23 May 2008

Grand Welcoming

On the second day, the team got an early start at 7 am and loaded one of the white Tro Tro busses to go to Kumasi. Of course, we were on Africa time so we didn’t actually leave until 10:30 am because our drivers had to find rope to tie our luggage down on top of the bus. Having luggage on top is illegal by the way, so we had to pay off police men every time they pulled us over so we could continue driving. Anyways, after 6 hours of a hot, shoulder-to-shoulder ride we made it to Assina-Maso, the town which we will now call home. We were dropped off at the chief’s house, which is fairly large. Chief Nana Opoku Agyemang Piani III is the second most important chief of the entire Asante tribe, but we just call him Nana.
So for the past three days the fifteen of us have been staying in his home. The Chief, his family, the elders and the entire village is so hospitable, feeding us well and obliging all our questions and preferences. Thus far, we have spent our time getting over the jet lag, getting accustomed to the overwhelming heat, and being introduced into the community. I have met so many people that already know my name, and it is very hard to remember everyone else’s. I realize now that I take the diversity of home in America for granted. The people here are very homogenous, and we as “obrunis” clearly stick out.
This Friday morning, I had one of the most unique experiences of my life. As part of our introduction, an entire town assembly was called at the school where will be teaching to commence a welcoming ceremony. All the volunteers were sat under a nice shady tent (thank goodness, since it was the hottest day ever!!) and hundreds of students in their little orange and brown uniforms crowded around at all angles. Then the chief, elders and faculty took their spots across from us. During the four hour ceremony, cultural dancers performed, lung-exhausting speeches were made in English and Twi (native language), we were introduced and our mission was explained, and gifts were presented to us. I have never felt so welcome in my life! Basically, the fifteen of us are town celebrities. Leaving the school was crazy, because all the children swarmed to us and wanted to hold our hand or have their picture taken. One little boy named Abraham was adamant on having me know who he was and what class he was in so I could teach him. He even asked for paper to write his name down and to have a picture taken with me. The children here are so beautiful and eager for attention, I just want to love on all of them, but that is physically impossible. Of course, each team member will affect different kids in their own ways.
After the ceremony, it hit me how much of an impact the library we’ll be building and teaching we’ll be doing will leave on the community. We haven’t even done anything yet, and they’re already eternally grateful for our presence. The library will house more books than any of the students have ever seen and will even have a computer. It will basically be a gateway to higher learning and better jobs for all the students. Then if these children are able to one day leave their hometown and get good jobs, they can return to Assina-Maso and reinvest in the community. It’s a long process to be relieved of poverty, but hopefully it will be permanent.
Tomorrow, we are going to a funeral. This is a big deal because funerals here are more like parties to celebrate the person’s life rather than mourn it. After that we’ll finally be assigned to our separate families and begin another step of immersion into Ghanaian society.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love you. I have tingles all over just thinking about the experience that you are having. I just wanted to let you know that im reading and anxiously awaiting ur next post. Thinking about you all the time and can't wait to see pictures!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Kata! That welcoming ceremony sounded AWESOME! What beautiful people and I am glad they appreciate the work you are doing. Abraham sounds like a little cutie! At least you are affecting everyone's lives while there, but you can especially touch someone's life like Abraham's. I am obsessed with this blog thing and I can't wait to read the next one. I'll pray for some cool weather and for the people.

Love,
Claire

Anonymous said...

Dear Kate,
I'm so glad to hear what you're up to and to know you're doing well. I can hardly imagine all the adjustments you've had to make in becoming familiar with life there. Overwhelming! Please know you're never far from my thoughts. I'm praying for you, the group and your new community. If there is anything specific I should throw in, just let me know! Love, Mrs. Sprock