Today is a significant day in my life. Today marks the 2 year anniversary of the first time I stepped off an airplane into the stifling humidity that is a Ghanaian evening. 2 years ago, my life was hundreds of souls poorer than it is today. I am absolutely blessed to have experienced every moment of what I have. I've seen people rally together in the spirit of helping their brothers and sisters, sons and daughters across the sea. I've constantly been pushed to redefine who I am and how I relate to the things around me and I've emerged a person thirsty for more of this deliciously conscious living. I've had the honor of spending my time with people from all over the world with similar hearts to mine, I've met life-changing people and made lifelong friends.
Above all else, I've had the privilege of caring for my teachers. The children I've been loving and caring for have been a far better education for me than I ever received in school. They taught me to be a kind, patient and loving parent. They've illuminated the empty spaces in my life and invited me to fill them with love. They have proven to me on a daily basis that life is what you choose it to be while constantly choosing to be boundlessly joyful themselves.
Mama Jane and Auntie Beatrice have been wonderful women in my life. I'm filled with gratitude for having them in my life each time they cross my mind. Without Jane Irina Adu, none of this would have been possible.
Over the past 2 years, I've had so many opportunities to witness the generosity at work. Following are pictures of some of the things purchased for the orphanage with the nearly $10,000 in donations I've collected.
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| Rice, beans, garre and sugar purchased at market |
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| Backpacks purchased at market |
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| Christmas dinner, 2012. Volunteers teamed up to pay for a dinner of fruit salad, fried rice, fried chicken and salad for over 100 people including volunteers and workers. Most of this was prepared by Sister Beatrice |
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| Market trip for buckets, soap, toilet roll and palm nuts and tomato for 1 batch of palm nut soup |
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| Nathaniel (far right) teaching culture lessons |
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| Sankofa symbol on the side of the drum |
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| 3 of the 5 drums EC North bands purchased |
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| 1 of 2 hand machines purchased |
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| Manuela distributing school supplies |
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| Small market trip |
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| Mercy surveying the bags of rice, beans garre, and corn |
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| Small market trip for veg and spices |
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| Stack of uniforms. |
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| Israel and Foster with their new uniforms |
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| Nana with his new uniform |
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| Kujo with his uniform |
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| Shoes, socks, shirts and school supplies for new children joining school |
And there are plenty more donations where those came from! What can I do but extend an enormous medaasi (thank you) to all of you who have donated to The Potters Village. We all love and appreciate you very much.
In new and exciting news, there will be an event in Eau Claire to benefit The Potters Village this month. U Ghana Rock (formerly ''Uganda Rock'') will take place on February 22, 2013 with proceeds going to The Potters Village. A variety of bands from Memorial will perform in addition to some local bands. I'll post more details when I have them.
Love and Light-
Jayne
