Giving Thanks

With everyone at home celebrating Thanksgiving, I have been reflecting on all of the time, effort, and hard work that has been put into making this trip to Ghana a success.  Choosing to live in a foreign country for six months wasn't an easy decision, but with the support and encouragement from my family and friends, the adventure became first a possibility, then a reality.  
I am grateful to have my mom, Julie DeLong, for first putting the idea into my head with stories of her Peace Corps time and how much she remembers and thinks about it still today. She has been excited for me every step of the way and helped with Malaria medications, plane tickets, moral support and countless other things only a travel savvy woman would know.  
My dad, Jay Query, has also been a huge support and I am grateful that even though it probably terrified him that his youngest daughter was striking out to Africa all alone, he trusted i could take care and hasn't badgered me too much with safety worries.
My sister, Katrina has been another source of inspiration for traveling and working with kids,through her time spent in Korea. She encourages me to do what I think is best and not worry about how the college years are 'supposed' to be spent! 
Dominic, who has been a trooper when it comes to dating a girl with limited phone and internet access on the other side of the world, and being there to listen to stories, woes, whining, bragging, and rap lyrics without complaint.
I wanted to give a quick public thank you to John Newell for spearheading a ton of fundraising and donations to send soccer jerseys to the boys team which is run through the orphanage!
Thank you to my extended family for your thoughts, prayers, and support. And a big thanks to my boyfriend, 
Friends thank you for listening to my stories, observations, complaints, and rambling. I wish you all a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving!