On July 30, 2021, I booked my flight to leave from Portland International airport by 9:50AM. My two over packed suitcases crowded my front door as they stood by for my journey. Going to Ghana marks the first international trip that I have ever done. My only other chance to travel before came in the form of a long ago study abroad trip. The resources and funds were low, so the trip never occurred. However this time I was determined to get to my destination. I just did not know at 7:00AM that morning how much of that determination that I would need. My husband, the true traveler of both of us, went to an earlier flight to go to California. I did not mind dropping him off, as my travel guide had already got me so far. The tickets were booked, my bags were packed, and I was wearing the most gorgeous traveling jacket. I would be fine. “Sorry, without the negative PCR Covid test results, you cannot board.” It was this one simple line that shattered my, “all would be fine” mentality. There I was without my travel guide, no results for a test I took earlier that Wednesday, and two very heavy suitcases. I felt crushed. I slumped back to a seat to locate a ride home. My big day was ruined. I messed up the whole experience. I can get a bit dramatic with the guilt.
Once securing a Lyft home, I gathered myself. It was not the end of the world. I just needed my results. I recouped. I braided my hair and repacked my suitcases into smaller units. By all appearances, I felt ready. The farthest I had traveled up to this point was Jacksonville, Florida. I went to see family and learn about more of my heritage. Even with the distance, I still had family to meet. Going as far to Ghana without family to meet me was a new experience all together. No matter how ready I was, I was not prepared for everything. My initial flight was cancelled. The following flight was highlighted in uncertainty as I was on Stand By. I was tired; the constant up and down made me wish I had smaller bags.
Once I landed in Ghana, I was informed my luggage was lost. My luggage would have to be found between my original cancelled flight and my Stand By flight. I felt the exhaustion deep in my bones. I wanted to be livid, but my hunger took a front seat instead. Everything picked up when I realized I made it through to Ghana completely. I was in a new country for the first time ever in my life. I was in Africa. I felt like I made it home.
From the first Akwaaba, I knew that even though my birth family was all the way in the states, I knew that I had found a new family in Ghana. The Ghanaians here were quick to gather me in and treat me like a sister. Once stepping out of the airport, I felt like a sister or daughter being welcomed home. In any other place I have been, I cannot claim that the welcome has been as immediate. While life will hurl its obstacles, I am elated to be in Ghana. I cannot wait to see what else I learn. I look forward to sharing the knowledge I gain with my family at home. Growth is not easy. I know challenges will come and go. My ancestors worked so hard and loved one another through the roughest times to come out on the other side. My name means, “Promise of God”. As my God and the love of my ancestors have brought me so far, I know I can only prosper from here. Ghana, I embrace you with open arms as I live among the community that has embraced me. I am ready to start this wonderful journey.