So, I leave for Ghana tomorrow. Its really crazy how fast time flew here! When I look back at what I have done, what I have learned, how I have changed, and what has changed me, its truly incredible.
For the past week we have been saying goodbye to the community and I have to admit, I'm going to really miss Moncton. Before I start with details about that however, Id like to say a little bit about an article we read a couple of days ago during our debriefing. It was titled "To hell with good intentions" and it really made alot of sense I came to find. It told of the harm we are doing going into a developing country to "help", to "volunteer", or to "make a difference". Ill use the example used in the article about the Peace Corps. Did you know they spend 10 000 dollars on each missionary to train and prepare them for the culture shock they will experience when they go overseas? Its ridiculous, because they go into countries of which they know nothing of. They know nothing of the culture or the state of its people, they have a single story of places like Ghana or other African countries and that is that the people are poor, starving and need THEIR help. Meanwhile, the people of that very country have just as much capability to help themselves. Imagine sending as much money spent on training missionaries, directly to a developing country or an organisation there! Not only would it provide jobs for people, it would empower them and help the overall economic state of that very country. Try putting yourself in the shoes of another if I'm not really making sense to you. Imagine living in a developing country yourself, and imagine a white foreigner coming to your country, with no knowledge of its people, of respect for those people, or how the country itself works. Now wouldn't it be hurtful and maybe even insulting if that foreigner came to you thinking they had a solution to all of your problems? Thinking that you had begged for their help? And having them disrespect your culture simply because they know nothing of it?
With this I just want to clarify a few things. Alot of people believe that on this trip, I'm changing our world and I'm making a difference. This is a false statement. Don't get me wrong, I hope to have inspired a few people along the way, and raised awareness on different issues, but the reality of it is, this is a trip for MY self. Its to change me, to make me aware of conflict and how to resolve it. Its about learning and being immersed in the true culture of Ghana which translates to really seeing the country; really knowing it; really understanding it. This trip is about working cross culturally and gaining skills in that department, its about realising my own potential and my own life goals. So, not meant in any bad way, but please don't think I'm out changing the world, I'm out changing me. Maybe that's the first step to changing the world? Maybe its the first step to changing a tiny fraction of it? All I know is I'm learning a heck of alot of stuff about myself, and the world around me and that's a first step towards something good.
With that said, I leave for Ghana tomorrow guys! The day we've all been waiting for. Ive had such a wonderful past few days with Barb and Brian. We even put a Christmas tree up!! I'm really going to miss living with them. Its had its challenges for sure, we've gone through some ups and downs, but you've heard me say before, whats an experience without a few challenges? Barb has taught me so many things about life, and really living. I would have to say some of my best memories are sitting down one on one with her, and listening to her wise words. I'm going to miss living in a house with Mary and Kayla as well. In Ghana Priscilla and I are going to be in a host family just the two of us. Its a sad transition, but the way I see it, is everything has extreme potential to get better and better, and i just know this trip is going to unfold that way :)
I have to sign of now , i really need to get a good nights sleep ! Lots of travelling ahead of me.
Pumpkin juice and love
Jillian xo
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
SNOW with 5 days to go !!!!!
I would say this has been the hardest week so far in the program. It has challenged me, taught me, hurt me, and helped me. I don't really feel like explaining every detail, cause its been hard enough, I would like to put emphasis on the good tonight :) SO first of all, the snow came!! That day, was the best day. Last day of work, it was a little sad. I'm really going to miss the staff and the kids, Ive had a great time getting to know them all ! Walking home, I really had fun. I was just by myself, but it was snowing! The first real snow Ive seen this year, I forgot how happy snow made me. Covering everything like a beautiful white blanket. Just walking I started by picking up a handful of the fluffy stuff and throwing it in the air! Then I couldn't help but run, I slipped and fell and couldn't help laughing at myself, laughing so hard I couldn't get up, the people driving by really probably thought I was insane. But I was LOVING it so I didn't even care.
I'm going to miss snow when I go to Ghana, which is in 5 days in case you didn't know. Everyone is getting so excited! Quin is already all packed. Ive started to pack! Were supposed to get done in the next few days. Monday to Wednesday we have debriefing, were doing it here so that we have 2 days of free time in Montreal ! I haven't made any plans with Priscilla or anyone, but were thinking a nice dinner, and maybe explore old Montreal? Who knows!
Earlier this week there were some fun things that went on! Monday was Lokita and Corbin's E.A.D, renamed Aboriginal Culture Day. It was a very informative and inspiring day! We went to the first and only aboriginal art Gallery in the Maritime. Its incredible how the Maritime, where aboriginals first settled in Canada, has had no place to display their art, or their culture at all. Aboriginals all across Canada are being repressed, in the Maritime more than anywhere. Its really sad and unfair, they have so much to tell, so much to share. The story of Pascal and his wife, their determination to bring Aboriginal culture to the Maritime is so incredible! They fought doubt and discrimination but never gave up. They also ran the first ever National Aboriginal day ever in Moncton. It was a really fun day :)
Tuesday morning there was a goodbye BBQ at Habitat and Restore! It was pretty sad leaving that work placement, the director Ron, was really alot of fun to be around. I'm going to miss him most!! Thursday, Charles came to join Eric and I for our own last day at Habitat. In the morning before he got there though, Eric and I went out to have fun and take pictures in the snow!! We made THE best snowman, it was alot of fun. Charles wasn't left out though, once he got there Eric and I made sure he got a taste of the snow fun, with a few balls to the face! It was also a really fun day.
This is it for now, Kayla and I are watching Marley and Me on the TV. Its horrible torture, oh how I miss my Quincy. I hope hes well at home.
I hope everyone is well at home ! GHANA IN 5!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH SO PUMPEDDDDD!!!!!!!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Ps- I just finished Marley and me and Kayla and I are bawling. Warning: If you have a dog, and you havnt seen him for three months, and you wont see him for another 3, Do not watch. I want my puppy here. I want my bestfriend, so Mum and Stu make sure he stays safe until I come home. Hes my baby.
I'm going to miss snow when I go to Ghana, which is in 5 days in case you didn't know. Everyone is getting so excited! Quin is already all packed. Ive started to pack! Were supposed to get done in the next few days. Monday to Wednesday we have debriefing, were doing it here so that we have 2 days of free time in Montreal ! I haven't made any plans with Priscilla or anyone, but were thinking a nice dinner, and maybe explore old Montreal? Who knows!
Earlier this week there were some fun things that went on! Monday was Lokita and Corbin's E.A.D, renamed Aboriginal Culture Day. It was a very informative and inspiring day! We went to the first and only aboriginal art Gallery in the Maritime. Its incredible how the Maritime, where aboriginals first settled in Canada, has had no place to display their art, or their culture at all. Aboriginals all across Canada are being repressed, in the Maritime more than anywhere. Its really sad and unfair, they have so much to tell, so much to share. The story of Pascal and his wife, their determination to bring Aboriginal culture to the Maritime is so incredible! They fought doubt and discrimination but never gave up. They also ran the first ever National Aboriginal day ever in Moncton. It was a really fun day :)
Tuesday morning there was a goodbye BBQ at Habitat and Restore! It was pretty sad leaving that work placement, the director Ron, was really alot of fun to be around. I'm going to miss him most!! Thursday, Charles came to join Eric and I for our own last day at Habitat. In the morning before he got there though, Eric and I went out to have fun and take pictures in the snow!! We made THE best snowman, it was alot of fun. Charles wasn't left out though, once he got there Eric and I made sure he got a taste of the snow fun, with a few balls to the face! It was also a really fun day.
This is it for now, Kayla and I are watching Marley and Me on the TV. Its horrible torture, oh how I miss my Quincy. I hope hes well at home.
I hope everyone is well at home ! GHANA IN 5!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH SO PUMPEDDDDD!!!!!!!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Ps- I just finished Marley and me and Kayla and I are bawling. Warning: If you have a dog, and you havnt seen him for three months, and you wont see him for another 3, Do not watch. I want my puppy here. I want my bestfriend, so Mum and Stu make sure he stays safe until I come home. Hes my baby.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
HEY
I almost forgot, I listen to this on my ipod every morning. Reminds me of certain people, you know who you are <3 3 months goes by fast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A
Just a few thoughts
Things are getting pretty repetitive here. Not the best way to start off the blog... but hey! No experience like this is ever perfect.
Its hard to describe how I feel right now. I had no idea this trip was going to turn out this way. Well by this way, I don't mean anything bad, I don't mean anything in particular.. how do I say this. I guess I had all these preconceived ideas about what it meant to participate in a volunteer program who's mission is to develop just and harmonious societies both in Canada and in a country over seas. This is so different than what I ever could have imagined. I came into this program expecting to see myself make a concrete difference in someway. I thought Id truly see a concrete change in the societies I was going to work in. But now that I'm in the program its not even about that anymore!! Its a cultural exchange. Its such a unique program, in 10 DAYS TIME I'm going to be fully immersed in Ghanaian culture. I think to really see a country, to really count it as somewhere you've travelled, you have to see and understand the culture of it.
Jess always says after we've had an argument, "this is why the UN never get anything done" and we all understand what she means!! To make a decision as a group, Canadians and Ghanaians, it takes about ten times longer then it would if it were just the Ghanaians making the decision, or just the Canadians. Learning and working cross culturally has taught me so many things and skills that I know will help me later on in life. Take respect for instance. It has given me a whole new perspective on what it means to respect someone. You think its so easy, you simply use the morals you've been brought up with to know if what your doing is respectable. You use those same morals to decide whats hurtful, whats offensive etc. WELL working with another culture, not only Ghanaian but Albertan, Quebecois, British Colombian and so on, all those morals, all of what you were brought up with and used to gets thrown out the window!!! Ive learned you have to be humble, you have to constantly be watching, looking for little ques that you've said something that's offended someone. You have to understand, just saying "I didn't mean it that way" only works a couple times. For instance, you know how I talk alot? I have alot to say, I have strong opinions, (which is all fine), in a discussion in English class it was totally acceptable for me to butt in anywhere with my opinion, everyone else did! I never realized it was something bad, because no one ever considered it to be one, until now on this trip. Little things like saying your opinion without asking permission to do so (putting up your hand) REALLY annoys, hurts, and bothers people. Ive had to tone down things, to also earn respect myself. Ive had to change alot of things about me, the loudness of my voice, what I say/do in public, my dictating personality, Ive even tried to tone down my excitement for the littlest of things. Why you might ask? Its me, its how everyone recognizes Jillian right? I'm doing it for my own good. I want to be respected, I want to have the best impact possible on the people I live and work with. Maybe you could call it maturing? I'm not really sure id call it that but some might. I just want to do the most I can to gain the respect of people. IN CONCLUSION If I were to act the same way with everyone i meet around the world as I do with my Orillia people, I wont be respected as I would like.
I get really distracted from my original point don't I? Hope you are following OK
GHANA IN 10 DAYS lets get to that. Everything is wrapping up here in Moncton. 3 days left of work! I feel like we've accomplished so much here, but everyone is pretty ready to go. Priscilla bought a bag that I could easily fit in in order to bring all of her clothes and shoes to Otuam. I'm getting stuff together to send home, things like my big coat, wont be needing that!!
Anyway, enough is happening here getting ready to leave that I'm not having too much trouble along the lines of missing home. I do think of everyone everyday though.
I love you all, Id better go, gettin perty hungreh!
Hope everyone is doing great, and to each person that reads this, I miss you <3
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Its hard to describe how I feel right now. I had no idea this trip was going to turn out this way. Well by this way, I don't mean anything bad, I don't mean anything in particular.. how do I say this. I guess I had all these preconceived ideas about what it meant to participate in a volunteer program who's mission is to develop just and harmonious societies both in Canada and in a country over seas. This is so different than what I ever could have imagined. I came into this program expecting to see myself make a concrete difference in someway. I thought Id truly see a concrete change in the societies I was going to work in. But now that I'm in the program its not even about that anymore!! Its a cultural exchange. Its such a unique program, in 10 DAYS TIME I'm going to be fully immersed in Ghanaian culture. I think to really see a country, to really count it as somewhere you've travelled, you have to see and understand the culture of it.
Jess always says after we've had an argument, "this is why the UN never get anything done" and we all understand what she means!! To make a decision as a group, Canadians and Ghanaians, it takes about ten times longer then it would if it were just the Ghanaians making the decision, or just the Canadians. Learning and working cross culturally has taught me so many things and skills that I know will help me later on in life. Take respect for instance. It has given me a whole new perspective on what it means to respect someone. You think its so easy, you simply use the morals you've been brought up with to know if what your doing is respectable. You use those same morals to decide whats hurtful, whats offensive etc. WELL working with another culture, not only Ghanaian but Albertan, Quebecois, British Colombian and so on, all those morals, all of what you were brought up with and used to gets thrown out the window!!! Ive learned you have to be humble, you have to constantly be watching, looking for little ques that you've said something that's offended someone. You have to understand, just saying "I didn't mean it that way" only works a couple times. For instance, you know how I talk alot? I have alot to say, I have strong opinions, (which is all fine), in a discussion in English class it was totally acceptable for me to butt in anywhere with my opinion, everyone else did! I never realized it was something bad, because no one ever considered it to be one, until now on this trip. Little things like saying your opinion without asking permission to do so (putting up your hand) REALLY annoys, hurts, and bothers people. Ive had to tone down things, to also earn respect myself. Ive had to change alot of things about me, the loudness of my voice, what I say/do in public, my dictating personality, Ive even tried to tone down my excitement for the littlest of things. Why you might ask? Its me, its how everyone recognizes Jillian right? I'm doing it for my own good. I want to be respected, I want to have the best impact possible on the people I live and work with. Maybe you could call it maturing? I'm not really sure id call it that but some might. I just want to do the most I can to gain the respect of people. IN CONCLUSION If I were to act the same way with everyone i meet around the world as I do with my Orillia people, I wont be respected as I would like.
I get really distracted from my original point don't I? Hope you are following OK
GHANA IN 10 DAYS lets get to that. Everything is wrapping up here in Moncton. 3 days left of work! I feel like we've accomplished so much here, but everyone is pretty ready to go. Priscilla bought a bag that I could easily fit in in order to bring all of her clothes and shoes to Otuam. I'm getting stuff together to send home, things like my big coat, wont be needing that!!
Anyway, enough is happening here getting ready to leave that I'm not having too much trouble along the lines of missing home. I do think of everyone everyday though.
I love you all, Id better go, gettin perty hungreh!
Hope everyone is doing great, and to each person that reads this, I miss you <3
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Reflect. and move forward
I woke up early this morning. I always seem to be up before anyone else! I'm also always ready and at the door first usually, which is crazy, if my mom is reading this shes probably rolling her eyes and saying its a lie! Its funny sometimes to think what it will be like when I go back home. Will I keep the new habits Ive made? Or will I get back to how I used to be.
Jessica (our project manager) has said many times, one month in this program can easily be compared to a whole year in relation to how much you learn. I can believe it!! Jess is so wise, she truly is. She has such a great outlook on everything in life, and alot of valuable life experience shes only too happy to share! Something she said that i loved (kind of off topic but hey) was "the longer you are with someone who is wrong for you, the longer your kept from someone who is right for you". Things like this, they just make so much sense. I can talk to Jess about anything and she always knows what to say. Best. Project. Supervisor. EVER.
Okay, now for the story telling, lets start withhhhh..... Shediac!
What is Shediac you might ask? Google it ! There's a giant lobster, beautiful beaches and this really cool house where our group got to stay for a whole weekend for something called Mid- Project. Mid- Project is a time where we get to go away as a group, away from the community, and stay somewhere to reflect on what we have accomplished so far in the program, and what we would like to accomplish in the months to come. Every one was super excited to go! We all remember how fun it was in Tatamagouche, living all together in a house (Tatamagouche easily the best week of my life), so we were looking forward to having a bit of that again. Our group is really amazing, I think I've said that before. I love every single person. The first night in Parlee Beach, Shediac, was a really emotional and inspirational experience. We had the two project supervisors from another NewBrunswick, Ghana exchange come and facilitate a session. Jess also led one before that. The first activity led by Jess was, well, interesting. She gave us all sheets of paper, and on them we had to write any frustrations we've had since the first day on the program. We would write sentences that began with 'I was sad when', 'I felt like crying when', 'I felt confused when', 'I felt angry when' and so on. After that we threw them all into a pot. Once every one was done, Jess passed out the pieces of paper to everyone to be read aloud. Some things were hurtful to others, some were critical, some were motivating! The whole activity definitely stirred some emotions. BUT, the thing was, after a frustration was read, it had to be ripped up , and thrown into the middle (we were all in a circle). The point of the activity was to move us forward. To forget everything that has caused problems, or hurt us, or harmed our experience in this program. We were to learn from it, and move forward. Once everything negative had been ripped up and thrown away, we moved upstairs, hand on each others shoulders in a chain. Upstairs there were candles all around, and a projector set up. After everyone got comfy, we watched an incredible video in silence together, about what Canada World Youth is all about. About adapting, supporting others, having an open mind, loving what your doing. Appreciating this incredible opportunity given to us and inspiring us to try our very best, because really, you only get as much out of this program as you put in.
The next morning I was up so early, while Charles snored away beside me, I just sat there thinking about what had happened the night before. I remember exactly how I felt. Just happy. I wasn't expecting anything, I wasn't worrying, I was just happy in the moment. Truly the best way to start your day. :) (this is Saturday btw). In the afternoon we got to go to the beach ! It was SO incredibly beautiful. I went for a walk with Teressa and Miles, then we sat in a long foot warming chain, talking about life. It was so wonderful :) Talking about life, that's one thing that can bring you so close to a person. You know, I might not give off this impression, but more than I love talking, I love listening. I love hearing what people have to say, what their opinions are. I love hearing of what they value, what they are passionate about, I want to know it all!! Things that come from the very heart of what makes a person an individual, I love knowing those things especially.
After Teressa and Miles' feet were warm enough, and we had shared enough to think about, I was able to convince Charles to come on a walk with me further down the beach. It was so hard for me not to stop every three steps when I saw a beautiful shell laying in the sand. I swear they talk to me sometimes, they say "Pick me, Im beautiful, Ill brighten your day, love me!". Shells, shells, shells! I love love love them! I felt like I was in a movie at that moment, I kept expecting Charles to pick me up, and swirl me around as a cheesy "you make me happy" song mysteriously started playing from somewhere unknown. Its funny how much I love the cheesy stuff. The little things that a person can do, that make it known you're on their mind. You know, no matter how much I hate and am terrified of butterflies, I have to give it to them, they do a pretty good job at flying around in my stomach and making me smile.
I want to write a romance novel, but not some lame romance. A romance like Thornbirds! One that doesnt make people feel sad and lonely when they read it, but rather, one that makes them feel inspired and excited that love like that is out there. Love that can make you smile, no matter the occasion. It exists you know!
Back to talk about the beach though! Yes, it was beautiful, we couldn't have asked for a better October day. Jacob, being the crazy guy we know him to be, went swimming. Why you might ask? Well, no one really knows, the water was so cold!
After crazy dancing and singing, and cheering for a video game, if was time for bed. I don't know what was different that night, but things were bothering me more than ever. I was missing my family more than I ever had. That night I couldn't fall asleep. I tortured myself until 2:30 in the morning with songs that reminded me of home and family and friends, listening to them over a over again on my Ipod. Ridiculous I know! who would have thought Jillian Ackert would be a home body? And an emotional one too, holy! Finally I woke Charles up, I'm so lucky he was there. He reminded me I'm not alone. He reminded me, even though I left my family back home, I have my new family by my side. That's what this group is for me, I know Ive said it before, Its a family.
The next day, our final day in Shediac. It was so cold! Jess let us all sleep in, it was wonderful! Alot of our activities were cut short that day because of a horrible storm that had rolled in. Many of us had to leave early, for fear that if we didn't, we'd be stranded another night! When I got home, I had the best hot shower, and went to bed at 7 o'clock with my tea and my book. All in all it was a truly wonderful weekend. Mid-Project it something ill never forget.
I was going to tell you about our Halloween experience, along with a few others, but tonight, I am simply too tired!! I promise to blog again soon with even more updates! Because there are just so many :)
Love and miss you all, someone say hi to my friend Ontario for me!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
OH and here are some pictures :)
Jessica (our project manager) has said many times, one month in this program can easily be compared to a whole year in relation to how much you learn. I can believe it!! Jess is so wise, she truly is. She has such a great outlook on everything in life, and alot of valuable life experience shes only too happy to share! Something she said that i loved (kind of off topic but hey) was "the longer you are with someone who is wrong for you, the longer your kept from someone who is right for you". Things like this, they just make so much sense. I can talk to Jess about anything and she always knows what to say. Best. Project. Supervisor. EVER.
Okay, now for the story telling, lets start withhhhh..... Shediac!
What is Shediac you might ask? Google it ! There's a giant lobster, beautiful beaches and this really cool house where our group got to stay for a whole weekend for something called Mid- Project. Mid- Project is a time where we get to go away as a group, away from the community, and stay somewhere to reflect on what we have accomplished so far in the program, and what we would like to accomplish in the months to come. Every one was super excited to go! We all remember how fun it was in Tatamagouche, living all together in a house (Tatamagouche easily the best week of my life), so we were looking forward to having a bit of that again. Our group is really amazing, I think I've said that before. I love every single person. The first night in Parlee Beach, Shediac, was a really emotional and inspirational experience. We had the two project supervisors from another NewBrunswick, Ghana exchange come and facilitate a session. Jess also led one before that. The first activity led by Jess was, well, interesting. She gave us all sheets of paper, and on them we had to write any frustrations we've had since the first day on the program. We would write sentences that began with 'I was sad when', 'I felt like crying when', 'I felt confused when', 'I felt angry when' and so on. After that we threw them all into a pot. Once every one was done, Jess passed out the pieces of paper to everyone to be read aloud. Some things were hurtful to others, some were critical, some were motivating! The whole activity definitely stirred some emotions. BUT, the thing was, after a frustration was read, it had to be ripped up , and thrown into the middle (we were all in a circle). The point of the activity was to move us forward. To forget everything that has caused problems, or hurt us, or harmed our experience in this program. We were to learn from it, and move forward. Once everything negative had been ripped up and thrown away, we moved upstairs, hand on each others shoulders in a chain. Upstairs there were candles all around, and a projector set up. After everyone got comfy, we watched an incredible video in silence together, about what Canada World Youth is all about. About adapting, supporting others, having an open mind, loving what your doing. Appreciating this incredible opportunity given to us and inspiring us to try our very best, because really, you only get as much out of this program as you put in.
The next morning I was up so early, while Charles snored away beside me, I just sat there thinking about what had happened the night before. I remember exactly how I felt. Just happy. I wasn't expecting anything, I wasn't worrying, I was just happy in the moment. Truly the best way to start your day. :) (this is Saturday btw). In the afternoon we got to go to the beach ! It was SO incredibly beautiful. I went for a walk with Teressa and Miles, then we sat in a long foot warming chain, talking about life. It was so wonderful :) Talking about life, that's one thing that can bring you so close to a person. You know, I might not give off this impression, but more than I love talking, I love listening. I love hearing what people have to say, what their opinions are. I love hearing of what they value, what they are passionate about, I want to know it all!! Things that come from the very heart of what makes a person an individual, I love knowing those things especially.
After Teressa and Miles' feet were warm enough, and we had shared enough to think about, I was able to convince Charles to come on a walk with me further down the beach. It was so hard for me not to stop every three steps when I saw a beautiful shell laying in the sand. I swear they talk to me sometimes, they say "Pick me, Im beautiful, Ill brighten your day, love me!". Shells, shells, shells! I love love love them! I felt like I was in a movie at that moment, I kept expecting Charles to pick me up, and swirl me around as a cheesy "you make me happy" song mysteriously started playing from somewhere unknown. Its funny how much I love the cheesy stuff. The little things that a person can do, that make it known you're on their mind. You know, no matter how much I hate and am terrified of butterflies, I have to give it to them, they do a pretty good job at flying around in my stomach and making me smile.
I want to write a romance novel, but not some lame romance. A romance like Thornbirds! One that doesnt make people feel sad and lonely when they read it, but rather, one that makes them feel inspired and excited that love like that is out there. Love that can make you smile, no matter the occasion. It exists you know!
Back to talk about the beach though! Yes, it was beautiful, we couldn't have asked for a better October day. Jacob, being the crazy guy we know him to be, went swimming. Why you might ask? Well, no one really knows, the water was so cold!
After crazy dancing and singing, and cheering for a video game, if was time for bed. I don't know what was different that night, but things were bothering me more than ever. I was missing my family more than I ever had. That night I couldn't fall asleep. I tortured myself until 2:30 in the morning with songs that reminded me of home and family and friends, listening to them over a over again on my Ipod. Ridiculous I know! who would have thought Jillian Ackert would be a home body? And an emotional one too, holy! Finally I woke Charles up, I'm so lucky he was there. He reminded me I'm not alone. He reminded me, even though I left my family back home, I have my new family by my side. That's what this group is for me, I know Ive said it before, Its a family.
The next day, our final day in Shediac. It was so cold! Jess let us all sleep in, it was wonderful! Alot of our activities were cut short that day because of a horrible storm that had rolled in. Many of us had to leave early, for fear that if we didn't, we'd be stranded another night! When I got home, I had the best hot shower, and went to bed at 7 o'clock with my tea and my book. All in all it was a truly wonderful weekend. Mid-Project it something ill never forget.
I was going to tell you about our Halloween experience, along with a few others, but tonight, I am simply too tired!! I promise to blog again soon with even more updates! Because there are just so many :)
Love and miss you all, someone say hi to my friend Ontario for me!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
OH and here are some pictures :)
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| Canadian Knot |
 |
| Parlee Beach!! |
 |
| I just love this one :) |
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| Ghanaian meal on saturday night! Yes, you are supposed to eat the fish head |
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