Yesterday was my last day. I spent all of my time with the kids and didn't do much work. I wanted to give them as much attention as I could before I left. 

I brought some small gifts for some of the kids who are really important to me. I had a bunch of photos me and the other teenage girls together, so I printed them all out to give to them. They were all so happy about the pictures. Even the housemothers got a kick out of them! I handed out some balloons too. My favorite housemother, Bertha, kept holding my hand and laughing and telling me I had done well. I took my watch off and gave it to her and she smiled so big! She told me to greet my family for her. 

In the nursery, I handed out balloons and stayed late for bath time. Around 5:30, I had to go and I started saying goodbye. I told the older boys that I was going back to my country and when I said goodbye I kissed them on the head and they thought that was the most hilarious thing ever. I said goodbye to the other boys, and then KK. Oh lord, KK! My little husband. My little Obibini! I picked him up and squeezed and kissed him so hard and he giggled so loud and squirmed so hard! It took a lot to hold back my tears in that moment. As I was leaving, I noticed that one of the older boys had been crying. I asked him why and he was very quiet. It took a lot to coax him to talk, and he finally told me that he was crying because "Mother beats me." I didn't even try to hold back my tears when I hugged him and forced myself to walk out the door after telling him I was sorry and that I would come back, wishing I could stay with him. 

I then went to the boys home and said goodbye to the disabled boys. Kyermetang was the hardest to say goodbye to, because I have become so close to him. I think it made it easier that he didn't know I was leaving. I said bye to Iddrisu and gave him a little coin with an angel on it and he really liked it. 

I made it a point to tell every kid that I love them. I wonder all the time if they are ever  told that they are loved. It breaks my heart to think about it. I left feeling very sad, but I always remind myself that I will be back again. 

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed it. I am excited to come home tomorrow and see you all again. 

I want to thank my Ghanaian family for offering me a second home halfway across the world and for being so loving and welcoming to me. I also want to thank my parents for making this whole trip happen for me. I know it took a lot of their time and effort and not many parents would have let their child leave their school to go to Africa. So they're pretty cool! :)

If you have any interest in contributing donations or suggestions for any of my projects, send me an email at handsonghana@gmail.com or visit my website at www.hands-on-ghana.com

Until next time!

Osei-tutu family-

Meda w'ase sɛ woyɛɛ m'adoeɛ

-Kerry (aka KK's wife)

Ben