At first I thought it would be hard adjusting to being near other sweaty people and the overall lack of cleanliness, as compared to the U.S. but it has proved much easier than expected. Back home, I wouldn’t dare eat until I washed my hands with soap and water and dried them, preferably with a paper towel. Here, I wash them in the white cloudy water and then eat my meal without a second thought. The difference is that, here, I have a different mindset and this is just part of the way of life here. People do not freak out about germs like in America, and so I do not freak out. It truly is ok. Now, there are still some things that are hard for me to watch, like people eating with their hands, however, with time I am confident this would change too.
Many times, as Americans, we tend to think that the people that live in, what we would call shacks, need more things, that what they have is not good enough. What I have learned is that what they have is more than enough. Our purpose is to live each day to glorify our Lord and they are able to do just that, even living in a small shack. We can hardly imagine life like this, but it is just a matter of fact and not as big of a deal as you might imagine. Thus, now, when I see these kinds of homes, which are not nearly as nice as ones in the states, I do not think, “Oh, poor people. They have to live in such a small house.” They are blessed people, who have a roof over their head and they are, for the most part, perfectly content with it. So why should I be discontent for them? Now, this is not to say that there are not any who need more of whatever it may be, just that many really do not need more.
I like it a lot here. Sure it may smell like sewer sometimes and it is really hot so I smell bad all the time, but what does that really matter? People are so relaxed here and enjoy life. They are not frantically worrying about what will happen tomorrow or even later today. Additionally, there is no pressure to look a certain way. To be called fat is a good thing here, so you can imagine that anorexia is not an issue in the least. Now, if I were to live here longer, I would have to start getting used to their food. As of now, I eat at the lodge where they use bottled water to cook with. I would probably get sick a lot at first, but after sometime my body would adjust and I could really live like a Ghanaian. These people have it great here, and I will sorely miss living here. What a sad day it will be, the day I have to leave.
I am so thankful to God who has prepared me so well for this experience. He has and is continually sanctifying me so that I become more like Him and more in love with Him. As a result, when the power has gone out and we have no running water, I am able to give thanks. Running water and electricity are good, but not having them does not disturb my peace and I thank God for that.