I can't even begin to describe how much I have learned during my month in Ghana. Before I came here, I didn't think twice about how lucky we are to live the way we do in America. I knew there were people in the world who lived in horrible conditions, but seeing it firsthand and living that lifestyle for a month has given me a completely different perspective on everything.
One person who really had an effect on me here was Tina, the head of the day care. The other day, she told me about how she went to the mall in Accra and rode in an elevator for the first time in her life and how scared she was. To us, an elevator is what we typically choose instead of taking the stairs. It's a totally normal, everyday technology to us. To Tina, it's a new and exciting adventure.
I have learned so much about the Ghanian culture and just their way of life, and even though it was difficult to cope with at times, I will miss it. I'll miss the adorable kids at the day care, I'll miss the beautiful nature surrounding the Akuapem Hills, I'll miss how incredibly friendly the Ghanian people are, and I'll miss the crazy nights out we have with all of the volunteers.
This trip has really changed my life for the better and I am so thankful for that. It's woken me up and made me realize how fortunate we are to live the way we do.
I hope one day in my life to be able to come back to Ghana and help out financially more than I am able to now. Volunteering is great, but they also need things like clean drinking water, a solution to their trash problem, better medical care, and much more.
I would like to believe my trip here has made at least a small difference, but I would love to make an even bigger difference later in life.
Goodbye Ghana, I hope to see you again one day.
Next destination: Paris!