The Gift of Global Connections
Dr. Stephanie Boddie experienced a meaningful and productive visit to Ghana during the Advent season.
She began her journey in worship with Rev. and Mrs. Nathan as well as Mrs. Cynthia Dogbe, leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church whose ministry reflects faith in action locally and globally.
During the visit, Dr. Boddie met with social entrepreneurs and founders of CURE partnering with a local public school, spent time with teachers and children, gifted fruit trees, and shared her Education from a Gardener’s Perspective framework— emphasizing growth, care, patience, and sustainability in education.
Her time in Ghana included a visit to the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre with Baylor colleagues. This was followed by a meaningful meeting at the University of Ghana with distinguished Social Work scholar Dr. Naami to explore future collaborations. Dr. Boddie also participated in two celebrations to honor Ambassador Ray Quarcoo, the Honorary Consul General of Haiti to Ghana, by offering a prayer through song. She ended her time visiting the Aburi Botanical Garden, surrounded by towering trees, living history, and a quiet reminder of how deeply faith, ecology, and education are rooted in place.
She is grateful for the relationships formed, the knowledge shared, and the seeds, both literal and figurative, planted for the work ahead with CURE and colleagues at the University of Ghana. This journey affirms the power of global connections and the importance of tending relationships that help communities and ideas take root.
