Two Years and Three Months: A Ghanaian Farewell

I suppose it was really a US American farewell and more of a Ghanaian "Hello!" But regardless, my parents threw me a going party this past Saturday at their house. Some friends, some family, and LOTS of food (that we've been eating and will continue to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for quite some time). It was really nice to see everyone one last time before I go, and I only cried two times. So, all and all, I think it was a success! My grandma gave me my birthday and Christmas gifts for the next two years. That broke my heart a little. It's weird to think I won't be here for the holidays. However, the party got me pretty excited for my departure too. I talked a lot about my ambiguous job description and location and showcased my reusable feminine wear, and now I'm getting anxious to resolve those ambiguities and use that reusable feminine wear! I'm ready to get going! Though, I am greatful for a little more time at home.

Today I shipped some books to the Peace Corps office in Accra. It took the the postal guy 20 minutes of all the wrong packaging before he realized I was going to Ghana and Guyana. Simple mistake. I also opened a line of credit at the bank this morning, and the teller told me I should find a job that pays. I don't usually tell people about my leaving for the Peace Corps, but I was recently encouraged by a friend to be a little more openly proud of the fact. So, I tried it out, and you know, I think I'm just going to keep my occupation to myself from now on. ; )

Sooo, my first post! Ta Da! I've never been very good at this blogging business, but I'm going to really try my best this time. 12 days and counting!

Some pictures from my party...

My monster cake, compliments of my mama...

Grandma Isabel! She's pretty fierce. And Erin! Also pretty fierce...

Saying goodbye to my godmother Elaine...

Sister, sister! Some Schatzel girls-- Aunt Anna and Aunt Diane...

Another Schatzel girl-- Aunt Carolyn. Uncle Leo and Uncle George--not Schatzel girls...I was thinking about writing a bookumentary-- "The Schatzel Girls and the Men Who Married Them"--if you have any good stories or anecdotes to contribute do tell... ; )

My mom (Schatzel girl), Aunt Sue (not a Schatzel girl), Aunt Kathy (Schatzel girl)-- bunny ears compliments of Uncle Harry (married to a Schatzel girl)

The same picture, but I felt it was worth including because my mother is so artfully displaying how to prevent your eyes from looking small in photos. "Just don't look into the lens!" she says...Whether you choose to take her advice or not, I'll leave up to you...

Uncle Leo blessing my new home...

Anna Banana (technically a Schatzel girl) and her 24 beads. Anna is the true capitalist of the family. She's also sideways, and blogspot is pretty set on keeping her that way, but I'll do what I can to get her right side up in the future...