Only a few months left

It is hard to believe that I only have a few months left at site. It seems like just yesterday that I arrived in Ghana, struggled to get through training and then arrived at site. I have loved being here in Ghana and I love the people that I am working with every day. When I tell them that it is almost time for me to go back to the States they all tell me that I am not allowed to talk about it anymore or they will start to cry. I have really been welcomed into the community here.

For an American who is used to living in large cities and who did not always know her neighbors, it has been really interesting to get to know my neighbors and to have them worry about me every day. If my neighbors don't see me for a couple of days and I have not told them that I am traveling, they will send their children to make sure that I am OK and to see if I need anything.

Just this last week, our water was out for a couple of days and Mame Alice from across the street asked if I wanted her children to go and fetch water for me. I told her that I had enough in my large trash can to last another 2 days but if it was not back on by Thursday I would have the children go and fetch water. She was just worried that I would not have enough water to cook, bath and do everyday things. I will miss this along with her grandchildren running to give me hugs and making fish faces everyday after work.

When I look back at my project I have mixed feelings. The project that I was originally assigned has gone nowhere. I was able to get the machine wired but that was about it but at the same time I fell into another project that has turned out to be more meaningful.

I ended up bringing all of the production of the bead products in house and we have gone from 7 employees to 20 this month. Next month we will be moving into a larger office and we will be able (and need to) hire 15-20 more women.

Gladys who I work with everyday is basically running the office. She really only needs me for moral support and for my computer skills. When we sat down to do performance reviews last month she ran the show after I did the first one, I could not have been happier. She has gone from being afraid to speak in front of other people to taking charge. She is learning how to use the computer and is taking more and more responsibility without me having to ask her. I know that when I leave she is going to do great. I will just miss her so much.

I am not sure where I will land after the PC but I am hoping that the work will be as challenging and that the people will be as welcoming.