Nine-year-old Beauty
It’s been almost a week since we left Ghana. In that time I have recovered from hand, foot, and mouth disease (acquired in Ghana), gone to the dentist for a cleaning, and grown impatient with the small inconveniences such as waiting in long lines in supermarkets and sitting in traffic. After spending three weeks in Ghana, I gained a better appreciation for the amenities of living in one of the world’s wealthiest countries, where we are fortunate enough to worry about convenience instead necessity.
While I’m certain that my time in Ghana has changed my perspective, I have also realized how easy it is to sink back into my daily routine. I didn’t even notice that my perceptions of reality were changing until I picked up the prints of my photos from Ghana.
On top of the pile was a picture of nine-year-old Beauty sitting outside of Dada’s eating rice and stew from a bag. Beauty’s face was illuminated by an ear-to-ear smile. Her characteristic grin reminded me not only of how grateful I should be for what I do have, but also of how the kids in Kissehman could find happiness despite economic hardship.
It’s easy to forget. I think that I will keep the photo visible so that I don’t.
