Hey.. it seems your life has been an array of ups and downs in Kenya. and i completely understand the waking up in a pool of sweat aspect! I can't wait to be back in a world with air conditioning :)

But you are right when you say that it is all worth it. my life is definitely a step up here in South Africa, but THIS IS AFRICA! and we are going to keep fighting through the unfair cab prices and language barriers

Peace and love and can't wait till we meet up one day on this amazing continent

Dear Maggie,

It was such a thrill today to view your wonderful pictures of Africa! I was so happy to see pictures of you and your beautiful smile. I can hardly wait to show Grandma and Grandpa, they will love to see you and your incredible surroundings. We are thinking about you all the time. Thank you so much for sharing your fascinating experiences with me, it is such a precious gift. Soon you will be arriving in Mombasa, I am praying that you will be very happy there. I imagine that each new experience is very exciting and at times very challenging to adjust to. Caroline and I always say, Maggie is such a beautiful and amazing person.......you really are!

This coming Sunday is Easter and I am getting ready for company. Your Mom and Dad will be here along with eleven others. We will miss you, but you will be close in spirit. I am anxious to see your hair in the braids....I will look forward to future photos. It is so great to see you and visualize your awesome surroundings.

Take good care of yourself, Maggie. I love you so very much.

Hey Maggie,

By now I suspect you have said your goodbyes and are exploring your new home. Can't wait for the next blog to hear about your assignment for work and family. Are you not teamed up with even one other student? That would be a bit daunting. But you are WOMAN and you are STRONG...as evidenced by the braids that I want to see too!...enjoy every minute. I understand you will be back to visit your first host family when your mom and dad come in June. That will be a nice reunion.

Love and hugs.

Gwen

Dearest Maggie,

Grandpa and I are surely thinking of you. You will have to write a book about all these experiences you are having. We are sure all you are doing is life changing.

Soon you will be off to Mombasa for your internship and we hope all goes well for you. You are a brave girl to do this on your own. We are so proud of your good attitude and your sense of humor to accompany it, that helps.

After hearing your last blog (Aunt Ruthie reads them to us) I am thinking how blessed we are here with our good supply of water and all the other conveniences we enjoy. We just don't realize how fortunate we are. It is hard to imagine how difficult life can be for so many. Your wanting to help and make a difference, in some way, is quite something. What you are learning and doing now will always make a difference in your life.

We are doing well here. Grandpa has been working on his income tax, following the elections on TV, seeing Dr. Baginski and finishing up his root canal. Isn't that exciting?

We saw Caroline over her spring break. She worked on many projects while home. We saw her and she looked so cute.

Enough for now. You are ever in our thoughts and prayers. If you can't keep clean, keep safe!

Love you so very much,

Grandma and Grandpa

Dear Maggie,

It means so much to me to read your incredible blogs, I truly love reading about your life there. You are doing an amazing job with all you are experiencing. I know that I am very spoiled living here in the U.S. with all the conveniences I have available to me. Many people here do not appreciate what we are so fortunate to have....water, food, shelter, etc... I hope that you will have access to more water soon, so you will feel more comfortable. It is so wonderful that you have such a caring family to live with. It is understandable to have some apprehensions with the changes associated with going to Mombassa. The ability that you have to adapt to new people and surroundings is remarkable, Maggie! You amaze and inspire me with your open mind and heart, you are very special. I can imagine that Mombassa is going to be a fascinating place to live and meet new people. You are always in my thoughts and prayers....for your health, safety and happiness. With this message I send all my love.

Maggie,

I just came to after reading your Feb 25 blog. You are quite the brave and adventurous one. Good for you.

I think of you often and am so pleased that you were able to add this experience to those you have already had. Stay safe. Keep your head about you.

I honestly think that just seeing the goat blood was close enough....

Have fun. Make the most. Be safe. Thank you for sharing.

Love and hugs,

Gwen

Maggie -- Thank you so much for taking me along on your stay in Africa!! Wow, I know I will never physically see or experience such a wonder as you are, but what a blessing to be able to see and experience through your eyes. It is just as if I am there!!! I so well remember the little girl that went through the classrooms and hallways at Davis and I even still have the little reindeer you gave me lots of years ago. Now what a pleasure to see this little girl grown and living a most exciting life and sharing it as well. I was so happy your Mom gave me the link to your blog and I look forward to each new post that you make and the pictures are so wonderful. Although I must say the pictures that you place in my mind, through your words, are AMAZING. Keep up the good work and never forget your roots. My prayers are with you and all those with you for continued safety and health. Now I will sit back and enjoy the rest of the journey that you are taking me on. God Bless You. From Mrs. Nations

Maggie -- it's been so wonderful reading your posts. Your descriptions and reflections are just what I'd expect from you - thoughtful, positive, and open-minded. I'm so glad that it's you representing americans (you know what I mean!).

You're very missed in the office. No one stops by with such crazy stories as yours. You're such a great story teller; I hope you'll capitalize on oral-history traditions there and come back with an even better honed ability to share your stories.

Stay well. Stay open. Stay thoughtful.

kathleen

Maggie! Thanks for the new post. Am trying to keep up with events... and have you constantly in my thoughts.

News Flash: In contrast to Kenya, it appears as though the U.S. may be more likely to have a Luo president.

-->If you have a chance, tell us a little about what your adopted city is like on a future post. Has the city earned its nickname "Nairobbery"? What's it like to be a young American woman there? What about the culture? If you were to write an article about living there for a magazine, what would you write about?

Also, are you dreaming in Swahili yet?

As usual, more questions than answers from me! Love, love, S.

Dearest Maggie,

You are ever in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to realize the life you are experiencing now.

Dearest Maggie,

You are ever in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to realize the life you are experiencing now. We are so proud of your wonderful attitude and your ability to cope with all these challenges. We pray for your health and safety.

Aunt Ruthie is sending our letter to you. Wish I could write you every day. Actually, it is quite wonderful you can talk to your folks on the telephone and also get those fascinating blogs off to us at home. I know it takes time but is so appreciated. Keep on keeping on! We love you so very much.

Grandma and Grandpa

Another Awesome post, Valentine! Love, love

Hi Maggie,

Just read your about your adventures...Wow!..I copied and pasted to Grandma so she could read them on her email. Happy Valentines Day!

Thanks for the interesting BLOG! Love, Aunt Colette