Welp, heading back to Kenya... 4 years later! Hello old blog, I remember you. Most friends and family are aware of this endeavor, but I'll take a moment to give some background to those who don't know the full story:
After graduating college, I wanted to travel, help people and challenge myself... hence the desire to volunteer in Africa. I saved up money for a year, researched organizations thoroughly, and fund-raised with family and friends as well (thank you!!). I was so happy that I had set my mind to something and followed through- I felt so... adult!
If you read my previous blog entries you'll find out more about my experiences in Mombasa, Kenya and being evacuated. Being evacuated put a bit of a damper on all my plans stated above. But most difficult was that I had to leave after I'd just developed a comfort and bond with my host-family and Kenya itself... leaving so suddenly made me sad, disappointed, and confused. I knew I had unfinished business and wondered how on earth I would find a way to return. It took about 6 months for the country to fully stabilize and by then I had just found a new job and was relocating to the Bay Area from good ol' Rancho Cucamonga.
I thought about returning frequently over the years and I'm sure my friends and parents got a little tired of hearing me bring it up that I was really thinking about it this time. So after a lot of talk, and after growing a little wiser (just go with it), I made the decision to return. I'm very passionate about international development and whether I change lives or not, I hope to learn a little more of how it can be done. This time I am going to a different region, Kakamega, which is closer to authentic village life than the urban setting in Mombasa. I'll be going as the International Program Coordinator, with the same organization I went with 4 years ago: The Foundation for Sustainable Development. Rather than an intern, this is a job coordinating the intern program. I'm excited to be a part of many local projects there and help new volunteers pursue their dreams of helping people. My contract is for 6 months and for the first month I'll be with a host-family, then I will move into an apartment. And at some point I hope to visit my past host-family. My boyfriend, Michael, who has been so strong and supportive throughout this will be visiting and other than that we'll be very-long-distance. If anyone else is thinking of taking a trip or wants to volunteer- remember... Africa is only a hop, skip and a 26 hour flight away ;D ...but well worth it and will change your life! :)
Okay, cheesy time- I want to thank my parents for supporting me in marching to the beat of my own drum. Thank you sis for encouraging me and keeping me motivated. I want to thank Michael for being my rock and being so strong during this most challenging time, allowing me to achieve this life goal, you are incredible beyond words. And thank you everyone for your support and well wishes!!
Check back for updates along the way. My next one will be when I'm IN country!!
After graduating college, I wanted to travel, help people and challenge myself... hence the desire to volunteer in Africa. I saved up money for a year, researched organizations thoroughly, and fund-raised with family and friends as well (thank you!!). I was so happy that I had set my mind to something and followed through- I felt so... adult!
If you read my previous blog entries you'll find out more about my experiences in Mombasa, Kenya and being evacuated. Being evacuated put a bit of a damper on all my plans stated above. But most difficult was that I had to leave after I'd just developed a comfort and bond with my host-family and Kenya itself... leaving so suddenly made me sad, disappointed, and confused. I knew I had unfinished business and wondered how on earth I would find a way to return. It took about 6 months for the country to fully stabilize and by then I had just found a new job and was relocating to the Bay Area from good ol' Rancho Cucamonga.
I thought about returning frequently over the years and I'm sure my friends and parents got a little tired of hearing me bring it up that I was really thinking about it this time. So after a lot of talk, and after growing a little wiser (just go with it), I made the decision to return. I'm very passionate about international development and whether I change lives or not, I hope to learn a little more of how it can be done. This time I am going to a different region, Kakamega, which is closer to authentic village life than the urban setting in Mombasa. I'll be going as the International Program Coordinator, with the same organization I went with 4 years ago: The Foundation for Sustainable Development. Rather than an intern, this is a job coordinating the intern program. I'm excited to be a part of many local projects there and help new volunteers pursue their dreams of helping people. My contract is for 6 months and for the first month I'll be with a host-family, then I will move into an apartment. And at some point I hope to visit my past host-family. My boyfriend, Michael, who has been so strong and supportive throughout this will be visiting and other than that we'll be very-long-distance. If anyone else is thinking of taking a trip or wants to volunteer- remember... Africa is only a hop, skip and a 26 hour flight away ;D ...but well worth it and will change your life! :)
Okay, cheesy time- I want to thank my parents for supporting me in marching to the beat of my own drum. Thank you sis for encouraging me and keeping me motivated. I want to thank Michael for being my rock and being so strong during this most challenging time, allowing me to achieve this life goal, you are incredible beyond words. And thank you everyone for your support and well wishes!!
Check back for updates along the way. My next one will be when I'm IN country!!
