For academicians on 9 month contracts, the start of summer break feels dreamy and full of possibility. Three months – give or take – to rest, explore, plan, refresh, enJOY. Some of us also have lofty research and writing goals, while others liberally take time away. My summer was a combination of the two. I have significant research projects I was nudging at, I retained my usual summer contract work AND I longed for deep rest.
For the majority of the summer break I allowed myself to have very leisure mornings and reserved work for the afternoon and early evenings. I traveled. I hiked. I spent time with family and friends. I indulged in podcasts. I read. I RESTED. And I commenced summer break with a two-week trip, partially spent in New York and the remainder in Ghana, West Africa.
This trip was significant for many reasons. It was my first time in West Africa in 25 years!!! I was also traveling with a very special group, including two former professors and a host of other academics who work across theology and religion spaces.
And the trip was beautifully planned and orchestrated by God Box Tours – truly a one of a kind company.
I imagine I’ll be reflecting on and writing about my time in Ghana for quite some time. But, for this initial post I’ll share that it was one journey that exceeded my expectations in every way.
My experience in Ghana was different than any other time visiting an African country. The ease of travel is commendable and appreciated. Some of our tour sites were painful – including Elmina Castle – and yet, reminded me of the extreme strength, power and grit of my ancestors. Seeing just a snippet of what they endured gave me renewed confidence and pride in who I am, as well as the lineage of people who literally fought for so many of us to be here.
And the trip unexpectedly reminded me of the gift of KINDNESS. A story for another day, but on so many occasions I witnessed what it means to be kind. Compassionate. Caring. Gentle. Forgiving. We live in a world that can be very elitist. We judge others by their accolades. Accomplishments. Degrees. Titles. I was reminded of what it means to welcome others into my life based on their HEART. How they treat others who seemingly have nothing or little to offer them. The pace we set and the example we offer to those who are watching us closely and mimicking our actions.
Ghana was the PERFECT ending to a full summer. My time away – surprisingly – helped me feel so much more at home in my body, with my work, in this season.
Ghana reminded me to Be. Here. Now. What beauty in life that we travel thousands of miles to help us feel more present right where we are or will return.
So, yes, stay tuned for more reflections on Ghana. For now, I leave you with an invitation to love yourself well. Explore opportunities to Be. Here. Now. Seek what you want to explore. AND be open to “finding” much more than you can imagine.