After a bit of a rough start, I am finally getting settled in Kakamega. Many people have been emailing about my experiences and work here in Kenya. I would be more than happy to share. I ask you to share with your friends and family as well. Kenya is a beautiful place, where some amazing things are taking place. Let’s break the stereotype!
For the next 8 weeks I will be taken care of by the Mulindi Family. They have graciously provided a room, food, and security to me during my stay. We are learning all kinds of new things from each other. I am adjusting to their way of life including bucket showers, pit toilets, and eating a variety of Kenyan dishes throughout the day. I am really enjoying my time with them. I promise to cook my favorite, chapati, when I get home. 
During the day I am busy at work at the Daisy School. It is just down the road from my home. Now that orientation is over, I report directly to my supervisor at Daisy. I am completely independent, having FSD only as necessary support and facilitating various weekend seminars.
Daisy School is both a day school and a boarding school. There are 276 pupils, with around 130 boarding. The staff includes 15 teachers and 15 support workers. This school is unique because it accepts physically and mentally disabled children. The teachers are trained to teach these special students. There is baby class, middle class, pre-unit, and Standards I-VIII. In addition, they have an occupational therapy room and vocational training. The regular and special students work together to create a supportive learning environment. It is a lovely place.
As an intern, it is my duty to carry out a needs assessment during my first week of observation. I am looking for places within the center where there are opportunities for improvement. Next week, I will be working with the staff to generate a work plan for the following 7 weeks. This work plan will act as a map, guiding me through the steps to achieving my ultimate goal, whatever it may be. The tricky part is finding an opportunity to work on that will be sustained long after I am gone. After all, I am a Foundation for “SUSTAINABLE” Development intern. It takes a lot of thinking out-of-the-box to differentiate between development and aid. My goal must be development, something that will create lasting positive change. The challenge is great, but I am up for it and already have ideas rattling around in my head.
Feel free to ask questions, make comments, and throw out ideas. I will try to keep you updated on my work.

One Week Down

I left one week ago for my adventures in Kenya. I passed through Amsterdam, navigated the public transit system, and visited the Anne Frank Museum. I arrived in Kisumu on Saturday ready to start everything. Graham, another intern, was with the Program Director, Peter, to greet me. My luggage was missing. We quickly tracked it to Amsterdam. I will be able to pick it up tomorrow. I am very excited about that. I have been wearing the same variety of clothes for a week now.
Orientation has been going very well. I am anxious about getting into my host organization and seeing where I can be helpful. We are staying at Sheywe Guest House, “the hub of luxury”, which is very nice. Things will change drastically when I am with my host family though. I will meet the Mulindi Family on Saturday. I am ready to get settled and become a member of Kakamega.

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.