MY THOUGHTS … June 30, 2024

It has been three and a half years since my first visit to Africa, and today, on my birthday, I find myself reflecting on that special decision I made on June 30, 2020—to purchase a ticket to Ghana, West Africa. I landed at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, marking the beginning of “The Journey.”

Departing from Orlando International Airport on December 12, 2020, held additional significance as it coincided with my youngest son’s 21st birthday. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I stepped foot on African soil that memorable day.

Do I miss it, you ask? Let me put it this way—every single day Africa is on my mind since I left the continent. It resides in my heart and occupies my mind without fail. I deeply miss it.

Much has changed since my return to America after my brief stay in Africa. Among various life events, the most significant change has been my transition into a high school Social Studies Teacher, specializing in African American History. It’s a perfect fit. My passion for Africa aligns seamlessly with my teaching role.

I long for another trip to the continent, specifically Ghana. I envision balancing my teaching responsibilities during the school year with summer trips to Africa, where I can gather valuable knowledge and experiences to share with my students. The logistical challenges are daunting, considering the costs involved in maintaining both travel and home expenses in the States. Nevertheless, where there’s a will, there’s a way—I am determined to make it happen.

Now let’s discuss what I miss the most.

Africa is a continent that envelopes you from the moment you step foot on its soil, or shall I say, the feeling of being in Africa is very evident from the moment you arrive. To see people that look like you when you land at the airport is humbling and a feeling that is unfamiliar to me as an African American. To go in the streets of Accra, the capital of Ghana, and see people all around that could be my “cousins” is an amazing feeling.

When I return to Africa, the first thing I want to do is to eat pineapples, mangos and drink from a coconut. Sounds very simple, but I simply miss it. The smile on the locals faces, the “Akwaaba my sister” warm welcome is greatly missed. The second thing I want to do is eat the local food! Yes, fufu, banku, light soup, tilapia, red red (African style black eyed peas cooked with palm oil), plantains and shito or “pepper sauce” is calling my name.

I have met people from around the world in my short time here on earth, but I have never described a body of people as being “kind” such as the people of Ghana. If I were to describe the Ghanaian people in one word, it would certainly be kind.

As stated earlier, it has been about three and a half years since I was on the continent of Africa; quickly approaching four years. Never did I think it would take so long to return. My plans are to return the summer of 2025 and possibly travel to neighboring countries while in Ghana if my Visa will allow it. That being said, I never intended to stay away so long. I thought I would be returning within a year, since I had a “Reentry Visa” to Ghana that was good for five years. However, at this point, I will have to renew my Visa due to it expiring July of 2025.

Returning to the U.S. and getting back in the “rat race,” quickly snapped me back into my reality. It was back to work daily and paying bills monthly. You know, the good old American away. America has a way of baiting you and before you know it, you are hooked. Hooked with all the conveniences your heart desires. So, now you either plan for your next trip to escape the rat race or you settle for the rat race. Well, I am just not willing to do that. I want more out of life and that “more” for me is found on the continent of Africa. So, what’s next. Planning, and more planning. Saving, and more saving. And the journey continues.

I must thank God for keeping the memories of Africa close to my heart and in my mind daily. Mother Africa is ALWAYS present. She nudges me when I get complacent or when I tend to procrastinate. She has things for me to do, so I must stay focused and be led into my “next steps.”

Until next time … may our ancestors be with us. Let the journey continue!

Demetra “Afua” Driskell

***African Proverb: “If you want to know the end, look at the beginning.”

Photos and illustrations by @detravelingfotografa

I am Demetra Graham Driskell, an African woman born and raised in the United States of America. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and I have worked in the field of Social Services for over twenty years. I am also a Social Studies; African American History Teacher. I am a Mother of three young adults, a Grandmother of two precious Granddaughters and now a Blogger. It is my dream and goal to bring my story of my personal journey to the continent of Africa, raw and uncut to those in the diaspora that have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to absorb the truth. Innately, I know this story must be documented from beginning to end. And so, as I like to say, the journey begins …