I'm Going to Senegal!

Finally! I'm off to Africa again!

This time, I will be working for two weeks as an InStove consultant in Senegal, located in Western Africa. I am going with InStove's Executive Director, and we will be working with PERACOD and GIZ. PERACOD is an organization in Senegal working to improve access in rural areas to renewable energy. GIZ is a Germany-based group that does a lot of impacting work throughout Africa to build sustainable development. Our goal is to illustrate how our 100 Liter Stoves could be integrated into cooking for hundreds of thousands of people during national celebrations - as well as in schools, clinics, and the like. 

We will be in Senegal over Christmas for the Gamou Celebration; I will report on that when I get back to the States! It is wonderful to be getting a chance to illustrate my use in the field, and I'm excited for (hopefully) more trips in the future! I cover all shipping and travel logistics in the office, so I got to pick our flights! Fred and I have a short layover at IAD on the way there, and only two layovers on the way back; I'm pretty proud of finding those tickets at a reasonable price during the holidays.

As a side-note, the team at InStove has been working around the clock on our Indiegogo campaign. My main tasks have included fundraising research, social media strategies, and formatting the campaign. Please take a look: Indiegogo Campaign.

Delving into the World of Nonprofits

As it is the beginning of a new year, I find it a great time to share some of my own reflections. I am in awe of how fortunate I am. Truly! A lovely apartment with a great roommate, a supportive family and boyfriend, and friends who are understanding of how hectic my schedule is! I have a job at Institutional Stove Solutions (InStove) that is rewarding, frustrating, thrilling, and overall helping the exact demographic I have wished to serve. I have been able to delve into every area of the organization from development to manufacturing, finances to operations. 

A few months ago, I went to my alma mater to recruit possible interns and raise awareness. I was honored to have some of my past professors ask me to share on my professional development and the organization. It was a wonderful way to share with current students that determination, excess consumption of coffee, and networking really does pay off! 

Note: For me, it has always helped to be able to identify long-term goals and short-term actions. What can I do to make my 1 year goal a reality? What about my 5 year goal? I tend to write my goals down and plan out how I can achieve them. 

In other news, InStove has a few proposals out to partner agencies that include me acting as a consultant abroad! If all goes well, I will be serving in Uganda and Kenya this year! Working at InStove has really peaked my interest in nonprofit management. I’ve been perusing online certificate programs in the subject and might start taking a few classes. Still, one of my goals is to get my master’s degree.

InStove Has Gone Viral!

Dennis and I with a couple of the stoves.

I am now the Executive Assistant at InStove (Institutional Stove Solutions) in Cottage Grove, Oregon. This summer has been a fantastic experience with an amazing organization. I was able to join and see the development occur right from the start; from applying for nonprofit status to creating employment applications. One of my main goals has been to increase our online presence including website development, a Facebook page, blog, Linkedin account, new email system, etc. I am gearing up to represent InStove at Green Festival in San Francisco, California in November.

It is so hard to believe that my dream to work for a nonprofit organization to increase international health equity (especially in Africa) has come true. Now, I can't wait to continue working and travelling abroad while  pursuing more job opportunities within the organization.


To learn more about InStove...
Website          Blogger
LinkedIn         Facebook

We have also been showcased in the Eugene Weekly on the front cover and with a two page spread. You can read it here at Eugene Weekly.

Institutional Stove Solutions

Well, I just graduated last Saturday and started my new internship the following Monday! It has been a fantastic experience and I am really looking forward to join the paid staff soon. The organization is Institutional Stove Solutions, and I am the Intern and Volunteer Coordinator (as well as wearing an array of other hats depending on the task). I have already integrated well into the professional world and am enjoying not having to prepare for any midterms or finals!

Our mission is to provide organizations with super-efficient institutional stoves serving populations in the developing world, that address three critical needs: food security, medical sterilization, and safe drinking water. Population growth, climate change, and regional conflicts over natural resources combine to create a global challenge as we enter the 21st century. Tens of millions of people now rely on institutional settings for their food security, including schools, orphanages, and refugee camps.

Institutional Stove Solutions is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated for believe human suffering and the promotion of sustainable development. I am loving my involvement and looking forward to traveling to some of the African countries to help cooks use the stoves.

Two Months Later

It has been two months since I arrived in Oregon, and I can not wait to go back to Africa. I still think, for a moment, there might be a lion in a bush if I hear rustling. I miss eating warm chapati. I have to resist starting most stories with, “When I was in Kenya…”. My experiences in Africa confirmed what I want to do with my life!

I also have a new outlook on wants, needs, and desires. I want new Toms, I need food, and I desire a happy life. There are so many people in the Western world who don’t know the difference; but I also know that people who have never seen a different way of life can't be blamed for their worldview. Currently, I am back at school and work in Oregon. I do homework, hang out with friends, and am a regular college student, but I won't ever forget how my first experience in Africa shaped me. Basically, every facet of my life has been effected by that one month- and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I can’t wait to go back to Africa whether that be for service, education, or work. I'll keep you in the know once another adventure presents itself! Thank you so much for your support, interest, and prayers. 

Welcome to England

Well, got super sick the night before I left Kenya. I got a horrible migraine, throwing up, you know the drill. Went through security and everything in a daze but started feeling so much better on the plane. Leigh and I got great seats behind the partition between economy plus and economy so we had a ton of legroom! We also met a lovely flight attendant named Kyle who snuck me some extra diet Pepsi (go virgin airlines!). The flight was nine hours long but with Leigh and I watching tv shows, stretching out our legs, and drinking ample diet Pepsi, the flight went by very quickly.

When we all arrived in England it was time for goodbyes amongst the students. It was pretty hard but, hey, we have facebook! A few of us were staying in England, either for the night or longer, so we had to go through customs. In line we got to see Bill Murray! Talk about culture shock! I then ran to the coach for the three hour ride to my cousin Amy's flat in Cambridge. I walked from the coach stop to the flat in about an hour. Amy and her family are wonderful! She and her husband, Pete, recently had twins: Isabelle and Peter. They are all smiles! In the last couple of days I have walked around city center and toured some of the colleges with Cameron, a friend of Amy and Pete's. We also all went and saw the last Harry Potter! Everything here is gorgeous. It still blows my mind that some of the architecture is hundreds of years old. I'm certainly experiencing a little culture shock, but I'm loving it! It is so strange to be surrounded by so many people with white skin. Bright lights and pavement are everywhere and there are so many accents! It is strange to walk through crowds and not be with my fellow students from Kenya. I have enjoyed being here and I think it has really helped me with culture shock. I leave for the States in two days! Seeing more of my family and friends will be wonderful!

This Is Africa

This is my last day in Africa. I can't believe it. Everyone was an emotional wreck yesterday, including myself! We held a goat roast for the staff and watched a video that Molly and some other students worked on as an attempt to summarize our adventures here. The video was amazing (I will post the youtube link soon) but I still can't explain or express what this safari (journey) has meant to me. I know I need to come back. I am leaving too much of myself here to never return. We talked a lot about reverse culture shock yesterday and that got me thinking of all the the things I will miss about this place- and all the things I am looking forward to in the States! I will miss taking a shower and seeing Mt. Killimanjaro. I will not miss taking cold showers! I will miss my banda, my bandamates, and my mosquito net. I will not miss checking for deadly snakes under the bed. I will miss standing on the seats of the land rovers watching giraffes. I will not miss the fake dust tans I received from doing so! I will miss the local staff, the SAM staff, and my peers. I will miss the friendly people, the roadside stands, the baboons in the backyard, bushbabies, chipatis for lunch, market days, and so much more.

Amboseli Orphans Project

The last couple days have been really relaxed as I gear up for the final. Yesterday some of us went to one of the local staff's (Wiper) boma for the Official Launching Day of the Amboseli Orphans Project. One of SFS's past students, Seth, is collaborating with Whiper to improve the education, health, and nutritional intake of orphans in the area. This is a local grassroot organization I can definitely see myself getting involved in! The community based organization focuses on serving and providing for Kimana's orphaned children. The day's program started with everyone greeting each other. This has happened at every event I have been to in Kenya and usually involves either shaking hands with everyone in attendance or standing in a circle and introducing ourselves. It is a really great way to immediately feel welcomed and included! Also, it is very typical for the beginning and end of events to take a long time in Western standards with many, many thanks being given. When I went to the church service a couple of weeks ago, the pastor and other people in the congregation thanked God and us for our presence for almost 30 minutes!

Anyways, the visit to Wiper's boma was probably one of my favorite events so far. About 25 children are involved in the program. Almost all of the children are siblings and everyone has a caretaker such as a grandmother, older brother, aunt, etc. Each family shared their story of how the program has helped them. One woman's husband was killed by an elephant and she could not care for her children without help. Another mother committed suicide so a family member takes care of the children. It was all very touching and real. This wasn't just a commercial with sappy music that I could flip through to find another entertaining channel. This was so real that one of the children came over and started playing with us during the speeches! I am certainly going to pray and look into pursuing this organization. I really liked how Wiper, a local Maasai, started this; it isn't a massive NGO from the States.

The link to their website is: http://www.amboseliorphans.org/

I also got to write the News from the Field article for SFS, the program I am studying abroad with. A student is chosen each term to write a little piece on how their experience has been so far. You can view it at: http://www.fieldstudies.org/blog/?p=11

Tsavo Maneaters

Home sweet home for a week.

Well my six day long camping trip in Tsavo West National Park is over. For my first long camping trip, I’ve got to say, it left a great impression! There were six of us in a tent- a tent with so little room even our sneakers stayed outside! We did have bathroom facilities that consisted of drop chos (toilets). If you have ever seen the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” then you know what I mean. At night, we need an armed guard to take us to the drop chos because of lions (maneaters) and hyenas. There was also a bat that lived inside; always an adventure! The view was absolutely breathtaking with wide vistas of various habitats and animals! I got to see some hippopotamuses and crocodiles a couple times during the week. We saw a leopard the very first night on a game drive and, when a tourist van got stuck in the sand, our driver, Jackson pulled it out. Silly tourists ;) We also saw a hyena!

Lion print! Lion print!

The next day, Jackson heard about a fresh kill a lion had made in the park so we all jumped in the car and sped off to try to find it. Even though we didn’t find it I did get to have the best car ride of my life standing on the seat and trying not to fall out as we sped around the park at 80 kmh (over twice the park’s speed limit). It was one of those moments when I thought to myself, “I can’t believe I am in Africa chasing down lions right now!” Tsavo also has some very cool lava fields and we did a small hike- but a very steep one!

Later on in the week, I woke up early (even though we usually wake up at 6am) and watched the sun rise. From my viewpoint, it was framed by an acacia tree and was so peaceful and vibrant! Then about 20 impalas came out of the dense shrubland and started grazing under the tree. The sun burned red in the sky. So beautiful; God is good! We had a guest lecturer from Tsavo National Park come and share information about the area with us. Then we worked on presentations. My group discussed research opportunities, benefits, and issues facing wildlife conservation. Opportunities include animal and vegetation censuses, human/wildlife conflict, and habitat research. Issues include western technique vs. local knowledge, funding, permits, and empowerment!

Even later in the week we went to Chuylu Hills National Park and got to see some more amazing views. We drove through some small communities who were so excited to see us mozungus! Kids ran in the dust behind the car while everyone came out to wave and smile! It isn’t uncommon to see children hold out their hands asking for money, but these children just thought we were the oddest thing: white and in a vehicle! Then we got to some very bumpy roads and went over rocks, tree limbs, and even bigger rocks. After the Chuylu Hills lecture and hike we stopeen in for some roadside shopping at a place called Mito Andia. It is literally halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, the two biggest cities in Kenya. Everything there is a gas station, a bar, or a roadside stand with wood carvings being made in front of you.

Gorgeous baobab trees in Tsavo!

The last full day I got to go to the Black Rhino Sanctuary, but I didn’t get to see any endangered black rhinos. Did you know the main difference between a black and white rhino is a black rhino is a browser while a white rhino is a grazer? Their coloring is the same! After the lecture and a game drive we went to Sorena Lodge. Oh. My. Goodness. It was an entirely different Africa experience! We got to do the lunch buffet and I must admit I had three plates of food! It was fantastic! Afterwards I went swimming with some of my peers and “burned off” the extra calories.

All in all camping was incredibly dirty and crowded (no tent space remember?). BUT who can say they went camping in a National Park in Kenya? All in all, it was a great experience but I sure am glad to be back at Kilimanjaro Base Camp (KBC)!

Check it out: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/Man-Eaters-of-Tsavo.html

"Wait, we have class here?"

The last few days have been FULL of academics! So much is based in wildlife management (duh, that's what I signed up for) along with statistics! Statistics = math + computer knowledge. I'm actually holding my own though, so I'm happy. The day before yesterday I almost broke down while working on a presentation. I had been working on it for about 6 hours and it hit me that I am in Africa stuck, crunched over an excel spreaksheet, looking at numbers! I took some time outside and felt better but realized next time I come to Africa I do not want to come for school!
The peer dynamics are becoming interesting as well. I came into this trip knowing I did not want to gossip or anything; it just breeds negativity! It is not something Christ does and really does drain happiness and love out of a conversation! There is a lot of it going around though, or at least a lot more than I am used to. I guess that is to be expected in a group of 16 girls and one boy! I have figured out who relies on gossip and negativity and who is avoiding it. Of course that led to cliques but, all in all, everyone here is really interesting and driven. It is enjoyable to hear about their homes and the different experiences everyone has had.
I'm starting to get a form of cabin fever since we have not left the camp very much in the last four days. Tomorrow though, we leave for Tsavo National Park! We will be sleeping in tents in a national park without any fences or anything. We will have some armed guards (Momm and Dad- don't worry) for the drive there and our duration at Tsavo. In the past some tourists have been robbed by bandits on the road to Tsavo. Also, two people were pulled from their tent by lions one year. It is guaranteed to be interesting and exciting! I'm ready for a new adventure!

Hike, Clinic, Orphanage, AND Safari

All the students

Busy, busy, busy! I am emotionally and physically drained! Yesterday we went on a hike to the bottom of a beautiful waterfall! It reminded me of the Willamette Valley's lush foliage with moss and green everywhere! There were vines, banana slugs, and tons of rocks to climb downriver on. We had a grand adventure just playing around.

Next we went to an HIV/AIDS clinic in a neighboring town and that was very interesting to see from a health perspective. The Kenyan government provides free testing and treatment for those who qualify which is more than the States does! The clinic focused mostly on providing tests and being a source of support- both counseling and group support. It was nice to hear that people are becoming educated on both the prevention of HIV and how it is spread so there is not as much prejudice of those who have tested positive; the rate of those with HIV is also going down!

Then, after all of that, we went to a local orphanage. This orphanage focused on helping children become educated and being able to sustain themselves as adults in Kenya. They had never had an adoption. Some of the children still had families nearby, but the families could not care for them. There were about 50 girls and boys- I bonded immediately with Neema and Dina. Neema is a 13 year old girl who loves science. Dina was a little boy who didn’t speak very much English but help my hand almost the entire time.

The orphanage was very sad to see. There was a guest house with comfy couches, coffee tables, etc. It reminded me so much of the States! But where the kids slept was devastating. They slept four to a tiny room with bunk beds built into the walls. Their mosquito nets had giant gaping holes. It was cramped and dismal even though a volunteer group had obviously come through to paint the walls a nice aqua color. The paint was chipping. I was really upset that volunteers or donors had a nice house to stay in while the children were subjected to these conditions. I would not have felt comfortable staying in the guest house knowing how the children were sleeping. It was also very uncomfortable to know these children, especially Neema and Dina, were going to connect to me and then I would never see them again. It must be so hard to not live with your family and meet volunteers who never return. I can’t imagine. I cried when we left.

Today we went to Amboseli National Park to participate in a quaterly animal count of the entire park. We teamed up wih a few other groups and the KWS (Kenyan Wildlife Service) to ground count all of the animals in the park. This was split up via sector and we went off roading. Off roading is only done for these counts; quite a priviledge! We saw so many giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and warthogs! It still amazes me that I am in Africa, that I am seeing these animals, and that my calculations will be part of the history of Wildlife Management in beautiful Kenya!

Sitting on top of the land crusier watching giraffes. Hakuna Mutata!

Tree Planting and Nap Time!

After a class this morning to prepare us for our wildlife count later this week, we went to plant trees in the community! The goal is that these native plants will grow much bigger than the seedlings they currently are and will help with erosion in the area. At one point we ran out of plants and two of the interns went to get more. They returned with plants and children! My favorite! Imagine two white girls carrying seedlings coming around the corner when a loud noise reaches your ear. Is it baboons? Is it screaming? No, it's children yelling hello! Insert some happy, climatic music! Two dozen children followed, skipping along behind the mzungus (white foreigners). Their smiles were so big that we immediately abandoned the holes we were digging and water we were pouring to shake their hands and say hello! 

Then we ate lunch and went back to camp. I took a shower and had a great nap. I woke up a couple hours later and sat on the back porch, taking in the Africaness of it all. All of a sudden, a gigantic male baboon comes gambling up to the porch! I freaked out, grabbed my bag, and fell back into the banda, waking my roommate in the process. We waited until the scene seemed safe to grab my shoes where I had literally been scared out of them! I'm starting to miss a few things from the States like diet Pepsi, long hot showers, and new socks. Surprisingly, I don't miss my cell phone at all. I love driving around here- it is always an adventure and I really cannot describe how friendly everyone is. Relationships and friendships mean so much.

Church and School

Habari? Mzuri! How are you? Good!
Yesterday was a free day, meaning no classes! A dozen of us went to an Assemblies of God church and it was so cool to compare it to the one I attend in campus. The church was made of plastered brick and cement with a metal ceiling. Plastic chairs created the seating and an array of fabric hung behind the glass alter. The music came from an old keyboard with two microphones and, as the usual keyboard player was travelling, young boys played the songs. It reminded me of karaoke! The service started similarly to the ones I am used to except the music was very loud and all in Swahili and Maasai. Oh, and a stray dog tried to enter the building so one of the elders ran out to hit it with a rock. A giant lizard kept climbing up and down the walls as well. The service lasted over three hours and included a lot of dancing, singing, and talking by multiple men. Of course, we were also introduced and asked to a song.

After church, we made bracelets with some Maasai women. This is their way of life, making ornamentation for members of their family and to sell. I made a bracelet for my mom (shout out!) and it took forever! I have so much more respect for these women and how diligent they are with this form of art! Then, I went to the local secondary boarding school with Greg and Moriah as well as the interns Jenna and John. We got lost along the way and ended up trudging through the jungle, crawling through a fence, and surprising some male students who were showering! Finally, we made it to the sports field and spent the rest of the time being asked a ton of questions about if I was married, how much I payed to come to Kenya, and why I didn't know Swahili, etc. The people here do not tend to have a personal bubble so sometimes I feel like I'm being suffocated by the crowds, but it was a really good time!

Today we spent the morning surveying group land. In groups of three with a Maasai guide, we plotted five 30 x 30 meter areas 200 meters apart. In these areas we identified all the vegetation as well as the possible effects elephants and humans had on it. This included pulled bark, missing branches, etc. Basically we walked around the African Savannah for almost three hours looking at bushes and trees! It was cool to hear the guide tell us about different plants and such as well as seeing a herd of zebras almost 20 feet away!

On our way back, Jackson was driving and I told him to keep his eyes out for a Swahili Bible. Immediately he did a u-turn, jumped out of the car, and went into a shop on the side of the road. He beckoned me in and I was able to get a Bible for 600 shillings (about 6 USD). It is gorgeous! I was so excited! This afternoon we are completing data analysis.

I am really enjoying the people here, both those from the States and the locals. Asante! Thanks!

Boma Visit

Jambo! Today has been amazing. We spent the whole morning of class in field lectures. Without even entering a wildlife management area we saw zebras and a bachelor herd of elephants! It is really hard to focus on lectures when a herd of elephants is behind me.

The afternoon was spent visiting our neighbors at their bomas. I am still trying to process the whole experience. My study abroad program has fostered a really good relationship with the local Maasai community so I am able to do things that most tourists will never experience: bomas.

The bomas, homes, are built from cow dung and sticks. Each woman has her own boma and the husband moves between them. Inside is two beds and a campfire (this one consisted of three rocks and a pot). It was extremely dark inside and the roof is very short. I sat on a bed with Nasha who played with my hair and welcomed me to her home: a HUGE honor!

The mamas sang some of their traditional songs and we danced with them, this consisted of a rhythmic jumping. Then, to reciprocate, we performed the hokie pokie. Not a fair trade at all, but it made them laugh! The children were so nice. Every single child I have met has been kind, considerate, and happy; so different from the States. It was obvious that these Maasai people lived in poverty and were surviving with minimal resources and that is what they are accustomed to. Too often I think that those in developed countries feel that Africa is full of problems and if we throw a few dollars their way, these problems will be resolved. Not true! Yes, there are health disparities and sickness, but they have such a wonderful culture and so much for us to learn from!



I felt sick to my stomach taking some of these pictures, it felt as if the children were on display. I talked about it with one of the interns here, John, and he explained that they are taking mental pictures of us as well. White people, especially Americans, are such a rarity in this area that we truly are like celebrities. Except we are also taking pictures- so I'm like a celebrity paparazzi!

Market and Goat Roast

It is my 21st birthday and I am here in Kenya! After arriving in Kenya yesterday we rode in a Land cruiser to the camp. My first impressions of the outskirts of Nairobi (Kenya's capitol): cold dusty air, really friendly people, lots of delivery trucks, land cruiser styled cars, and motorcycles but almost no personal vehicles. The land is flat with short brown grass, a few trees, and rolling hills in the distance. On the initial drive from Nairobi to the camp, I saw camels and giraffes! Giraffes! On my first day! I was so excited that I immediately fell asleep in the bumpy land cruiser.

Our driver, Jackson, pulled over and bought some sugarcane on the side of the road for us to try. It is similar to the consistency of bamboo but not hallow. We gnawed on it and sucked out the sweet liquid, then threw away the rind.


The front porch of my banda.


One thing I want to share, when I get the chance, is a basic part of life for me here in Kenya. I have spent two nights here and am staying in a banda (hut) with three roommates. The banda has a front and a back door, enough room for a narrow walkway, four beds, and two cabinets. Leigh and I sleep on opposite sides of the walkway with the cabinets slightly separating us from Courtney and Vanessa. The base of the banda is made from cement while the A-frame is made mostly of burlap on the inside and an exterior of some sort of wide-leafed grass. It is extremely comfortable! My favorite part is the mosquito netting! We each have one that we tuck into the edges of our mattresses so they are pulled tight. This keeps out the mosquitoes, bugs, tarantulas, and snakes like black mambas and red spitting cobras. Not only do they provide security and a little bit of privacy but they also add a romantic feel. The morning light will shimmer through my net in the morning and it takes my breath away.


Today we have just had classes which are interesting but I won't go into too much detail. Yesterday we went to the Kimana market which was awesome! Basically it was an area where people had laid down plastic in the dirt and had things to buy placed in the plastic. Some stalls were covered by black sheets of practice as a roof. Paths with debris weaved in and out of the stalls as did the people! Babies, teenagers, old women- so many people! It was very intimidating at first; we were definitely stared at. Where we are in Kenya is not a tourist location at all, so it was odd for them to see so many white people. As soon as we walked into the booth area I walked by two little boys who reached their hands towards mine, to hold in passing. Even though it was only for a moment, that made me really want to delve into the experience. We walked through the dirty narrow paths being followed and surrounded by mamas. The mamas wore tons of jewelry and were trying to sell tons more! Everywhere one of us went, a cluster of mamas followed. I bought a shuka which is a traditional garb usually found in a checkered print of red with black or blue. It is worn over the shoulders like a scarf that falls over the torso. I also bought two necklaces and was given a bracelet as a gift.

After the market, the local staff roasted a goat which is a huge honor in Maasai culture. They took the time, energy, and their own money to have the ceremony for us. Even though I didn't eat the goat, I understand that it was their culture's way of establishing a strong friendship with us.



Remains of the goat roast.



Just Thinking About Tomorrow

Fireplace not included...

TOMORROW! I can't believe I leave tomorrow. My plane leaves at 7:00am on June 9th and I arrive in Kenya on June 11th. The last few days I have been on an emotional roller coaster of stress, nervousness, excitement, and every other emotion imaginable! Basically, I am mostly packed and mostly ready to go. That's about it. I don't have much else to say, but I will have a lot more to say once I arrive! I am not sure how dependable the internet will be; all part of the adventure! Kuona baadaye!

Days until Departure: 1
Days until Arrival: 3

The World's a Better Place Because of You

Just think: I get to see this attractive face soon!

A couple of nights ago the stress of this trip and some other things in my life really got to me. I haven't been spending as much time with the Lord as I should, and I don't mean that in a checklist sort of way. I need to spend time in prayer for my own health, wellbeing, and sanity! I fell asleep praying and felt much more at rest in the morning.

Later that day, I received a wonderful card from a  family friend, Boz! Well actually her name is Lori, but when she and my mom travelled around Europe they picked up nicknames, hence Boz! It is a beautiful card with a little girl donning aviator goggles and a red cape on a tire swing with the verse 1 Peter 2:9 inside. The verse from The Message reads, "You are... God's instrument to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you." BAM! That is so true! I truly believe in the power of an individual's testimony: sharing what God has done, personally, in your own life. God does not "need" Christians to yell at people, dooming them for all eternity. Instead, Christ calls on me to share through my life and to speak of the difference He has made for me personally! Without my faith, I doubt I would have been brave enough to go to Kenya.

Boz truly lifted my spirits with that card and reflection, as well as provided a donation of monetary value! Thank you so much Boz and that card will be placed in full view.

More successful fundraising has been happening as people continue to donate their recyclable bottles and cans to me; that has been going very well! I also got a new brace for my knee today that actually *gasp* bends! i had knee surgery in May and was told I would return to 100% in two to three weeks. Unfortunately, there was more damage than was presumed and I am still dealing with it. This new brace should be a big help and make travel a lot easier though!

Days until Departure: 15
Days until Arrival: 17

You are... God's instrument to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you. -1 Peter 2:9

Oh the Joys of Preperation

Well, first off I successfully got my vaccinations (a couple of weeks ago)! I moved, took finals, and had knee surgery since the last post; life has been hectic! Anyways- I went to a travel clinic in Salem with my friend Jason and only had to get one shot for Yellow Fever! I also received prescriptions for Malaria and Typhoid. The consultant only charged me for half of the visit since it was so quick and she gave me great advice on health in general. Jason and I grabbed some Jamba Juice on the way home, and all in all it was a good little excursion!

I have been purchasing and organizing necessities for this trip for awhile now and there is so much stuff! Everything is going pretty well. I have separated items into different boxes based on what I will be carrying them in: backpack, carry-on, and a checked bag; but that is it! I don't see space being a problem since I am quite an efficient packer but I have to bring a sleeping bag, sheets, towels, a sleeping pad, textbooks, printer paper, etc. All of these items go beyond the typical clothes and toiletries! There are a few items that I am hoping to not have to purchase. If you would be willing to let me borrow any of the following items, I would be very grateful!
- Noise-Cancelling Earphones
- Sleeping Pad
- Headlamp
- Multi-Chambered Tubberware Container
- Clipboard
- Music
I would love for people to send me some of their favorite songs on a CD so I can listen to them on the multiple plane rides! Let me know if you could possibly support me and we can work out shipping or something. Also, what are your favorite books and movies? I am bringing my iPod and my mom's Nook (it is like a Kindle) so I can watch movies and read without taking up a lot of space in my luggage. Thank you so much and I hope you are all enjoying your summer!

For your entertainment: Packing Genius

Days until Departure: 18
Days until Arrival: 20

"Don't forget to pack your courage for your journey to greatness." - David Weinbaum

Travel is Moving One Step at a Time

I just received another generous donation! Uncle John and Aunt Bobbie, from Ballard WA, have kindly made a donation to help fund my travels to Kenya this summer! This past summer I was working at Sambica Christian camp in Bellevue, WA. Uncle John and Aunt Bobbie had me over for a relaxing weekend at their lovely home for my birthday. What a treat!

Congressman Peter Defazio,
his dog named Stella, and myself.
His staff took pictures for his website!

On another positive note: my recent trip to Washington D.C. was a complete success! I had an internship with the National Breast Cancer Coalition and was able to participate at the Conference in D.C. Not only did I meet amazing breast cancer survivors, learn about the disease on a molecular, biological, and political level, but I also lobbied for breast cancer eradication on Capitol Hill. The Oregon group, which I was a part of, had meetings with Congressmen and Senators to discuss the priorities of the NBCC. These priorities include continued funding and supporting the eradication of breast cancer by January 1, 2020!  The entire experience was a great opportunity to see the relationship between health and politics on a national level.

All in all my travels went very well! I didn't have any screaming children next to me or get "randomly selected" for an intensive security search. I managed to only bring carry-on luggage and a purse. The flight attendants even checked my one bag for free! This left me with my purse of necessities: iPod, passport, book, etc. Much easier to drag within the airports. I've certainly learned that I will need to find a good deal on rolling carry on bags to save my shoulders and back!  I am still researching flights and logistics concerning Kenya! It is a long and tedious process. Soon comes vaccinations. Joy.

Adventure is a Path

Hello everyone! It has been awhile since I have had anything to post but some wonderful things have been in the works! I leave for Washington D.C. in three days. I know, I know- it's not Africa. But I am still excited and it will be my first time traveling alone. I have sent for my plane ticket quote to Kenya and it appears that I will be spending about six days living in airports around the world. What a scary and exhausting adventure! I keep picturing myself curled up in a corner, snoring loudly, with my luggage tied around my body; then, a wild monkey comes and starts stealing all of my stuff. But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself... no matter what happens, it is bound to be a story to share!


I am also needing to pay my final tuition payment soon and that leads me to share more exciting news: I have had my first donation! Thank you to Tim Blood! Uncle Tim lives in Oregon (unlike the rest of my dad's side of the family who live around the world) so we have been able to become quite close. A lot of my memories with him and his wife involve bike rides, hikes, and other explorations! Thank you both for furthering my ability to explore!


“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.”
– Mark Jenkins