Ten Days!!

In just ten days I will be flying to Ghana for my three month internship!

My feelings are completely mixed with fear and excitement but I cannot wait to leave. I have been looking forward to this trip for months now and it is finally here!

Along with this trip has come a lot of administrative procedures and a lot of things I needed to take care of. For starters, Christmas. Oh how I love the hustle and bustle of Christmas, but sometimes it gets a little too hectic for me to handle. This year my family decided to spend Christmas at the cottage- Best. Decision. Ever. Escaping the city was incredible and seen as we got snowed on just a few days earlier, the country looked absolutely beautiful. We went snowboarding, baked cookies, picked out a pretty ugly Charlie Brown tree, and watched home videos! It was so much fun and incredibly relaxing. It didn't feel like Christmas- which was strange but I enjoyed it. I felt at ease with everything and I really felt like the true meaning of Christmas was there. We didn't focus on presents, we just spent so much time together and laughed so much! Just what I wanted. It was wonderful to see my family and close family friends together to celebrate the holidays.

After working today (Boxing Day) I really felt ready to leave. I have been at my job for three years now, working in retail. Although it can be fun, watching tons of people buy thousands of dollars worth of electronics kind of made me sick... It was difficult to watch, not going to lie. And I get- sweet sales, whatever, but let's be real- do you really need half the stuff you bought? You'll probably return it in a week or two anyways. Beyond the point (sorry). With that being said, tomorrow is my last day at work. I have made so many wonderful friends at work and I couldn't be more thankful for them. They have been so supportive of my traveling and volunteering, it is unbelievable! They have been accommodating and encouraging, I will most definitely miss them. However, I do feel it is time to move on. I would love to find a job related to my field, or even just volunteer to gain more experience. It is time to narrow down my interests and focus on a career that benefits others! When I get back from my internship I am hoping to have some more things figured out pertaining to who I want to be and what direction I would like to go in!

Other than work and the holidays, the other preparation just includes the usual needles, medication, packing, and of course my Visa! I applied for my visa at the Ghanaian Embassy in Ottawa and received it back a couple of weeks ago- that is when it really started to feel real! Other than that, the usual needles and malaria pills need to be taken. The best part about Christmas- every thing I got was for me trip... pretty sure I got a lifetime supply of hand sanitizer! I also got a beautiful backpack to use! I am getting so excited just thinking about it! I am starting to feel prepared and I have one whole week off to settle down and prepare and figure out any last minute things I need to get. After that, I will relax and say my final goodbyes!

Ghanaian Embassy, Ottawa

Once I arrive in Ghana I have an in-country orientation in the capital of Accra and then I will head up north to Damongo where I will be for the next three months! Stay tuned for more blogs :) I'll try to post one right before I leave!

Lots of Love,

Bianca