greetings from ghana!
i arrived safely in ghana last week. it's hard to believe we have now been here almost a week. time is flying by. peace corps is definitely keeping us busy, so i don't even have much time to think about how different life now is.
it's hard to know where to start in describing ghana and life and peace corps and everything you all are probably dying to know. i apologize that i am going to leave huge gaps from things i want to say but will forget.
we staged in philadelphia for about a day and a half. honestly, it was kind of boring. i was just tired from the early flight. our group is huge: 67 volunteers. there is the education group which includes art, math, science, and computers, and the omnibus group which includes business, health, and environment. i really like the people in our group. it is a very diverse group, but at the same time, i find we share a lot of the same values. i mean, who else would give up showers and air conditioning for two years, if they didn't value adventure and helping people and all those other great things.
so that's the people. now the country. ghana is HOT. the day we arrived, i sweated more in that single day than i have in the rest of my life. but already, i am adjusting. you just get used to being sticky and sweaty all. the. time. when i feel a cool breeze, i get really excited. and cool is probably 80 degrees. ha. i am getting used to bucket baths, drinking water out of small plastic bags, greeting everyone, and all those other great things.
peace corps is definitely easing us into this whole process. right now, i am on my way to vision quest. i will be staying with a girl in the northern region. yesterday we were on a bus for 14 hours. we spent the night in a sub-office, 20 of us just sprawled out on mattresses on the floor. today i continue on alone for a few days to see what i have gotten into, then our entire group will meet back up in kukurantumi for homestay and the rest of training.
i'm ready to get this show on the road!
so, rest at ease. things are going well. ghana is good. i am still healthy. i like the people. what more is there?
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ooooooo very nice update, joy. thank you! glad to hear it's going well. when you return to the states, you're probably going to be one of those people who never uses air conditioning because it makes a room too cold. that will be the true test of our friendship. i tease ;) sounds like you're adapting wonderfully and i'm very happy for you! love you, mighty oy!
ReplyDeleteOh Joy! It sounds like such a wonderful adventure so far-and you've only been there a week! lol I'm glad everything is well!
ReplyDeleteYour Starbucks crew misses you!
Terrific transitions, Joy! When you get to your home stay, I have a travel question for you...
ReplyDeleteWhat do you see from the window?
It's a question Brian, Kim and I always ask one another when we are travelling--helps to refine the observational skills and puts you in the present moment and place.
Hugs,
Sarah
Joy, So glad to hear that you're doing well and so positive about the adventure. You are in our prayers as you serve. It's great that we can learn about Ghana through your eyes.
ReplyDeleteSue
Yay! I'm glad things have started off so well for you :) I hope that the Vision Quest is very cool as well. Today I will try to drink water out of a small plastic bag in honor of you :) Miss you already!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteJust checking in you Joy. I am so proud of how you have decided to serve. Enjoy the adventure of serving the King. Neal
ReplyDeleteYEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything sounds like so much fun. man oh man, your experiencing everything right off the bat. that's awesome. i'm glad you love it so! thanks for updating! I miss you this much! <-----> tehee
ReplyDeletejoyers! i'm so happy to see an update from you. :-) glad things are going well. i think of burkina faso when you speak of ghana, but i was only there for 10 days, and you will be in ghana for 2 years! can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeletelove,
amy + baby
hmmm. you didn't mention anything about drinking out of plastic bags before. i don't know how i feel about that. I must rethink this coming-to-visit scheme.
ReplyDeleteJUST KIDDING.