Suffering, Love & Gratitude

When I was deciding what to write my blog post about I was having difficulty choosing which experience to share my thoughts on. However, as I began to adjust and immerse myself into the culture and way of life in Ghana I realized that is exactly what I wanted to write about.

Ghanaian culture is profoundly beautiful, filled with love, joy, community and resilience. At first, their joy baffled me as I felt so uncomfortable, hot and sweaty all the time. However, as the days went on I became increasingly grateful for the simple things such as running water and electricity. The resources and amenities that I’ve never had to live without in Canada became a luxury to me and I started to understand why the Ghanaian people are filled with gratitude and compassion.

One of greatest differences I’ve noticed from Canadian culture is the wide spread resilience they hold as a population through the hardships of their daily lives. I personally believe that to be truly grateful, one must suffer first. That is what I recognize as the difference between Canadians and Ghanaians. We have the privilege and the time to feel sorry for ourselves when hardships occur. This is not the case in Ghana. A Ghanaian woman once told my professor, “if we sat down to cry every time something was hard, we would never stand up again”. The conveniences of the western world limit our capacity for resilience and ability to be resourceful.  This is one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from the Ghanaian people.

Another difference I’ve noticed from Canadian culture is the sense of community that surrounds cities and villages. I find Canadians live individualistic lives in comparison. Usually only including your core group of friends, significant other if you have one, and family if they live near by. However, the sense of community in Ghana is something I have not witnessed in my life prior to this trip.

Easter Picnic

It is absolutely beautiful and enough to make your heart glow. The people of Ghana may have less resources and objectively harder lives, however they do not go through their hardships alone. They are supported by everyone in their community. They celebrate together, grieve together, laugh together and live in gratitude together. One of my favourite memories of this trip was when we were invited to an Easter Monday picnic in the Dagliga community. It was the most extravagant event I have been to.  There were crowds of people gathered underneath the shade of the trees, dancing, laughing, and sharing food and drinks. It was the most memorable portrayal of community I’ve seen this trip.

My view of religion has also changed throughout my experience. I’ve found living in a westernized, individualistic country the religion one follows can be taken to extremes of superiority to other peoples beliefs, spreading hate and judgement rather than love and gratitude. 

Central Mosque Tamale

Ghana is a very religious country. The two main religions are Christianity and Muslim, co-existing together with no tensions towards the other religion but rather an understanding of different belief systems. Upon further reflection, I recognized that they use their religion to thank their God for what they are grateful for and share love and compassion towards members of their community. Viewing religion and using it as its intention to share love and kindness rather than to prove superiority over others. 

Overall, this experience has shifted my worldview and reminded me how privileged my life is back in Canada. I will forever have a deeper appreciation for our stable resources such as clean water, electricity, and access to healthcare. However, the Ghanian people have taught me how to live with love and gratitude in my heart. They showed me what true community looks like and what it means to be a part of it. Lastly, they changed my view on religion and how they use it to connect with their community rather than segregate it.

Posted by Rachel, 4th year BSN Student