Travel plans

Here's how it will work: I fly from Chicago to Amsterdam (4 hr layover) to Nairobi, arriving at 8:15pm March 30 via Kenya Airways.

March 31: take 8-10 hour bus ride to Oronkai village, transfer from bus to matatu (mini-van taxi) or be picked up by Emmanuel, local host

April 12: Go on to Dago village

April 20: Go on to Sister Freda's Foundation in Kitale

April 27: Return to Nairobi to catch a flight at 3:30am on April 28 via Ethiopian Airlines to Accra, Ghana

April 28: Arrive in Accra at 11:35am; work in Volta region

May 17: Return to Accra and depart at 11:45pm to Rome (3 hr layover) to Chicago by May 18 at 1:35pm.

Less hair = More water

I don't like having long hair in Africa. Besides it being uncomfortable in the hot weather, there is a very practical reason for preferring shorter hair while out there: to conserve time and resources.

Depending on the village, families might have rain collection tanks as their water source, or river water, or if they're lucky, they have a well. In most places, you use bucket of water and a cup for your "shower". In some places, you might be lucky to have running water and a stand-up shower like you're used to in the West.

I don't mean to discourage anyone from volunteering. It's just like going camping. In fact, you can also use camping shower bags that past volunteers have donated. You can bring one of your own, of course.

In the end, less hair means using less water and firewood or coals, and spending less time in the stall with uninvited flying guests. Also, the haircut, valued at over $50, was free because the salon was a partner with Locks of Love and I had 10" of untreated hair to donate.