We're "Ghana" Miss You, Accra!

 Greetings from the women (George and Rachael) of the Lowell Lodge! 

Yes, we are the only women in residence there! Today we started our day with a light breakfast before some of us went off to mass (Happy Epiphany!) and others enjoyed a chill morning reading or catching up on sleep. For many of us who are Catholic, it was comforting to walk into something familiar and feel a little piece of home. We got the chance to witness a baptism of the cutest little boy, Liam, in the church of St. Thomas Aquinas on the University of Ghana campus. We spoke with the priest and a couple congregation members with connections in Minnesota, we really felt welcome here. Also, not-so-subtle flex, Rachael and I have been to mass on three continents.

On our way home from mass we stopped for some frozen yogurt that was absolutely delicious (who knew peanut butter belongs on fro-yo??). We got home from our excursion to a meal of fufu and goat meat; although many of us opted out of fufu for some rice today. Our afternoon was pretty chill - actually incredibly warm - as we strolled around the neighborhoods of Accra to stretch our legs and took a trip to the local grocery store. We found iced coffee and some yoga mats to keep ourselves moving (we do spend a lot of time on the bus). After our excursion, I took a nap and did some yoga while Rachael finished a book that I will now be stealing from her. 

After our break was over, we reflected on what flourishing and hope means to us individually and in the context of this trip and country. There were many definitions and viewpoints brought up but, when considering how Ghanaians are flourishing, we continued to come back to their emphasis on community. In the markets when one seller needs to leave their stand, someone next to them will help the other out and ensure things are still sold from their stand without trying to take customers away from the one who left. Ghanaians are also very good at helping each other out with childcare if both parents are working. It is very common to see children working with their parents and spending time around the workplace. A common quote we hear is, "I am because we are," which is a motto I certainly want to live out more at home.

Our discussion led us to faith and hope, particularly, what it means to us here in Ghana and back in the States. In the opinion of these bloggers, faith relies on hope and hope is much more difficult without faith. Our conversation about finding purpose in life can be summarized as focusing on bringing good into the lives of those around you by whatever means you have available, especially by sharing your time. As was mentioned in the homily today, communities big and small thrive when people love, respect, and cherish those around them regardless of differences. 

We ended the day with some amazing sweet potatoes fries that tasted like home and watermelon that admittedly did not hit the spot. We are precisley one week into our adventure and are ready to take on the next ten days! 

XOXO Rachael & George