Natalie Marx: Ester and Ghana
When frequently asked 'Of all the places in Africa why did you chose to go to Ghana?' Ester and I always proclaimed that it was Ghana which chose us. Fate had somehow landed us together in a wonderland of smiles, warmth, fufu and heavenly music.
I observed that summer how my best friend - sister - formed a love affair with Ghana and all its beauty.
Ester, with all her own beauty, instantly found a deeply rooted connection to a people who at first glance appear so different to our/her own. She connected spiritually to a people whose faith in G-d was magnificent, despite challenges which faced them. Determined to connect physically, she would endeavour to pound fufu. We were taught by some girls at a Vocational Training Center to use a huge machete to chop down shrubs…Ester put me to shame as she hacked away, unwavering in the challenge. Enjoying every single moment. Effortlessly she was able to eradicate the barrier caused by the colour of her skin, empowering those she was in contact with and she would open her arms and heart to everyone she met.
I was humbled when I saw Ester and her capacity to love ...because to her it was entirely instinctive. The children in the orphanage were not afraid of Ester as they were of so many other strangers. Ester had endless amounts of ways to adore the children and they truly adored her. As did all those who met her … and when she returned to Ghana a year later, their love remained true as they did not hesitate to remember her name and welcomed her with open arms and love. As with everything in esters life – it was so important for her that this summer in Ghana was not simply an experience from which she would benefit. No – for Ester it was her aspiration to follow through the programme she had so modestly set up in Ghana. If not for the fact that she wanted to see good being done … but also to make sure no damage was going to be done! As well as mastering the language of Ghana – Twi – learning to speak, read and write in an attempt to truly ‘understand’ the people we were working with, she also mastered the art of volunteering. She was and will always remain for me my angel and role model. I am blessed that Ester was my best friend and may her memory continue to be a shining example for Tzedek of what a true volunteer should aspire to be.
I observed that summer how my best friend - sister - formed a love affair with Ghana and all its beauty.
Ester, with all her own beauty, instantly found a deeply rooted connection to a people who at first glance appear so different to our/her own. She connected spiritually to a people whose faith in G-d was magnificent, despite challenges which faced them. Determined to connect physically, she would endeavour to pound fufu. We were taught by some girls at a Vocational Training Center to use a huge machete to chop down shrubs…Ester put me to shame as she hacked away, unwavering in the challenge. Enjoying every single moment. Effortlessly she was able to eradicate the barrier caused by the colour of her skin, empowering those she was in contact with and she would open her arms and heart to everyone she met.
I was humbled when I saw Ester and her capacity to love ...because to her it was entirely instinctive. The children in the orphanage were not afraid of Ester as they were of so many other strangers. Ester had endless amounts of ways to adore the children and they truly adored her. As did all those who met her … and when she returned to Ghana a year later, their love remained true as they did not hesitate to remember her name and welcomed her with open arms and love. As with everything in esters life – it was so important for her that this summer in Ghana was not simply an experience from which she would benefit. No – for Ester it was her aspiration to follow through the programme she had so modestly set up in Ghana. If not for the fact that she wanted to see good being done … but also to make sure no damage was going to be done! As well as mastering the language of Ghana – Twi – learning to speak, read and write in an attempt to truly ‘understand’ the people we were working with, she also mastered the art of volunteering. She was and will always remain for me my angel and role model. I am blessed that Ester was my best friend and may her memory continue to be a shining example for Tzedek of what a true volunteer should aspire to be.
posted by Ester memories at 12:55 pm
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