how many ways to say goodbye?

        I am so sad to leave Ghana today, I am filled so many emotions. I do not know which emotion it is though. I just feel so blessed for my parents and friends for supporting me to go to Ghana. I found a spiritual side of myself on this trip. I question God's purposes in life and reasons for having poverty. But i do question when is there a limit to what God has done for us or that person. I just know that there are people out there who give back as if they are God's answers. I think I have grown to appreciate people's spiritual side. I have found that God or whoever is like a lucky rock for some kids who need it to survive. The pictures I have captured represents what I see in their eyes and if you look a Little closer, there is a story. I have seen the more privileged children compared to farmers. It s incredible how different the children look, I love how they follow us foreigners and just want a feel of our hands. I feel like a celebrity, but to me they are. It is a wonderful feeling to have when the children or adults just want one touch of your skin or hair. When I would go to a village, I would walk slowly up to the child and take my hand out and show them I am here to hold on for a little bit. It is amazing how much th children will open up in their own way. It was important for me to capture pictures of children rather than adults because there are the next generation that I might be able to help or see again. The adults were private and wanted more out of us such as bring money or food, but that is understandable. I respect every Ghanaian out here. I cannot compare what I have seen here in Ghana to America. I believe, You cannot compare other people's culture because that is like comparing people's hearts. Some things dont need to be compared, I think just learning about a new culture can make you a better person if you notice the true meaning behind the culture. I do compare my opportunities I have had to the community in Ghana because it makes me feel more blessed but I wont ever tell them I am more lucky. In a way, I feel they may feel more lucky to have a better heart or value than me and that is fine. I never thought about this till now, but what if they feel more lucky than us Americans? I am a Chinese -Jewish US. citizen and I have grown into a lucky family. Feeling lucky is not the same as feeling blessed. I think feeling lucky means you didn't earn it or had to work for it. I feel blessed because I have worked so hard to over come my challenges with my parents that now I can say " I am blessed".
Now reflecting on the first morning before saying goodbye to my family&boyfriend, I don't feel stupid for crying. I cried because I was scared to change/learn new things. Not alot of people like change, especially changing themselves and making room for that new picture. But my tears was me hoping I would have room to put that new picture of me up inside my heart. Which I succeeded. I cannot wait to go home and share my stories that I have not mentioned in these blogs. I will have a hard time going home and accepting the old familiar community.
Off to the airport to Amsterdam,which I am excited kind of but will miss Ghana.

Photography of the Children

8/31-9/4

Akwaba(Welcome)!

August 30 -9/2

Memorial Plaque

Slave Castle, Elmina

City shots I took

Tonight(9/2) view!

Thursday:
    At Abrenya we(Paige and I) were greeted by primary school students in their uniforms. The uniforms were adorable and had crosses as he designs. I was impressed to see that this is the first school I've seen with kids in uniforms. Students are out of school in the summer but they were told to present for us which was great! I listened to the committee once again about the carousel and same results, needing more time on carousels to charge lanterns. It was a short quiet day, I enjoyed the walk because I got to get a feel for how far farmers walk every day. Also, one thing I did find amazing today was the drive the students all have to be able to be willing to walk 4 miles every day in the morning to class! One of the problems with the school was the distance, but it is all worth it, right? Unfortunately, tonight was our groups last night in Abomosu...I did not think I was going to cry but I did. In happiness and filled with blessings. I was so happy that Steven Abu(director/host of World Joy) knew how important it was for me to say goodbye to Seth Oppong as well. And I was anxious the whole dinner because I did not want to say "later" to them. I just shocked myself at how much of a relationship I formed  with three people. Only three people! I always thought that the amount of people you miss will mean more. But just three people walked into my life or I did and changed/improved a part of me. I have learned to grow patience and work on judging cultures especially. If you saw Steven and Seth, I'm sure you will miss judge the first time. I loved that I was able to bring the humor out of them because they come from such a serious lifestyle. I talked to Scott Finnie and Darcy Eastmon about my experience and my reasons for how I felt about Abomosu. I was saying, I didnt realize how much of an impact I had on people when I give an open mind/heart to people and the honest people shall receive and give back. I am just flabbergasted at how tied my tongue is when I talk about the great people I met and what Abomosu was like. I definitely felt a strong religious spirit from most of the villagers and leaders, I didnt mind, but I didnt realize how much the belief in a religion is a survival guide. I prayed for the first time tonight which was tough..I prayed for the people I've met such as Steven and Seth's family to always have food every night and know God is with them forever. At our meals, we pray for our meals and m not used to that, but I think its important to thank the holy one for the food. I saw a beautiful transformation within myself because I was willing to open my heart and not look back once. I only looked back to make sure the people know I can look back and not forget what I am leaving..for now. Looking back is not always a negative, it can also mean you just want to remember one more thing. Im not afraid of the consequences of looking back, I rather look back once more and look closer at the new experience that is ahead for me.
*more info on places we went: http://www.worldjoyinc.org

Friday:   

       Long drive this morning to Kumasi! We are now going to meet University students of Kumasi. I go to sit in a lecture hall with the other students and hear what they had to say about disability.  I was impressed in the students attitude towards disability and how obvious it was that they had to sacrifice alot to support disabilities. One student mentioned that disability means the society impairs one person with a disability. And I liked that the students were well educated and in my opinion was accurate. I spoke a little to all the students about what I have learned in Ghana.I mentioned how I am proud to be a person representing disability in Ghana. And that I leanrned how to be thankful for who I am and where I have grown up in. I am glad I came to Ghana because, I did not realize how lucky I was to live in America in this time century. And I cant believe I thought my society was tough on me. But compared to Ghana, I am more privileged to have the opportunity to have been accepted in so many communities. I listened to other students from our own group talk about disability and it is interesting hearing what they have gotten out of going to rehab centers. I hope for the future we call work on choosing the right word to define people with a disability. I thought of something about the word disability: your disability gives you the ability to change the dis. Just something I thought about. I have thought alot about all the disability events I have gone to such as I-CAN and surprised I remember the feelings I had. Just amazing how accepting yourself in general is so hard. Other than that we toured the Ashanti region for a little bit learning the history.

Saturday: Today we went to a knitting factory to see how the special materials are made by hand! Then we went to Paradise Restaurant which took forever for to get our food! but the beach was a lot of fun and just needed a relaxing day to reflect. As the days go faster, it is becoming bitter-sweet to have it end.



Learning how to make fabric!:)

Sunday: On our way to Cape Coast! Cant believe we are staying at a 5star resort! The scenery is beautiful here! I have seen such huge lifestyle transformation such as going from a poor village to a resort. I am so lucky! I dont feel I deserve to be staying at a resort but I wont take it for granted. I cant believe I leave in three days, amazing how fast this trip has gone. I have truly had my breath taken away here. I need to come back to Ghana and bring more people here. We just hung out at a beach and looked for shells.



Hello Beautiful,more beautiful live

Leaving imprints

 

Monday: Cant believe its already Monday! Going to the rain forest canopy walkway! The walk wasn't scary at all, just really unbalanced and a struggle to make sure everyone walks slowly. I had a blast doing this today. I loved being in the wilderness of Ghana. Did not see any animals today unfortunately:( But I got to smell the fresh air and see the trees. For lunch, I had an exciting experience, We ate with crocodiles but it was pouring out so the crocs were boring and sat in the water. But I met a photo journalist for National Geographic! YES! I cannot believe I met one and I talked to her about my photography experience and got her contact information. I talked about Kevin donating me my gears and how I just have such high dreams in photography. I am going to send my work to her and see what she thinks!I told her its such a dream for me to have my picture in one of the magazines! how cool would that be? I was meant to meet the photographer I think because It is something I dream of doing and if your willing to learn about other people you realize they are that connection to your dream. It was the highlight of my day of course, and my group members were supportive about the quality of photos on this trip. I cannot wait to go home to have more time to thoroughly through my pictures. I have actually loved hearing other "American's" reasons for going to Africa because they all have different journeys and are creating stories like mine. I am having a hard time again knowing we leave Wednesday..I am so sad to leave Ghana, love the busy life I had and watching every move the people do here. I loved feeling free and like I know how to walk down the street and know exactly how to greet people. I definitely hope to travel to other countries sometime in my future and capture more moments. My photography is my souvenir I only wanted and I bought paintings that captured my feelings. I fell in love with this one art piece and couldnt resist buying. I met the artist and got to watch him paint. Amazing!

Wednesday: Off to the airport to Amsterdam(lay over for 8 hours). Then seeing my boyfriend then Seattle finally!:)

Thanks for following!
email me if you have any questions: klanfen@yahoo.com

light vs strength

Seth(interpreter from World Joy-Great guy and spent lots of time with him learning new things).We are on the new carousel!

8/28/2012-8/29

Tuesday:  We are still continuing to interview with a committee of water& carousel folks in Wekpedi-Abresu(near Abomosu). The carousel was our new project for Lexi and I to take on. We learned that the carousel charges electricity  for the lanterns. The lanterns are not like paper lanterns more like a lamp for camping but can recharge. As we interviewed a group from the committee and some local villagers, I learned a few facts about how important the lantern was for the children. Because of power-outage or no electricity and gets dark at 6PM, what are the kids going to do about studying? Some students are given lanterns to study at night and have other students join in one group. The lantern has helped the children to be able to study at night and participate in discussions the following day. The parents of children with lanterns emphasized how blessed they are for the lanterns because they value education, but the parents requested a lantern for their night house chores but were not allowed to use it. It seems, the older folks or parents do not get the opportunity to have things such as shoes or clothing donated to them specifically. Most of the adults in every village we have visited have asked us to bring back clothes or lanterns. I spoke to everyone and apologized for not having knowledge of the villages wanted as well as not being able to make any promises. It is heartbreaking when we show up with nothing to give(materials) except our ears. The folks were still thankful of course and hopes we come back to bring change. Later we interviewed some young teens and they spoke well about how blessed they are for the lanterns. It really amazes me how one lantern can change a small group of villagers. I was telling Lexi how we even take flashlights for granted. I thought about light and how thankful I am for having light in my life. I didnt realize how the villagers life duties have to change because of light. In a way, I think of light as a little metaphor for Ghanaians; a little light such as the lanterns represent a little change in their lives and I think if there becomes more light in ones lives, there's a bigger change. My favorite quote "be the change you want to see" comes into play because  I really want to bring more lanterns to Ghana and you can't change something if you can't even see( ie light).  Seth did a well job explaining everything for us and translated everything I wanted to speak out. Seth helped give me a voice and It meant a lot to me. At the end of the interviews, I walked to the local market and met with Seth and he helped translate alot for the other girls to get an outfit made for them. I am just so thankful for meeting Seth, he has made this trip meaningful because he has taught me so much about the culture of Ghana and answers with such honesty. Also, I gave him 10 cedi($5) for helping us this week because he is not getting a penny for all his work in the summer. He was so proud and we went to the food section of the village and I learned what he buys every week for his family. I like being able to just hangout with a Ghanaian because I can learn more and get a better picture of their lives.

Thursday:
   Today as a group we headed to Begoro to paint for the Army Salvation Rehabilitation Center for folks with a disability. I was in awe at this facility because it is exactly where I want to work. I met a special educator who is the only one working as a SPED. I was surprised and yet gave me motivation to come help him. We ended up not painting because of the horrible fumes so we just cleaned the rooms and bathroom. I went to visit with the SPED provider(no name) and let him now I am currently pursuing in  SPED. And all of a sudden, I sat with him and a patient and was helping! The little girl I met with is a 10 year old girl who is intellectually delayed and something else it seemed but I dont know. Anyways, the little girl could not talk yet and could use her body and hands perfectly fine but wouldn't participate in any activity we tried setting up for her plus the task the teacher wanted her to do was to hard for someone who is that low of an IQ. I learned that she has been abused by her grandmother for doing any daily living tasks and that was the reason the little girl refused or was unable to do anything. It is so unfortunate how nurture can be abused and affect our ability to function. I felt for her and wished I knew more about SPED and this event just showed me why I am pursuing SPED. I was asked to come back and start a SPED sschool in Ghana, but I have not planned that far ahead, but I still have the same dream/goal to build many SPED schools in 3rd world countries. This clinic touched me in a way, because I felt I belonged here and felt so valued. I also introduced myself to everyone and was not shy about it at all. I jumped right in and helped a boy with C.P to eat. And the captain was very happy because no one else even thought about feeding him that day because it was so busy. One trait I do love about myself is I like to step in and be a leader. I dont compare myself to others way of helping others, I can only compare myself from who I was the day before. And because I stepped in, I am closer to reaching my goal and being proud of every little bit of me. The little girl who has been abused but is a survivor reminded me of myself in a way because as a victim of verbal abuse as a child, I know what fear is but I always knew I had to be strong and take in the important shields I needed. I wish I can follow up on the young girl, because right after she is done at the clinic, she has to go back to the abusive grandmother. I pray to God for her to find that armour and hold on to it little longer.

values vs culture

8/27/2012

  Morning! Back to Ekorso village this morning with Lexi again to interview the chiefs and committee of the sanitation and water  regarding the boreholes. I learned so much when we met with the committee and they had tables out in a classroom for us to sit which was very formal. Seth our great interpreter  helped us around the village again. Whenever we are with Seth he makes our touring more fun because he supports me wanting to learn the culture even more and translates every question I have. Seth lets me ask questions and really includes me in conversations. Anyways, while i was in the village I really wanted to take advantage in trying to live like a Ghanaian. I asked a villager and asked if I can try to carry a baby like the woman do in the villages. And I got to! The mother cleaned and changed the baby into new clothes for me to try which was so sweet. And carrying the baby for a little bit meant so much to me! Because I want to take in as much as I can, I am willing to try to new things. The way I learn is to try it and it helps me to learn the culture even more. This trip is helping me learn to live the moment and by doing so I try new things! I feel so welcomed here because they are so accepting and always welcomes me. During the committee meeting, we discussed the goals and troubles of the borehole(water pump) since the government built it. It seems that the villagers don't make a commitment to pay  a small fee for the borehole because the government built it so there is an expectation. I agree with the commitee that families of eacho house should pay a small fee in order to pay for the damage. It was common that every village wanted more boreholes but I think they need education on how to maintain. It was just me and Lexi at the meeting. I spoke and really focused on what the men were sharing. One man asked for us to return and help with the boreholes. I feel useless in a way because I do not have much power or education to help or educate a borehole. I have connections but I dont want to make promises. I realized how much the villagers really want to seek answers and apparently us "Americans" may be the answer. I told them I cannot promise anything or my return but just gave them some steps to help improve the borehole issue. I want to really live like them such as fetching water and walking miles to the farm, just for a day though hah. So I asked Seth if I could help his family with some house chores and try learning more. I went with a young woman to a river where she fetches water because of the borehole breaking, so they are desperate for water. The river was awful, just unbelievable how  the pressure of one borehole that is working affects a village. The woman has great knowledge of the damage but cannot wait in a long line for water. Mining has become a huge deal in Abomosu now because the minors have contaminated the river and caused a huge issue within the village. Mining for gold is illegal but thats what you have to do if you need to survive.  I was emailing my Dad earlier about my recent blog about the new perspective on culture. My Dad mentioned this, " They are happy having so little. Things are not the end all of everything. Having enjoyment is much more meaningful. This is my complaint about Redmond with it's emphasis on big houses, cars,clothes and appearances".  I loved this because it was so meaningful and my Dad helped me think better about my new perspective on cultures and materials. I always have had an accepting and opened mind but I never was willing to change my lifestyle. I definitely have compared my culture to this culture and my own values as a person. I know I have decent and appropiate values for myself but my values about finding happiness has grown alot. I sometimes find my self being happy because the money ive earned lets me buy clothing. And thinking about all the expensive clothing I've bought, did it really make look better or happier?not necessarily. I notice I am so happy and free when I am here and when I travel to low income countries.  My parents always told me I am more beautiful when I volunteer and I feel it. The young girls are so beautiful, even though they had to cut their hair off, the passion they have to help their own family is what makes them beautiful. I know lot of people say they feel fortunate for what they have but why are they still wanting more? why do people have to get the luxurious cars,when you can buy one for low price that works ok.Its ridiculous. My goal is to decrease my values on designer items and just be lucky I get to change clothes everyday. I get mad when I see people buying and buying stupid clothes and have to tell everyone about it. Also, I get mad when some people whine about a phone breaking! We have been going two weeks without a phone and I been doing just fine, even better. I am lucky to have a family though and just cant believe I was adopted to the perfect family for me. I would like to adopt a child from Africa and teach them about their cultures as they grow up. My parents emphasized on having me and my siblings learn about our culture. It was not their way of teaching us to be happy with what we got, it was more to expand and come up with our own values and ideas about cultures. And I think I have almost reached that point where I am ready to change my lifestyle values one step at a time.

 

 

8/26/2012

8/26/2012

I slept in today till 2pm which was really nice! Then Lexi and I went on a walk close to the house to a nearby river. We stopped by at our host Steven Aboo's farm/home and were intrigued by the animals once again! This time I got to feed all the animals with corn and it was so much fun! The animals were really close to me which kind of scared me but it was fun! That is all I did was watch the animals and asked lots of questions!

Until tomorrow!:)

Pictures of Ghana

Some of my photography work from my trip! more to come! check my facebook!the kids are so beautiful!