These last few weeks have been full of goodbyes. Our clients knew very early how long we would be here, but when I reminded them, the disappointment was clear.  We are no longer just coaches.  We are now part of their teams – their confidants and tormentors.  I feel more than a little guilty.  Nine months is enough time to form a deep bond, but not to transform a company.

SEED put on a nice party for Terry and me the day before departure. The CEOs stood up and gave testimonials.  They were lavish in their praise of us.  It was humbling.  The reality is that THEY did the work.  We ran up and down the sidelines, shouting a tip here, suggesting a play there.  But it’s their game.  We just coached a couple of periods.  It’s an honor that we get to be a tiny part of their success stories.

I came here to use my experience to mentor leaders and their companies. I’m the one who learned the most, however.  I learned that the poorest can be the most generous.  That Ghanaians apologize when YOU sneeze.  I understand that tribal pride runs deep, but when the Black Stars play the U.S. team, there is only one Ghana.  And why “Nyame Adom” (by the grace of God) is a standard response to “How are you?”

The best lesson has been patience. I learned that waiting until 3:00 for your 1:00 appointment to show up is only a small part.  It’s not just sitting in crazy traffic without road rage.  Patience is accepting that even when it stands still, time continuously changes everything.  It carries us all along, embraces us, and then discards us.  Sorrow and joy ebb and flow in our lives.  Happiness is a cool breeze that freshens and then drifts away.  I want to hold that clarity as I return my life in the U.S.  I need to have faith that the guy in the SUV will eventually notice the light has been green for a while.

“The day will still end.” – African Proverb

“The sun will come up tomorrow.” – Annie

Well, tomorrow the sun will come up for me in the U.S. I’ll have a dose of “reverse culture shock” and alienation, like the character in “Hurt Locker” returning home.  A week later, I’ll finish out my malaria medicine.  Two weeks after that, my friends will shake my hand again, assured that I don’t have Ebola.  But Ghana has gotten under my skin and changed me in ways I don’t yet understand.  I’m different – I just don’t know how.  I hope it lasts.

“Such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there.” – Phil Lesh

* "See you later, Africa"