Article #2 in the YCC Kids Club Ghana Student Life Stories Project
My First Day by the Sea at Accra
By Sarpong Derrick, Age 11
I remember how the sea at Accra flows. I remember thinking, “I’m afraid!” because of how the sea flowed forward and back. I saw a little child get into the water, and I become frightened. They say that the sea can kill.
It was my first day in Ghana’s capital city, and it was the year 2001. That day, I went with my parents to visit my aunt, and my mother and father held my hands. I was not even five years old.
My aunt was very sick, and that was why we came. Sickness can kill, just like the sea.
We visited my Aunt for a time, and then we walked many kilometers to the ocean. When we got to Accra beach, everybody could tell that we were newcomers in the city from how we stared. We stood three meters back from the sea and watched.
In the water I saw five white men swimming, and three standing beside the sea. When we got closer to them, one of the white men said, “Hi! You are welcome here!”
Then the sea flowed and I became afraid. One of the white men said, “Small boy, don’t be afraid!”
“Okay,” I said, gaining confidence.
By the time we returned to my aunt’s house, we were carrying three boxes full of fish.
That day we went to the beach it was my birthday, and when we come back in the evening, my aunt threw me a big party. That evening, I became five years old. I was becoming older and less afraid.
Before we left Accra, we prayed for my aunt. I wanted her to be strong against her sickness as I had been strong against the sea.
Soon after, my aunt was admitted to Korlebu Hospital for two months. When she returned back from the hospital, she called my parents on the phone and told them that she was healed! She is still alive today, and I know she will be alive until Jesus comes, Amen! THANK YOU.
Lillie’s Note: Did you enjoy this article? Please do leave a compliment, constructive suggestion, or question for dear Derrick, and do specify your country of origin and where you are in the world right now! On a side note, today is my HALF-YEAR anniversary of flying out of Boston to travel around the world, and I am thrilled to be celebrating it with the the great folks of Youth Creating Change, Ghana!
The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Abdulahi A
Monday 16th of November 2015
I really like how Derrick was able to get over his fear of the "killing" sea and wanted his aunt to the same with her sickness like he did with his fear of the "killing" sea.
Daniel
Sunday 7th of November 2010
This is so sad :( I love it how your aunt has gotten better.
Imported Blogger Comments
Friday 28th of May 2010
Sarah said... Hi Derrick - I thought it was a great use of words in your story when you said "I wanted her to be strong against her sickness as I had been strong against the sea." I really liked it.
Keep up the writing! Sarah Boston, MA (ps. I teach at the school where Ms. Lillie used to teach. But I'm not an English teacher - I teach math!)
February 13, 2010 1:44 AM
nodebtworldtravel.com said... Great work. The sea is strong and powerful but if we can control our fear we can really experience life.
Keep writing!
Brian New York City
February 13, 2010 3:22 AM
Lorraine said... Derrick, Thank you for sharing your wonderful and very courageous story. I also liked your powerful sentence, "I wanted her to be strong against her sickness as I had been strong against the sea." Excellent job!
Lorraine Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
February 13, 2010 11:06 AM
Danae said... Dear Derrick,
I thought your story was very powerful, especially how you used the sea to compare with your aunt's illness. I find the sea to be scary too, but the scariness makes me want to learn more about the waters of the world so I can understand them better. I am glad your aunt is better, thank you for sharing your story! Please keep writing, you do it very well.
Greetings from Danae, an American girl living in Germany
February 13, 2010 9:13 PM
Luddy Sr. said... Thanks for sharing your story Derrick. You were smart to be scared really, the sea can be very dangerous, even for adults!
I'm glad you aunt is well. I wonder if you've been back for a visit since then?
-Kwabla - Connecticut USA
February 15, 2010 7:44 AM
Kmo said... I really loved the ending to this article! Great job, Derrick!
February 16, 2010 12:49 AM
Stephanie said... Derrick~
I'm 20 years old, but because I don't live anywhere near the ocean I've always been a little scared when I'm there. The next time I'll try to remember your story and be brave like you!
~Stephanie (from MN, USA-currently in Pamplona, Spain)
February 16, 2010 11:17 PM