My depature date is nearing closer :(

I would just like to know, where did the time go??? I honestly feel like I’ve been here maybe 1 month. But soon I will be saying my very sad good-byes. Crazy!! This trip has taught me so much about life and I am beyond thankful for this opportunity. Of course there are things about home that I miss, but honestly I could stay here longer. My mind is so free here, and there so few worries. I know within hours of touching down in the US I’m going to be reminded of the chaos and worries of everyday life we focus on in the US. Gas prices, our failing economy, finding a job, what to wear, who said this and that….. But if there is one thing that I’ve learned here it is that life is short and we have to make the best of each day, and the best of this life. I’m going to try and hold on to the worry free attitude that I’ve developed here. That is not to say I won’t focus on finding a job and staying on my grind towards success, it’s just that I’m not going to worry about it, because even in the bible it says not to worry because tomorrow will worry about itself. With all this said though I’ll give you an update of my life in the village…

Last week I finished my TFA application and submitted it. THANK YOU MARISSA, ROCHELLE, ERICA, JENNIE, and BABY T for your help!!!! Love ya:) I’m thankful to have that completed and now I’m just praying that the selection committee will see my passion exemplified throughout my application and grant me an interview. I will know by February 24th so I’ll keep you posted. At this point I leave in God’s hands to handle.

Let me tell you about the gift I received yesterday that almost brought me to tears. Do you know that this young boy, probably 17 or 18 years old in my village who I’ve maybe greeted once or twice weaved 11 kente clothes for me, out of special threat he bought in Kumasi (a city that’s like 10 hours away). I had no idea that I was receiving anything at all from anyone. It was a gift from him and his family to me, so that I can make a traditional dress from it (BTW, it’s absolutely beautiful!!). If he would have sold it in the market he would have probably gotten close to 200 Ghana Cedis (which is basically 200 US dollars). I was almost brought to tears because who I am to deserve this gift from a family that isn’t starving or suffering, but who are by all means economically disadvantaged (they live in a mud hut with a grass roof). Even Fo Dela told me that no volunteer has received a gift like this before. The family that gave it to me said that they appreciated the way I’ve been free and friendly with everyone in the village. I guess this goes to show that we never know who is watching us, and who our behavior affects (whether positively or negatively).

If you’re wondering, I’m feeling 100% better now. I don’t think its malaria anymore (thank GOD!!) I most have eaten something or who knows. But do you know I stubbed my toe last week and the whole thing turned black and blue. I could barely walk for 2 days. All the children who are a little older keep telling me Africa isn’t good for me. LOL! First I got sick, then I basically broke my toe, and then last week when I washed my clothes, my skin got tanner and the kids hate that (when I’m in the sun). It’s too funny! Especially Francis, my neighbor who’s 7, he always tells me when I’m in the sun that I need to sit in the shade and that if I don’t he’ll tell Fo Dela and that Fo Dela will cane me.

Okay, so the last thing I want to say is that when I leave I don’t know what I’m going to do it. I will be so lonely. How do you go from living in a village and being surrounded by people all the time, to being in a house with 2 or 3 people? And how will I cope with not being surrounded with 10 to 20 children around me pretty much all day long? I’ve actually gotten use to the crying babies (don’t feel bad, mostly they cry cause they aren’t getting their way). It’s going to be very hard. I love my kids too much!! And I love the people in my village. I’m not looking forward to the day I say fair well:( Even though I already have a plan for coming back, it will still be really hard.

Alright, I’m all out of words. Talk to you next week. Please pray for me and the TFA application I submitted. Love ya:)