Chop Wood, Carry Water

My grandpa is the one who really got me thinking about what exactly it is that I brought home with me from Kenya. I was explaining to a friend the other day the changes you might make after having an experience like this. She has always wanted to do something similar, but fears she would feel pressured to make huge

It’s been 4 days since I’ve returned home now. In those days I’ve consumed more than enough calories to make up for feeling hungry for 2 weeks. I’ve almost scrubbed the top layer of dirt off my feet. I’ve managed to brush through my hair at least once (tricky after not bringing a brush with me to Africa), and I’ve

I expected modest living conditions in Shimoni, knowing that it is a small village with extreme poverty. What I didn’t anticipate was that the schools would be so basic as well. There are three schools in Shimoni. A public primary/secondary school, a private Christian primary, and a private Muslim primary. We teach classes in all the schools, which adds wonderful

I tried to come to Kenya with the most open mind possible. I wanted to experience all parts of this beautiful country, and I didn’t want my sheltered American biases to get in the way. Up to this point I think I’ve done a fairly good job of jumping right in. I came to Africa without a single beauty product.

Yesterday we did an amazing 3 ½ hour trek into the rainforest. Now, before you start thinking that every day I get to have some fabulous experience here in Africa, let me assure you that I spent the last two days bed ridden by some awful stomach bug. I literally slept for 24 hours straight, and at times I was

Probably my favorite day so far in Shimoni. We got to read to the children of the village who are too young to attend school. We brought books and blankets and sat under a large Bilbao tree. The children came running from all around. It was wonderful to see their excitement over books. This young girl with the flowers on

I made it to the hotel which is amazingly beautiful. I just finished anamazing dinner with three other volunteers I’ve found who I will be teaching with. We are quite the diverse group so far. Two from the States, one from Sweeden and one from London. Excited to meet the others tomorrow and head out to the island. Definitely enjoyed

And so begins my journey! Although not quite like I expected it to start. Instead of being filled with joy and anticipation, I found myself crumpled up on my stairs, sobbing when it came time to leave. I’ve only left Evan once before (3 days for a work conference) and I’ve never been away from my sweet Lulu for more