Ghana Trip Recap - Molly Hart

It is crazy to think that two weeks ago I was in Ghana repacking to head home; my bag lighter and my heart much, much heavier; saying rounds of goodbyes and collecting dozens of heartfelt letters. And now I’m repacking piles of issued gear to head back to South Bend for camp and it is setting in that the start of football season, school, and craziness that comes along with all of it is quickly approaching. Soon it will feel like Africa was ages ago and as time goes by, the vivid memories, emotions and experiences might dim, or be clouded out by new stress and priorities. Returning to my family and friends was relatively easy; they all knew where I had been and wanted to know every last detail about my time spent there, the kids I interacted with and the different types of food I ate. But, as reality sets back in, people will forget, not know, or not care about my trip and experiences this summer. They might ask how my break was or what I did, and I will have to summarize three weeks of life-changing experiences into a short conversation and I’m not sure how to do that quite yet.
I have no doubt that I have grown this summer; as a leader, as a Christian, and as an overall person. However, I also believe that these next few weeks of resettlement will also hold valuable lessons on patience, perseverance and keeping the faith alive in a world of unpacking shipments, practices, sunburns, walk throughs and sleep deprivation. This trip is certainly not a “one and done” deal, the experiences I had have taught, and will continue to teach, me so much about myself, my faith and my abilities. I was sad to see the end of my time in Africa, but I am excited to see what the past can teach me in the future.

To God Be the Glory!