Starting this journey with CorpsAfrica, I didn’t fully know what to expect. As I prepared to leave for my new community, I felt a mix of anticipation and uncertainty that was intense. I was grateful for the chance to make a difference, yet the reality of leaving behind the familiar and embracing a new life was humbling. I packed my belongings, my thoughts brimming with excitement and nervousness about the adventure ahead.
After a long ride through both familiar and uncharted landscapes, we finally approached Kpeve, where I was supposed to wait for the bus carrying my colleagues from Accra. They were the last group of Volunteers who hadn’t yet arrived in the region. The anticipation of meeting everyone added to my excitement, and knowing that I wasn’t alone in this journey reassured me as I prepared for the final leg to my new community. My luggage had to be placed on the roof as the car’s trunk was already full. As luck would have it, rain soon followed, soaking some of my things. It was a rough start, but I knew resilience was part of what lay ahead. Four hours after arriving at the station, my colleagues helped me transfer my bags onto the bus.
As we traveled on, the paved road transitioned into a dusty path, winding up mountains and away from any network coverage. My thoughts drifted to my time at Community-Based Training, where we had limited internet access, and I wondered if my new community would be the same. I reminded myself to let go of expectations, especially since the Google images I’d seen might not fully capture the reality. Soon, we dropped off a colleague at her community, and before long, it was my turn.
Arriving in my community brought a comfort I hadn’t anticipated. I was captivated by the sight of the mountains that bordered the village, their towering presence creating a serene backdrop. The small but charming buildings, including my new residence, added to the village’s appeal. I was pleasantly surprised to find good network connectivity, a comfort that eased some of my initial worries about adjusting to life.
My community partner was there to help me unload and settle in, even escorting us to meet with the chiefs at the palace. A group of elder women and men welcomed me with warm smiles and a gentle calmness that instantly put me at ease. My Volunteer Liaison introduced me, and after a brief interaction, my new “family” embraced me as one of their own. As we conversed, I realized how challenging it was for me to speak my mother tongue fluently, as I had left the land at a young age and had grown accustomed to communicating in English. I admitted this to my new family, who kindly offered to help me reconnect with my native language.
The chief, queen mother, and other elders shared words of wisdom with me. As the meeting concluded, I felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. Their advice and warm welcome gave me confidence in my new role. With their support, I look forward to immersing myself in the community and sharing more stories of this journey with you all.
