Going Going Ghana in JUST 3 days!

I am going to Ghana. 

I am going to AFRICA!!!!  

In 3 days!  

I am a torrent of emotions...part of me is excited to be traveling overseas again.  After an aborted trip to Japan due to the massive earthquake, I commented to Matt (my loving husband) that I was itching to scratch my travel bug.  That part of our lives has been largely dormant since having kids.  Now I am going to add another continent and country to my list!  

I am also ready to get down to the work that is the reason for this trip.  I, along with a professor and 3 other graduate students, will be working with teachers in the greater Accra area.  As an educator committed to lifelong professional development for teachers, this is an amazing opportunity for me.  I believe that this opportunity will force me to think about the essential essence of teaching...without all of the technology, materials and resources that we take for granted in the United States.  I'm also eager to learn from these teachers.  There is amazing value in teachers talking to one another...cross-classroom, cross-school, cross-district and globally! 

I am really anxious about leaving my family.  This is the longest I have ever been away from my two daughters.  While I know that my mom and mother-in-law are going to step in and help my capable husband, I will admit I wonder how they will get along without their mom for so long.  As I have been agonizing about this over the last few days, a beautiful friend told me that it was important for my kids seeing me doing meaningful work that makes a difference.  I am grateful for words of support like these.  While it is hard to prepare for the separation, encouragement like this and the offers of carpooling, playdates and entertainment while I am gone is making it easier to go. 

Well, I will keep you posted.  Tomorrow is the first day of malaria medicine (ugh) and hopefully minimal side effects.  I am headed out on Saturday and 22 hours later I will arrive in Accra!  I will post as I am able with first impressions!  Hope you will *travel* along with me!