My how time passes us by so quickly!
We wrapped up TIU in High Impact style with a jam packed day of inspiration and innovation. These scholars blow our minds. They are so creative and analytical, full of ideas and eagerness. The icing on the cake for me was the final reflection session where we talked about our assumptions/fears and our hopes for this experience. The staff and scholars shared with each other the most intimate of thoughts.
We then did a positive affirmations exercise where we went around the circle and said positive things about the person to our left. (note: can you tell I just graduated from a social work program with all of these reflections, feelings, and circles!) Halfway through the scholars I found myself with tears in my eyes. To hear the incredible support pouring out from one person to another. It was the first time I realized I had a job doing something I love..working with students to be active in global social change. How freaking amazing!
We then proceeded to the communities for the welcome ceremony. It was a grand affair. When we pulled up we passed the building we thought was the venue and for a moment thought, oh my...no one is here. We then turned the corner to tents, chairs, a DJ, crowds of community members, and enough smiles to warm even the heart of The Grinch! A real Cindy Lu Hoo moment.
From the moment we stepped out of the vehicles and into the crowd the excitement continued to build. We were taken to the Chief's palace to meet with community elders from both Kwame Dwaa and Bedaabour. The scholars were perfect in their practiced Twi introductions and immediately began to win the hearts of the people. At the general ceremony there was dancing, music, drama, and lots of laughter. The Ashanti people really mean it when they say Akwaaba! (welcome).
At the close of the day we walked all of the scholars to their new homestays to settle in for the night. They are all so great. Even with some hiccups, things happened pretty much on schedule. We have happy families and happy scholars which make for happy staff and happy TI DC office!
I have continued the habit of morning exercise spurred on by the morning energizers of the DC training. The past two mornings I have jogged to the local futbol field to run laps and do some bootcamp style workouts. I have a following of school kids who are joining me for the workout and then I run with them back to town so they can make it to class.
My homestay is wonderful. I am practicing my Twi with Benson, country coordinator and my roommate, and my family. Last night I learned how to ask to heat water for my bath I helped my homestay mom, Vivian, with preparing for my bucket bath. There is no electricity here but the only thing I miss is a fan! Except that yesterday ALL of my electronics from computers to cameras to ipod died so today I am at the office doing financial reports and charging.
I know I will learn many things this summer. Things about myself. Things about rural village life Things about the commonalities in the human condition. I am open to this experience and hope that I come out changed...impacted...HIGHLY IMPACTED...for the benefit of us all.
Til next time!
me
We wrapped up TIU in High Impact style with a jam packed day of inspiration and innovation. These scholars blow our minds. They are so creative and analytical, full of ideas and eagerness. The icing on the cake for me was the final reflection session where we talked about our assumptions/fears and our hopes for this experience. The staff and scholars shared with each other the most intimate of thoughts.
We then did a positive affirmations exercise where we went around the circle and said positive things about the person to our left. (note: can you tell I just graduated from a social work program with all of these reflections, feelings, and circles!) Halfway through the scholars I found myself with tears in my eyes. To hear the incredible support pouring out from one person to another. It was the first time I realized I had a job doing something I love..working with students to be active in global social change. How freaking amazing!
We then proceeded to the communities for the welcome ceremony. It was a grand affair. When we pulled up we passed the building we thought was the venue and for a moment thought, oh my...no one is here. We then turned the corner to tents, chairs, a DJ, crowds of community members, and enough smiles to warm even the heart of The Grinch! A real Cindy Lu Hoo moment.
From the moment we stepped out of the vehicles and into the crowd the excitement continued to build. We were taken to the Chief's palace to meet with community elders from both Kwame Dwaa and Bedaabour. The scholars were perfect in their practiced Twi introductions and immediately began to win the hearts of the people. At the general ceremony there was dancing, music, drama, and lots of laughter. The Ashanti people really mean it when they say Akwaaba! (welcome).
At the close of the day we walked all of the scholars to their new homestays to settle in for the night. They are all so great. Even with some hiccups, things happened pretty much on schedule. We have happy families and happy scholars which make for happy staff and happy TI DC office!
I have continued the habit of morning exercise spurred on by the morning energizers of the DC training. The past two mornings I have jogged to the local futbol field to run laps and do some bootcamp style workouts. I have a following of school kids who are joining me for the workout and then I run with them back to town so they can make it to class.
My homestay is wonderful. I am practicing my Twi with Benson, country coordinator and my roommate, and my family. Last night I learned how to ask to heat water for my bath I helped my homestay mom, Vivian, with preparing for my bucket bath. There is no electricity here but the only thing I miss is a fan! Except that yesterday ALL of my electronics from computers to cameras to ipod died so today I am at the office doing financial reports and charging.
I know I will learn many things this summer. Things about myself. Things about rural village life Things about the commonalities in the human condition. I am open to this experience and hope that I come out changed...impacted...HIGHLY IMPACTED...for the benefit of us all.
Til next time!
me
I love how you describe Ghana...I can imagine being there with you!
ReplyDeleteI listened to the Azonto when I was running today and broke out into a huge smile.
I am so happy to hear you are implementing social work facilitation techniques, plus community organizing, coordination, leadership, etc! So proud of you.
Coco Chanel says hi :-) Miss you.