Update!

Well, it's sneaking up on us quickly... We now have only 16 days before we board the plane(s) and embark on our journey to Kenya. But you know what else that means? Only 9 more days until I graduate from COLLEGE. Yes. That's right. I did it... err hopefully, still have a week of finals left ;)

With graduation approaching quickly, I have found myself reflecting over the past four years (mostly while I'm supposed to be studying, writing papers, etc). Jamestown College has become a part of me. They say college changes you-- but I don't necessarily think that's true. While at JC I have grown into the person I'm meant to be, and what I have learned here has challenged me to continue that growth, to continue learning. JC has challenged me. I have taken courses that have confirmed my beliefs, and courses that have definitely challenged them. Who I am hasn't changed, but I have a strengthened sense of belief of who that person is... and who I want to become.

Because I haven't updated in awhile... I figured I'd share a little bit of what has been going on. We have been doing various fundraisers to bring supplies with us to Chogoria. Each of us is required to bring two suitcases along-- one for our personal items, and the other to carry supplies (the nice thing is that this suitcase opens up at the end of the trip to carry souvenirs). One of the ladies who is traveling with me, Abby, student taught this semester and held a book drive at her elementary school. It was a great success and we now have many, many books to bring along with us. Another young lady, Beth (who also has a fantastic blog: www.journeytochogoria.blogspot.com she is the journalist on our trip), held a baseball hat drive at her high school. So so far- we have books, baseball hats, and.... school supplies! We have been holding a school supplies fundraiser here on campus. The donations have been overwhelming and our suitcases will be full!

Tonight in class we are fortunate to have the nursing group who traveled to Chogoria in February join us. They will share with us their experiences and although we will not be doing the same things as they did-- it will be a helpful and information evening. Next Thursday (after finals are OVER) we will be packing up our supply suitcases... Yikes.

I think I'm going to end here for the afternoon.. I have so much more to say-- but unfortunately the last day and a half of classes + a week of finals requires me to do a little bit of homework/studying before continuing writing about Kenya-- trust me, I'd much rather do this.

Talk to you all soon.