cmay

I cannot believe it has been a whole month since arriving to Phoenix. Time has flown by and I am more than settled in. I have gone through my first weeks of Teach for America training and although it has been the hardest I have ever worked in my life, I have never been so empowered. A "typical day" would be alarm at 5:30am, bus at 6:14am, teach until 1pm, class till 5pm, bus home, hour break, meetings or classes, then finally the HUGE amount of homework till 11pm (that is approximately 16hrs of hard work!). I know that everyone’s TFA experience is different but for me I can honestly say that I have loved it and feel as though I really am learning a lot. As I said earlier I am always empowered as they ... read more

This week I had the oppurtunity to visit many of the slums around where I am living and the schools! It was very enlightening to learn the HUGE differences between a governmental school and a private school. In the public schools the children are regularly beat if they step out of line or answer a questions wrong. Also, they are harldy ever given the money promised them for the students lunches (well if they are the children don't see it!). Private schools aren't equal to the international schools but they usually are a step about the public schools. Only very, very poor families send their children to public schools. If I return to Kenya, I would love to have the oppurtunity to work in a governmental school- which really wouldn't surprise any who know me well. ... read more

I spent Saturday-Monday in Nakuru. It was so peaceful and much more "Kenya" than I have been staying in (in other words much more rual). I loved every minuet of my trip. I stayed at a missionary families house who have lived here for the last 13 years. I have felt so encouraged and strengthened by this family. They have two older children in the states, one of which is a 23 year old daughter in Philadephia! As they told me endless stories of their children I related so well with their struggles and dreams. Although I have yet to meet either of their older children (however, I do hope to meet Rachel when I am back in Philadelphia) I felt as though they were my very best friends. Their parents were full of wisdom and ... read more

Life can change so quickly... Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I haven’t taught at the international school in 11 days, but I am really loving my time in Kenya. This morning is my first day back and only 12 more days left teaching!! I have also went from my first month of no friends to having many Kenyan and even a few international friends. Its been such a great week and half. I could say a lot but I will just summarize the "high lights". I taught in a Kenyan school for one day before spring break. I definitely see myself at a school similar to that if I ever do teach abroad. Although they (including the principal) made me dance! Embarrassing haha. But that also leads to the fact that ... read more

My time here has been a rollercoaster ride since I have arrived. There are times where I just love being in Kenya, but majority of the time I find myself counting the weeks left. It’s so hard because I have been looking forward to coming here for so long and always dreamed of myself living here. It’s not Kenya that I don't like. It’s my experience. I have a hard time living in Runda (one of the richest suburbs here) and teaching at Rosslyn. I am trying to keep my head up and take every opportunity that comes my way to go outside of the bubble. For example, today I am going home with our house worker Lista. I am very excited to spend the weekend with an African family (her husband and 2 girls). It ... read more