VILLAGE LIFE / series / world

NORTHERN GHANA

 

There wasn’t quite an address. After we landed in Tamale, We were told to find a certain village. Once we arrived, to then ask for the home of the vice chief. After a couple of well-intended gestures in general directions and cramming our bags into a rickshaw, we end up down a warm, dusty road. The village was humble, but the streets were full of life.

 
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We are greeted by warm and smiling faces. We were shown to a hut that would be our home for a short while. We had barely set down our bags when we found ourselves thrust into the middle of it all. Today, there was a celebration. The whole village, and also surrounding villages, have come together to dance and share a meal. We were welcomed so quickly. Strangers became family in a matter of moments.

 
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It was not what I expected. Prior conversations, experiences in different regions of the country, and even the understanding that we were headed to a funeral weaved into it all.

Perhaps this scene paints a good picture of what I found here. Joy in the unexpected. More life and beauty than in many worlds I’ve lived. And I’m reminded again of just how much I don’t know. How much there is still left to see. how we still have so much to learn from each other.