Features
Relocating – Living abroad A personal experience
Passport
My first attempt at moving from Ghana my home country to live as an Expatriate in Papua New Guinea was in 1981. It was to take nine years for me to take that position as a Tourism Lecturer in Lae Technical College, Lae Papua New Guinea.
Yes, for some of us the decision to move from our land of origin to live in foreign lands comes after great consideration and preparation.
The psychologists will explain one’s travel patterns and there may indeed be much credit to their travel behavioural analysis as the word ‘wanderlust’ resonates with what perhaps led me to a South Pacific island.
In our geography lessons in 1974, I had been fascinated by the teacher’s explanation of Borneo as a tropical country. In my Ghanaian teenage-world then, I’d known only Africa, and oh yes, parts of South America as the places on earth with sunshine all year round; Europe, North America and all other parts of the world were different in the four seasons they had in a year. They were ‘cold countries’ to which my parents, their friends and other members of the family had returned to from their studies.
The ‘coldness’ of England had been confirmed when I had the opportunity to visit London for two weeks before going on to secondary school. I had not liked the cold much, neither had I enjoyed being indoors for most of the time with the cousins I’d stayed with.
The living style of the people in Borneo in my mind’s eye as Miss Owusu of blessed memory went through those Geography lessons where the people of Borneo lived the outdoor life as I knew it in Ghana was very appealing.
Seriously tucked away somewhere in my sub-consciousness was a deep imprint of a big factor that was to decide where else I could live should I at any time decide to leave Ghana for abroad. This, added to gaining the most in terms of economic fulfilment made the choice of Papua New Guinea where a childhood friend had relocated with her husband, a very alluring one.
I needed a place to give me not just a head up in the static economic situation most newly-graduated Ghanaians are familiar with, but also an outdoor lifestyle that would give me warmth internally and externally.
Other sunny beautiful places in the South Pacific were no options because of a lingua franca problem. I transact official businesses in English!
Nine years; understandably a long time but a time that saw a sustained journey of academic and skills preparation; of a maturity of my tenacity of purpose; a journey which also meant I now had the added responsibility of getting two young sons ready for a long journey far from home, school and church.
When one decides to travel into a 10-hour time zone from their original place of abode, a country that exists only in the history and geography lessons of family members, there is the added challenge of getting elders of the family on whose guidance and mentoring one has depended or hitherto buy into the whole idea.
These are no mean ‘elders of the family’ as is known in Ghanaian society-the uncles who turn up with a list of bride price nor are they those whom one meets only on funeral occasions at the village.
The ‘elders of family’ in this wise were uncles and aunties in the city who have great knowledge about ‘abrokyire’ – countries of the great beyond – the UK, U.S.A. and other such places; not places in the South Pacific!
So it was that their nod in such a venture was very vital.
Needless to say, there were overt and covert deeds and words of discouragement that eventually changed to prayers for the welfare of my children and I, when it dawned on everyone nothing could change my mind.
Having acquired the necessary skills, academic advancement and experience in the industry of my choice; and having also researched for and laid hands on pictures of anything positive from Papua New Guinea to get my sons excited, I set about voicing my intentions of gaining employment in my ‘dream country’ to any and every one.
A colleague at work picked it up, introduced me to Ghanaian Expatriates on Christmas holidays from Papua New Guinea in 1995 and before anybody could discount this dream of mine further, my very young sons and I were on our way from Accra through London, Hong Kong and finally arriving in Port Moresby on April 11,1996!
That is almost 28 years ago…..
As I listen to the elder of those two young sons I embarked on this journey with steps to relocate, I find my inner self smile.
A smile that means it may have been all worth it if he indeed sees that experience as having impacted his life positively enough to warrant him tread a similar path.
My chats with him informs me he’s done his homework well. Being a Mentor, I’ve had to add a few. The Expatriate life has a ‘shelf life’ and one needs to ‘know when to hold them’ and ‘….. when to fold them.’
One needs to research the terms of their contract vis-à-vis what other conditions of service, and pension pot contributions they would have had to work with back in their home of origin.
Completing mortgage payments, issues surrounding children’s education in higher institutions, changes in syllabus etc; simply a return from dreamland to reality so to say.
Above all, ensuring the baton of broadening horizons in forms that may not necessarily be exclusive to a relocating, is handed over to the next generation.
By Dzigbordi B-A
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
