Bidding farewell to my beloved Ghana...

Feelings of melancholy began taking over my thoughts after my birthday and the celebrations of African Cup ended in mid-February, because I could sense what was coming...

my uninvited departure date from my beloved Ghana.

Back in July 2007, February 28, 2008 seemed far enough away... but it just kept creeping closer and closer as I journeyed on. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like time slips by quicker the more I age...

and again my thoughts on 'time' emerge again!

Perhaps this is my opportunity to encourage my readers to seize every moment, for we are never promised a moment beyond the next.

It's funny, in a split second, lives change forever.

And just as my life/reality is about to change, it too will only take seconds for me to be in mid-air, leaving the life I knew in the dust and exhaust fumes of my KLM flight...

it isn't a welcome thought, but I know what I must do.

And that is to prepare to move forward into my uncertain future, and capture the moments in time I am granted from my current reality.

I can't explain it, but there is just this uneasy feeling about me leaving Ghana... like I wasn't ready. Like I still had so much I wanted to do... and see... and experience. It was so unlike my first experience in Africa, I guess I can say I just finally fell more deeply in love with the Motherland and all it has to offer with its unprecedented potential.

And just as lover's hearts break when they have to part, mine too was breaking in knowing I had to leave my cherished Ghana and all her special and affectionate people.

My roommates and I decided to have a farewell party at our place, before Cait left for the North to do her wonderful work in Kakpene. So on our last Sunday in Ghana and together, February 24, we had an open house/come and go party. We wanted to say goodbye to all the wonderful Ghanaians who crossed paths with us throughout the 8 months and left their marks on us. I'd guess about 30-40 people came and went throughout the afternoon and it was lovely to see faces that we hadn't seen in months, along with the people we saw practically everyday.

Then on February 26, the Director called us to come into work so the HelpAge Ghana staff and members could bid us farewell. So Beth and I arrived and in true Ghanaian style, waited some few hours before we were needed!

We were called into their volunteer recognition party and asked to take seats at the front. After some moving speeches by Board members Mrs. Olennu, Mrs. Badoo and even Director Ebenezer on the impact Beth and I made throughout our brief time there, we were touched.

And even moved to tears.

I told Beth- being the trooper she is, along with being more composed, and able to manage her emotions better than I throughout the 8 months, to please speak on our behalf because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. She agreed.

Then the elderly began to sing a gospel song, with the lyrics wishing us well on our journey into our futures, that God carry us in the palm of His hand wherever we may go and that we never forget Ghana and come back to visit.

And we both lost it.

So it was our turn to speak, and Beth started out fine... and then she had a meltdown. And we all know I hate goodbyes most in this world, so it took every ounce of me to gain my own composure and get it together to say thank you for all they'd done for us.

Let me tell you... we were quite the sight!

February 28 was quite a chaotic day and thank God my flight was at 10pm! I was running around doing things all day-- then the Director wanted to take Beth and I out for lunch, I lost my bank card... but in the end, I reluctantly packed everything up I wanted to take (though I was seriously trying to stall!).

The HelpAge Ghana van pulled up for the last time into our driveway with Nat, Francisca, Irene, Eric and Beth ready to take me to the airport. I was wondering where Ebenezer was... and there he was--

in his own car, parked behind. He invited me to ride to the airport with him.

It seemed like we were at the airport within 5 mins. (usually a 20 mins. drive) and I was faced with all these wonderful people before me, and for the last time. I remember fighting so hard to be strong to say goodbye to my boss, Ebenezer, then Nat, Irene and Eric... but when it came to saying bye to my sister, Francisca, my emotions got the best of me and I broke into tears.

It literally broke my spirit to have to watch them all drive away from me and Beth... for the last time.

Have I mentioned how much I hate goodbyes yet?!

I can't handle them.

So Beth went to get us a seat at the airport restaurant while I looked for my old pal, Koffie and checked my bags in. On my way in, I met a guy I had met only once- Ian, who works at the airport and made my check-in a cinch! I also met up with Kof and longtime pal, Daniel (who also works at the airport).

We all met up at the restaurant but Daniel had to get back to work, so I hugged him and he wished me well. Then Koffie had to go catch his tro-tro back to Teshie as it was getting late and I was left with my girl, B.

After yet another tearfest with Beth, I headed to the airport to find my gate when my phone started ringing and it was my brother, Abraham!! I was so happy to hear his sweet voice all the way from Kumasi... but the conversation ended up in-- yes, you guessed it! TEARS!

So just when I thought I couldn't get any more emotional, I headed outside onto the tarmac to board the plane, and who is standing there in his cute little uniform-- like an angel from up above, but my Daniel!! One more tearful bearhug and I was on my way up the stairs to board the means to the end of my journey as I knew it.

I remember getting to the top of those stairs before entering the plane and just turning around to look out into the calm night sky and thank God for such an opportunity and all the rich blessings He had placed in my life over the past 8 months. Looking down again at Daniel for a final time, & with his big goofy smile, he waved for me to board the plane now... it was time for me to go.

Unwillingly, I listened to him.

I remember tears streaming down my face as we took off and wishing I could live it all over again... this journey of mine. It had taken me to places both physically and emotionally I never even dreamed of reaching and I am so thankful for each and every opportunity... fun as it was, or hard as it was. Each moment has its special place in 'Jody's Journey in Ghana'.

Now that I am back in Canada, I likely won't be posting any more blogs, but I thank those readers who have tuned in since the beginning! I hope you've enjoyed reading about my journey as much as I enjoyed living the realities of it.

I must thank a few people though for the pivotal roles they played throughout my time in Ghana before closing off my last blog entry...

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I guess I owe my first thanks to the ones who made it possible for me to even realize this dream of mine of doing a CIDA internship! So thank you to all the staff at Help the Aged Canada for selecting me as one of your interns 2007-08.

Tremendous thanks as well goes to my boss in Ghana, Ebenezer. In most of my times of peril, I would have just been lost without you. Thank you for never hesitating to help me especially when I fell ill, and when I was robbed. You are such a responsible, humble and caring man and I learned so much from being in your midst over the past 8 months. Though my tasks were few, I still managed to learn so much from you about professionalism, respect and trust. You were wonderful to work for, I only wish my time had never expired! Thank you for everything, I have appreciated it all.

To all the staff at HelpAge Ghana and the Osu Day Centre... oh boy, where do I begin? To all the members of the Day Centre... I so enjoyed working with you all back in November-December 07 and getting to know you each a bit better... though that has made it very hard to part now. I learned a lot from you all but most of all, I have enjoyed your company. You're forever in my most treasured memories... thank you.

To the staff of the Day Centre: Auntie Rose, Auntie Amy, sis Irene, bra Eric, Auntie Theresa... you have all left a permanent mark in my heart. Auntie Rose for your no-nonsense, hard-ass motherly love! Thank you for all you gave me while in Ghana.

Auntie Amy, thank you for always being there to help out and the beautiful outfit you had made for me before leaving our Ghana. I hope your toe is better!

Sis Irene... oh, sis Irene... I NEED some banku!! I'll be back for more!! You are my most favorite cook! I hope things are going well with you and your Dad too. Love you sis!

Small bra Eric, you are a true sweetheart. I want you to know I have big dreams for you, and count myself very blessed to have crossed paths with you.

Auntie Theresa... one of THE hardest working elderly women I have ever seen. You amaze me. Though we could never communicate due to language barriers, I hope you know how much you inspired me. You are stronger than you know and I love ya!

To all the hard-working girls who braided my hair in Osu--, and particularly, Emelia. You are so good at what you do and this obroni will be back one day for you to work your magic on my locks again! Thank you girls, God bless you all.

To my internet boys from the beginning, Shadrack and Henry, thank you boys for being part of my journey in Ghana. It meant so much to see you in February Shadrack! Henry, get in touch!!

To my Osu internet boy, Abraham...

braa, you know I love you and am forever here for you. Thank you for all you did for me while in Ghana... you know what I mean! Oh ya, and all the kelewele!! I'm wanting some now!! You have such a beautiful soul and presence, I know your Mom is very proud of you and right there with you as you journey on. Always remember... your sisters are no further away than an email or phone call, we all love you. I miss you so much!

To my CHRAJ boys...

whoda thunk I could have met such endearing friends for life at a work meeting that always ended up in chaos?! To Sammy and Aaron... thanks for always being there with an 'open door' (literally) and so neighborly! You two are so wonderful to know and such good hearted people, always know this. You both definitely are considered some of the cherished treasures I received in Ghana. Thanks for ALL the memories! To crazy Sam and Eric from DAAPU-- you crazy, motorcycle ridin' buddies! Oh, you two made me laugh, but I won't forget the promises I made to you before leaving. Behave and keep in touch, I miss you crazy guys!

Braa Herman, now who's gonna spoil me?! I miss you and your advice! Thank you with all my heart for everything you did for me, you are my shining star. You have one of the biggest and most giving hearts I've ever known. We'll be in touch about the proposal you made me re: Queen mothers, don't worry. Our time together in Ghana isn't yet over! Thank you again braa.

To my Canadian brother, Robin... the means to my life in Ghana! Thank you for agreeing to do that crazy task I asked of you back in July and being so reliable throughout. You are a friend for life and you have no idea how much I appreciated all you did, thank you brother.

Ghanaian braa Nat Nii Noi! If it weren't for you, Nat I'd have sweated a lot more! Thank you SO much for always being so helpful in driving me and my sisters around. We appreciated it. As well, just for being there to always listen... and laugh. I miss you dearly and want you to take good care of yourself and your family. Medo paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

To the boys from wayyyyyyyyyyyyy back in the beginning in our first months that got us acquainted with their homeland-- Koffie, Akiem, Daniel and Godfre THANK YOU so much for all the trips and memories. From our first Shaggy concert, to the engagement party, to the Next Movie Star shenanigans (!) and then finally my departure from the airport in Ghana, it was truly a moment of coming full circle for me. Though we had a lot of ups and downs, I hope you guys know how much I treasure the memories we have together and thank you all for being so welcoming and generous in always making us feel safe and included. You made our transition to Ghana such a smooth one... thank you. And please boys, keep in touch!

Kweku, Jamal, Obed, Black, Mark... and all the others you introduced us to! Thanks for all the memories guys. Some of my funniest moments were spent with you guys in Cape Coast, Winneba or just around Osu/Accra! Thanks for showing us such a good time and take good care of one another, until we meet again!

And for my most treasured discovery while in Ghana...

my sister, Francisca. I never thought I would have to travel all the way to Ghana to find my sister! Oh sis, where do I begin? Thank you for everything. You often had my back better than I ever could, and I miss your worldly wisdom and advice. I seriously know we could have talked for days if ever given the chance! I don't know when I've ever had such a connection to another gal as I have with you. It is very hard for me to be apart from you since we literally spent almost everyday together for 8 months. And not 1 argument! OK, except if it came to chopping! lol I just want you to know that you have deeply touched me and forced me to get in touch again with what I want and don't want out of life. The way you live out your own life is a living example of what I should strive to be. You are wonderful to know sis, and though I miss you each and everyday, it pales in comparison to the love I have for you! Melowe nto nto nto nto....

And my latest edition of inheriting Canadian sisters, Beth and Cait.

Oh girls, it's like we've lived a lifetime experience together... it is now all over and we are left back on our own, to navigate our ways towards whatever our futures hold for us. And it's hard without having you girls right there... we did everything together for the past 8 months and now we're back to just being 'individuals' (who live too damn far apart if you ask me!). I want you both to know that I don't think we could have been better matched to have to live together for 8 months! lol

Beth, you were a worry to me in the beginning (compatibility wise) but as Cait put it to me one day... "you and Beth have grown so close to each other-- you just know how to deal with one another, and then move on"! And we did just that. But perhaps I never told you how much I learned from you... you are one of the hardest-working people I've ever seen! Let me tell you readers-- Beth does not like sitting idle (unless it's to watch a movie) and she keeps herself busy most of the time doing 'things'! 'Things' that make her a dedicated and very hard-working young woman. You are also the forever optimist and always give people the benefit of a doubt, which is so rare these days... it was refreshing to have you in my presence for that. And you are very giving and generous as well, especially when it comes to giving the gift of 'time' to others. You never make people feel as though you just don't have time... and that is such a wonderful trait to have at your age, because it's the basic thing all of us human beings ever need.

Beth, you taught me so much over these past 8 months and I'm a better person for it all. Thank you for all the small things you always did, along with the bigger ones... nothing went unnoticed, trust me. Miss/love you sis Adjoa! Hearts!

And then there is Cait. The one who would ultimately be my grief counsellor for months to come! I never in a million years dreamt I would be living with someone like you... someone I had so much in common with and who had gone through such similar life experiences! I don't think I've cried that much in front of anyone... ever! You were such a blessing to me, Cait and a catalyst in my own healing, concerning the death of our father's in 2004. I loved how you and I could have the best time just 'being' in one another's presence, but I also respected how you never hesitated to put me in my place when I was wrong. You are a sister for life and I miss you everyday. Loves ya Catty!

And special thanks to all those who made it to the airport to see me off: Ebenezer, Nat, Irene, Eric, Francisca, Beth, Koffie and Daniel. I wouldn't have had it any other way! Your presence said it all. Thank you!

If I have forgotten anyone (which is apt to happen with my absent-mindedness!) please forgive me. It doesn't mean I have taken for granted what you have done for me. So I thank you too.

They say in Africa it takes a village to raise a child, and for me, it took the aforementioned village of people to create the beautiful tapestry/kente of memories that will live on in my heart and impact my own future.

As I was told as I was departing, 'this isn't goodbye, just farewell'. I'll be back Ghana... after all, you are my second home!

Thank you again everyone for your contribution to Jody's Journey in Ghana, I carry you all with me along with my beautiful memories... and I always will.

Sending you all my love and thanks as I sign off,

Jody/Adjoa