The First Thing You Notice

 

The first thing you notice when you exit the airport in Accra, besides the heat, is the graciousness of the Ghanaian people. I was told this by most everyone I met before I came and certainly the people have exceeded even lofty expectations. Everywhere is smiles and greetings. Especially for the visitor.

Things move at a slower pace here than what we are used to in the US and that is a good thing. Partly due to our rushing around, valuing all people is something that sometimes slips away in our culture, often we place a premium on wealth and celebrity, while allowing others to become all but invisible. This culture embraces mindfulness, taking the time to care for neighbors and strangers alike, being welcoming towards each other, the most basic foundation of participating in God's cycle of love, which is the energy of the universe.

The welcoming continued as I met fellow Lay Mission-Helper, Josie Cruz, who I am sharing a house with. Josie has helped me to make the transition from the valuable training I received at the LMH Mission House in LA, to hitting the ground in Damongo as seamless as possible. For that I am also grateful. As I wait for my assignments to be presented to me (I will be overseeing building projects and doing various contracting tasks), my first job is to immerse myself in the local culture. Josie has introduced me to the priests and staff that I will be working with, brought me to the market where we will buy our essentials, and accompanied me to the vibrant church where we will practice our faith alongside these gracious people who have welcomed us into their lives. 

The highlight of my first week in Damongo was accompanying the Papal Nuncio to Ghana during his visit. The first day was filled with official appearances to churches and schools for blessings on behalf of Pope Francis. The second day was more leisurely as we visited Mole National Park on safari where we saw elephants, antelope, boar and baboons in their natural habitat. The Nuncio is a fitting representative for Holy Father, charming everyone he meets with genuine smiles and engaging good will. 

If someone would have asked me 20 years ago where I would be today, I couldn't possibly have guessed.  But if you were to ask me now if there is anywhere I'd rather be, I would answer a firm, "No", because I have come to realize that God places us where we are supposed to be each moment of our lives.

Count Down To Ghana

As I count down the remaining few days before I embark on my mission assignment in Ghana, I appreciate how life is balanced by its contrasts.

I know that I must be ready to utilize my experiences but also be prepared for the unknown. Accept time-worn truths but free myself from rigid or biased judgements. Find equal value in the ethereal thoughts of great intellectuals and the small, yet meaningful actions of those dispossessed by an often unkind world. While I must be mindful of my own physical and spiritual well-being, I cannot question giving my self wholly to others through God's infinite love; to humbly realize that I am not counted as special in relation to my worldly neighbors but am singularly, as we all are, cherished by our Creator.

To me, life is not about absolutes, but, rather a divinely crafted plan somehow existing in conjunction with a universe filled with wonderment and uncertainty. My time at the Lay Mission-Helpers for formation has been invaluable for my next step in life as a missioner in Ghana. I am eternally grateful to the caring staff, fellow candidates (of Mission Doctors Association) and generous donors for providing me this opportunity for growth and granting me the humble honor of participating in God's cycle of love on the other side of the world. I can only hope that both the planned and unexpected events of the next three years will further prepare me for whatever God has intended for me going forward. Life is indeed a marathon. A collection of moments. Based upon my experience, I can only be certain of one thing in life- it's uncertain. And I'm good with that.

The Flame

"Go and set the world on fire."

      -St. Ignatius Loyola

Coming to the end of formation at Lay Mission Helpers, I'm finding that this quote from one of my favorite Saints has changed in meaning for me somewhat. I can imagine Ignatius, the former romantic, chivalrous knight, dramatically charging into battle; taking on the world, battering down all obstacles and torching all evil. While the vision would make a great movie, I'm learning that the role of today's missionary is much more subtle. 

 The "flame" I am bringing to mission will be borne of humility. I am not expecting to charge headlong into "battle" per se, but rather entering as a guest of the people of Ghana. To look, listen and learn with respect; To discern areas of concern WITH those that call the country their home, not to dictate these things to them; To give them ownership of whatever goals they generously allow me to accomplish WITH them; To be a witness for Christ in all my words and actions; Finally, to open my heart to their hardships and joys on a daily basis and through them kindle God's fire within myself. Indeed, with all due respect to Saint Ignatius, a new credo now resonates: "For we are God's helpers."

1Corinthians 3:9

(Lay Mission-Helpers motto)