I feel I have really had the chance to experience what it is like to live in this part of the world and I am profoundly changed by that experience.
Saying goodbye to the children was devastating. Most of them did not understand that I was not coming back, which was hard. It was the few who did understand that hurt the most.
I have gotten to know many of them very well and leaving their beautiful smiles made my heart heavy. I wish the best for them. I hope I will get to see some of them again someday, and the reality that I won’t saddens me. But I know I have made a lasting impact on their lives, even if it is a minor one. I only hope they remember something of me or that I have taught them.
Saying goodbye to my friends here is also hard. Katie and Liz have become good friends of mine, and I am certain we will see each other again someday, but it is sad to know that things won’t ever be as they are now. We have each helped form a little piece of our life history together and that is a bond I will treasure. We have explored so much of Ghana together, and shared a lot of stories. I am so glad to have met them and I cannot wait to see them again.
Overall my trip has been a wonderful one. I feel fulfilled and happy.
I thought my coming here would satiate my thirst for travel for a while, but instead it has only created a yearning to see and do more. I love knowing there is an entire world out there to explore and so many people to meet.
I will definitely use uvolunteer in the future if a trip such as this one is possible for me. I love what they stand for and their emphasis on making such a trip affordable. Now, if you don’t mind, I am off to finish packing to go home, see my fiance, my puppy, and to start dreaming of my next volunteer abroad adventure.
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