The Joys of Living

“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.” – Sarah Caldwell

Life is really all about the lessons, right? I truly believe that everything really does happen for a reason and to teach you something. Even when things hurt or you feel disappointed, through it all, you learn something so there was some value in the experience. Some people and situations just straight up suck, but you have to roll with the punches and keep chuggin’. Heartache or loneliness or frustration hasn’t killed me yet….in fact, all of it has led me to some life-changing experiences and opportunities. I’m sure some of you are questioning the author of this post…yes, this is Amy T. coming at you with a dose of optimism J

Lessons learned so far in Ghana:

1. Chickens are going to cock-a-doodle-do at 4am whether I like it or not. Deal with it.

2. Don’t leave the kettle plugged in while you walk into the other room. The coils burn! Damn, the electricity is powerful here.

3. Clean up every teeny tiny crumb of food laying anywhere in your living space. Ants will attack within minutes.

4. Lizards are more scared of you than you are of them.

5. My name is Abena. Answer to it! Or be prepared to get scolded.

6. The older you are in Ghana, the more difficult it is to find someone to marry. Apparently, I’m an old bag here. Though a fellow teacher has already said he wants me to stay forever and is determined to find me a husband. Ha ha

7. Wait for the stew to come before you dig into the rice! And eat a lot, or everyone will question if you are ok and ask why you aren’t eating more.

8. Be patient. 11am might mean 4pm. Don’t be alarmed.

9. Getting my clothes truly clean is going to be a challenge, but I am determined to improve upon my skills within those buckets!

10. The Ghanaian people truly are some of the friendliest and most helpful people I have ever known.