Maakye! Yefre me Ama...

It's been a while! Sometimes the thought of writing a post seems rather daunting. I don't know what to and what not to include. So much has happened since I've arrived in Ghana. I've already learned so much and experienced many "firsts"-- i.e. first bucket bath, first latrine use, first encounter with a chief, first health lesson taught, first family planning and malaria skits performed, first Ghanaian dress (I'm totally addicted), first Ghanaian beads (also addicted), first fufuo, banku, kenki (I definitely spelled those last two wrong...), and many other firsts.
It was difficult to be here at first. I was extremely homesick, and I definitely cried more than a hand-full of times. I still miss home-- my family and friends, but with each day, I get more and more comfortable here. The prospect of living here for two years does not seem quite so daunting anymore.
Right now, I'm living with a family in a medium-size town in Southern Ghana, but come December, I will move to my permanent site in the Upper Volta Region. Upper Volta is far more remote and less developed. So far, I've visited the area twice, and I'm very excited about living there. It seems there will be a lot of work for me to do, but I also often wonder if I really will/can be effective there (here, in general). I wonder what kind of change I can really bring to a country and culture that is rather different from my own. I wonder if it's even my place to do so. But, people seem so happy to have us here. They go out of their ways to make us comfortable, and I know there must be a good reason for that. I also try to remember that 2/3rds of the Peace Corps policy is about culture exchange--not just development projects, and I know I can facilitate cultural exchange just by simply living here.
As for the question about things I need-- (but, please, please,please don't feel obligated to send anything...)
Shampoo
Conditioner
Bandannas (I sweat like a champ here...)
Pictures
Poems/Quotes---anything to hang on my walls
Magazines
Newspaper clippings
Peanut Butter M&Ms
As you can see, I don't really "need" anything to serious. Mostly, if you have the time, I'd love to receive letters from anyone and everyone. Receiving mail here is decidedly one of the best feelings in the world. So, if you've got the time, write me letters, and I'll write back as promptly as I can! I hope you're all well! Sending euphoric vibes from across the ocean--take that as you will...

All my love,
Ama (Saturday-born daughter) Cynthia