It's been almost two years since I made my journey to Ghana. Being back home in the US, I've reflected on my experiences in Ghana almost daily and my desire to go back is still burning strong. I've been blessed to maintain my relationships with my "family" and friends in Ghana since being back in the US. They became a huge part of my heart and there they've remained. I believe that my trip to Ghana was the 1st of many and the foundation to something much bigger. I'm picking back up on my blog because I am planning to journey back to Ghana soon and I would love to share it with you all once again. This time however, I am planning something a little different...
Some of you may not understand why I care so much about helping people half way across the world. Well, the time I spent in Ghana allowed me to opened my eyes to what life is truly about; happiness. For four months I witnessed people who had "nothing" but yet had a genuine happiness. I learned happiness comes through sharing meaningful, loving, true relationships with people. To develop such a relationship you have to be willing to care for others and be selfless in your actions. I can never express in words my gratitude for the people of Ghana and all they taught me about life. However, I can give back to the community of people who changed my life by sharing with them, resources and opportunities that may change their lives.
When I originally had the idea to go to Ghana, my mission was to go experience another part of the world and volunteer before I started a career (I had just graduated college). I assumed my time in Ghana would lead to me growing as an individual and helping some people along the way, but the outcome was way beyond what I ever imagined. As my relationships formed with the people in Ghana, and my love grew for this community, I was given a vision to continue my relationships in Ghana and to give back.
Life in Ghana, like many other places in the world, is difficult. There is limited resources and opportunity for those who are born into poverty. Attending school is not a freedom, it's a privilege to those who can afford it. There aren't even libraries for people to borrow books so they can learn and educate themselves. Bottom line is with no money, education isn't an option and it's very hard to break the cycle of poverty. That is why I am so passionate about sharing with this Ghanaian community what I have been so blessed with and that is the opportunity of learning.
I am working on developing my own non-profit that is focused on creating opportunities for people in Ghana so that they have access to resources that will allow them to enhance their potential in life. This is something that is very heavy on my heart and I feel it is the path God has asked me to take. I won't spell out all my future plans quite yet but I will tell you that in the near future I will be doing a fundraiser to raise enough money to bless 300 orphans with uniforms and shoes so they can go to school.
Before closing out this blog entry I would like to express my thankfulness and appreciation for each of you that took the time to follow me while I was in Ghana. Your support was encouraging. My hope is that I can also encourage you to go beyond what you think is possible and go beyond yourself. Experience life for all it has to offer. I love you all and hope that you continue to follow and support me on this ongoing journey as I step out in faith once again.
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