Hi all! I feel as though time has flown by since I first received the news that I would be joining a group of Lilly Connecting Hearts Abroad Ambassadors for a service experience in Africa. In fact, less than eight weeks have passed and somehow Brad and I have managed to get all of our required vaccinations, secure required visas for Ghana and Tanzania, prepare for my volunteer program in Hohoe, and plan a safari in Tanzania. I must admit that we have spent most weekends in March and April purchasing items like mosquito nets, bug spray with deet, filling numerous prescriptions, and wondering if I had packed just enough socks and t-shirts to last me the 16 days in Ghana. I am still in amazement over this opportunity…humbled, honored, and blessed really! As Brad and I left for the Greenboro, NC airport this morning, I was assured that I had packed more than enough as I could not fit one more snack into my carry-on!
So, if you are wondering what vaccinations are required for traveling to Africa…here is the latest list…MMR, Polio, Typhoid Oral, Yellow Fever, Hep A, and Hep B (received round two last week – one more round to go.), DPT vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), Meningitis, and flu (Brad actually received his first flu shot!) In additional to anti-malaria meds, we did fill prescriptions for Cipro, Z-Pac, and an Epi-Pen for me for good measure (bees and I do not have a good history.) I also have packed the CDC recommended OTC medications. Even this morning, Brad continued to joke that I had packed a small pharmacy…I will keep you posted on how handy my twenty pounds of pharmaceuticals just might be in Ghana and Tanzania! My mom has given us great advice to wash hands often, use hand sanitizer, and not to miss a dose of our anti-malaria meds!
So what did I pack for Ghana? I have a back pack, carry on (extra change of clothes in case my luggage is lost), and my duffel bag. I plan to wear a money belt and use my back pack when efficient. I tried to pack light…cotton clothing including tanks, t-shirts, and cargo pants that will dry quickly. Since I am teaching at St Teresa”s Girls Primary School, I am required to bring collared shirts for my placement, I brought a raincoat (edge of rainy season) and a one piece bathing suit/cover-up for our activity to the falls…Ghana is known for their waterfalls and beautiful hikes!
In my luggage, I also carry artwork from the children of First Presbyterian Church Pre-School and Holy Trinity Pre-School in Greensboro, NC. Thank You Caroline, Gray, Mary Marshall, William, and to all of the classes and teachers at these fantastic schools who took time, energy, and put love into every piece of art and note! I also received beautiful pictures/letters from Lydia and her friends in Charleston, SC and Brady, Caroline, and Riley in Huntersville, NC. Suzanna in Georgia sent a sweet letter and her two favorite Pink books to read to the girls! The Ghananian children will love and cherish these heartfelt pictures, letters, and stories!
Of course, Janet and Jenny (and Les too!) have helped prepare me for my teaching experience by giving me great suggestions for teaching English by using music, pictures, and “action.” They offered up terrific websites for playing games and making learning fun and effective! My iPod is full of wonderful children’s music (Thank You, Janet!), and I have received special permission to bring the iPod with me to my school/class (as long as the on-site CCS Coordinator and headmaster give final approval) as this has never been done before!
I am currently in flight to NYC from Atlanta, where I will start my last leg to Ghana. The time difference is not so bad, just 5 hours ahead, but the flight will take 13 hours plus or minus from JFK. Once I arrive in Accra, Ghana tomorrow, I will travel 4-5 hours to the Cross Cultural Solutions Home Base in Hohoe where I will meet up with other Lilly CHA Volunteers and various volunteers from around the world. Brad will be spending the next two weeks in Greensboro getting ready to meet me in Tanzania on May 21st where we start our journey together in the Serengeti….powerful stuff for sure!
If you have not already seen the movie, Emmanuel’s Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey, I would highly recommend that you watch the DVD. The movie tells the very passionate, moving, positive story about an orphan from Ghana….Emmanuel Yeboah. You will not regret the time spent watching this inspirational movie!
I will continue to blog when I have access to the internet access…keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you for all of the love, support, encouragement, and prayers! I look forward to sharing pictures/video of this incredible, life changing experience! xxxooo
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