Beginning of my journey

I believe the saying goes, "A picture speaks a thousand words." I have been getting the question a lot in the past three or so months; why in the world do you want to go to Africa??."  My usual response was "it's something I have wanted to do for a long time."  I stumbled across this photo last summer when I was deciphering which pictures I wanted on the wall in my apartment.  There was no question this was one to be added to the collection.  Sometimes it's funny how things work out because this appears to be the perfect prelude to my Kenyan experience.

I recall in sixth grade arguing relentlessly with one of my peers who was extremely adamant about Kenya being his country of choice to compile a research project on.  I believe my teacher settled the dispute over the typical drawing a name out of a hat.  The rest of the details are somewhat fuzzy, but I think it's obvious who drew Kenya.

For those of you who don't know, I was motivated by my Aunt Lynn's tales, who lived in Kenya for two years during her college days. She taught pre-calculus in a village called Bushangala.  Lynn currently has a strong connection with Kenya, being a board member on Soteni.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her Kenyan stories, and I knew that someday I would be able to emulate her experience. 

Back to the picture: This was taken during the presentation stage of the countries project in Colebrook Elementary Schools cafeteria.  Members of the community were invited to attend this event and I am pretty sure the turn out was weak, but the experience was definitely a memorable one.