The hardest part ... thus far...

Well,

I faced one of the hardest parts thus far. Saying goodbye to Erin at the airport. Much more difficult than I had initially anticipated. I will miss her very much and look forward to our reunion. She is truly a wonderful person and I am blessed to have her as my wife. Her strength has really amazed me. It is amazing when someone loves you this much. Her strength really helps me in this.

It was tough though trying to get to sleep with out her there beside me but soon enough will be together again.

I start training tomorow and am excited to meet this cahallenge ahead.

Take care,
Jason

questions...so many questions...

As it is only two days before I leave to start this adventure. I find myself faced with many questions both from friends/family and from within.

"Why are you doing this?"

"What do you hope to accomplish?"

"Who are you doind this for?"

"Is Erin OK with all of this?"

"What impact do I seek to acheive and how do I measure this?"

"Why am I leaving my Wife for 4 months to go halfway around the world?"
"What should I bring with me?"

"Why is my pack nearly full already?"..ere

These are just a few of the many. I wonder if others are faced with similar questions and how they have answered them for themsleves. Some of these I have a good grasp on while others I am still trying to define.

Got to get back to packing and figuring out what to leave behind...two more days until departure training...can't wait to start!

Take care,
Jason

Well Here Goes...

Well this is my first post of many (hopefully). I'm pretty new at this and not too sure where it will lead me but I want this blog to be my written memory of my summer overseas. Although it would be impossible for me to email everyone individual while in Ghana I hope that in this way you can be included with me on this trip. I'll try and upload some pictures along the way so you can see Ghana with me.

The purpose of my trip is two-fold. Firstly, and most importantly, I'm going to Ghana to work on a water and sanitation project and hopefully apply my engineering knowledge to assist in alleviating poverty. But secondly I'm learning from the NGO (CWSA) and creating new relationships to understand a new culture and way of life. I hope this knowledge will broaden my views, and that I will be able to pass along my experiences and new found knowledge.

The time I have left in London is quickly disappearing. I'm trying to find as much time as possible to spend with my Erin before I leave. I look forward to September when I have a chance to see my wife again and evaluate this experience as a whole.

I hope this blog remains a part of your regular routine. I will try and keep it up to date as much as possible. I hope that you will comment as you feel comfortable and let me know if you want me to explore some other issues.

Good luck and Keep in touch.
Jason