I was talking to Adriana from our Prep class who had the opportunity to visit Ghana with some friends a couple years ago. Adriana is a gem. We walked together only for a short time and I got so much information from her. She stayed with friends in Accra and gave me their names and contact information so if we ever need anything they said they would be more than happy to help. It never hurts to have too many contacts in a country where you don't know anyone. She volunteered at an orphanage while she was there and told me that when I do my intern there that I should bring stickers. Adriana kept telling me BRING STICKERS! The kids go crazy over stickers. She said not to bring something that would belong to one child because they don't have anything. They sleep on different beds every night and don't even have diapers sometimes. Anything you bring has to be communal.
Stickers.
Who would have thought that something so simple as that would bring so much joy to a child. I went home after our talk and looked at all the stuff I had in my room. I don't need 90% of it and yet I find myself wanting more. I instantly became overwhelmed with the fact that I am so blessed. I have been through trials in my life that have seemed like it was going to be the end of the world. In retrospect, sometimes I may have overreacted to my problems when all I needed to do was look around and see that I am blessed with my loving family, caring friends, financial stability, and an opportunity to attend a University. I was very humbled when I thought of kids around the world that go without so much. I can't wait to go to Ghana and experience the culture thoroughly. On days that I am struggling to remember why I am there I hope I'll have the opportunity to show up to the Orphanage and put my thoughts back into place. I love kids. They are always so happy and most will show you what it's like to be unconditionally loved. As a future NICU nurse I have a special place in my heart for infants and little kids. I hope to have tons of little ones of my own one day and know the joy that kids bring to life. While in Ghana I want to try and give them everything that I can to them but I know that what I receive from them will never balance out. The lessons I will learn about myself and others will be unmeasurable in my short three month trip.
This is only the beginning of these kinds of realizations--but it's good that you're getting there now. You'll have the opportunity to even discuss these topics with the locals, and I encourage you to delve into their perspectives on ownership, possessions, and gratitude. These values will tell you a lot about the people you'll be living with and it will really help you to connect on a deeper level.
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