It's taken me a while to update because well... I did have some complications with my grades unfortunately but I got really lucky and found an online Developmental Psych class at the University of Florida through their Flexible learning department. It's all set up and I'm just working on submitting my final projects now while I'm in Ghana. Yay for my last class as an Undergrad!! It's amazing how one mistake can feel like the end of the world one day, then a great life lesson the next. I'm sad it's postponed my assurance with the Peace Corps but I'm really privileged to have such a supportive father to assist with my bigger mistakes that cost me.
But bad news aside I talked to my pre placement officer and am passed preliminary review!! I'm not sure how well off that makes me but I can only pray that it means I am headed in a good direction!! It's a little difficult living in a small village in Ghana and trying to be patient with all this down time. I can only hope my trials in Ghana will prepare me for a more successful time with the Peace Corps.
Something funny I did realize is that, it's okay to be nervous about living in a developing country. I was really excited for my time in Ghana but then realized a lot of the experiences I'd have and wasn't sure I'd be ready for them. Bucket baths, power outages, limited Internet access, no air conditioning, different foods, constantly being reminded I'm a foreigner, limited wardrobe, lots of downtime, slowing down the go go go attitude, all of that. And yet, those are some of the easiest things I've adjusted to, if not real problems at all!!
I think the biggest difficulties I've overcome were missing my family, talking to my friends everyday, not knowing if I am making a lasting impact, evaluating my worth to the community and certainly how uncomfortable I can get when I'm not in control of the situation and can't express how I feel in their language!! But even with all that to think about I can only say, I am so glad my time in Ghana is what it is because it has prepared me for so much. I won't lie and say I don't get down on myself but most days I think how happy I am here and wonder if I'll ever want to leave. I've read so many Peace Corps blogs that I'm starting to understand what some of them are talking about. I'm glad too because it's made me understand how committed I am to joining the Peace Corps and how I know it's the right avenue for me because of the personal journey it has taken me through already with the application process. I really want to do whatever I can to make an impact, understand more cultures, put myself out there and initiate change as much as I can!!
My time in Ghana is amazing, and I'm so thankful to all the people that helped me get here. Crossing my fingers for good news with a placement officer soon!! Thanks for reading!! Good luck to you if you're going through similar struggles.
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