∞
We went to Wli Falls last weekend. Before she left, my mom told me that I shouldn’t swim in fresh water in Africa, because I could get sick with a whole bunch of scary diseases. So, I hiked through the rainforest with the intention to not go swimming in the waterfall at the end of the hike. But then, I got to the waterfall and it was so beautiful and I was like, “how could I not go swimming in a waterfall in Africa?! So I went in and I am so happy with my decision. It was such an incredible experience. It was so peaceful and freeing, and I feel healthier for doing it!

We went to Wli Falls last weekend. Before she left, my mom told me that I shouldn’t swim in fresh water in Africa, because I could get sick with a whole bunch of scary diseases. So, I hiked through the rainforest with the intention to not go swimming in the waterfall at the end of the hike. But then, I got to the waterfall and it was so beautiful and I was like, “how could I not go swimming in a waterfall in Africa?! So I went in and I am so happy with my decision. It was such an incredible experience. It was so peaceful and freeing, and I feel healthier for doing it!

∞

Family

Having my mom, Hannah, Rachael, and Jeff here with me for a week was wonderful in so many different ways. I loved seeing them play with the children I’ve been working with. All of them are great teachers and the kids loved them. They all accepted the craziness of Accra and took on every challenge with ease. I think having them here opened my eyes and made me see Ghana in a new way. Having them here made me love Ghana even more. Though I’ll be sad to leave, I’ll be happy to come home to such wonderful people in 10 days.

∞

Look how happy my family made the kids!

∞

My Mom, my sisters Hannah and Rachael, and my boyfriend Jeff are getting here in less than 24 hours! I have a lot to show them here, but I don’t know if we’re going to get to do any of it because all I want to do is hug them for the entire week they’re here.

∞

So Good

I wrote the story that I read to my kids today. It felt so amazing to read my own words to the kids I’ve gotten to know so well and have them tell me who the main character was, who the supporting character was, where the story took place, and what the plot was. A couple months ago they would not have been able to do this. Now, they understand all elements of a story, and next week, they are going to get to create their own. Alex and I are going to give them the materials they need to write and illustrate their own stories. I can’t wait.

I got the chills a lot today. The good kind of chills. I think it was because I kept realizing that I am exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to be doing. I am in Africa teaching children literacy and art. And after I teach, I get to wander around markets buying fabric and plantains and papaya and the best pineapple I’ve ever had.

∞
I can eat/drink an entire coconut everyday if I feel like it!

I can eat/drink an entire coconut everyday if I feel like it!

∞

When I teach, I have to speak in a Ghanaian accent so the kids understand me. Today Jay told me that I was becoming Ghanaian. It was the best compliment ever, because it meant that I was really able to connect with the kids in a meaningful way.

Alex and I taught the students about rhyming last Tuesday. This concept was completely new to them, but they really enjoyed it. We read Green Eggs and Ham. The kids repeated every line after us with excitement. Then, they came up with their own rhymes. Being with those kids fills me with so much love and happiness. I wish I could teach them everyday.

∞

Widows in Northern Ghana are rejected from society. People believe that they caused the death of their husbands. The Widows Weaving Project brings these widows together. The baskets they weave represent their own beauty and strength. My day with these amazing women really proved that love is the strongest healing power.

∞

In Tamale, I rode through a village in the back of a pickup truck on my way to a diviner. A diviner is kind of like a fortuneteller! My diviner didn’t tell me anything specific about my future, which I’m happy about. I think if he told me anything like that I’d be kind of freaked out.

∞

In Tamale, I met Dr. Abdulai. He is the most selfless man I have ever met. He became a doctor to help the poor and the destitute. They were his neighbors, and he was once in their shoes. His clinic truly relies on divine providence. He receives no salary and no government funding what so ever, but he always has enough to help those in need. Dr. Abdulai told us, “I’m selfish, I just want to be happy.” But he finds happiness in helping others.

He told us, “I live on a day to day basis. I may drop dead tomorrow, but at the end of the day, at least I can say that I’ve loved someone who was unlovable.”

He was an inspiration to all of us.