asomdwee

Wow, this month has been incredible. I feel that I have so much to say about how this experience has changed my life, how I’ll never be the same, and how much I love Ghana….but I can’t put it into the right words.

Never before have I been so happy. This country is so wonderful it makes me weak in the knees. There are no words that can properly describe the joy I feel waking up in the morning and saying to myself, “I’m in Africa.” Before I left home, there were a lot of things on my mind, in a nutshell, my future. There have been many sleepless nights because I’ve simply come up to a point in my life where I have to make life altering decisions. Within the first week of being here everything started to make sense. My life, the direction it was taking, was completely right. I am going to stay in Sacramento for a few more years, I’m going to learn how to teach, and then I’m going to do it. It’s amazing how a few days in a place like Ghana can simplify everything going on in your life. All of those things that you worry about don’t matter as much anymore. And it’s not because the country is such a horrible place. That is so far from the truth. It’s because the country is so extraordinary. I have spent this last month with a grin plastered on my face because of how happy I am to be in Ghana.

Of course it wouldn’t have been the same without the group. I wouldn’t have given half of these people a second glance if it hadn’t been for this trip. We’re all so different, we have our clicks and our previous assumptions, but after a few weeks none of it matters. It’s easier to get past egos and self-consciousness when you’re placed in a situation in which you depend on one another. Example? While sitting around outside at the Green Turtle Lodge I regretted not packing a sweater. But have no fear! Patrick and Terren readily placed themselves on either side of me to keep me warm. Before this trip, the only contact I had with Terren was seeing her with a mutual friend at a Regina Spektor concert. And Patrick? I graded his tests, stamped his papers, and admired his height. After a few weeks in Ghana I found myself very comfortably sandwiched between them. I’ve also developed existing friendships with Kelsey, Naomi, and Ryan. I feel that after spending all of this time together I have a better understanding of who they are. (They are wonderful by the way). There are others that have changed my life just by being around me. Mikaela and Lindsay for instance…they are some of the most caring, funny, and beautiful girls I’ve ever met. They have helped me get through some of those walls during the trip. Whenever I needed someone to talk to about the same old stuff they were always there. You can only talk about how much you miss your brother so many times to the same three people before they start getting annoyed. “What about Kalen, Rachel, Ben, Robert, Taylor, Lauren, and Lucy?” is what you might be thinking. I have not forgotten them. They are all fun people with good hearts. I would give little stories about each one but I do not have the time for it. As of right now I’ve been on for 45 minutes and I have 15 minutes left.

I can’t believe that we’re leaving tomorrow. Every time I think about it I start to get tears in my eyes. I don’t want to leave this group and I don’t want to leave this country. At the beginning of the trip we had a tour guide who said that when we leave Ghana we will leave some of ourselves behind as well, and we’ll keep coming back to try and find it, but we’ll leave more and more of ourselves until we are one with the country and its people. Now that I’m packing I can really feel what he meant. I will never be the same. Already I’m laying out plans to come back and live here for a few years. This country is so spectacular and special to me, and my words don’t do it justice. I love Ghana and I am so sad that I have to leave. Are you ready for the cheesy last statement? My life has been forever changed because of my experience here, and I have a feeling that I’m going to keep coming back to try and find what I’m leaving behind tomorrow. My adventure is only beginning.

It’s been awhile!! Our home stays are over and we’re going to leave for Mole tomorrow. My host family was very nice, Comfort (the host mother) is an excellent cook!!! I’m going to miss them very much. Today we went to a football game and Ghana won! Woo hoo! Let’s see, so much has happened, it’s hard to know what to put down first. The Green Turtle Lodge was pretty cool, they make really good scambled eggs and toast. While at the G.T.L. I was able to help out in their kitchen. That was hella tight. I mushed up a bunch of really good smelling things. I miss the most random things. Funyuns for example, I have been craving a bag of those for a few days now.
To update you on my health: I’m good.

Oh! If there is a way someone can tell Sam, Kristy, and Melina happy birthday for me that would be hella tight. Drew and Dad are coming up too. I miss Taylor and the guys (hey Taylor, tell Quentin, Sam, and Gabe that they should expect the coolest gift ever). I miss my old school chums. But the one person I really miss is my little baby brother. He’s way too cool for school and I’m going to miss his birthday too (the big one two). Mom, tell Vance I’m going to give him so many hugs and kisses when I see him that he’ll suffocate from the awesome force of my love. I miss you too Mom. You’re the wind beneath my wings. For real.

Ghana is so wonderful. I feel so good here. Everything about it is beautiful. I’m going to miss the people here. Everyone is so in love with the country, it’s really inspiring. My life is a little more complete because of this trip. I’ll see you guys soon!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Smashley

Wow, it’s only been a few days and I’m so in love with Ghana. The people here are so friendly. We’ve been keeping busy and we’re going to leave the Pink Hostel tomorrow morning. My favorite part so far has been the drumming/dancing lesson at SYTO. It really made me miss drum line though. Because of the love I feel for this country, I am determined to come back as soon as I can. The thought of leaving and never returning gives me a sick feeling in my stomach. I miss my family and Taylor (the boyfriend) but the group is so amazing that it’s making me a lot less homesick. I <3 Ghana!!!
-Smashley

Wow! I can’t believe that we’re leaving for Ghana tomorrow! It didn’t really register that I would be gone for a month until a few days ago. I started packing and making lists of all of the things I would be bringing and then I realized that I’m not going to be able to turn around if I forget something. That’s when I really thought about what I was in for. I’m a little nervous but I’ve really been looking forward to this trip and I can’t wait until we get there. I am really excited about meeting new people and trying new things. Being able to bond with the other students before the trip was great. All of the fundraisers really brought us together. We learned that we could all work well together which will be helpful while we’re in a new environment. Although I will really miss being home, going to Ghana will be a wonderful, life changing experience.
-Ashley