Save Point: Starting My Journey
In the world of Goviefe-Dudome, my house is my “save point”—a place to rest, reset, and prepare for each new day of exploration. Unlike a traditional setup, I don’t have a host family here, making my journey feel a bit like a solo-player game. Each morning, I check my “health and safety levels” (so far, all is good!) and equip my daily inventory: notebook, pen, and an open mind ready for the quests ahead.
Main Quest: Gaining Allies and Language Skills
Building connections in this warm, welcoming community has become my primary quest. My community counterpart has become a key “ally,” always ready with advice, helping me navigate the path ahead, and giving me the knowledge to understand local customs and traditions. As I’ve wandered through the community, learning from the people around me, my Ewe language skills have started to level up, thanks to the patience and kindness of community members eager to share their language with me.
Side Quests: Exploring and Bonding
Every day presents new side quests, each with unique challenges and rewards. Recently, I joined my first communal labor activity, gaining “experience points” in teamwork and local customs. I’ve also been on various “social quests”—visiting community members in their homes, gathering stories, laughs, and plenty of cultural wisdom. I’ve learned that the local kindergarten is the only school here, so I’ve spent time with the children and teachers, collecting moments of joy and learning about the future hopes of the youngest community members.
Leveling Up: Spiritual Recharge and Social Connections
On the weekends, I often find myself on another quest: discovering the spiritual landscape of the community. I’ve visited three different churches so far, each providing a unique experience that helps me understand the values shared here. These visits recharge me socially and spiritually, building the favor and trust of the community and helping me feel more connected.
Forming a Trusted Team
Over time, I’ve developed a trusted team of counterparts—guides who make my journey easier and offer insights I might not have found on my own. With their help, I navigate each new “mission” with a little more ease, whether it’s exploring unknown areas of the community, connecting with new people, or gathering knowledge for future projects. Their support has been invaluable and has made leveling up in Goviefe-Dudome feel more achievable every day.
Conclusion: The Adventure Continues
My journey in Goviefe-Dudome is far from over. Each day brings new challenges, quests, and moments of discovery. I’ve already come so far, but there’s still much to explore, from improving my language skills to engaging in larger community goals. And as I level up in trust, knowledge, and connections, I’m excited to see where the path leads next.
