Volunteer Spotlight - Mikenna

Mikenna is a wonderful Ghana Make A Difference volunteer who returned from the orphanage this past spring. She took a minute to talk about what she loved about her time in Ghana.

My name is Mikenna and I just returned, rather reluctantly, from a month volunteering in Ghana though Ghana Make a Difference. It’s hard to sum up the experience except to say that I was and continue to be moved by all that took place during the short time I was there.

Aspects of life in Ghana that I have been missing include: Walking to the orphanage in the early morning to be greeted by sleepy faces and big hugs as we helped get the children up and ready for school. I miss the family we lived with and homemade banana pancakes for breakfast. I can’t believe it, but I think I miss the sound of roosters crowing. I miss windy trotro (Ghana’s form of public transportation) rides and buying plantain chips through the window while stopped at a stoplight. I miss serving lunch to the school children and greeting each one as they present their bowl to be filled with rice and stew. I miss fresh pineapple. I miss free time after school, reading to a group of intently listening children or having them read to me. The list goes on.

During my time in Ghana I was humbled and uplifted at the same time. The experience was a demonstration in cultural diversity as well as the truths that tie us all together. I was reduced to uncontrollable laughter as well as tears more than once and I met some incredible people in a place more complex, vibrant, and welcoming than I had imagined. I wouldn’t call the volunteer experience easy, but I know I am richer for it and I hope the children are richer for having me there.

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