Friday, January 15, 2010

Kathleen Hubbard-Ismail

Our morning began with the familiar rhythm of Obronies finding their way to the dining table and slipping into their chairs to enjoy another delightful breakfast prepared by the skilled hands of our dear cook, Millicent.

After the Journal reading, the “thought for the day” and a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday for Ellie, our shepherd, Esther, lead her little flock of Obronie sheep out into the green pastures of the Senchi Ferry village.

As we take our leave of the St James Guest House, Ellie heads off for her day of teaching at the B-Akoto KG decked out in her birthday hat created by Pam and Ed. As we continue on, Pam joins joyful Harriett and Joyce at the Catholic KG; Jane disappears on her journey through Kennedy’s door at the Methodist school; and the balance of us continue into town. At the library, Bobby Jo and Sara wave their good-byes and continue down the rich red road to the Medical Clinic while the balance of the construction team heads for the shovels.

Samuel has agreed to accompany me to the South Senchi clinic so that I may ensure that appropriate preparations are made to accommodate our nurses there next week.

As we sit down in the reception area, I have the pleasure of engaging in conversation with several of the young nurses. I notice that each is proudly wearing her own unique uniform made of traditional batik fabric. As I look more closely, I notice each uniform is covered with writing stating, “your health is our concern.” I am touched. My eyes begin to roam the walls as I scan the variety of messages intended by each poster. “The best protection a mother can give…. breast milk only for the first six months” states one. “Don’t be a weak man. Say no to domestic violence” demands another. Then, over in a corner atop the nurses station is a hand-typed document that catches my eye. This one is entitled, “Human Relations Are Essential To Success” With a 30 year career in corporate Human Resources, I leaned in closer to digest its words.

H - Have self confidence
U – Understand the views of others
M – Make yourself a friend to all
A – Admit when you are wrong
N – Never make a promise you can not keep

R – Respect and courtesies are important
E – Explain thoroughly
L – Look, listen, learn
A – Avoid argument
T – Try to be approachable and sociable
I - Insist on self-less service to the community
O – Others first, self last
N – Never criticize in public
S - Stress the positive, always

Once again, I am touched and in awe by the profound wisdom that surrounds me in this community.

I think of the news on the TV about Africa, I think of the impressions a tour group would have driving through this village on their way to the next tourist site. Sure, they may stop, take a few pictures and shake a hand or two. They’ll even get that sought after photo of the smiling face of that sweet African child.

When I return home, both sets of photographs may look quite similar ....but will theirs have that subtle touch of love shining through the smiling eyes of that sweet African child. When we Global Volunteer Obronies return home, we will have much more. We have sat in conversation with that sweet woman stirring her roiling pot of fufu over an open fire. We have been the recipient of their outrageous laughter when we attempt our morning greeting of “Me ho tea sen” as we stroll through the village on our way to work. We know the eagerness of a child who proudly waves his paper in the air with pride to show the Obronie how well he has done. We have sat with the Queen Mother and village Chiefs and learned of their dreams for the community for which they so proudly serve.

Our paths have crossed once again. Last time, these Africans left their shores against their will through the “door of no return” at St George’s Castle. It was they who were coming to be of service to our American soil. It was the blood, sweat and tears of 13 million Africans who tore the roots, tilled the soil and lifted that bail which cleared the foundation on which America is built today. So now it is our turn. It is my pleasure to work side-by-side and hand-in-hand to assist my African brother. At the very least it is my debt of gratitude for their forefather’s sacrifice to my country. And…along the way, I have the profound advantage of being received by open, welcoming and wise arms that hold no grudges but simply want to create a more meaningful future for their kids, that’s all.

So, I reflect back on those words of wisdom written upon the walls of the South Senchi Clinic about how human relations are essential to success and I know in this community and with these Obronies these principles are applied vigorously. These are not merely words and parable to fade upon the walls.