Whatchubeenuptogirl?

It has been almost one month since I've returned from Ghana and to be honest, I'm in the dumps about it. I miss Ghana terribly. It's like a deep void that I feel every moment of the day. I miss the constant connection with people. I didn't make a ton of friends but it was enough to sit on the steps and people watch and hear the usual noises around me. I found it to be so comforting. And it's funny because though I am happy to be back home, I at times feel like I am not supposed to be here. I truly believe I am manufactured to be living in a small bungalow in the small cities of Ghana. In the past, when I felt life was getting too hard for me, I used to just break down and cry. I didn't even know why I was crying, I was just overwhelmed. And upon seeking an outlet to this anxiety, I got the chance to teach in Ghana and never did I feel more liberated, needed, and satisfied. I know it is time for me to be back home and face "reality" but a part of me feels like my "reality" will someday involve me back in Africa for good. I'm already looking for ways to go back for shorter teaching stints:)

In the meantime, what have I been up to? Well, I moved back home with my parents for the summer. I will be moving out soon because by the stupendous grace of God, I got a teaching position almost immediately upon returning. I went for an interview at a local middle school on the 9th of July and was called to accept the position on the 10th. I don't know about you but I have never heard that happen before. Especially since teaching positions are not as easy to come by as people think. That, my dear, is favor. He favors me. I'm currently tutoring at the moment to save up money and trying my best to stay relaxed for the rest of the summer. Teachers are glorified nannies, I am a glorified governess. It is not easy but I love serving others.

I've gotten into a hugeeeeee beauty kick. It's like I turned 25 and realized that I ain't gonna be this cute for long!! lol. So I've amped up my cosmetics arsenal and I'm actually trying out new things. I got A LOAD of goodies (clothes and such) from Ghana; I will do a post on that soon. I know people would love to see what I brought. I mean, I'm not a fashionista but I picked up some fun things. A friend of mine complained I don't have many pictures of my time on the blog. I had so many camera problems in Ghana, I don't have a crap ton of pictures but I'll be posting up the good ones I took as time goes by.

Well, just wanted to stay current on this blog; I'm still trying to enjoy life, regardless of my environment. I think the one thing I miss the most is food. I never used to think about food when I was in Ghana. There were so many delectable snacks and meals at all times of the day so I wasn't obsessed with finding healthy options. It was everywhere. Now, I find myself lurking in the kitchen more or bemoaning about how expensive pineapple is. It's like I'm constantly hungry now. But when I was in Ghana, it was the last thing on my mind!!!! Waaah!!!!
I lost a good amount of weight in Ghana and I'm determined that it will not creep back. Wish me luck oooo... Hmmm... food is good though.

President Mills

One thing I learned about Ghana when I was staying there is that Ghanaians sure do love politics. I think that ties with religion, really. People always asked me which party I supported as if that made a difference; I barely know anything about Ghanaians politics to have a say about it. But this year is election year so discussions are heated and people are ready to back their parties with passionate support. Unfortunately, Ghana's latest leader, President John Atta Mills has been pronounced death after battling an undisclosed illness. It's sad and shocking to Ghanaians worldwide and truly unfortunate. I hope this doesn't complicate election matters and we can only pray for a peaceful transition this year.

May he rest in peace and may Ghana's standing president, Mr. John Mahama lead with dignity and respect. And I pray that whoever wins the December election serves the country with a positive mindset and sound health.

25

Sometime last year, I went to buy this book, 20 Something, 20 Everything.
I was dealing with some growing pains about what I wanted in life and how it was going to happen. I enjoyed the book, but I could barely get to the third chapter without feeling silly about reading about a quarter-life crisis. True, these exasperating feelings about life are not farfetched for most ambitious, goal-centered, 20-something women. I think any sensible young woman has a plan or idea for her future and works hard to see it come to past. But if we're not careful, we'll fail to really enjoy this phase as a moment of limitless self-discovery-- by honoring our successes and learning from our mistakes. And by challenging ourselves to go beyond the ordinary.

So as I hit the quarter-life mark today, I give glory to God for allowing me to make it this far. Life is good. Ain't perfect, but I am sure happy to be me. I've realized dreams that I didn't think I had. And I've grown to encourage myself, love myself, and praise myself for all of my achievements. No need to list them, I'm sure you know:) Hell, I've even dabbled in makeup--- a huge step for me, I've never worn lipstick... ever!

So I'm growing, changing, and reaching for the stars.

Cheers to the 20-sumthins.

See that red lip? lol

So hard to say goodbye!

My time in Ghana has come to an end. I was assigned to teach for a full school year so my 10 months are up. Leaving was bittersweet. I have grown so much as a young woman and as a Ghanaian and it's quite amazing. I have nothing but love and positive things to say about my time in Ghana. The people have been so kind, the food fabulous, my living situation bearable.... so much so that a part of me didn't want to return back to the States. I have learned to be content with the little that I have in life because so many people in Ghana are without. Though I am still young, I have had my share of stressful situations from just dealing with work and bills and the like. Being away from such great responsibility didn't eliminate these stressful things but it allowed me to put things into perspective. I think we get so wrapped up in life's demands that we fail to enjoy what is around us. Many of life's pleasures are not monetary. It did not cost me thing to sit and talk with townspeople for hours. I don't recall the last time I smiled and laughed so much. It doesn't cost much to take a long walk to nowhere in particular. It costs nothing to spend time with family or share a meal with a neighbor..... I have enjoyed so much by giving nothing but my time and attention. 

All in all, I have grown to be a more content person. I had a lot of alone time on my hands so it forced me to listen to that still, small voice and meditate on the goodness of God that was around me. I am so thankful for this experience. I cannot wait to return to Ghana, to my family, and to my students. I hope I was able to make an impact on their personal and professional lives. I did see a change in their approach to teaching English; many of my students commented that they no longer see teaching/speaking English as a threat due to the way I presented the subject. That just makes me smile and know, that I did what I set out to do. To make a difference.

My school surprised me with a send-off service. All students and staff were present to shower me with gifts, kind words, and hugs. I was moved to tears. I was crying before the gifts started pouring in! I was shocked at the love and hospitality by these people. I know they don't have a lot but they did all they could to show me that I was loved and appreciated. I was presented with money, cloth material, trinkets, shoes, kente!, so much! I was just dumbstruck. You don't get this kind of attention in the State unless you're retiring or something. And even still, I feel like I got more.

I will never forget Abetifi College of Education. May that school and all their attendants be blessed through and through. Amen.

My own kente!

 My amazing students!

Andie will miss me/ and I her!

Some colleagues

A shot of a few of the things they gave me

Things, People, Places

Snails... everywhere:(

Avocados are in season and are delightful

Tuo Zaafi, my favorite weekend dish

We snuck into a celebrity football match at Stadium in Kumasi... fun!

Me and Kwame's bff, Seth(o) 

Us!

Me and my siblings! (the ones on my immediate left and right)

Me and Mrs. Boafoe; Mrs. Boafoe is a powerhouse of a woman, she is the headmistress at ABETICOE's primary school and on to pursuing her 2nd Master's degree. She was an amazing friend/mama to me. I love her!

I met Edna when I was in transit at Amsterdam. We kept in touch throughout my time in Ghana and I can't wait to see her when she starts grad school in the States. Love you Edna!

Lounging by the pool at Nana's house, sorry for the blurry imaging but I still like this shot of Nana:)

Nana's cousin, Afriyie. I swear, we have so much in common. She reminds me so much of myself which is why I love her so much!

 Below: random shots of a cool bar/grill we visited in Osu, The Republic. Very boho chic and reminiscent of Ghana's early days

My girl!!!! Agnes. Love you lady!

Check it out, ambiance is great!

How can I ever eat a banana larger than my palm now? These are delectable and sweet!

My seamstress Sis. Pat. Kind and efficient

Candid family shot; from l to r: our neighbor Sis. Janet, my granny, me, and my cousin Ama

I love my granny sooo much!

Me and my principal "Papa"

Fabulous and ridiculously expensive hotel in Accra, Movenpick. Still, I felt posh for the day:)

Attempt at a group photo shot

Got someone else to do it instead!