Ghana day 1

So. I have arrived in Africa. At the time of writing this I'd been here for an hour, and it's already been a huge culture shock. Getting here was relatively trouble free - getting out of Heathrow was the tricky bit! Firstly I checked in, received my boarding pass, and said emotional (for Megan...) goodbyes at the security gate. I was re-united with my parents approximately 93 seconds later because my boarding pass wouldn't scan. I marched straight back to the check-in desk to replace it with a functional one (earning lots of dirty looks from other passengers), re-said the emotional goodbyes, scanned it at the gate again, and it worked. I gave my parents a wave - confident the drama had resolved - and headed through to security. Now, I don't know if any of you have used a TENS machine. I've been trying it recently to help with transverse myelitis pain, and it's worked wonders. I now have a thorough appreciation of how it appears through a body scanner: fairly similar to an explosive vest, really. This meant I qualified for a suitcase search (it's amazing how quickly they're able to find your luggage when they want to!), and at that point 32 matching underwear sets, 2 skipping ropes and a shitload of nipple cream becomes extremely difficult to explain. I eventually managed to, and it was agreed I'd done nothing illegal, but I still felt like a terrorist whore.

Since landing, I have witnessed 10 people inside a Mini (father and 1 child on the drivers seat, mother and 2 children on the passenger seat, and 4 others squished into the back) which then had to be jump started, and after getting it moving the guy pushing it jumped into the boot. Traffic lights are seen as an optional guide. Roundabouts operate on a give way to the bigger vehicle system. I've seen a goat roaming a dual carriageway. If you want to overtake you just accelerate in whichever lane has least traffic. The Work the World rep said a prayer for us before we set off. I've seen a family drive truck laden with piles of clothes, a fridge, and three children. It's definitely a country where you just roll with whatever happens, and I can completely get on board with that!

Arriving at the Work the World house was another eye opener. Everying is clean and comfortable, but is a stark contrast to the dusty road, roaming goats and huts we see from our windows. Everyone is so friendly, and it's been really interesting hearing other students stories. I start working tomorrow, and I'm excited and nervous in equal measures.

I did a stock take of what I brought out with me for the orphanage - you guys are awesome!

Thank you all for all of your support and encouragement which made this amazing adventure possible.

Love Emily x