Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fly fly away

So here i am going to keep a blog. I have never done this before, so I am going to try try try to update you all as often as possible. I know it is semi-impersonal, but reality is I won't have enough computer time to update everyone individually. SO if you have more questions, or want to comment, do so! Or send me an email and i'd love to hear from you all.

I guess since i'm leaving tomorrow, I thought I should update you all on how I am going into this journey to Ghana. Prep month has in itself challenged me beyond belief. Everything I have learned, shared, and seen has really sunk into me. The whole month was dedicated to learning about Ghana and ourselves. Economics, history, the hard things, the good things, the government, stories of past participants, all this and more has placed in me an incredible passion to spend the rest of my life seeking out justice. That is with the earth, with people, with all living beings.

Me and my two group members are flying out to become part of a people. We . We are committed to living simply and in solidarity with the people we meet. Here is a rough itinerary: We will fly into the Capital Accra for orientation, then a few days later head to Bedeku village for 2 weeks of language lessons. We will then split up and each be in a different village, living with a host family. We are with our families for 6 weeks. Then we have an amazing opportunity to live with cocoa plantation workers and meet with the fair trade co-op in Ghana. The last half of my time there I will be in the Northern city of Tamale, volunteering at the Shekinah Free Medical Clinic.

So I guess what i'm trying to say is that, i'm pretty damn stoked to go! Because while we can't think ourselves into new ways of living, we can live ourselves into new ways of thinking (a quote by Richard Rohr). I am taking the leap to let go of what I know, and be in a place where I will be converted, despite myself. So............. let the fun begin!

3 comments:

  1. Hey Jolene!

    I hope you learn a ton and have a great time.
    We'll be prayin for ya...

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  2. My cousin did that same trip years ago (met her hubby on it, too). The stories she shared were phenomenal and truly of the adventurous kind...I know you'll love it! Expect to get malaria, but keep an open heart and I know God will do great things through you! Looking forward to read all about it.

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  3. Well Joey - It's been a month since we last chatted (to the day). We miss you and hope you are having a fantastic trip. We mailed a care package today - hope you get it in time for Christmas. Love ya

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