The Long Awaited Departure

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I…I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference -- Robert Frost

Over three years ago I embarked on my first journey to an enchanting nation. I spent one month living in Teshi Tebibiano, right outside of Osu, Ghana and made the decision to return to Africa some day and work as an educator. That time has come. Holy smokes…I can hardly believe it! I’m leaving on a jet plane…

The last few months have been a whirlwind. It all began with an acceptance letter on May 16 that would change the course of my life. Back to Ghana I would go to work at a teacher training college. To say I was thrilled would be the understatement of the year. I jumped around like a fool in the courtyard of my apartment, called my mother, texted all of my people, and then proceeded to celebrate with a piece of Piece. Jump ahead a few months and I’m hit with 110 degrees in Phoenix, Arizona. You want to go to Ghana, Amy? Well, get settled and soak it all in. A weeklong orientation filled with every acronym you could imagine, an inspiring group of educators, and a boatload of information that would help me find success in my new position.

The time spent with my family and friends in the past few months has been nothing short of superb. From Chicago to Kankakee to Bridgman to Lake Shafer to Atlanta. Oh yea, and an emergency room visit thrown in the mix as well, just to keep things interesting. Thanks to my people, I’ve got a plethora of memories packed and ready to take with me to the motherland.

So, it turns out, suitcases fill up really fast. And preparing for a 10-month journey abroad is no blue-light special. Goodbyes are bittersweet, but I’m doing this. After years of contemplating and daydreaming, I’m finally really doing this. See you later America, this girl is headed to Ghana!