Pursue the Things You Love Doing

 I have some great news to announce: I have been offered a $750 scholarship through the School for Field Studies! This is very exciting and a real encouragement for me! Not only will this help me financially but also will be a driving force towards my goal. God is so good!

I was not very confident that I would receive a scholarship, partly because my parents and I completed the paperwork in such a hurry and very close to the deadline. They were very helpful and I think they saw how determined I was to study abroad in Africa- how much effort I have put into this.

Everything is becoming a little more realistic. I’m considering what clothes to bring, what vaccinations I will need, and what cameras to get! I recently bought a Diana F+ film camera (a remake of the 1960s classic) with a 38 mm super-wide lens; I am so excited to use it! Cameras have really been grabbing my interest lately. I’ve always loved taking photographs and scrapbooking, but old cameras and new SLRs are really fascinating. I love how, with a camera, anyone can take a snapshot of what they see and it can be perceived by multiple people in so many different ways! I love that the subject can be manipulated to create a shot or it can be completely organic; there are so many possibilities!

All in all, everything is going very well in preparation for my journey. Once again, thank you for your continuous support!

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing.” –Maya Angelou

Monkeys Leaping Through The Trees Overhead

This morning I was accepted in the Community Wildlife Management program through the School for the Studies in Kenya! Thank you so much for your prayers and support! I am about to start working on my financial aid forms. Although I have been accepted into the program, my travel has still not been permitted by the Oregon School System. Please keep praying that there are no hindrances and that the country finds peace!

To view a very informative video of Africa's wildlife please click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX07j9SDFcc

"In Kenya you've got the great birds and monkeys leaping through the trees overhead. It's a chance to remember what the world is really like." – British actress Joanna Lumley

Give Her Peace

Hello friends and family; welcome to my blog! I hope to use this as a means of communication before, during, and after my travels to Africa. Thank you for your interest and support!

Contrary to popular belief, traveling is not all about getting away from life and jumping seamlessly right into a grand adventure. It is actually really, really hard. I haven’t even got on a plane yet, and I'm already exhausted! Currently, I am pursuing a study abroad program in Kenya for the summer of 2011. If you didn’t know, Kenya has a travel warning out  which is scary! After many meetings, many forms, and many prayers I have not even been permitted to go yet, knowing that I could be in danger. I don’t say this to be overly dramatic, but I say this to be honest with you, my friends and family, and with myself. 

The study abroad program is through the School for Field Studies; it is from July 11 until August 9. I am applying for the Community Wildlife Management program, meaning I get to go on safari and study animals all day! I also will be communicating with the Masai people and understanding more of their culture.

My phone interview for the program is this Friday, so please be praying for that! Also, I am waiting to hear back from the study abroad advisor, Michele, who is absolutely amazing. She has been working on more forms for me to fill out so that the Oregon Education System will permit my travel. 

I know my life will involve Africa because this is something God has been consistently laying on my heart! It may not be this trip (although I hope it is) but I will be going at the right time!

To view the travel warning and updates please click here: 

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html  

To view the program’s webpage please click here: 

http://www.fieldstudies.org/

"God bless Africa, guard her people, guide her leaders, and give her peace" -Trevor Huddleston