Hi Everyone, I'm back. It's been about a year since my last entry. So, here's a quick update. I spent the past year living in Brooklyn, New York serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA at the Arab American Association of New York as a Development Associate, meaning I did proposal writing and other fundraising stuff (among various random tasks). It was an incredible year. I worked with amazing people, learned so much about development and the workings of a non-profit. I also very much enjoyed living in New York City. There's so much going on there. Unfortunately, the year quic [View Full Entry]

---

---

In less than 12 hours I will be sitting in a plane, making my way to Brooklyn, NY. All day, while running around finishing my last minute packing, I have been both thrilled, excited, anxious and scared all at the same time. I really can't wait to get out there and see what new adventures lie ahead. At the same time, however, I'm scared by what the future holds. I know it's irrational, but a part of me feels that I would psychologically be more prepared to head off on my own if I were going to some foreign country where [View Full Entry]

---

---

Just a quick note..... I jsut arrived in Mombasa this afternoon. =) It feels good to be back. Can't believe its less than a month shy of a year that I last arrived here. Katina and a couple of her friends picked me up at the airport. The frist thing i was reminded of when I stepped off the plane was the heat!!! it's so hot here, although it's been hotter. It's been great just walking around Old Town with her. I love being back. Katina and i are going out clubbing tonight. =) Can't wait to dance. Tomorrow I'll be [View Full Entry]

---

---

Hi Everyone, I’m back in Nairobi now. We left Rongo yesterday morning. I was sad to go. I had such a wonderful time in Rongo. Everyone was so nice. It was sad to say good-bye to Hosea’s family, (I stayed with them for the week) especially two of his brothers, Bobby and Freddy. Bobby is my age and is just a fun guy to hang out with. Because he’s my age mate he was my buddy for the week. Freddy is a musician and is a fun guy to spend time with. I have his cd. It’s really good. I’m going [View Full Entry]

---

---

Hi everyone, I'm in Rongo now. We drove from Nairobi on Wed. We're making a quick trip to Kisii today to do some banking, so we were able to come online. (It's about a half hour from Rongo.) Rongo doesn't have internet, most of it doesn't even have electricity. I'm having a good time here. It's very different. I don't have a lot of time to write, so I'll write in the details later. Hosea's family is very nice. We're now staying there. The day before yesterday I went with Agnes to her home in Awendo. Her family is also very [View Full Entry]

---

---

Hi everyone, I’m writing from Nairobi. I’ve been here 3 days. Can’t believe I’m really here. My flights went smoothly and my bag arrived. YAY!! I was met at the airport by the airport security which I thought was odd. Jonathan, the security man that met me at my gate said the head of security Mr. Kabaka had sent him for me and was awaiting my arrival. He talked of him as if I were supposed to know who he was talking about. I had no clue, but oh well. He walked me through customs and getting my visa. Once we [View Full Entry]

---

---

Hi everyone, It's me again. Right now I'm not anywhere exciting but am at home. It's been a nice week back. Was a wonderful holiday season. Once again I find myself packing a backpack and getting ready to set off on another adventure. I can't believe I'm leaving for Kenya today!!!! Time flew by. For those of you who don't know why I'm going, here's the brief explanation.... a professor of mine, who is from Kenya, invited me to accompany her and her husband this January. I'll be documenting a relocation ceremony in the town they're from, near Kisumu. I'll hopefully [View Full Entry]

---

---

Can't believe I only have two more days in Mombasa. The time has flown by. I've been keeping really busy. The last few days I've been working on my paper. (In fact I'm waiting for it to print right now) I sent the parents off to Tiwi Beach the day after we got back from the Maasai Mara. They were getting annoying so had to send em to the beach as punishment. lol... actually I wanted to go with them, but I had to finish my paper. Oh well... you have to do those kinds of things near the end of [View Full Entry]

---

---

It's been a while since I last wrote an entry. Sorry things have been busy. My parents arrived Mon. May 1st. =) It's soooo good to see them. Before they arrived I was busy with interviews and getting research done. I was also busy planning some of the things we would do. It was a busy week and I was very anxious to finally have them here. Mon. morning I woke up early and went to the airport with Mkuu, my host-mom. It was a great first day with my parents and was wonderful to see them again. We came back [View Full Entry]

---

---

So yesterday was definetly a busy and adventurous day. The morning I just ran a few errands, one of which was making reservations at a hotel for when my parents come! =) Only 11 more days.. can't wait! A little after 11 I went to the post office and grabbed a Matatu to the ferry. I was going to Shika Adabu (on mainland Mombasa) where Lia was staying to go to a wedding yesterday and today. The matatu ride was only about 10-15 min. Getting on the ferry was really easy, but I felt kind of awkward. I was the only [View Full Entry]

---

---