What have I learned so far?

Well, I really wanted to take some time to write about different race and poverty issues that I've been faced with since I arrived, however, something else has kind of come up… regardless, I think we know that so many issues coexist as it is, right? Whether it is evident to us on a visual level or not… So, I shall continue…

Moments ago I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth, and complete my "nightly routine," before bed, as I'm sure most of you do, too. Well, all was going according to plan… until the water stopped running.

At this point I would feel comfortable, or at least entitled, to start complaining about this turn in events. It would be so, so easy. I mean, we really don't know when the water will start working- maybe tomorrow morning, maybe in 8 days. Now how am I supposed to brush my teeth in the morning? Go to the bathroom? And of course, I absolutely need a shower. Isn't it the same for all for us?

However, this is the painful reality of a developing country. Simple, yet imperative "things," like water, that come effortlessly in America, are just not the same in Ghana. What would we do in the U.S. do if we got up in the morning unable to shower before class or work? I think panic would undoubtedly ensue- definitely.

So many thoughts have passed through my mind in the minutes since this has happened. It's so easy to think, "We don't have a problem with running water in America, why can't it be the same here?" Or better yet, "why isn't it the same here?" I feel that's the easy way out for many of the problems that occur throughout the world. We all feel the need to use some sort of comparison, and it does seem appropriate here. After all, it's only running water. We unquestionably use water as an unlimited resource. So, why should it be a problem? We'll always have it- won't we?

But in fact, a comparison should never be used to evaluate two countries of vastly different pasts, ideals, and future ambitions. However, those of us who desperately feel the need to compare problems or challenges in one place to similar victories and accomplishments in another, let's take a step back and examine what it is that we are comparing.

We have the United States of America- Freedom, the Right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. A country that endured 233 years of struggle, violence, failure and success, to finally become the world superpower we are today. Over two centuries of "history" behind us, and what do we have to show for it? That answer may be different for everyone.

On the other hand, we have Ghana. Born only 52 years ago, standing in the spotlight of the often dark African continent. This is in fact what President Obama wanted to focus on with his recent trip to Ghana, right? They are in reality a shining example of an African country, on an African continent that has so many appalling problems. From poverty to AIDS, to famine to civil wars to corruption- the list goes on. This is Africa though, and if this is the case, then what is so special about Ghana? There certainly could be other countries competing with Ghana for the "African epitome," but with genocide in Sudan, other violent struggles in the Congo and Cote d'Ivoire, AIDS in South Africa, and pirates off the coast of Somalia and Kenya, there really isn't much room for competition.

But what do we see when we focus on Ghana, and examine it specifically? We see a thriving democracy, or at least one that is beyond other African countries.

When you look at the bigger picture, something can't quite be right. Here we have a developing country, with priorities that do not shine so clearly. Ghana is a country with greater cell phone use and more Internet cafes than you could probably imagine.

Let's not forget the beginning of this post though- water. (I guess I might have gotten a little off track…) Running water is never a guarantee here. What confuses me is that at precisely this moment, I can check my e-mail, facebook, or do whatever I want on the Internet. What I can't do, though, is wash my hands.

So, where does that leave us? With a country that is advancing too quickly? But I don't think that's fair to say… Maybe they just have different priorities. Either way, I'm not sure I'll be able to answer that question when I leave, if ever. We have a country with Internet use, millions of cell phones, and a population that even dresses much better than that of the United States- yet is without a consistent, dependable source of water.

Hopefully in the coming months I'll be able to start to piece together this enigma. I'm going to be optimistic and say that eventually the pieces will come together and complete the puzzle that I've found.

We do have a very limited supply of extra water, for situations like this… so, for now I guess I'll grab my bucket and "scrub-a-dub-dub."