Nearing triple digits- Day 100, with only a month left.

I apologize for the lack of writing I've done lately, (but don't worry, because this will be a long one!). I've racked my brain for a long time, and I still haven't quite thought of anything profound to write about. However, as you can tell from the title, things are beginning to wind down here. It's been more than 3 months since I left Wisconsin and made my way to Ghana, which means I only have a little more than 4 weeks left here in Legon. I guess you could say I have mixed feelings on that fact- some days I feel as if I've been here forever and can't wait to go home, and then there are days that are the exact opposite, and I wish I could stay for another semester, or even longer. If I had to try to interpret the situation, I think it's safe to say that the reason I wouldn't want to leave is because I really am leaving sort of soon… and I'm sure if I were staying until next May, then I'd feel a little differently (if that makes sense). Either way, as Koryoo, the Ghanaian woman who I always get my jollof rice and kenkey from, has kindly pointed out, "My days are numbered." Don't get me wrong, 5 (4) weeks is a long time, just not so much when compared to the 14 I've already spent here.

Last week I had my final development studies and political science classes, which leaves social work for this week (which was actually cancelled). So, as of now, I have completed my classes at the University of Ghana. Finishing classes is always a satisfying feeling, but here it's also been a little unsettling. Classes "officially" end this week, followed by a revision week (just time off for students to prepare for their exams), and then exams begin. I have one the day before Thanksgiving, the 6th of December, and then the day before we leave Ghana, the 11th. Until then, here's a little preview of my tentative plans.

This week- On Saturday we have our last program trip, where we'll head to the Volta Region and see Wli Falls and a monkey sanctuary. Other than that I have spent most of my free time at Beacon House.

Week of November 16th- Once we return from our weekend trip, I'll have 9 days until my first final exam. At this point I'll either be traveling next door to Togo and Benin for a few days to see what life is like in other African countries, or I'll remain in Legon to explore the city that I don't really know as well as I thought I did.

Week of November 23rd- First final exam of the semester! This will happen the day before Thanksgiving (thank you!), and then I'll only have two left. Other than spending the day or two prior studying, I'll probably be at Beacon House. I'm also hoping that our Europe travel plans will be finalized by this point, or at least they better be… Amsterdam and Madrid, (in case you're wondering).

Week of November 30th (which is really like the first week in December)- This week, well starting on Thanksgiving more than likely, will either be the or one of the two big trips in which I'll be partaking. It looks like I'll either be going up north to Mole (rhymes with olé with a little more emphasis on the "o") National Park, or to Togo and Benin (if it doesn't happen in the two weeks earlier). We had high hopes of visiting Nigeria or Cote d'Ivoire, but our roommate, who happens to be Nigerian, doesn't seem too keen on the former, and upcoming elections don't seem too great of a time to visit the latter. I'll be back in time for my second of three finals on December 6th.

Week of December 7th- This is it- our final week, (dedicated to Michael Jackson of course). This week will probably have a few day trips in store, as well as (a lot of) time at Beacon House, packing, and mentally preparing for Europe/leaving Ghana. I'm not going to bother predicting what will happen this week, because I'm sure none of what I anticipate will actually occur, and everything I don't expect will find a way to appear. That last week will definitely be… something. That's for sure.

I'm still in the process of trying to get help for Beacon House and other orphanages around the country, and cannot thank everyone enough for the help and gifts they've begun to share. I know that if I were not here, I more than likely would not understand the complexity, and ultimately the reality of the situations existing in Ghana that I'm attempting to raise awareness for. It is for that reason that I very much appreciate the trust everyone has put in me, and the thoughtfulness and consideration you all have given the organizations I have been working with while abroad.

However, there is still more that can be done. Spreading the word is the first step, and I am grateful for those who have taken the time to tell friends and family of the work that is taking place. Please find it within yourselves to continue to raise awareness for those that are perhaps not as fortunate as we may be, and to help give them possibilities that our families have provided for us.

And finally, since I cannot assume I will write again in the next two weeks, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Regardless of where I'll be, I know that there are so many people I'm thankful for, and unfortunate as it may be, there are about 30 who I might not have the chance to see again. Be that as it may, please find a place in your prayers for them this Thanksgiving, and know that they are some of the most extraordinary individuals who I've ever met, and I will miss each of them tremendously.