Intro Post - Going to Ghana
They say the key to happiness is to discover your passion. Bringing that passion to fruition is a whole other story. For the past several years I have known (more or less) what it is I want to do but struggle with the question of how to follow my dreams while still making a living.
My dream, in very simple terms, is to provide access to healthcare for children and their families living in remote, rural communities in Ghana. I want to create a mobile heath unit to service those who might otherwise go without. There are so many great and worthy causes but for me healthcare, and specifically access to, is what resonates most.
Let me tell you a bit about how I have arrived at where I am today.
In 2007 I visited Ghana as a voluntourist. It was my first time to Africa and my first time volunteering, where I spent 2 weeks at a remote orphanage. At the orphanage, I had an almost instant connection with the kids on a level that I had a hard time explaining, even to myself. I am not sure connection is even the right word but I was just not able to stop thinking and worrying about these children even after I was back home. It took quite some time to figure out why but as I started comparing my own childhood with theirs it become clearer.
I grew up in Canada with a rare bone condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). OI is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. OI is also known as “brittle bone disease". I broke my legs more times than I can even remember and spent half my childhood in hospital with fractures and surgeries. As painful and difficult as it was for me I can’t imagine the stress it caused my parents. It wasn’t until my 30’s that I really began pushing myself to become strong and more active. I worked hard, and started to test the limits of what I was capable of. I use to use a wheelchair regularly, but today I use only crutches and can keep up with just about anyone. I have not used a wheelchair in over 17 years.
One afternoon I was chatting with a friend, just thinking out loud, when I blurted out, ‘you know, had I been born in Ghana with this condition, I likely would not have survived.’ It was in that moment that I finally got it. Simply because of where I was born geographically, not only did I survive, but I was able to thrive in this world. I had the good fortune of living in a country where health services were readily accessible. I literally had access to whatever procedures could help improve my condition and make my life better and more comfortable.
In 2008, I also co-founded a registered Canadian charity called All for Humanity (AFH). I have been making annual trips since, and despite having no previous skill sets in this field, and the enormous learning curve that comes with that, I am quite proud of our accomplishments over the years. Our work is hands-on and very much at a grassroots level. I have gained a wealth of experiences, knowledge and contacts resulting from my work with our organization.
Given my experiences I feel quite clear on what is possible and I know what my next steps need to be. And the struggle you ask? FEAR! Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of judgement and fear of making mistakes along the way.
It’s time for action. I realize living with the regret of not even trying will be far worse than the temporary discomfort of challenging my fears. I also know the type of research I need to be doing at this stage cannot be done from Canada.
Therefore, over the next couple of months, I will investigate what it’s going to take for me to be in a position to take a personal sabbatical to Ghana within the next 12 months. I would like to spend 3 to 4 months in Ghana exploring my options and determining just how feasible my ideas are. I want to come home with a solid plan for what can realistically be achieved and how that is going to happen. Will it be a newly discovered solo project or will there be an opportunity to work within the existing framework of AFH?
I will also use this sabbatical as an avenue for me to volunteer my time at hospitals and other organizations working in Ghana. Running a charity, while also working a fulltime job, has been quite consuming and in some cases has distanced me from the hands on work I love. I look forward to being able to just give my time where and however needed. As I have learned, some of the greatest discoveries have come from the unplanned so I am open to any opportunities that might present themselves.
Consider this your invitation to join me on the journey. I will use this blog to talk about past experiences that have shaped who I am, my plans for the future and my progress along the way!
Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.
~Arthur Koestler
