Tuesday August 18, 2009: The Experience of a lifetime

***If you are reading this, then it means that I have made it safely back to the USA and am somewhere resting and/or sleeping***

Whew! This has been quite the experience. Quite the adventure. You never really understand why things happen the way that they do. You sit back, try and change what you can and brace yourself for the things that occur with no prior warning. No one really understands how and why God does the things that he does, we simply must have faith that all those things in Christ will work out for the good.

I sit here constantly erasing what I am writing. I don't quite know how to synthesize my words to convey the sense of meaning that I so earnestly desire you to have. It has become a real challenge for me to place all of my gratitude, understanding of place and self, and heavy emotional undertones within the confines of this blog or even a conversation. The fact of the matter is that one must experience something on their own to really gain a greater sense of understanding and admiration for things other than what you are used to.

As my fingers rush across the key board, typing what seems to be a reflection of what is going on in my head, I realize that, not a book, a blog, or a lecture can really begin to shed light on a journey of self. This trip was not about Ghana, Africa or the US foreign mission to Accra, it was about me. How would I take the things that God gave me, refine them, embrace them, and share them with the people here..in this physical space. I remain speechless yet moved by the strong sense of moral realization occuring as I type.

This has been one of the best summers I have ever had. In the same breath it has been one of the most challenging. This summer has asked me, on many occasions to face my fears and ask myself honest questions. To learn to bear the burden and carry my own cross. It has also asked that I become saturated with more than what I have known for many years living at home. I lay awake many nights dreaming of my future. What will it look like? Who will be there? are among the many questions I have. Certainly each step forward in life brings with it more understanding and a clearer sense of self worth.

I could have never imagined that this was how I would be serving my country. For me, diplomatic work has become more than just an American pastime but certainly a way to enrich your life while also enriching the lives of others. I define diplomacy as the "true act of making and keeping good friends". In that, you deal with both the positives and the negatives yet you remain steadfast and dedicated to each other and the depth of the relationship. Diplomacy has taught me many things about life and about people.

How have I changed? Well..I know but I doubt this is something to broadcast. What I can say is that within 10 weeks I have become a better individual for me. The world may not see all that I proclaim, but this trip was not for the world...it was for me. It was my time to change. God has revealed to me more of his perfect will for my life and he used Ghana, not me, as a way to show that. A way to show me that sometimes you have to be taken out of your element to grow up. I was getting too comfortable in the things I knew that in many ways it prevented my own growth. Hence the revelations God presented me; so in that sense, the trip was for my growth indeed. I took a lot from Ghana, to help better me. Each day of my life I try and give of my self to others. Advice, mentoring, guidance, money etc. that now I needed something for me and experience that gave me the opportunity to ask real questions about what I believe, who I care about and where I plan to go in life.

Indeed I also gave a lot of myself to Ghana. To help improve where I could, do what I could and learn what I could. Another real definition of diplomacy is like putting together a puzzle. You take each piece place them side by side until you get a bigger picture that allows you to get a glimpse at how others live and learn. That was Ghana for me. It was a time for spiritual growth and mental growth, things I could not have gotten here. It just so happens that God placed this time in my life at the time I was going to Ghana. He used Ghana as a conduit to help me understand more things about myself, and consequently my world.


When I think of where my life is going and where I stand on things I think about the relationship that I have with my fraternity brothers. The definite love we each have for each other. The loyalty we confirm through our actions, and the trust we have in the house-- all symbolize something greater.

I think of my relationships within BSP. Our ups and downs help define who we are. We were brought together by God and held together by love. The only thing stronger than our influence is our bond.

I think of the Cobb family. How they epitomize for me the level of understanding it takes to bear great fruit and sustain a great family. Their strong love for each other and willingness to go above and beyond to protect their unity goes unparalleled. This reminds me of the strong Ghanaian family unit. Touched by God's grace.

I think of the Johnson family and my cousin Jojo who serves his country with pride and due diligence but brings that same level of pride and sophistication when he is serving his family. Despite the hardships he has seen and bear he keeps moving forward and holding our family together.

I think of my aunt Betty. The eldest of my grandmother's kids with a heart heavy with love. She takes care of her husband who is dealing with many life altering illnesses, while also taking care of her mother who is faced with old age and severe dementia. Her strength to keep going reminds me of the women in the villages who despite having very little remain the glue that binds the communal spirit of those that dwell within.

I think of my father who is the hardest working man I know. He has taught me more about manhood than I think he realizes. His tenacity and simple understanding that someone must bear the hard work, makes him a clear sign that God's work is powerful. He has been a firm stance, for me that life's problems must we deal...so that in the same instance life's glories we can feel. He reminds me of the men in Ghana who toil day in and day out to see that their kids have a better life.

I think of my grandmother, Beulah Davis. Her strength is enough to move mountains. Her wisdom enough to fill libraries. Her love enough to overcome any evil. Despite her age and now trying times with dementia, she still shows us how to love. She is the elder, the queen mother and the reason I stand firm today on who I am. She taught me that if you work hard enough and remain vigilant, anything is possible. She helps me everyday to remember that we are simply passing by this place headed for something greater. She reminds me of the Queen mother elders. They can sit back and look at how their posterity is abundant.

I think of my God. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"- nuff said.

Ghana will be ok. Africa will be ok. When your steps have been ordered in such a way that God has something for you...it shall be revealed. pray for me, pray for Ghana, and pray for mankind. Thank you to all of those who have been following my journey. I will continue to pray that you get something from this blog just as I have gotten.

Life is a beautiful orchard of fruit. As you walk, what fruit will you pick?

God bless you all!