August 8, 2020

Dear Journal,

It’s been 20 years since I spent a month in Ghana, Africa.

Life has never been the same.

How could it be?

In honor of my time there, I chose to share my reflections but if I may be candid, I cringe.

What a new 17-year-old I was! Naive. Privileged.

But you know what?

What a BRAVE girl. What a KIND girl. You GO, girl.

Enough of this.

Here’s the real story:

When I was three years old, my step-dad moved in. He had lived in Africa for almost 7 years and so, our walls were surrounded with the most beautiful African paintings that captured my heart.

I had to go. There was no choice. My heart spoke.

And I listened.

I longed for Kenya but Ghana was as close as I could get at the time so I took it and ran.

Honestly, when that lady showed up and presented her opportunity to live with a host family in Ghana, I would have left the same day.

Instead, I applied with photos and answered questions of my dedication and good intentions.

I arrived in New York and met 27 other strangers who shared the same random dream.

We learned a few new words and set off on a plane to meet our new families.

The reality of arriving on a separate continent hit me hard, but in time, I learned.

I learned lessons I’m not sure I could ever teach my children without encouraging them to take a similar trip.

STEP, child.

TRY, child.

You, were meant for more.

Look inside.

Discover.

Recognize and Realize.

Live and Share.

What a BRAVE girl. What a KIND girl. You GO, girl.

Love,
Lauren