If there’s one thing I've noticed over the years, it’s that Ghanaians
have a wonderful knack for giving.
Usually it's simple: someone’s time or help, their opinion about the culture or their advice; and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when these times will be. There are days when no one seems to want to give an inch and, just as quickly, everyone seems to be giving something (and giving it freely). I've often been completely surprised, knocked off of my guard by someone’s kindness. Usually this happens on the worst of days and exactly when I need it; a reminder that, in the heat and exhaustion, I can continue - one foot in front of the other - because the world is good.
Usually it's simple: someone’s time or help, their opinion about the culture or their advice; and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when these times will be. There are days when no one seems to want to give an inch and, just as quickly, everyone seems to be giving something (and giving it freely). I've often been completely surprised, knocked off of my guard by someone’s kindness. Usually this happens on the worst of days and exactly when I need it; a reminder that, in the heat and exhaustion, I can continue - one foot in front of the other - because the world is good.
There’s no end to the kinds of things I've received: American coins, sea shells, drawings of trees and real, delicious popsicles; people have paid
for my travel, taken me (completely out of their way) to the location I'm so unfamiliar with, fed me and carried my bags; there are always kind words and
smiles, curiosity and conversation, and an over-abundance of
marriage proposals. Though I attribute some of this to my 'visitor' status, Ghana is of a communal mentality; centered in traditionalism, family
homes, and village life Ghanaians take care of each other because their well-being
is dependent upon one another. (What’s to say that tomorrow they won’t need
help, in turn?)
As a rule, giving is only satisfying when
it’s wholehearted and honest, completely void of expectation. Generally, there's no reason for kindness other than the kindness, itself. And, though it
seems such a simple thing, it tends to fill the biggest holes, heal the largest
wounds, and is quickly contagious. After three years, much of it spent dependent on the kindness of others, I've come to understand that life is about giving. Whether it be the heart, kindness, creativity, or capital, the
world is meant to be shared. Too many adventures and stories would cease to
exist, too many simple fulfillments would go unnoticed, if no one opened their
hearts and minds; if no one gave an inch.
And, really, there's a simple reason philanthropists are happy: they help make
other people happy. While it’s strange to think of myself as a
philanthropist, I guess that’s what I've become (though most of what I
give seems meager); a smile here, a hug there, my undivided attention and compassion. The best reward I've received isn't payment or recognition, either; it's a smile, returned. The shy kind of
smile that lets me know I've made someone feel special for
a moment, and that's all the reward I need.
As Ghana is more ‘Westernized’ and cities get bigger, this
will undoubtedly change. It’s an unfortunate reality I've begun to witness; as people modernize they become autonomous (maybe this is why Ghanaian hospitality is so pleasantly surprising). In the
modern world we cling to our pennies, covet our time, and pine over our
privacy; we grow farther and farther apart, orbiting each other like satellites, attempting to find solace in social media outlets and iPhone
applications that connect us to some form of community.
The longer I’m in Ghana, the more I realize that giving is
exactly why I came here; it became my philosophy, a philosophy I think many of us need. I can honestly say that there’s nothing more satisfying than giving a
kindness, no matter how small; a smile, the taxi fare, the simple
acknowledgement that a stranger is important and recognized and loved. In all of this I've found that I, too, am recognized, often receive more than I give, and am happiest in the simple happiness of others. It's kind of fantastic.
So, go on … give in and give a little. Ten bucks says you won't be disappointed.
xx
