My Life...in Ghana

I was standing in a church in Ghana surrounded by a mass of people praising God: resistance was useless. I caught the contagious will to surrender to happiness and free will, and to destroy social barriers in a way unorthodox and alien to me; through song. Ghana is where my mum and dad are from. This summer the trip really changed my life.

One moment I will never forget was being in church with my family. I was overwhelmed by the infectious joy of the people and for the first time in my life joined in with the singing. I realised everyone there looked out for each other, which surprised me as I was used to looking out for me, myself, and I. So I asked myself, why are they so much happier than us? The answer is they choose to live every day to the full.

This was how a holiday changed my outlook on life. In Ghana they do not have money and possessions like we do in England, yet they are happier. It has taught me to be patient and not worry about what society says is important; instead I try to live life to the full so I can be as happy as the people of Ghana.

About the team

This story was produced by David Gordon, 15. It was published by ChildrenNow.