I like to stop and pause..

Since being in Ghana every once and awhile I stop and pause. Thinking am I really here? Sort of like the boy when he came home from the dentist, is this real life?

 I lived my existence in the anticipation of the next move. Not really enjoying any moment. Right before I came here I learned the beginning steps of loving where you are. Here its as if the lesson has been learned. Initially I was nervous and hoped for the six weeks to go by as fast as possible.

This past Sunday I went to an open mic with a friend from USAC. It truly was out of this world, like a romanticized scene in a movie. Outside on a stage with a colorful mural as a background for the poets. The audience sat on lawn chairs on the grass. The live music was the icing on the cake. As the sounds lulled me into a state of consciousness I don’t often visit, I found out what it meant to be content. I am 100% okay with staying in Ghana for the next 4 1/2 weeks.

As if that wasn’t enough last night a group of us went to celebrate a friends birthday at midnight. Reggae on the beach was the only thing worthy enough to do. I swear these are the types of experiences that I have dreamed of since I was little. Picture this: a huge stage on the beach with a live band, a cleared area of sand for dancing, and off to the side, chairs/tables for those drinking under the midnight sky.  The atmosphere was amazing. Cool air breezed through my long twists as I twirled around and around. In my own world.

Of course there were it set backs. The more than a little to aggressive men. Some of which who are old Rastafarians. One who followed me around until I had my guy friend attempt to put him in his place. Leading to an even more intense argument.  As the night progressed I learned to dip and dive, not staying in one place so as not to invite unwanted attention.  After, the birthday boy and I played in the waves. Getting just close enough for it to touch our ankles. Occasionally there was the large waves that wet the bottom of my purple dress that went just below the knee. We laughed all the while.

I hope that I remember every part of this trip. It just keeps getting better and better. The only thing I wish is that I could share it with my close family and friends.

Life is good.