Here I am, awaiting my adventure to Ghana...Wishing, Waiting, Standing still.
I so often find myself searching for meaning and purpose in this life of mine! In the midst of the many opportunities that I have come by, this volunteering project grabbed at my heart in a way that nothing else has before. With all risks set aside, I have decided to latch onto this adventure in hopes of finding something… although I’m not sure what.
The process of mentally preparing for this trip has become extraordinarily meaningful to me. It has allowed me to question what I stand for, what I hope to do and what my limits will become. Being immersed in my GS 398 class, has allowed me to think critically about what my role will be while volunteering. To be honest, many ideas and issues have come up that have never even crossed my mind before. Being a westernized young woman entering into an African culture comes with risks and a need for understanding. I think one of things that I am most excited for is experiencing African culture. African culture is slow-placed, which is SO much different from our own. I hope that I will learn the beauty in the simplicity of African life!
Although I may be an unrealistic optimist at times, I do not intend to save the world. I cannot even say for sure that this volunteering trip is going to make the slightest difference in anybody’s life but my own. However, I can hope. I honestly hope to influence children’s lives in any positive way that I can. I do not intend to instill change or provide false hope to the children; I just hope that we can learn from each other. I do HOPE this trip becomes as meaningful and inspiring as I imagine it to be.
I am extremely happy with the program that I have chosen. Cross-Cultural Solutions has been great since the second that I was accepted. The information that they are providing me with has been phenomenal. So far so good!
I still have months to prepare, however I am overwhelmed with things to do! First of all I have to figure out what a travel visa is and how to get one… (Oh dear, I know!) book my flight, get vaccinated for yellow-fever , fundraise, and so many other things!!
For now, I am focusing on the midterms that lie ahead! Wish me luck.
-A.
