K2K 2012.....97

The Mara

Well....I finally did it! After enormous pressure from friends all over the world to show them, and tell them, about my amazing adventures and kids in Kenya, I will be writing a blog about my upcoming trip to Kenya. Now this was no easy decision for me....believe me! I am a pretty private person and the mere thought of broadcasting my thoughts for others to read is a very scary notion. Basically, I just do what I can for some kids, without announcing it to the world at large. However, recently I have really been thinking about this rather limited approach, and have decided that perhaps I should reevaluate my position on this. I know how much I love to read other people's accounts of their experiences and thoughts "in the field". as well as how much I have learnt from others by devouring any source of information on two subjects that are very dear to my heart - child sponsorship and Kenya. I love exploring on the Internet and I sure love to write, so perhaps it's time to encourage others to discover a passion for helping kids around the world, or to expand their own horizons and truly believe that anything can be accomplished with determination and perseverance. No more lurking....it's time to be actively involved!



Kids...being kids!

 I will be leaving cold and snowy Canada on April 13, 2012 to visit what I consider to be my other home....warm and sunny Kenya. I can't wait! This year I will spend seven and a half glorious weeks with my second family in the wonderful country! As this will be my fourth visit to Kenya, I am no longer a newbie to it all, yet those feelings of anticipation and pure joy at the chance to visit once again really are priceless. I work hard all year to make this happen, as it has become essential to my soul! The kids are so bright and eager, and the chance to give them an opportunity to achieve their goals is truly inspiring. There is no limit to the possibilities awaiting them - they just need a little help to get there. Never say it can't be done, but rather question what we have to put in place to make it happen for them!

Now that the Christmas festivities are over, preparation for my trip is the new priority. I must leave my family in good shape here, as well as make sure I have everything collected that I want to take with me. The list is very long - gifts from Canada (ie a million Canada t-shirts and caps, small jugs of maple syrup and boxes of maple cookies) as many solar calculators and math sets as possible, teaching material for my English and Global Awareness classes I will be teaching, books, movies, all electronics and various plug/adapters, malaria meds, some "real" coffee, etc. I might even throw in a few clothes for me! I wonder how many extra bags I will have to pay for this year! Somehow it will all get done, as another day is crossed off the calendars both in Canada and in Kenya. It is nice to know that the kids really look forward to my visit, too! Every year we start the official countdown at 100 days - the K2K (Kountdown to Kenya) is a great tradition that we all enjoy.



Elephant in English....Tembo in Kiswahili

 I hope that you will join in the excitement and follow the adventures in Kenya this year. Over the next couple of months until departure, I will fill you in on the background information about the schools, people and activities that I am involved with in this great country. Travel tips and cultural differences will be mentioned along the way. I want to encourage everyone to visit this great country and experience all it has to offer. I had often read that visiting the continent of Africa was an experience like no other, and one that will have a profound effect on how we view the world and our position in it. I can now confirm this, as there is nothing like it - be prepared to love it, while challenging yourself and experiencing the realities of global issues. Beware.....Kenya-itis is always catching, and the only known cure is to keep returning!

Susan