The bittersweet end…

One of my ‘small boys’ was coloring at my house the other day and he stops for just a second to look at me and asked why I was giving everything away.  I replied with…

“Well Maxwell, my time in Ghana is finished and I’m preparing to go home.”

He responded… “I want to go with you.”

And I’m thinking if I could only take all the children that have made every moment in the village unforgettable I would. 

Maxwell continues to color for another minute or so.  Then he stops, hands me his drawing and asks…

“Sister Abra (my village name) will someone be coming after you”

“I don’t think so, but maybe in a year or two.  And Maxwell if someone does come to replace me, remember to show them all the love and kindness that you showed me, ok?”

Maxwell looked me in the eye and replied, “but Sister Abra they wont be you.”

He was ripping my heart out.

It’s hard to believe that the end is here… two years has gone by, that I am a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer). 

There were of course many moments along this journey had me questioning this ‘crazy’ decision… to live in a developing country for two years… to try and help a rural village… to live as a minority in Africa… to live without running water, constant electricity, and a permanent connection to the world.  But this journey had moments that made these two long years soooo worth it… seeing my women’s group earn their first round of money, watching the girls during the Camp GLOW learn that they can achieve what they want, coloring with my children, initiating all the volunteer led trainings and somehow succeeding in Ghana. 

These past two years have been challenging, educational, inspiring, humbling, and at times absolutely incredible.  Ghana has opened my eyes to a whole new world, filled with different languages, customs and culture.  Ghana has shown me different ways of living, helped me to be more accepting and taught me patience.

Ghana, thanks for challenging me, educating me, humbling me, and creating some of the best memories of my life.