Why I Continue

Besease Swimming Hole

I will not pretend it is easy to work on something like Enliven Mama Africa and still be a full time student with extracurricular involvement. Sometimes I do wish my schedule was a bit more typical.

However, making the video brought me joy. Watching the fundraising bar grow everyday brings me joy. But what brings me the most joy is the idea of working with the young mothers of Besease. I can't say I know them the way I know my best friend. However, while in Besease, I could sense their great need and great potential.

It is the hospitality of Ghana that makes it such a second home for me. These young mothers opened to Mavis, our translator, telling her their stories. They "took us as their friends," even teaching us how to cook Ghanaian food and showing us the swimming hole at the river. The strength and kindness of these people are the rule, not the exception.

Maa Aggie Adinkra, my Ghanaian Mother

Exchange Student Life

I continue working on this project because of my love for Ghana. My host family and friends there endure in my heart and mind. There is a large part of me called "Afia Adinkra." She is a piece of me that could easily have disappeared upon my return to the United States. But I have chosen to allow my experience to completely transform how I spend my time. It is not easy, but I know life could be much harder. I will never have to worry about my basic needs.

No matter how hard this gets, I will continue. I have given my word to Maxwell. I have family in Ghana, who are so supportive of my endeavors. I have friends there from many walks of life.

I may never live in Ghana again. I can't say for sure. But Enliven Mama Africa lives there, and lives in the USA, too. Sarah Bibbey and Afia Adinkra co-exist within my very self.

Help keep Enliven Mama Africa going by giving at: http://www.gvcoca.org/fundraisers/enliven-mama-africa/