A Journey to Ghana: An Opportunity to Make a Difference
It's hard to imagine that there are still communities in the world where access to technology, clean water, and immediate medical care isn't a given. Yet, in Cheroponi, a village in northern Ghana, this is simply everyday life.
In January 2027, I will have the opportunity to travel with an organization called John's Heart to help meet the needs of communities throughout Cheroponi and the surrounding villages.
My name is Audrey Bowden, and many of you know me as the owner of Rally and Revive. While I'm passionate about my work as a business owner and massage therapist, I have an equally strong passion for traveling, experiencing different cultures, and finding ways to help others. This mission to Africa is an incredible opportunity to bring those passions together.
John's Heart has been instrumental in digging wells, building schools, and creating meaningful relationships that extend far beyond geographical borders. This trip will allow us to continue that work by bringing medical supplies, hosting a medical clinic, delivering school supplies, and creating educational opportunities for both children and adults. The goal isn't simply to bring resources, but to build relationships and contribute to lasting change within these communities.
Our team will depart from Boston on January 4, 2027, at 8 p.m., flying first to Amsterdam. After a substantial layover, we'll continue on to Ghana, where we'll travel to our designated "rest home." On January 6, we'll board another flight and head north, gathering supplies before beginning the drive to Cheroponi. Reaching our destination is an adventure in itself, with the journey taking no less than three days.
Once there, we'll spend 11 days visiting various communities, serving families, distributing supplies, and building relationships. Afterward, we'll begin the journey home, making this a total of 17 days of travel and service.
Although Ghana is a coastal country, its northern regions face significant poverty and limited infrastructure. Access to basic necessities like electricity and clean water can be difficult, and even something as simple as running water isn't always available. It's a reality that is difficult to comprehend from our everyday lives here at home.
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with John's Heart. Every mission trip I've taken has left a lasting mark on my life, and I truly believe this one will be no different.
Why John's Heart?
What makes this organization particularly special is its commitment to sustainable change. Louis Armstrong has helped establish a true boots-on-the-ground organization that works directly with community leaders, training and equipping them with the resources and knowledge needed to lead their communities toward continued growth. Rather than simply offering temporary assistance, the mission is to foster relationships, empower local leadership, and create opportunities that will continue long after our team returns home.
This kind of work is made possible through the generosity of individuals who believe that even small contributions, when brought together, can make a tremendous difference.
How You Can Help
The total cost of this trip is $3,000. More than 75% of that amount goes directly toward airfare (approximately $2,400), with the remainder covering visas, food, and lodging.
I'm hoping to bring together a group of people who would like to help make this journey possible:
- 10 individuals willing to contribute $20
- 15 individuals willing to contribute $50
- 20 individuals willing to contribute $100
Every contribution, regardless of size, brings me one step closer to making this trip a reality.
I'd like to thank everyone in advance who considers supporting this mission. Giving toward an opportunity like this is a meaningful way to serve people across an ocean, especially when traveling there yourself isn't possible. Your generosity allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself and to make a difference in communities you may never have the opportunity to visit.
I'm so grateful for the encouragement, generosity, and support of the people around me. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Much love,
Audrey
