Kakamega!

I just want to quickly update everyone. I made it to Kakamega with absolutely no problems. My luggage is still in Amsterdam. I should get it in the next week or so. Anyway, at orientation for a week. Small group of people, just three of us. I am stoked to see what comes next.

Kenya here I come!

I leave tomorrow!!! I feel like tomorrow is just another day, but really this is the day that I have waited over two years for. Please wish me luck. I plan to go to the Anne Frank museum on my lay-over in Amsterdam. I have wanted to do that since I was eight years old. This is the beginning of a very exciting trip. I have orientation starting Saturday at 8:45 in the morning. We are jumping right in...and I cannot wait. I want to soak up every minute of this trip.

Here I go!

5 DAYS!

Jambo!!!

I have five days before I head out to Kenya. I had a very fun road trip across the country, only a few hiccups along the way. I am now busy seeing friends, packing, and mentally preparing for my trip. I had a chance to talk with one of the interns that worked at the Daisy School (my internship site) this past May. It was his first time to Africa, so most of the advice he gave me I already knew or will be expecting. This is helping calm my nerves and turn my worries to excitement.
My biggest worry right now is accomplishing something during my internship. I will be working independently, with little direction or supervision. I am used to guided and structured programs. It will be good for me to go through this, but it will not be easy. Yay for challenges!

I realized the other day as one of my friends "welcomed" me to Kenya (he is currently visiting his family there) that I have been planning and talking about this trip for over two years now. This is a dream of mine. This friend of mine has not seen me since graduation and even remembered how important traveling to Kenya was too me! It is finally here. I am going to do my best to embrace every minute of this trip. Wish me luck!

Leesville, SC and Nashville, TN

Made it to Nashville today. It is a great city (besides being the Country Capital of the US)! Yesterday, I spent the day setting up an old family tent and playing soccer in the heat of my fathers backyard. We chilled and had a great time visiting with my dad and his wife. Drove six hours to Nashville. Played in the pool and explored downtown this afternoon. Tomorrow we are off to Saint Louis for a campus visit.

Chapel Hill, NC

My friend Jared and I made it to Chapel Hill by noon today. After a tear-full goodbye to Baltimore and my lovely roommate, we were on the road by 7am. We drove straight to the University of North Carolina, School of Social Work. I had a great information session with the admissions team. I had many of my questions answered, as well as learned new things about the school. I really like the town and could definitely see myself here. One set back though: I will be taking my GRE 4 days past the deadline for admission during the 2011 school year. I will have to reevaluate my situation. I still have Washington University to check out though, so no decisions will be made yet!
We are off to explore the rest of the town now. Tomorrow we will spend the evening with my dad in Leesville, SC.

Interview Update

My interview was a breeze! It was not even an interview, it was more of a review of all the information that I have been given about the program. They also asked me about preferences for my host family. Of course I told them no fish or other seafood. The last thing I need is to go hungry or get sick from eating it. Gross!

I should get my work placement in a week or two. I will know my host family information just before I go.

Interview

I have my official phone interview with the Kenyan site team on Thursday. During this interview, the team will be assessing my answers for the right placement. They will look over the organizations that have openings and find the right fit for me. Also, this interview will help find a host family that they think I will connect well with. I have prepared answers to five pages of questions that they sent me. All I have left to do is reread over all the information about FSD and my pre-departure packet because it has been several months since I first read them. I feel prepared and I am so excited to hear more about my placements! I will keep you updated.