Ghana Update - Daniel Young

​Relationships are such a powerful thing, and that has rang true during my time here in Ghana. When the plane left the ground in New York, I had no idea what incredible relationships would develop in the weeks to come. Smiles from cheek-to-cheek welcomed us as soon as we entered the gates of the village, the place where I would call home for three weeks. And home it was.
 
The relationships that I have been fortunate enough to make here are ones that I will never forget: the relationships with the kids, the relationships with my team members, the relationship with myself, and most importantly the relationship with God.
 
I would like to think that I have positively influenced the children here, but something tells me that the impact I’ve had on their lives pales in comparison to their impact on mine. Whenever I look at them I can’t help but smile and be filled with so much joy. They have taught me dance moves and some Rafiki “lingo”, blasted me with riddles, and made saying goodbye at the end of the day a difficult task.
 
My team members have also played an enormous role in the success of this trip. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my incredible team members. Each one of them have had a different impact on this trip and in my life, and I couldn’t imagine it without any one of them. I am so grateful that God has chosen us to go on this excursion together and grow as individuals, a team, and children of God. I am looking forward to staying connected with them when this trip is all said and done.
 
Through all of these incredible people, I have been able to strengthen my own relationship with myself and also my relationship with God. I came here on a mission to use sports as a medium for building relationships with everyone that has been placed into my lives, and right at the center of those who have been placed into my lives is God almighty. It is he who brought us all here, and it is he who is orchestrating the entire thing as it continues to take place. The relationships are what made this trip worthwhile, and I will never forget each and every relationship that has been built. Saying goodbye is going to be impossible, but I can do all things through Christ.