Feature Friday: Meghan L.

Let me introduce Meghan. She is a 23 year old who has travelled to many different countries, but is currently residing in Africa. She is a single parent of two beautiful daughters, Priscilla (6 years old) and Rhoda (9 years old), and to their puppy, Douglas. She founded, and runs, Family First – Ghana, a nonprofit organization working with families of children with special needs. The main focus of this group is to prevent these children from ever entering into an orphanage. How amazing is that?! I could go on and on about how interesting and cool she is, but don’t take my word for it. Read what she has to say! 

Let's get started on the interview:

1. What is your name and age?
Meghan and I am 23 years old.

2. What country do you call home?
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, but currently call Ghana, West Africa home.

3. How many countries have you traveled to?
I've traveled to 16 different African nations, 2 Asian, 5 European, and 3 Latin American countries.

4. What is the longest journey you've been on?
The longest flight I've been on was 13 hours straight, but the longest journey was from Chicago to Uganda with 4 layovers. My journey was almost 48 hours long.

5. Why did you travel to this country?
I originally went to Uganda for a semester abroad with Adventures in Missions for a missions immersion trip.

6. What native dish was your favorite to eat?
My favorite native dish in Uganda was Mendazi, a fried sweet dough and perfect with a dollop of Nutella. My favorite Ghanaian food is Groundnut Soup with Fufu!

7. What was the most unique thing you ate?
The most unique thing I've eaten abroad was fried grasshoppers. It was delicious!! They are only around twice a year and you shine a light at night to catch them, fry them up with some salt and pepper, and they make a delicious snack.

8. What was your most unique mode of transportation?
I got to ride an ostrich in Kenya. Does that count as transportation? But in Uganda, I did get to load a camel with packages to go with a man to his village!

9. What was the weather like during your trip?
Ghana is hot. All year round. The lowest it gets is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. Where was your favorite place to go in the city/country? Why?
My favorite place in Africa is the source of the Nile -- Jinja, Uganda. It's the most relaxing and peaceful place I've ever been. 
My favorite place in Ghana is Central Market in Kumasi. It is the largest open market in West Africa. You can find anything and everything in there, and it's so large it's a great reminder of the diversity of this country.

11. What was the funniest thing that happened to you on this trip?
The funniest thing that ever happened in Ghana was when my daughter, who is a lover of spicy food, took a big bite of wasabi while dining at an Indian restaurant and didn't even bat an eye. I've never laughed harder in public. 

12. Did you learn anything during this trip?
Living abroad has taught me more than any textbook or lecture. It has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but has brought me some of the greatest joy. My biggest lesson was to let go of expectations and to not compare my journey with others.

13. Was was the best part about your trip?
The best part about living overseas is forming relationships with people from all over the world. Ghana has a large expat community that varies from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, ect. Each person brings their unique culture to Ghana and can make living here quite the experience.

14. What was the worst part about your trip?
When the power goes off. I hate sleeping while sweating and in the equator heat a night without power is a night without sleep.

15. How does this country compare to your home country? Were your expectations met, or did they differ completely?
Ghana is so different than America. The history dates back much farther and much of the ancient beliefs are carried even into present day culture. The food is much spicier, and the language is very unique and also much more emotionally delivered.

16. If you were to go to this country again, what would you do differently?
If I could go anywhere again, I would love to travel back to Uganda, Dubai,and Egypt.

17. If someone else was to go to this country, what advice or tips would you give them?
If someone decided to come to Ghana, I would advise to bring cheese. Kidding, I would advise to pack fewer clothes and get clothes made here! The fabric available here is so beautiful and local tailors are so talented!!

18. Do you have any more travel plans lined up? Where to next?
I hope to bring my girls all around the world with me. I'd like to bring them specifically to America to meet my family. Israel, Cambodia, Ireland, and Afghanistan are all on my list of places to see. 

Thank you so much Meghan for taking the time to be a guest on my blog. I hope everyone has enjoyed getting to know a little about her and her travels as much as I have! If you would like to know more about her, feel free to check her out on her blog: www.lemonslimesandlaughter.com.

Also check her out on Instagram at www.instagram.com/meglidds !