Volunteering means Experiencing

Volunteering means Experiencing.
- Teaching, learning, and being a part of daily life is what this trip is about. So, here's some glimpses into my Ghanaian life!

Worship means Dancing.
- Religion is everywhere here. So many shops have religious names, I'm constantly asked what church I attend at home, and already had an intense discussion about the importance of religion with one of the other teachers. But it's such a way of life here, and wayyyy more lively than back in Canada. On Wednesday mornings all the students gather for worship, and it really is a dance party. (Honestly, like sooo many things here) Singing, fist pumping, clapping, jumping, and energy, especially from the teachers leading it!!

Cadets means Caning.
- Its the only extra-curricular here, and it's intense. Itl's so disciplined and structured, unlike everything else here hahah. Iti's also meant that I've only been teaching in the mornings so far, because they train in the afternoon for the GNAPS celebrations this week. It'll be interesting to see them march on Friday with all the other students.

Football means Africa. Or, Africa means Football.
- Because there is no field or even PE class ehre I didn't get a chance to experience my first soccer game until a few days ago. Organized chaos, led by the students, in a tiny little area next to the school. And it was amazing. I was on a team with some of my Class 4's, and easily the same level hahah! Nothing like been showed up by little kids... :D I scored a goal and everyone went crazy, it was hilarious. Very cool to see kids with such a love for the game. :)

Students mean Leaders.
- It is inspirational to see the level of dedication, self-reliance, and the leadership qualities from these young kids. I feel like they're taking care of me, not the other way around...

Creative Arts with Basic 6 means Drama.
- Anything that involves acting, talking, or just being outgoing and dramatic is how they could spend every single class.

Creative Arts with Basic 5 means Drawing.
- I could give them a pack of pencil crayons and a pad of paper and they're golden for the hour class. They actually listen to me, and love anything to do with visual arts.

Creative Arts with Basic 4 means Playing Games.
- Again, the enthusiasm. My challenge is going to be getting a variety of everything creative incorporated into all my classes. Luckily for me, the students love the class so it's not too hard. And really, I love being Madam Sarah.

So what does Madam Sarah mean?
So far it could mean glorified babysitter, tutor, teacher, role model, or friend. Or of course, Obruni. But, it's starting to mean more than that. Even little 3 year old Whitney who hangs out at the Dadzie's house with us after school has started calling me Sarah, not Obruni, and in this country that's a bit step for becoming a part of their life!

So, I send my love to all of you back home!!
Sarah xoxox

PS. Went to the supermarket yesterday, was almost like being somewhere magical with all the fancy things there like cheese, chocolate, and anything you could find back home. Missing my snacks of bulk chocolate and brie cheese from Thrifty's... ;)