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Location Date North America 1443999600 Africa 
1443740400 - Ghana
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Location Date Wed, 30 September 2015 1443574295 Sun, 27 September 2015
1443360984
We are now in Ghana. the flight went smoothly. We took South African Airways--had a nice dinner soon after take off and a breakfast right before landing.
Now, our tour specialist, Beatrice, has taken us to our apartment (Oasis Lodge) so we can settle in to take brief naps before doing a little touring and picking up a few items from the store.
The apartment is quite secure. It certainly stands out to us that you will find these wonderful houses and apartments in the city that are gated with security and have barbed, electric wires that alert trespassers that an electric fence surrounds the property. Everyone seems particularly nice--although I'm certain Beatrice has made sure that we are surrounded by a good group of people.
One of the things that stood out to both Michael and me as we went through Customs for entering the country was that we saw many men--African men. Neither one of us said anything at the airport, but it was an item that we noted at the apartment later; there were men at the airport, walking through the city, in cars--fully present. It is not that we don't have black men in the USA, but what struck us as fascinating was that the men had roles, a sense of place, a sense of presence in the city. Not that we always knew what to say or think of them, but the key note is that they were present. Michael's sidenote was our men have been locked up in our society, Maybe that's why we don't see them. I wondered about that, even for businesses. It is always interesting in "my world" that I see few black men in my business ... a few. Rarely do I see them as a regular day's journey unless it is myself. The only place I know I will see black men in "my world" is when I go to church or if I'm with family. That this lack of presence has become a norm seems so much more a reality when I am here on Day 1 within the first few hours in Ghana. I am still not quite so sure what to think of that as a reality.
I wonder if taking TCC students, African American male students, would mean they would make those similar observations and be conflicted about meaning as well. What sense would they make of those thoughts?
- comments
Sylvia Glad to hear of your safe arrival. It sounds like much to take in and observe already. Sending prayers your way. Enjoy!
Sylvia By the way, the one star rating was an accident. I hit the wrong button The blog is a 5-star for sure :-)
Britton Five stars from me, too! The reflection is fascinating: perhaps the TCC students would be inspired...? Our culture is so divided by its ugly racial history. I can't wait to visit when you return!
Rose hardwick Wonderful Enjoy this wonderful experience
Eileen Simmons I love the reflection, Dewayne. The antithesis of the Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Powerful thoughts!
Earlene Williams Dewayne, I am so thankful to God for your safe arrival, enjoy your stay, I will be in constant prayer for all of you Love ypu.
Sandra Rana Thank you for including me in the your Blog! I look forward to learning more about your experiences. Both you and Michael are a wonderful example of TCC reaching out to the larger community. May your journey be safe as well as enlightening!
DeAnna Cooper This is great! Thanks for sharing.
Pamela Scott What a wonderful experience and may God cover you there and cover you coming back home. Have a great time!!
Louise Goudeau God Bless You. Enjoy the experience of being in the "Mother Land". Be safe and thank you for sharing this information.
Rebecca Damron This is wonderful, Dewayne. I can't wait to read about the 'more' that unfolds as you journey on.
Katherine Mitchell I am already imagining book cover photos. : ) I am loving your reflections and can't wait to hear all about your interactions and cultural experience. Safe travels! Enjoy yourself! Keep writing! xoxo
Elma Jean Scott-Palmer Thankful for you and the others safe arrival. Very thought provoking about our black males, I look forward to hearing more about this when you return. Enjoy your experience.
Theresa Edwards Dewayne, I'm glad you arrived safely. Take in as much as you can. Continue writing reflections and sending e-mail. What a striking cultural difference you've seen.