whew. where to begin. It's been a week full of ups and downs for sure.

This last week we went to Mombassa, Kenya on the coast. It was AMAZING!!!! I am totally in love. 15 of us ended up going and we rented a cottage right on the beach. It was big and we were pretty much all to ourselves. Needless to say...this was the first weekend we really let loose and have a good time. Some people went out on a snorkelling trip while 6 of us opted to stay at the beach for the day to relax. The water was perfect...the beach was amazing...I burned myself to a crisp. I turned a little bit purple and now my skin is falling off like I am some sort of leper. It was worth it though. I found out yesterday that I will have my internship with an environmentally focused NGO in Mombassa...so needless to say I'm pretty psyched about it.

This week has been a little bit frustrating. The MSID staff from MN and Wisc came to audit the program on Monday and Tuesday. They caused quite a bit of contreversy and people including myself were pretty worked up about it. I think we are all starting to realize that things here in Kenya are pretty shaky...and the country does not look like it is on the road to recovery unfortunatly. Regardless I cannot think of a better time to be here. I am learning so much about politics and development in countries that are still trying to come out of colonialism. its all pretty crazy stuff.

Depending on what happens with the peace talk and what MN has to say...we are either going to Samburu national park or massai mara for the weekend. Either of which are going to make for an amazing time!!! we are all really excited about it.

Me and a few other people are starting to plan our big adventure after the program ends...here are the tenative plans..be jealous...very jealous

climb mt kenya

Rwanda to see mountain gorillas and genocide memorial stuff

Uganda to white water raft down the nile and do some hiking

tanzania to explore dar es salaam and go to zanzibar for some rest and relaxation

I know you all want to see pictures...I'm working on it I swear. Things here take a little bit longer.....

oh! thank you to everyone who has been sending me notes of encouragement....I love it here...but it is always nice to hear from home.

Ok...so long until next time

xoxoxoxo