1 week to go

Hujambo!!

So.... as most people who know me are aware, Im going to Kenya in a week (eeeee!!!!). I really cant believe its almost here already. Im truly blessed to have so many friends who are excited for me, and for them, I am going to try to blog the whole time Im in country. I should be able to access the internet once a week, and will try to keep you guys updated.

Heres a little rundown of what my trip will be like:

Im flying out on Monday, Jan 12, and Ill arrive in Nairobi on Jan 13th at 7pm. 

Honestly, I really dont have a good idea of what Im going to be doing. I know Ill be teaching, but besides that, no idea. The 15th really begins everything; thats orientation day. Then after the organization gets to know us, they'll give us our actual placement. Ill be living with a Maasai family somewhere outside of Nairobi, and teach in a primary school in that community. We work Mon-Fri, and then the weekends are free!! 

So, getting started I got in touch with a New Zealand based organization called International Volunteer HeadQuarters. They work with a ton of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) all over the world, and help you get in contact with them and set your trip up. I totally recommend them if you ever want to do something like this. They were so great to work with. So, they set me up with my whole trip to Kenya.

Here's some info about the organizations Im working with (yes, there are 2, we'll get to that in a minute):

First, MEAC: They are an organization that help Maasai tribes to better educate their youth, bring social equality to women, and improve living conditions of community members. There, Ill be teaching at a local primary school.  http://meackenya.org

Second, Fadhili Helpers: This is a wonderful group who work a lot with street orphans in Kenya. Part of their vision is to get these kids off the streets and into schools, feed the hungry, and help teach the boys trade skills so that they can get jobs. www.fadhili.org

Why am I working for 2 organizations? Well..... I was originally only going to work with MEAC, but I just got an email saying that starting Feb 1st all MEAC volunteers will be going over to FH. I have to admit at first I was a little upset. Part of me going for the 5 weeks was because I wanted to have time to create real relationships, but now that time was being cut in half, and split over 2 groups. (I should have learned by now that this stuff is out of my control, but God has it on lock!) However, when I looked into FH, a large part of their program is to tell people about God (word.)! So, in addition to teaching, Im now going to be part of an evangelism program. I should also mention that the original program nor my booking group are Christian organizations. But, *sigh* it always works out just right! So cool...

Ive been wanting to go on a trip like this for about 2 years, and its finally here! God put everything right in order for me too- it was just too easy! (Not that Im complaining.... at all!) I cant wait. 

Last, I would love if you would all pray for me everyday!  Asante sana! (Ive also been working on my kiswahili!) 

Brittany