It’s been four years since we wandered over to Ghana, landed in the office of Professor Kofi Agyekum, and said, “We’re thinking about helping a community build a library and literacy center, but we don’t know where.” It’s been four years since he replied, “I think you should come and see my village. It’s called Asisiriwa.” It’s been four years since the village elders said, “Let’s do this.”
I thought the thing would be open a year later. God, I was so naive. I didn’t know about masons who made bad concrete and skipped town or local politicians who sold replacement concrete at a premium to line their own pockets. I didn’t know that local contractors were primarily farmers who mostly did construction in the dry season when there was no cocoa to harvest. I didn’t know that “I can do it in three days” meant “three working days over the next month or two”. I didn’t know about compassion fatigue, how to take care of myself, or the true meaning of patience underneath the surface definition of “waiting”. I didn’t really know what a broken heart felt like.
But now it’s almost ready. The language arts center known as Kasadwini Atenaeɛ will be opening within two weeks. Kaitlyn and I are leaving for Ghana tomorrow to help with the final touches – getting the rest of the furniture, stocking the shelves, painting the signboard, etc. The village has requested our presence at the inauguration ceremony. Apparently they wouldn’t consider opening it without us.
I’m not sure I believe it’s happening. I’ve watched so many deadlines blur by, I’m not sure I believe they exist at all. But there are plenty of people who want this center so badly that they have been giving sweat and tears and words towards its completion. Whether we have all the décor or not, Kasadwini Atenaeɛ, the first language arts center of Untold International, will open next month.
Several people have asked me if we have everything we need, and the truth is “no”. Some people have been incredibly generous despite our lack of visible fundraising, being in Europe and everything. We’re still about $500 short of where we wanted to be for getting furniture, plus we’d like to make the space under the roof more secure against potential burglary, but that could easily be another $1,000. So if you’ve ever wanted to give to a cause that would show a visible difference in a matter of weeks, please feel free to donate here.
Let me take a moment to thank all those who have given to this crazy, up-and-down, amazing project. This bright, blue-and-yellow building is the talk of the town, and the people are so excited to reap the educational harvest that you have planted. We love you all, and we will update you on the grand opening over the next few weeks!
