Well tonight is our last night. We had church and at the end we had to go sit in the front and the house parents made a circle around us and everyone sang. We were hoping they sang this one song but they didnt, which is allright. When they were done they all came around and either shook our hand or gave us a hug. Ah today was weird. We walked around with my video camera and pretty much video taped everything. I wanted to bring this place back home and I figured it be the best way. Today I was up at the field hanging out with Victoria during her pe period. We were just talking and she told me she was from the Volta region. I love love this girl, shes so sweet. She told me that she never knew her parents and that she lived with her stepmom. She had a stepsister who got everything and when she asked for something she got nothing. She said that she started working on a boat, and lived with the people she worked for. Im assuming her stepmom sold her to these people. She had to help them fish and she said that she would have to dive down and bring the net to the boat then pull it up into the boat. She showed Laci scars on her feet from where she had been abused. Then she picked up a stick and said that when she got to the village of Hope, she looked like that because she was only fed once a day. If you had just met her you would never in a million years think that she'd gone through anything like that. I asked her if it was scary and she said oh yes, ecspecially when you get caught in the net. The sad part is that she just sitting there talking to her, she pointed out many other kids who came from the same place as her. I think so many people are blind to the fact that slavery is still very much a problem. It happens every single day. I have gotten close to her brother Mawuli the past few weeks and I asked him if he'd ever want to go back to where hes from and he got really serious and said NO. I asked him that before I even knew where he came from. One thing being here that Ive noticed is that some kids have weird scars on their faces. One boy, Ebenezer, has 3 little lines on the corner of his eyes and the corner of his mouth. I asked Victoria if she knew what that was and she said that they are 'traditional marks' When you are born someone in your village marks you so if you are ever lost or something happens they will know if you belong to their village or not. Crazy world over here.
   On a lighter note, I got married tonight. Haha.....not really. But after church I walked back with all the older boarders and one of them had my ring. So when I went to get it from him this guy named Isaac came over and said why are you not wearing my ring. I was so confused at first but then I remembered that earlier this morning he told me that I was his wife, so I just went along with it. Anyways tonight Mustafa got my bible and opened it up and was pretending to be a preacher and asked Isaac if he would have me as his wife and he said I do, then it was my turn and I declined. They all thought that was hilarious and then I said ah 'just kidding!...But really I dont know how yall do it in Africa..but im not really marrying him right' and they all started laughing again and were like no no...this is just a preview of how the real thing will be like in a year or 2. So watch out American boys, I already have someone waiting for me here. :]
  Tomorrow the kids start their exams and luckily have a good hour of a break so that's when we will go up to the school to say our goodbyes. I was talking to Lebene tonight and he told me if I cried I couldnt see him. He then said he might cry a little and shoot if he starts then its over for me. If I had to call someone my best friend here, it would without a doubt be him. Im going to miss all these kids alot, but im really going to miss him. Right now were watching kicking and Screaming and Brittany's packing her bag and it really hasnt hit me that im leaving this place tomorrow. Maybe it's because we've been here for so long and im just like eh its going to be like any other Thursday. I dont know...Tonight I was talking to Chealsea and she said that you should think of these kids as those family members you get to see only once a year and when you do see them you cherish every minute. That helped me out alot because it's so true. I get facebook notifications sent to my email and Ive already had some of the older kids ask to be my friend so that makes me real excited...ill have some way to relay messages to other kids here faster then a letter.

My plane leaves tomorrow at 1040 I think. We got from here to London..hang out in London for a little while, then head to FORTWORTH! and we land there at 340. So fire works just randomly went off...thats weird. Ah maybe its from a boat out in the water that needs help. HAHA scared Brittany to death. ahahaha.

Well this will be my last post in Africa. I will forever hold this place near and dear to my heart and I cant wait to come back here again. Whether it be for a week or a year. I know that I will be doing things to help this place out in whatever way possible. Hope whoever who has been actually keeping up with this..enjoyed it! :] 

Texas Bound Tomorrow.

God is Good..ALL the time.

Loveyouall.

Shelby