Greetings from the Monastery!!! Because of the violence in Kenya, we were unable to go to Lake Nakuru where the orientation for MSID normally takes place. Instead we have retreated to the Karen area of Nairobi. It's the totally swanky area where all the rich white people live. This is the area of Nairobi where the story, Out of Africa took place. The compound is beautiful but I know everyone is getting stir crazy stuck in this compound when we know there is so much to discover outside the protected walls. We have all joked that we feel like we are in a retirement home because all we do is sit around and talk, play cards, and walk around in circles in this beautiful facility. It has been nice to adjust after the jetlag…but I think we are all ready for some escape.

The day after we arrived in Kenya, reports that a PM was assassinated in Nairobi came out. It's pretty crazy how everything is going down here…but I don't feel at danger at all. I know that the MSID staff has been very careful about where our home stays are placed and they don't seem to be taking chances…I'm a little bummed because the two internships I wanted (and was accepted to) have been removed from the program for the time being because it is too unsafe for me to travel there. Oh well. It will all work out.

Well…I guess I should start from the beginning of my adventure….. Before I even got on the plane 8 of us had already met at the terminal. Mollie and I sat next to each other throughout the entire journey. It was really nice to have a familiar face…even though I have only known her for a short while. It is amazing how close all of us have gotten as a group thus far. After traveling for over 20 hours with these new friends I had an instant new family. The first night we got in….it was really late and we were all exhausted.All of us were pretty sore from traveling so a few girls went and did some yoga before bed. It felt great to stretch and get to know new people.

The next day we were in orientation all day. It was exhausting…we were all jetlagged and struggling a bit. However…within that first day I had so many amazing conversations about globalization, politics and religion (some of my favs obviously). It so nice to be in a program where everyone is so passionate about not only service but people who are just so intellectual and care about personal growth and development. It is great to be constantly stimulated and intellectually challenged. They are all so much fun and I already know that these are going to be people I keep in touch with long term.

The day after that we went through more orientation and broke into groups to work on presentations on development and how it will apply to Kenya and our experience. All of our MSID staff is so amazing and I have already learned so much about Kenyan politics and the current situation and how it pertains to my role in international development.

I have to note that I am already growing to love the culture here. Everything is so laid back…which is exactly what I needed after all the stress of school at elon and everything that led up to me leaving the country. Class is super laid back and we just kinda talk until we don't want to anymore…then we take tea break. We do this a couple times a day…we always have a little snack and a cup of tea. I always look forward to these times because I know that it will lead to interesting conversations. This is also one of the reasons I am probably going to gain an insane amount of weight this semester…according to past MSID students…I will probably gain 10-15 pounds….oooohhhh well. As most of you know…I am super punctual…and here, time means nothing. I never thought I would say this…but I love it. I value the time I am able to spend with people and everything is just so relaxed. Sorry if when I come home I am constantly late for everything….haha

I cannot wait to see what the rest of the semester brings. I am so excited to meet my host family and gain another mom and two sisters. From what the directors have said….almost everyone on the program has returned to Kenya and stayed with their families and visited their old internships. I am so excited to form these relationships. Although I am still very confused about what I want to do with my life…coming here has reaffirmed my passion (it was lacking for a while there) and I know that this is going to be an experience that I will not regret.

Today we went to the city center and exchanged money and bought cell phones. It was so nice to get into the action and see where we will be spending our time. We drove past to Kibera (the largest slum in Africa) where a lot of violence has taken place since the elections. I have read so much about it and seen it in pictures…but seeing it in real life is so much different.

In general so far….I LOVE IT HERE!!!

Mom and dad…just for the record….its looking more and more likely I will not be returning home until after we climb. I know you miss me and all….but yeah. 3 months is not enough time to experience all the things I have heard about. Sorry.

We get our home stays on Friday and class starts on Tuesday so hopefully I will be able to find an internet café and phone soon.