And then it was time to go...

I think Italo Calvino says it well in this particular case:

"Arriving at each new city, the traveler finds again a past of his that he did not know he had: the foreignness of what you no longer are or no longer possess lies in wait for you in foreign, unpossessed places."

...Or familiar ones for that matter. 

Resist Much. Obey Little

I've found a lot of comfort in the books I've read during my service.  They are too numerous to count and I wouldn't want to boast about the quantity without mention of quality anyway.  Needless to say, reading and reflection have been a crucial element of my personal time in my community.  It was the reason I got involved with the library.

As I was loading up the last bag to be taken to my Community Library for donation today, I stumbled upon Whitman's Preface to Leaves of Grass.  While "Leaves of Grass" itself is immense a quick scan of "The Preface to Leaves of Grass" offered me some words that although read before, this time around had particular resonance. I realize these particular words may be overused and in fact I remember a roommate of mine in college even had a poster with the verse, but regardless I don't think have been cheapened and I certainly don't think they ring any less true.  Whitman writes:

"This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body."


 I think, as I slowly take my backward steps towards a country I once knew well and shared aspirations and ideals with, I will keep these words in mind and never give up the process of re-examination and struggling to maintain a great poem.

And then it was over...

Indeed a lovely parting party for me sponsored and organized by my friends and colleagues at Aburaman Senior Secondary School did come on as scheduled.  I was able to finally donate my bicycle, two chairs (for the nursing mothers of the school), a laptop, a portable DVD player, a 35mm Camera, amongst many other useful items to improve both our ICT lab and our Visual Arts department.  It was both a joyous and sad occasion as we realized that come next week, I would no longer be seen bustling about Abura Dunkwa on my bicycle.  For every ounce of generosity I have directed at this school, it has come back tenfold and I couldn't possible be lying when I say, I will truly miss Aburaman and Abura Dunkwa. 

Nothing says farewell like Minerals....

And Meat Pies for the whole faculty and staff!

Ms. Anku presenting me with one of a nearly a trillion going away gifts.

Distributing various gifts to faculty members in the Visual Arts, Science, ICT, and Math departments

Jesu, a crucial resource person in Abura Dunkwa and myself

Abaidoo Jr. and me, the entire ICT department!

One last picture with the staff (only about 50% are present)

Christmas in July! Nearly every member of the Aburaman faculty and staff showed their appreciation with a beautifully wrapped parting gift.  Rest Assure I took countless pictures which will be turned into thank you cards to be mailed when I return.

Some of the booty included: 12 yards of real Kente, 16 yards of batik, 2 pairs of my very own Chief sandals, bracelets, and more Kente strips!  I was completely and totally overwhelmed by the generosity of my fellow teachers and staff!

I am completely and totally grateful to all of the time and energy this community has invested in me and I hope that I have somehow offered them an even exchange. 

4th of July in review

This is really an ode to Hideout a place I've come to know and love extensively over the last few years. It was nice to spend Independence day eating burgers and watching the waves come in.  Happy 4th of July to all my family and friends back home, see you in just 9 more days!

A little piece of heaven on Earth

2 cedi Pineapple of comparable size to Arjun's ginormous head

Napping on the beach with a puppy named, "Nobody is Cool"

Slack lining with the Brits on Independence Day

Fear Not, America has EVERYTHING!

This is a miracle website in my book. It turns out all those woes about never eating Kenkey or Banku again have been mitigated by some good ol' fashioned American entrepreneurship. A company based in Virgina can mail me in 5 days or less all the Ghanaian chop I need/want/crave.  There are 12 packs of Ga Kenkey for just $27.50, including shipping!  I understand the price is highly inflated but it might be worth it one of those dark Ghanaian food-less days, that is if they ever come.

Ga Kenkey!

Banku Flour Mix!

Smoked Tilapia

Ghana grown Yams!

And a grinding bowl to grind your own Pepe!

God Bless America!

Republic Day!

 

July 1st is Ghana's Republic Day similar to our Independence Day which I will also be celebrating in just a few days!   Last year 2010 was the 50th Anniversary of Ghana's Republichood and I realized I didn't even make a mention of it.  Here is a picture from the celebrations that went on in Abura Dunkwa.  This year is a lot less rowdy but a brass band is playing and some big men in shiny suits are definitely giving long-winded speeches in true Ghanaian fashion.  Happy Republic Day to ALL!

A picture from Abura Dunkwa's 50th Republic Day celebration 2010!

Ghana Flag