I have the quote below by Maya Angelou on my blog but it wasn't until I actually experienced Ghana that I could fully appreciate it.
"While the rest of the world has been improving technology, Ghana has been improving the quality of man's humanity to man,"
~Maya Angelou
Honestly, there are no better words to describe the way people treat each other here.
I've never seen anything like it! Women holding other women's hands, men walking arm in arm or arms embracing each other's shoulders, little girls holding hands, as with the little boys.
Unfortunately, in America this type of affection is considered taboo.
I won't lie, the first time I saw two men holding hands I had to ask my friend for clarification. He said it's strange that every American asks that same question. It's odd to him that something so sweet and innocent has to be questioned in America.
I tried to find some pictures of adults but I guess I'm too caught up with the children here. :) Once I snap some, I'll post.
It really is a sweet vision.
So granted, they are all children and it's nothing new to see children holding hands but this is the way it stays in Ghana no matter how old you are.
When you meet someone new, you often hold hands while you are meeting.
From that time on, people in Ghana treat you as family.
Never a nicer people.
After I leave Africa and think back upon the people here, I will envision the below picture. This is the arm-in-arm embrace that I see everyday!
Again, just hanging out and loving the time they get to spend with each other.
Late at night, just walking down the street holding hands! I love it!
One of the American missionaries here walked by me the other day with Grandpa Anno (the dad of the dad of the family I am staying with). When they passed by me, the missionary had a smirk on his face. I then realized it was because the two of them were holding hands. I thought it was so sweet but the missionary wasn't too sure what to think about it, yet
....he's only on month 5!
How sweet! I can understand why this would be a culture shock to that poor missionary :)
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My girls read your post about TK yesterday. We had a nice long talk about how blessed we are and how it's good to be aware of what's happening to other children around the world. It was a real eye opener for them to read. Their prayers have all gotten so much more insightful since they started reading your blog. They are so lucky to have you in their lives!
Love you!
It is so amazing that you can see the good in most of the people in Ghana but yet there are the people that run the orphanage - what a paradox! Thanks for keeping us updated. Love you so much.
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