A Reflection Of The Trip So Far

Written on Thursday, June 11th

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Seeing the little kids today was the highlight of my day. They all seemed so happy and full of energy. I feel that it stood out to me so much because, despite them not having as much as we do in the US they still seemed like the happiest kids ever. It reminds me that those tangible objects aren't everything; there is more to having a full life, it is how you feel with what you have. I hope that this teaches me to be less focused on the stuff that we have and more focused on what drives me to feel as happy as the kids that we are helping.

-Lewis Jalovec ’29

So far this service trip to Ghana has been full of changes and having to roll with the punches. Battling power outages and recent sickness, it has been interesting, difficult, but most of all fun to help transform this school. When unable to work due to power outages, we found ways to connect with the children and the school through a language barrier. Through simple games of rock, paper, scissors, we formed a simple but tight friendship with many of the students there. Overall, more than halfway through this adventure, I am proud to say that we have changed this school for the better with a little grit and determination,

but present enough to make some important memories on the way.

-Jack Roper ‘29

            

Two things that out: Our first day in the community

  Ghana June 9, 2026

After our first day visiting the school community where we will be working, the boys were given 20 minutes to reflect in their journals. The prompt: identify two things that have stood out since our arrival. Below are some of their reflections.

What can I do?

bring money, clothes, prosperity? 

Maybe no now,

but surely a smile. 

There are no malls, or dazzling jewelry,

but there is history. 

I can bring faith, culture, and respect,

that is all He requires.

• Eli Loudenslager ’28

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“Friendliness of the locals. Throughout  the trip, I have gotten warm welcomes  by many different people. Many of the kids waved and laughed with us. The village leaders welcomed us with open arms during the presentation. Also, our tour guides have treated us well and helped us have fun.”

“Freedom of the animals. The animals are not really pets, but there is a mutual relationship: the animals roam free, the locals provide food and animals come back. We have seen goats, dogs, cats, and chickens uncaged and unleashed  throughout the towns. The animals come and go as they please, but in turn they make pick up many diseases.  (Which is why we cannot pet them).”

                                                

“The classroom, play area. In the classroom there were activity stations to promote real life scenario learning. Unlike in the US where the kitchenettes are plastic toys, the toys in the classroom were real items.  For example  in the “kitchen” play area, there was an old pot and rice cooker and empty boxes of food items. In the pharmacy play area, there empty medicine cases and boxes.”

                                         

 One of the kindergarten classrooms

“The importance of community and respect for others. Community is very important here. We have seen this in many different ways.  Getting the approval to work in the school from the community leader and elders. The friendships and bonds that MBA has formed with the Squads Ghana crew over the years, and the mutual excitement to see familiar faces and checking in about old friends.  When an elder in the community asked a child to help set up the chairs for our arrival, the kid did so, no questions asked. The inclusion of and participation in prayer from different religions.”

The presentation of our intentions to the community leaders:

 

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Our Ghana 2026 Story Begins: Mission and Vision

 Greetings from Ghana!

We are excited you have found your way to our blog! Throughout the trip the boys will share parts of our  journey here with you. We may have a variety of entries from poems, and letters, to artwork and compositions, just to name a few.

Prior to our departure, our group met with Ms. Williams to create a mission statement to help us set the tone of the trip. Below is a copy of what was created.

We are eager to begin our work in the community and to share our experiences with you. We hope you enjoy!

- Ms. Hackney