My name is Rev. Ann Jefferson (also affectionately known as Pastor Ann or Mz. Ann), and in January 2025, I will have the amazing opportunity to make my first trip ever to the West African country of Ghana. I have traveled to South Africa but that journey was 22 years ago now and I welcome this new experience.

I am making this journey at the invitation of my dear cousin, Natalie Oguara (also known as Mama Serwaa), to accompany her and her two daughters in witness to her Enstoolment as a Queen Mother in the Akan Tradition during the 2025 Nana Asuo Gyebi Festival in Larteh, Ghana. Natalie and her family have all traveled to Ghana on multiple occasions and so they will also be my "touring angels."

This once-in-a-lifetime "Birthright Journey" is being curated by The Adinkra Group and we will spend 15 days immersed in the rich history and culture of Ghana. As I think ahead to the journey, I can only imagine what I will feel throughout my time there - cultural grounding in a land where "my people" are in the majority - spiritual expansion and transformation, especially as I see for myself the coastlines which spanned the "doors of no return" for millions - and deepening of already strong family ties as we make this pilgrimage together. I also know in my heart that the timing of this trip is not at all coincidental, given the current state of political and social affairs in this nation - there is something special that awaits me on the soil of this great Motherland country for "such a time as this."

As you might well imagine, this is not an inexpensive journey. The curated aspect - which does cover lodging, two meals each day, costs of excursions and special activities - does not include air travel or the Visa application, travel vaccines, and funds for shopping and souvenirs (I can barely wait to visit the fabric and bead markets!) And as we go, we will also take items to leave with children and our travel hosts - books and educational items, t-shirts, etc.

That being said, I still have need of a significant amount of financial support to make this journey complete. I must admit, it is challenging for me to reach out and say that I need help but because I believe in the purpose of this "pilgrimage" and because I believe in the power of my community, I am taking this step. There is an expression in the Akan tradition - "Nyame Bekyere"/"God will Provide" - and so I am putting out the call for 100 donations in the amount of $37 USD to meet my goal amount of $3,700.

I want to express my gratitude in advance for any and all donations, and even if you are unable to contribute financially, I solicit your prayers for traveling mercies and an unforgettable, enriching experience. I can't wait to share the journey with you all - thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Rev. Mz. Ann