wonderfully different way of celebrating and I truly loved it.

Palm Sunday was joyous and vibrant. We processed again with the palms for about a mile before congregating in church to have mass. Everyone collected palms the day before and created unique designs by braiding, weaving, and tying the palm fronds. As we were processing a brother came up beside me and said that we should dance. So we started dancing up the road to the beat of the drums. The church was filled with packed pews as everyone continued to dance and sing praises to the Lord throughout service.

 

Wednesday we had Chrism Mass which the bishop asked us to come to. This was my first time ever attending chrism mass and it was amazing. All the priests from the diocese came in for it and renewed their vows. For the presentation of the oils they had two nursing staff present the oil of the sick, two catechumens present the oil of the catechumens, and a priest and nun present the chrism oil. I found the mass to be so intriguing for my first time ever going. Once mass was over we were introduced to the parish. We had to stand and wave so that everyone knew our name and faces. After mass, many of the parishioners and priests came and greeted us. For dinner Patricia got us donuts and pancakes. They were delicious! The pancakes taste like crepes back home and the donuts like cake donuts. It was such a lovely gift that they gave us!

 

Good Friday was similar to back home. All the crucifixes were covered. Father Peter also prostrated in front of the altar when he processed in. It was so interesting to have all the people who are always so boisterous and loud with their praise and music be silent in remembrance of our Savior's death. At the end of the mass we all went and bowed in front of the crucifix to pray, like when we kiss the cross at home.      

Easter Sunday was packed. Everyone was in such beautiful and vibrant clothing. Many people were in white because here the color means happiness. The nuns had decorated the church the previous night in preparation for the Easter celebration. The church was once again boisterous and joyous and loud. Everyone was singing and dancing and sweating together! It was such a simple but lovely way to celebrate the resurrection. Patricia invited us for dinner at her place. Together we shared a delicious Ghanaian meal while watching our Indian telenovela. 

 

Learning, Adapting, and Growing

This week marks week two since landing in Ghana. In a way it feels like not  much occurred. Truthfully, when analyzed deeper, more went on through growth and learning than originally seen. I have learned not only more about the wonderful people of Ghana and their culture, but more about myself as well. 

Ghana is a place full of welcoming people. They thrive on hospitality and genuinely caring about those who come to visit them. They are very proud of their little country and will tell you, with enthusiasm, all about its history. While in Accra we learned that March 6th is their Independence Day. They have been a country for 69 years this year. To celebrate, much like the Americans, they have parades and dress in their traditional dress or countries colors. We witnessed some young girls practicing their dances for the parade. While in Damongo we have been told about the chiefs of the various tribes of people. Many of the people we have met so far have had a chief as a family member. The chiefs from my understanding own the land that everything is built on and the government must work together with them to build new things. We were told by Bishop Peter Paul that we would be meeting the chief of this region, who is one of his friends, while we are here. I am excited to meet him! I hope that they give us instructions on the proper greeting so that I do not offend him in any way.

Ghanaian culture is very vibrant. Family is very important and pretty much anyone and everyone is family. Patricia is a woman who has invited us into her home and been cooking for us everyday until we can move into our house. She and Father Peter say that they are brother and sister, yet there is no biological relation. This is not weird to me because my family calls people who are not technically biologically related aunt, uncle, brother or sister too. Ghanaians also love feeding you! Every time that Doris and I go to eat at Patricia’s house, Father Peter is always encouraging us to eat more, sometimes even by adding more scoops to our plates. I think they truly just enjoy taking care of people.

I have also learned that Ghanaians are not direct in their conversations. You must greet them with a hello and good morning, afternoon, or evening. Then you ask how their day was or their sleep. Then you ask after their family and make sure all their family is good. Then you proceed to what you want to talk about. It has been a big learning curve for me. I have learned that since I was raised with a very direct upbringing, I like to get straight to business. It has been a welcome growth point, learning how to slow down and take the time to check in with a person before getting to the discussion of why you came.

We have been relying on the generosity and hospitality of these extremely welcoming people which has shown me how hard it is for me sometimes to rely or be dependent on another. I know they do it all out of love and kindness for all visitors, but it's hard sometimes to not feel like a burden. We have spoken to Patricia about it and constantly thanked her for her wonderful and delicious food. She has assuaged my worries by explaining this is how their culture is and that she loves doing it for us. I think this is a big aspect of my personality that God is not only revealing but trying to help me grow in. I am seeing that I need to be more willing to allow people to take care of me and help me.

I am sure that I will continue to learn more of the intricacies of this different, yet beautiful culture as I continue through these next three years. I am grateful for all the revelations that God has given me and will continue to give me as I go.

Doris and I out on a walk past the Unity Center.

Big Tom Turkey marking his territory under the mango tree.

Our turkey neighbors at the guesthouse.

Visiting Patricia at her office.

 This Lenten season I have been reading from scripture. I have wanted to read specifically books that focused on our need for Jesus and the purpose of His passion, death, and resurrection. The books I am reading and reflecting on are Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Proverbs, Matthew, and John.

         

While reflecting on my readings I am yet again struck with how God allows my life events to match those of what I am reading in scripture. I think it is His way of allowing me the wisdom of the moment to truly feel and relate to those in the writings. With my long journey to Damongo, over the past four days, I feel a deep connection yet again with Our Holy Mother. I have been wondering if these feelings of nervousness, confusion, and fear are at all what she felt while journeying to Bethlehem or even fleeing to Egypt. As I reflect through my travels I have been making some comparisons.

         

I started off my journey with a good dose of spiritual warfare when I was in Columbus catching my flight to NYC. We had just boarded the plane when the captain announced overhead that the cargo hold door was not latching and we were to disembark the aircraft until maintenance could fix it. The flight at this point had already been delayed by 30 minutes and we were to expect another hour of delay. Once seated back at the gate I quickly turned to prayer asking God to “kick the devil in the rear” for I knew that this was just spiritual warfare trying to make me give into fear and doubt. I was ready to change my flights, for I was going to miss my connection if we delayed a full hour, when it was announced that the plane was fixed and we were to board and head out. God +1, devil 0. The anxiety was still pumping because I had a very short window to make it to my connection. Good thing I ran track in high school because I was running to my next gate. Reflecting on this on the plane to Accra I wondered if these were similar feelings that Mary had when she was told she must flee to Egypt. Did she have doubts or fear the provision of the Lord? His ability to keep her safe as well as the new infant she bundled in her loving embrace? Did she quickly turn to prayer and feel the immediate peace of the Lord wash over her?

         

The next day we landed in Accra where it was bright and sunny. We were tired from our nine-and-a-half-hour flight where sleep was a little difficult. We were blessed with a quick trip through immigration and then met Father Peter who would be taking us all the way back to Damongo. We spent the day driving and exploring this new and foreign land while trying to also get all the little things accomplished for our stay of three years in the country. We were exhausted and overwhelmed. Everyone we met though showed us genuine kindness, with large smiles and kind greetings.

  

       

The next day we flew to Tamale hoping to make the drive to Damongo on the same day. Sadly, with trying to get more things accomplished in Tamale, it was too late to make the drive so we stayed in a nice little guesthouse in the city.

         

Doris and I arose early the next morning to the crow of a rooster, which reminded me of home. We were ready to make the final stent of our journey to Damongo. The evening of when we arrived in Damongo I had time again to reflect on my journey. Did Mary and Joseph feel like complete strangers in a foreign land? Did they feel nervous about not offending the people because they did not yet know the culture? Did they also receive tender mercies from God, like Doris and I did, throughout their journey? I think that God was trying to show me that yes they probably felt all these things because we are human, and it is normal for us to go down these thought paths. The important thing to remember though throughout all these feelings is that God is ever present, walking along beside us. If we allow ourselves to be open to the knowledge that God will get us through it all, that He will not abandon us, then we will be able to see for ourselves through His tender mercies how He has never left our side.

Beginning With An Ending

 

Today we felt the loss of Mark McGraw in the people of Damongo. We went to meet with Aidan to be formally introduced and get a plan in place. He explained how he was comforting the housekeeper at the Secretariat because she was close to Mark and very distraught with his passing. 

We went to the requiem mass held in Mark’s honor and truly heard firsthand the impact he had on the people. They loved his urgency, comparing him to St. Mark the evangelist, because in Mark’s gospel he is always saying they immediately went out. They loved his eagerness to do the Lord’s work in any way that they would allow him. They gave speeches (what they call tributes) telling how deeply his living out the faith touched so many of their lives. 

I am very sad that I was never able to meet him in person, but I know that I will see him, if I am lucky, in our eternal life in heaven. May God grant him eternal rest, free from suffering, and the hardships of worldly life. May God wrap him in His warm and loving embrace. And may Mark hear “Well done my good and faithful servant” from the lips of our savior at the gates of heaven.