Hi Michael,
I am so sorry that it has taken me this long to respond but life has been crazy since my return to San Diego. Anyway, I cannot thank you and Cato enough for this amazing trip! Traveling to Ghana was the most inspirational experience of my life and it’s difficult to wrap it all up in just words.
First of all, I would (and will) recommend Cato to anyone. It was an amazing organization and I felt that all of my questions and needs were taken care of. Even when I was in Ghana, I knew that if I had a problem at anytime, Pius was only a short phone call away and he was always checking in with me.
Secondly, my host family, The Larkais, were absolutely amazing! I think about them everyday because I know that for the rest of my life, they will always be a part of who I am. My father, Kiven, was especially wonderful. By the end of the trip, I was no longer referred to as another volunteer but instead his daughter. In their home, I felt a sense of love and compassion that is very similar to what I feel for my family here in the US. Anytime I had a problem, whether finding my luggage or getting to a particular destination, Kiven was there to help. I also loved the experience of being part of a big family. In San Diego, I only have one sister… but in Ghana, I have five brothers and sisters! The Larkai household was always filled with children, family, friends and neighbors… it was an amazing place to come home to!
I worked in the nursery where children were handled more like adults than infants. Coming from America where children are so gently cared for, this gave me great culture shock. However, my last week in Ghana I went to visit some other volunteer destinations in the area such as the Bawjiase Countryside Orphanage, an SOS Village and a Refugee Camp. I spent the day at the Countryside Orphanage and would recommend it to any of your future volunteers. The atmosphere was amazing and the older couple who run it are the most loving people I have ever me. The children were so happy there, something I wish I had seen more of at Osu.
I just want to end by saying thank you for everything you have done. I really appreciated your instant email responses and attention to my trip. Cato is an amazing organization! If you need to give my email address out to other volunteers, feel free to do so. I don’t have a computer so just warn them it might take a few days to respond. Thanks again for everything!
Erica G.
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