Day 32: Tranquility--Ghanaian village

We are currently in a storage shack of a mud-hut village 40 minutes from our base in Asenemaso. All of us wanted to experience an African village and spend time in one. We got our wish today. We are only staying here for one night; we will leave in the morning. I am already thoroughly appreciating the tranquility of this village. In Asenemaso, silence does not exist. There's always locals hissing for you to talk to them, blasting techno music during the day, or a Pentecost church speaking in tongues through stereo speakers. Even during the late hours of the night, there's always a faint sound of some activity. But here, it is quiet. I value silence so much, but I didn't value it as highly until I got here. Ghanaians just like noise, which is understandable. But I need real peace and quiet every so often. I am getting that peace here in this village. Right now, we are sitting in this large storage shed, reading by candlelight and listening to the continuous and rhythmic sound of the rain falling from above. The chatter of crickets and the occasional shuffle of a foot are the only other sounds in this wilderness. Before the storm came, we were at the river. It was calm and still, hardly a ripple of a current was visible. The country of this village is magnificent. Towering elephant grass, massive and domineering trees, thick and strong vegetation; God's country. It's quite a wonder to be in an authentic African village. This is the stuff Westerners think of when they hear Africa. Sadly, only this thought arises and nothing more. The limitations of our knowledge and perceptions about this continent run as deeply as the earth's core. Until you're here, you only have one vision of Africa. Words cannot describe how incorrect many of the African stereotypes are. It's going to be difficult to place Ghana in words. I just got back from chasing fireflys. It's the first time I've ever seen them! I even got to catch one for awhile. Its was so whimsical and imaginative. I felt like a kid again. I feel like I could chase fireflys all night. It's hilarious how fascinated the people are. As I'm writing and the rest of my team is reading, there are currently two villagers just standing in the doorway, watching us. It's slightly hilarious, but TIA!