I'm off....

Well, I am sitting in Philadelphia and at this time tomorrow I will be heading on my way to Amsterdam, then eventually to Nairobi on the 20th. I finished my staging classes today, which were pretty informative, get also somewhat nerve-wracking. I guess the reality of my adventure is really starting to hit home, which is a good thing. I am very excited but nervous for it all. It has been a lot of fun meeting all of the different people that I will be training with for the next 10 weeks. We are a very diverse bunch from all over, different ages, with different stories, so I am excited to get to know them better. We had a lot of fun putting together skits, drawings, etc. I had my last American meal tonight, and just picked off each others plates to try everything before we left. It's crazy to think that I am actually leaving tomorrow... I really appreciate everyone's support as I am heading off. The encouragement has really blessed me, so thanks.

I will update more about the adventure when I arrive in Nairobi. We will be there for a few days before heading to our training site.

Safe journeys and I will be writing soon... as long as I can find an internet cafe. Wish me luck!

19 days....

So, this is my first attempt at keeping an online blog. I will admit that I tend to be pretty horrible at anything related to journal-ing, so we will see how this goes. The countdown to Kenya is well... going quickly. I am working on paperwork and trying to figure out things that I need to get before I go. Signing power of attorney forms and filling out life-insurance is just a quick reminder that I am a) a college graduate and b) going out into the real world. Scary. A few things that I purchased today which are amusing are: a) a headlamp, b) solar shower, c) leatherman knife. I'm sure I will find that the knife comes in handy quite a bit, though not to defend myself as I am not quick at getting the blades out... I'm sure this will come with experience.

I turned in my homestay questionnaire yesterday which was very exciting. They ask questions about if I like kids, if I prefer a large or small family, and if I would mind sharing a room. I decided that I only like kids "somewhat" as I do not want 15 kids running around all the time and that I wouldn't mind sharing a room if it was someone who was relatively close to my age. We will see how that turns out!

I will give more of an update as I am continuing to put together last minute details. I am leaving for Rhode Island tomorrow to see my family one last time before I go. They are having a little cookout for my brother and I as we are both leaving the country for extended time. I am really looking forward to seeing all of my extended family together. It always proves to be a good time when you get all the Portuguese relatives together, just imagine My Big Fat Greek Wedding gone Portuguese... take that as you will.