Kelsey A. Trembulak / Care for Orphans - Ghana / American

She and her children made me feel extremely welcome since the day I arrived (after sleeping for many hours!)- the children danced and sang for me, then took me around the town. They always hold my hand and smother me with hugs and lots of love. I am so happy. Two of the children even refer to me as their mother! I feel so lucky to be here with these fantastic people. At first it was difficult to get used to the heat and intense humidity, the way everyone runs on "Ghana time" (i.e. usually late) and the somewhat scary experience of riding in a crammed tro-tro. But I have adjusted faster than I ever would have expected, I have already come to love the way they see the concept of time; not constantly trying to squeeze so much into one day, or worried and anxious that they will be late. Instead they see time as it is, just a number to better label where the sun is, they live every day to the fullest, taking everything as it happens in stride. I am not sure I will ever get used to the way things are in America again.

Everyone here works extremely hard in the constant heat all day, yet they are happy. They have very little but always do the right thing, I always hear the phrase "You are invited" whenever someone sits down to eat near me. They're lifestyle is something everyone can learn from, it shows in their faces and actions how content they are with life; they age very well, so well I find it hard to tell how old anyone is. Once I got over the initial shock of the way the teachers are allowed to treat the children (hitting with either a wooden stick or their hand) I was able to really immerse myself in the teachings, and although different from what I know and am used to, it is effective and the children are happy as ever. This experience (even though I’m only a few weeks in) has not only made me more grateful than ever for all the opportunities I was given growing up, but it has, and I am positive it will continue to, teach me something new about myself every day. I feel myself growing as a person in every way possible.

I am forever in debt to these unbelievably amazing people (although i know they do not see it that way) and to travellers. I only hope that one day I can repay the favour and send Lizzy and her family plane tickets to come to America, and show them the hospitality and love they have showed me. Thank you so much for giving me the means to do this. I will email you again in a few weeks to let you know how I am. Thank you again!