one month living in accra, 23 more to go.

When I first returned from Ghana in 2019, I struggled to want to share my experience with people. Not because I had a bad time and didn’t want to talk about it, but because no words could ever explain how for the first time in my life I finally felt like I was in an environment that understood me and reflected the lifestyle I wanted to live.

The one where people value other people, slow living forces you to reflect more than you want to sometimes, all your worries are put to rest, and you wake up excited for everyday.

After two years I’m back, and after only a few weeks Accra has, just like that, taken my breath away again. 

I’m quickly realizing that visiting a country for two months vs. moving here for two years is a completely different story.

I still love Ghana, but even the most minor inconveniences makes it clear that my biggest obstacle here will be myself.

Specifically my patience and figuring out which chapter of my life is currently being written.

Learning the ins and outs of the systems here in Ghana has been funny, challenging, annoying, and interesting all in one.

The Uber drivers calling to ask me where I am going when they saw where as they were accepting the ride lol.

The men asking me if I have a boyfriend before asking me for my name (bittersweet, but we can talk about that some other time).

The traffic that has me leaving my house 1-2 hours early even if where I’m going is just 15-30 minutes away.

Having to pay for all my furniture upfront instead of doing the layaway method to not feel the financial cost as much.

The constant staring from head to toe, which leaves me wondering if it’s out of genuine curiosity or if my outfit of the day is just ugly as hell.

I am blessed to be surrounded by people who have extended grace, and their precious time to help me settle into my new home.

I rewatched my study abroad vlogs more than people will ever know during some of my highest and lowest moments over the years.

I price watched tickets ALL THE TIME and imagined myself taking the long journey from Florida back to Ghana.

I prayed so many times to be right where I am again and the hope I held on to was worth every second of my current reality.

So I will embrace the highs and lows as they come every single time.

Warm regards,