One Week To Departure

I can't believe it. One week from this very moment and I'll be somewhere over the Atlantic ocean, hopefully nearing Germany, the first stop in my very exciting, and very tough journey to Ghana, West Africa. It's very surreal, I can barely speak to it. I've spent the last year preparing for this trip and yet, I feel that nothing will accurately prepare me for what I'm about to experience. I'm excited, and thrilled, and anxious, and nervous, and scared, and sick, and amazed, and... if you can name it, I've probably felt it. It's a little nauseating really.

I feel blessed and grateful to have this experience available , it really leaves me rather speechless. The people who have supported me have made this possible, and for all of them, thank you, I really appreciate it more than I can say. Without the financial support, the friendship, encouragement, and insurmountable love, I wouldn't be in this position today, to follow one of my dreams.

I have a feeling it will hit hard when I get off the plane and realize I'm in Africa... AFRICA - one of the places I've wanted to visit since I can remember. I'm so excited... and yet constantly reminding myself not to romanticize the continent - it's no Lion King, but it will be beautiful.

I'll be living and volunteering in a rural village outside of the capital city, Accra, for 3.5 months (102 days - but who's counting...). I'll be staying with a host-family, embracing their life and culture on a daily basis. I'm excited to meet them and to see where I'll be living. It's only a matter of days now!

I'll try to keep everyone up-to-date, however I WILL be in a rural village so I doubt internet access is easily accessible ;) Check back when you can, hopefully it'll all work out smoothly.

I hope Africa is ready for me because I'm not quite sure I'm ready for it, but I AM open and willing to do my best, and to let you all know how it goes :)

In one week from today, my world changes.