The End of January (Almost)

Here it is the end of January. The last that I heard I am leaving on February 11 and will fly for a couple of days from Toronto to Accra in Ghana. I should be quite tired by the time I get there.

I am putting off packing. One reason is that I still have to wear many of the clothes that I will take with me. Another reason is that I have not yet decided what to take. It is hard to know since there is still much up in the air.

It won't be as severe a transition as I experienced when I went to Nigeria, unless the weather changes in the next few days. January has been one of the warmest on record. It is still colder than what I will find in Ghana, but not as cold as expected for this time of year.

Sunday I went to church in Toronto and met a couple of Ghanaian men. They talked with my parents and assured them of my safety in Ghana. They also mentioned family and friends that I will be able to contact when I get there. One thing they both said is that it is going to be very hot in Bolgatanga. Other than that they were very positive about what I will experience. Both are planning trips there next year and said they would look me up when and if they come.

Less than two weeks to go and there is a lot that I could be doing. But I still feel a bit in limbo as I wait for the final approval and arrival of my tickets. Patience!!!!

Getting Closer to Leaving

January is passing quickly. I just received the word that my anticipated departure is February 11. I have been telling folks that I was leaving in a month. Now that I have a date to target, it seems so much closer. That means that I really need to start getting things organized - deciding on clothes, hardware, software, miscellaneous stuff, etc. I can remember some of the things that I wish I had taken to Nigeria with me when I went there, but I learned to live with what I had. I have some of those things, but not others. And I know that I will remember something when it is too late to do anything about it. But I know that it will be okay and I will manage with whatever I have when I get there.

I think that my previous experience will make this transition easier. However, I do have to continue to remind myself that it is not going to be the same experience as Nigeria. There will be different people, different cultures, different living conditions - both from Canada and from Nigeria. I am looking forward to getting started, while concerned about what I am leaving behind.

Training in Ottawa

This has been a big weekend. Lots of training. Met several new people and enjoyed getting to know them. Tiring because there is so much to learn and to try to apply to my placement in Ghana.

Just trying out this blog site on the recommendation of a new friend from the course and might use it as a way to keep in touch with folks while I am in Ghana.