My new home

(As I write this, I am riding in a tros tros through around the edge of a mountan with forest to my left and valley to my right.) Africa is what I imagined it to be but better. Today I cried as we drove into the mountains. The view was overwhelming. My new home. I know that so much of this is dependent upon perception and I can't help but thank God all times of the day for mine. I have decided to write a book of letters to my niece and nephew. I have the perfect book to use that someone gave me as a gift before leaving. Every chance I get, I meditate on giving, on healing, on loving. Often, I try to give to those who have become sick on our journey. Everyday I meditate on each of my organs and my muscles and tissue and blood being healthy and renewed. When I open my eyes, I feel amazing. Try it. I truly believe it works and allows me to better serve and love others. I am not too sad about being away. I feel that this journey is my gift to my friends and family. I am being shaped and molded to better love at home. This thought makes my heart jump. One thing I find pretty amazing is that everyone here wants to help you. I am learning how to receive, something that isn't always easy for me and definitely not what I imagined I'd learn in this experience. In order to integrate, I must give in and accept their assistance as they accept mine. I know some of you are smiling right now, especially those of you who know me so well. Another amazing thing that has happened is that my malaria medicine helps with acne. After years of battling with this and finally winning, I was somewhat worried that coming here and changing diet and everything else would adversely affect my progress. My skin is radiant. How amazing? Again, I am so utterly grateful. Once again I am given everything I need. I have not yet made contact with AA since I arrive because we have not had the opportunity to use the phone but I plan to when I get the change.
It isn't all perfect. There have been hard tasks and so much traveling and so many different personalities (48 of us) can be trying. The change in diet has been tough. At first I wasn't eating enough but I am now. I feel great and don't feel like mentioning the tough times today. Trust me, you'll hear about them eventually. I love you all and send you hugs and love. Love always.

Philadelphia

Staging has been really amazing. Lots of info. Everyone is so nice. We are all alike but different. I felt as though I sat among 48 completely amazing people and I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be. The energy we all create feels good.
I depart for a days worth of travel tomorrow and arrive in Ghana at 5pm Tuesday evening (Ghana time). I will likely not be online again for a few weeks. take care.

From the plane

Airport

5:30 am, no sleep, good friends to see me off...

Good bye Louisiana

Today has been so beautiful, I couldn’t have asked for better friends. I am leaving for the airport shortly and I am completely peaceful. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to tell nearly everyone I love how much they mean to me.
Earlier this week, I attended a lecture given by Shigeru Ban, my favorite architect. What are the odds that an internationally prominent architect would be speaking in Lafayette, LA? I can’t explain what it was like to meet him and listen to him discuss the duty that we have as professionals to design responsibly. He inspired me from the day I first stumbled across a book containing his work during my second year studio. I wrote about him several times during college and researched him extensively. I never dreamed of meeting him, and suddenly, Tuesday, as I was packing and preparing, a friend called and said I should attend this lecture about “recycling, or something like that.” I can’t explain how amazing this whole year has been because I have to leave in 10 minutes for the airport, but I can say that the lecture inspired me for the journey I am embarking on. It was divine, as I sat in the auditorium, everything made sense. Why I am going to Ghana, why I majored in architecture, why my original date was postponed. I could go on and on but the point is that I am right where I am supposed to be.

Last August, after graduating, I wanted to:

Travel
Help people
And not allow money to be an obstacle.

I placed all of my hope, passion, and desire in God’s hand and jumped on board. I am so grateful for the person that God is making me into.

I feel as though my soul spoke to me and I truly listened.

Take care, I love you all and I will be in touch.

Love always, Erica

packing

ok, so i'm basically packed, except for a few odds and ends and the great thing is that i'm only taking one big duffel bag and a carry on backpack. i keep looking at pictures and lists from other PCV's and i wonder if i'm taking too little.

in the end, i've decided, who cares, what ever it is, i probably don't need it. i'd rather travel light. i've learned that the hard way. i know myself well, i know how to adapt. i will just adjust. i wish i didn't even need two bags. i'd like to have one little back pack and nothing else, but hey, i'm getting there. progress, not perfection, right?

i depart in 9 days and i'm ready. bits of saddness have begun to creep into my elation. i have really been trying to enjoy the time i have left and take it easy, something i sometimes feel guilty for, so this is nice. i want to be rested and relaxed when i leave, not a crazy mad woman running around trying fit in a thousand goodbyes.

GOOD BYE!!! There, if i missed anyone, sorry... that's just the way it goes.

i have found a few blogs of other volunteers that i will be serving with and they are all so nice! i look forward to meeting them and knowing them. i believe we all ended up in this together for a reason and i'm grateful. life is so good today.