It’s been a few weeks since I had last written for the blog, but they have been filled with tons of orientation activities and events to get us acquainted with Ghana. Since I had last written, I have had the opportunity to meet with several Ghanaians and discuss perspectives with them. From this I have learned of more problems and struggles facing the Ghanaian people as they continue their path of development. I will post in sections that are related.
On Sunday, July 29 we visited a nearby Christian church. The church seemed very traditional to me (similar to a Lutheran or Methodist church). They had a bible study prior to the service and then had about a two and a half hour service thereafter. I got the opportunity to speak in front of the church and introduce our Education Abroad Program group of about 25 that was there. The congregation was very welcoming. I had perceptions of the church beforehand as one of the African American Baptist variety with tons of singing and dancing, but found quickly that this was not always the case in Africa as this service was very solemn and traditional.
Later that day we went to the LA Pleasure Beach and swam in the Ocean. I couldn’t believe I was swimming in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Africa. Things stopped for me there as I looked out over the water picturing myself on a map half way across the world from what I was used to. Yet, things seemed so familiar as I jumped and rode waves with the other Africans. I even met some Africans from Ivory Coast and Niger.
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1 comment:
I'm loving all your blogs.
African church is so long, fun though. That's a bummer that service is more traditional. Seriously, the churches we went to in SA had singing and dancing for about an hour at the beginning of service and for a considerable amount of time at the end. We did the electric slide a lot during worship and a bunch of african style dances.
I would venture to guess that Ghana would have similar experiences. You'd love it. Well, at least I did. Sounds like you're having a life changing time. How's your dorms by the way?
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