Random Thoughts

With only nine months of my service left to go and many of the people I have known since I got to Ghana now leaving (since they have finished their 2 years). I have been thinking about my time in Ghana and how much different it is from the average (if there is one) PCV experience.

When you go through training the Peace Corps tells you to be prepared for a lot of down time and that you might have to find your own projects. I knew that for me there was no way that I could just sit around all day without anything to do and I just prayed that I would get an assignment that was meaningful and would give me real work to do. My prayers were answered and I can honestly say that I am busy almost everyday. If I wanted to work on Saturdays and Sundays there would be work for me to do.

I talk to other PCVs who since being in Ghana have lost their sense of time and don't have set schedules. I know that this is part of the process here but it has not happened to me. I am glad to say that from when I started we have hired ten more assemblers and found more bead makers. The assemblers now have bank accounts and health insurance and I see smiles on their faces most of the time. They are so happy about the big orders that we are getting and they know that they will continue to have steady work.

Unlike other volunteers I don't get to travel around as much and get together with other volunteers from other regions. While I know that this is part of the Peace Corps experience, I came here with a goal and working on my project seems like a better way to spend my time most days. It is also expensive to travel around and I would rather use that money for other things.

If after two years I can see a real difference in my project and know that I have made some friends here than I can say that my time has been well spent. I also know that I have learned to slow down and to appreciate things. I still work more than most but that is something that may never change and I can thank my parents for that!