Four Husbands

In southern Ghana, between the ocean and a small bay, is a peninsula where a small community resides. I walked to this village after an enjoyable 3 days on the coast, so I could find a ride back to the city. When I got there, they informed me I was in luck, a tro tro (bus transportation) would be leaving in a few hours. While waiting, I talked with, and hung out with some very interesting people.
The first group I spoke with was a group of young men who were chatting about the election. They enjoyed playing with my camera (which I had gotten out to take pictures of their beautiful surroundings), and talking with me about many random topics. Somehow (as it usually does), a question of my marital status came up. Mistakably, I said I am not married. After about 20 minutes of heated debating in a language unknown to me (probably Ashanti), they looked at me and said “We’ve solved it!” I now realize they had been discussing who was most qualified to marry me. When they explained their brilliant idea it was to share. In theory, a good idea, but I of course had to give them my regrets that that would not be possible. They didn’t understand, so I told them I had a special man back home. At this, they became very respectful and complemented me by saying how lucky the man was. It was funny how simply they talk about such things like marriage. However, I think I’ll always remember those four young men as my brilliant four husbands. :)
I also met a woman holding a very young child. When I asked, she allowed me to hold the infant. Ever since I arrived in Ghana, I have wanted to learn how to carry a baby on my back in the traditional Ghanaian way, but all the babies or children I see (at the clinic) are usually ill or unhappy and would be inappropriate to practice on. I leapt on this opportunity and asked for help from the women nearby. They were excited to show me (or maybe just surprised a white person was so eager to learn the Ghanaian ways) and soon, I was on spotlight to the whole village. It was amazing to be so welcomed into their culture and into their hearts. Incredibly, after only a few short hours, I had met many new friends, learned some Ghanaian culture, and somehow discovered my African confidence.