Week two of our four-week adventure in Kpando, Ghana, was a fantastic blend of hard work, personal growth, and fun. Here’s the lowdown on what went down.

We kicked off Monday with a full day at the worksite, where we were breaking down walls, smashing bricks, and hauling them around. It was intense, but seeing our progress felt great. Mixing cement was a highlight—who knew it was so tricky! Tuesday was pretty much a repeat with more heavy lifting and cement mixing. My back was definitely feeling it, so I visited a reflexologist named Venance Kyekye after work. This amazing 88-year-old man is a total gem. His life story is inspiring, and he’s got the purest heart. I’ll really miss this strong and wonderful person. The session was incredibly relaxing and helped me recharge.

Wednesday was a nice change of pace. We ran a workshop in collaboration with Emo Foundation for teenage girls on self-love, confidence, yoga, dancing, and personal development. It was awesome seeing everyone so into it. In the afternoon, we got creative with a batik class, learning the art of wax-resist dyeing and making our own designs. The day ended with a farewell party for Esra with the Emo Foundation crew. There was a lot of laughter, dancing, and a few tears.

On Thursday, we started by meeting the chief of the community where the school is located. Then it was back to moving bricks and sand. It was tough work, but definitely rewarding. That evening, we took a peaceful walk, enjoying the surroundings and reflecting on our journey. We all agreed that this project is an amazing experience, and we felt really blessed to be part of it.

Friday was another busy day, and we definitely felt Esra’s absence—Esra, you were missed! The day was intense, but knowing we’d get some rest later helped us power through. During lunch, we visited the mosque in Kpando, which was an incredible experience. After work, we checked out a pottery shop with some cool items. The craftsmanship was amazing. To end the week, we went for a swim with the Emo Foundation folks. The pool was a refreshing break, and we had a blast splashing around and relaxing.

Week two was a mix of hard work, learning, and good times. Each day brought new challenges and joys, and I’m really grateful for the experiences and connections we’re making. Can’t wait to see what next week brings!