First week in Ghana! - Jessica

So far my experience in Ghana has been great. At first it was hard settling in. The hardest part was getting to the bank to get some money out and then buying a phone because you have to take a taxi to get there but once I got that out of the way I felt situated. Once I went to the school I fell in love with the kids. I dont know how I'm ever going to leave them! Their eyes are so huge and precious and they just have so much life and laughter in them. I love when they sing and dance, which is almost always, because they get so happy and even if they dont know the words they dance and dance and dance. Because the school does not have much supplies, I am thinking of sending a care package to them once I get home and collect some donations from my friends and family. I now realize everything I've taken for granted in my life. These children barely have notebooks and back home people buy watches for 50,000 dollars. Its ridiculous to think about. The most absurd part of it all is that everyone in America has so much, as there is so much to offer, and we are often grumpy, arrogant, and ungrateful people. These people have nearly nothing compared to America's standards, and they are the happiest, friendliest people I have met. It just goes to show that material things can only go so far in life. As I teach in the nursery, the only thing they have is little chalkboards for the children to write on and long tables (not desks) and mini plastic chairs. These children need books, writing utensils, a nice chalkbard, and many more supplies. My first week has been a life changing experience, I cant even begin to describe. Though I knew before I left that Africa and America were completley different worlds, it is so much more surreal to actually see it then to imagine it. I'm looking forward to my first weekend excursion!