1 Year and 7 months Home

I almost can't believe it.

I almost can't believe all that has happened since returning home from Ghana... a year and a half ago. The changes in my life have been astounding, and each and every one welcome.

I finished my schooling at UW, survived the last semester, although it was ridiculously stressful, attempting to undertake statistics and research methods, it was unpleasant. I met a girl in those classes, who has now become one of my best friends, Sarah. I met my partner, of over a year now too, Jeff.

I graduated from UW, thank goodness - 4 years of blood, sweat, and lots of tears, but I made it, and even managed to get accepted to do my Master of Social Work!

Jeff and I moved in together, I'm working at my first practicum placement as an intern therapeutic counsellor (yikes!), and I'm finishing up my semester right now... mind you, another starts in April until June - so, not quite done first year yet.

A lot has happened in the last year and a half - some major changes in my life, and everything has been a new adventure, that's for sure.

One of my most proud accomplishments, has been the continuance of Youth4Change.

In November 2008, 3 new friends of mine from class, and I, managed to raise over $600 for Youth4Change for a class assignment. We toured through main campus talking to people about the project, explaining it's significance, and requesting funds to help the group purchase supplies. It was a truly wonderful experience to talk about the group, the work they're continuing to do, and that it's been nearly 2 years since it started and they're still making a difference in the community. It really is wonderful and I continually feel thrilled to have been a part of it.

Pops and I email back and forth periodically with updates. I miss everyone so much, and still practice my dangme when I can... I le ni (I am smart).

I find myself searching flights to Ghana every so often, more and more as I realize that the end of my schooling is one year away. April 2010 and I'll been done with my formal education - I'm rather ECSTATIC about it :)

Also, grandma gave each of the grand kids some money for Christmas, so I've put it away to use for my travels after graduation. I can't wait to get back to Kpong... and this time, bring Jeff with me. What an incredible experience that would be for both of us - me revisiting the African family I have, seeing the sights and sounds of my town and community... and Jeff to see first hand what it was like to be there for 3.5 months. It's pretty amazing to think about it. I can't wait to get back, and unlike Ecuador, I will head back to visit - it made such an important impact on my life that I would be devastated if I never made it back to say thank you.

In knowing that graduation is really only one year away, I should start thinking about planning my upcoming adventure... where I'll go, what I'll do, for how long, and how... I mean, I'm the first one to want to head to the airport and go... so why not start now? I mean really, wa je (let's go)!