Ghana (Ho, the Volta Region)

I love Ghana.

I loved the daily walks home from seminar in the afternoon heat. I loved when my host mother, Esther, made fried plantains and the fact that no other plantain can ever satisfy my craving for her's. I loved getting my very own dress made by our host brother's mom. Everything from picking out the fabric to picking out how I wanted it to look. For one of the first times, I actually loved going to church. I can still remember the boy a few aisles in front of my family and oh how he danced.

A few of my favorite memories from Ghana:

Giving Ghana my all. Doing not only my required seminar readings but the optional ones as well. Being present with our work site at the clinic and trying my best with our home stay.

Vacencia, a nurse at the clinic who answered all of our questions regarding culture in Ghana, healthcare, and more. Patrick, the clinic director who welcomed us with open arms.

Missing seltzer water so much that I forced two of my friends to help me track some down in town and it was a success!

My room mate was a vegetarian and I was not. My host mom offered me a can of sardines one day and I was already full off of plantains I replied "No, it's okay" she answered "If you like, I can open these". I just looked at my belly and patted it saying "So full".

A host family down the street had a little boy named "Miracle" but from the way they pronounced it, it sounded more like "Morocco". His little sister's name was "Blessing" because children are miracles and blessings from God. The fact that I didn't find out his name was actually Miracle until our last night in Ghana.

When the power would go out at my house but across the street the club was still blaring music and had all the flashing lights on.

Our hike after Sebastian had passed away. I pushed myself to go on it and was doing great until about halfway up when all the feelings had hit. My program leader, Patrick guided me through it and reminded me that I had to finish the hike because it's in my PNW blood.

I aged five years in one month there. Ghana was loss of a friend yet the growth of our community and for that, I am grateful.

Noah, Caroline, Esther, and I 

Caroline making Fufu

Noah taking over

Our backyard 

Right to Dream soccer academy. Training kids in soccer and setting them up for success on various MLS teams :)

Miracle keeping us entertained with some sparklers he snuck from above the fridge 

Dying the fabric

Batik class 

Stamping batik

Final product!

Baby Michael and his mother at the clinic 

Miracle or Spiderman? Your guess is as good as mine.

Work site crew

Our clinic 

Near our clinic/worksite

Just when I thought I couldn't love Ghana anymore, it rained.

I'm so excited to finally be able to share my photos from Morocco next. That was truly one of the biggest joys of my entire trip and everyday I am reminded of the simple beauty of a good sunrise by just looking at the prints I had made :) Stay tuned!

Clare