The Pre-Trip Post

The end of summer is upon me. I leave for Ghana in 4 days. As my summer comes to a rapid close, I am busy with last minute shopping, laundry, and packing. Fitting 4 months worth of stuff into 2 suitcases isn't that easy. (I'm sure you can imagine my struggle)

For those of you who don't know what I'm doing: I'm studying at the University of Ghana. I am a Social Work major with an International Development minor. Most of the classes I'm taking are for my minor, but I also will be taking African Literature and an African Drumming and Dance class. hahaha. Exciting, I know. Also, on top of taking classes, I will have an internship.

I'll be honest, I have mixed emotions about this upcoming semester. I'm really sad to leave, but excited for what I'll find in Ghana.

Current Anxieties:

• I don't know anyone that I'm going with. This is a horrifying reality for me. I know it's probably better this way, but I get sick to my stomach when I think about trying to make new friends.
• I've never been away from home for this long. I think that's pretty self explanatory. I like being with my family a lot...so these 4 months will be interesting.
• Classes. I'm taking 16 credits while I'm there. yikes.

Things I'm super pumped about:

• Internship. I have no idea what my internship is yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like to work in an international setting.
• New friends. As much as I dread the process of making friends...I'm excited to meet people from all over. I'm staying in the International Student Hostel at the University, so I'm hoping to make some cool new friends. :)
• Learning about myself and gaining independence. I plan on being outside of my comfort zone for the majority of the semester...so we'll see how that goes.
• Living in a new place. I am SO excited about learning to live on my own in a different place.

My goal is to find time each week to update this blog. I'll do my best, but I have a feeling things will get pretty crazy while I'm there. So stay tuned! I know you're all dying to know what I'm up to. ;)  

I really appreciate all of your prayers. Continue to keep me and my family in your prayers this week.

Love, Ali :)