The air is calm and full of enlightenment. No one notices the dense humidity in the dimly lit room. A small orange-covered book lays open on each persons lap or in their hands. Sounds of English and Twi fill the air as friendships are strengthened and knowledge enhanced. Everyone wears a smile, and God's Spirit abides with us. These literacy classes are a place to practice reading and writing through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The knowledge and information doesn't come all at once, but rather little by little-- kakra kakra.
As I listen to my new friends practice English, I know that I must practice my Twi. I quickly and carefully switch between my teacher hat and student hat. My students and friends are my teachers. Helena, Janet, Sister Pat, Georgina, Naomi, Joshua and Francis. We rejoice when I say things correctly, and laugh when I make mistakes. They are so kind. The knowledge and information doesn't come all at once, but rather little by little-- kakra kakra.
A week has nearly passed, yet it feels as though I've been here much longer. Dirt roads, frequent rainstorms, colorfully patterned clothing, bright smiles, intricately layered music, packed buses, lush green surroundings... even the mosquitoes and street chickens seem natural part of my life. Time passes in a leisurely way, allowing most things to happy as they should. The environment guides me to reflect on the person I was before I came here, who I am now, and the person I want to be when I return home. I analyze parts of my heart and soul-- recognizing most of what I find, and discovering new pieces to remove, change or learn to love. I believe Africa is changing me for the better. The change isn't coming all at once, but rather little by little-- kakra kakra.
As I listen to my new friends practice English, I know that I must practice my Twi. I quickly and carefully switch between my teacher hat and student hat. My students and friends are my teachers. Helena, Janet, Sister Pat, Georgina, Naomi, Joshua and Francis. We rejoice when I say things correctly, and laugh when I make mistakes. They are so kind. The knowledge and information doesn't come all at once, but rather little by little-- kakra kakra.
A week has nearly passed, yet it feels as though I've been here much longer. Dirt roads, frequent rainstorms, colorfully patterned clothing, bright smiles, intricately layered music, packed buses, lush green surroundings... even the mosquitoes and street chickens seem natural part of my life. Time passes in a leisurely way, allowing most things to happy as they should. The environment guides me to reflect on the person I was before I came here, who I am now, and the person I want to be when I return home. I analyze parts of my heart and soul-- recognizing most of what I find, and discovering new pieces to remove, change or learn to love. I believe Africa is changing me for the better. The change isn't coming all at once, but rather little by little-- kakra kakra.
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