tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68173467029435539082011-10-15T23:19:57.369-07:00Changes that occur in the brain as the result of experienceAutosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.comBlogger541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-90193283642186159282011-05-14T10:27:00.000-07:002011-05-14T10:28:12.328-07:00

My time here is drawing to a close, and by God's grace I've accomplished more than I had hoped to achieve with this trip.Ghana Accomplishments:* Interviewed all teaching staff at KCISS Purpose: To discover their teaching experience and educational background, their current struggles and their desires for further learning, in order to share with future volunteers so that they can properly prepare

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-31562139036464632872011-05-06T13:53:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:55:09.529-07:00

-- Increased rainfall in the Eastern area caused the Weija Dam to rise above 47 feet. An employee of the Dam explained that 4 of its 5 spillways had to be opened to release the pressure as a precaution, and said that's the only thing they can do with that excess water. They noted the irony of this water being wasted while other parts of Ghana are experiencing drought.-- Hawking on the streets of

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-39932792309730571042011-05-02T05:44:00.000-07:002011-05-02T06:12:16.088-07:00

I think I lost a bit of weight in Kenya due to that small bout of food poisoning, and now am gaining the weight back (and them some!) in Ghana because my skirts are getting tight! Children are literally starving from malnutrition in Africa, and this American gains weight. Who'd've thunk it? The food I'm being served so far is delicious; initially too spicy for me but now they've adjusted for me :

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-1750050505834608052011-04-27T12:15:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:13:56.102-07:00

My flight is at 3:30am, so I am hanging out in the in-country coordinator's apartment. I have completed my month in Kenya, and it has been a great success! I apologize for not updating the blog more often, though I have had access to internet at least once a week. The problem has been that a weird series of full page ads crop up instead of my log in page whenever I open blogger, and I haven't

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-6010936437486239322011-04-04T03:33:00.000-07:002011-04-04T04:49:24.594-07:00

Emmanuel's 3rd child, Shiloh, has been home from his boarding school for Easter break, but today he has to return to school so I came along to be able to go to a cyber cafe in a town that's on the way, called Kericho. Emmanuel's currently about town with him running errands, so he will come back in a bit to pick me up to return to the village. I'm on the computer for personal and business reasons

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-42412025712269057232011-03-30T15:05:00.000-07:002011-03-30T15:46:25.526-07:00

Hi everyone! It is 1:30am in Nairobi and 5:30pm in Chicago. I arrived safely and with all my stuff intact and not stolen :)And the Kenyan visa was only $25 USD this time, instead of $50...I landed after 8:30pm and was picked up within an hour (after immigration, long wait for the baggage, and a quick stop at an ATM). Had a late dinner with Wendy, Kenya's wonderful in-country coordinator and city

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-42100909017373869532011-03-29T13:09:00.000-07:002011-03-29T13:37:53.896-07:00

Namunyak Maasai Welfare: April 1-12 video clips for fundraising, website updates, and other stuffworkshops and trainings for teachers on special education, literacy development, and other stuffinterview, profile kids with disabilities around the community; caregiver consultation and traininginterview, gather info, discuss with Emmanuel for the book we want to write about his life work with

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-34287835093613168662011-03-28T20:51:00.000-07:002011-03-28T22:29:50.029-07:00

Medical Prevention Travel Medicine Consultation: $42Mefloquine (anti-malarial): 14 count = $173.18Azithromycin (for traveler's diarrhea): 10 count = $152.59Oral typhoid: $84Flu shot: $9.67Immunization administration: $21.83Hep A vaccine: $112Immunization administration: $23Consult with PA about whether I should take birth control to postpone menstruation for duration of trip (conclusion was no):

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-14829419929471907222011-03-28T17:24:00.001-07:002011-03-28T20:51:42.641-07:00

We're not breaking up; I just think we need to spend some time away from each other for a while. You are strong, hot and steamy. I'm going to miss you. XOXO,Linda

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-27177688299619596612011-03-26T08:19:00.000-07:002011-03-26T08:53:23.112-07:00

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 hostApril 12: Go on to Dago villageApril 20: Go on to Sister Freda's Foundation in KitaleApril 27: Return to Nairobi to catch a flight

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-89021923308730734042011-03-23T16:55:00.001-07:002011-10-15T23:19:57.399-07:00

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

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-26519425889507240292011-03-10T19:57:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:16:36.022-07:00

As usual, I spent a long time preparing to present something that ended up being scrapped anyway! I meant to present for at least 45 minutes on visual aids for expressive/receptive language, but we miscommunicated about where we would meet for the session and started a full half hour late. However, we did end up doing a full 2 hours anyway, and I think it went well.Having skipped that part of the

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-746972059042304052011-03-07T21:10:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:10:01.949-07:00

March 2 - Chicago to Mexico City. 11:20pm flight to Lima, Peru, was canceled. Stuck in Mexico for 24 hrs.March 3 - Fun sightseeing Mexico City. Caught next 11:20pm flight to Lima.March 4 - Lima into Cusco 9:15am. Very quick tour of Camino Nuevo's campus (but no school in session yet), quick lunch with Director of Manos Unidas, who suggested I take the next couple days to adjust to the high

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-55839053324764557832011-03-06T17:40:00.000-08:002011-03-23T19:21:00.916-07:00

When I volunteer overseas, I take 2 suitcases filled only of donations so that I can leave everything there and return with only my backpack of personal items. We haven't opened or distributed the suitcases for Manos Unidas yet, so I'll just summarize my personal packing list. Maybe it'll help you in your travels; it doesn't matter if I'm traveling for 2 weeks or 2 months. I don't take more than

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-89050392161992830342011-03-02T12:05:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:17:28.460-07:00

We have a tendency to fall prey to apathy when some event does not affect us directly. How many Americans cared about the oil issue till gas prices inflated? Who mourned for the losses of 9/11 the longest, or continue to mourn to this day? Unless you or someone you know have been involved in a tragedy, it's just normal to not care... either after a while, or ever.This is something I struggle with

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-88855688679320926902011-02-28T21:06:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:33:03.083-07:00

It has been decided that taking on projects in India is just too much for this trip and for the controllable size of Therapists Without Borders.All those great reasons to visit the New Light organization in Kolkata still stand. They are in the center of the sex district and prostitution is a primary way of life out there. New Light attempts to stem the flow of children heading toward that fate,

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-38106082710202374292011-02-27T23:14:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:25:28.759-07:00

My past (relevant) immunization history:Hepatitis A -- 2008Hepatitis B -- 1994, '95, '96IPV (Polio) -- 2007MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) -- 1994Td (Tetnus, Diphtheria) -- 2004Typhoid -- 2007Varicella (from prior infection) -- 1986Yellow fever -- 2007Vaccines recommended for my next travels:Flu: primarily because of being in enclosed airspace during my looong and multiple flightsHepatitis A: because

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-79493274436739251902011-02-25T14:07:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:26:26.996-07:00

Next week will be my 6th trip to a developing country. But this week was only my 4th visit to a travel clinic since 2007. I had skipped a couple times because I don't like to shell out $$ to be told the same things... but this time I'm heading to new territories, and it's been a while since my last visit. Plus, I can't get anti-malarial medication without a prescription from a travel doctor...

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-82176723859553749152011-02-21T21:50:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:33:03.084-07:00

By 2:55pm March 2nd (time/date of departure)Make a to-do list3 discharge reports for my remaining early-intervention clients10:45am 2/22/2011 Travel Health Clinic appointment to make sure my vaccinations are up to date and to get anti-malarial medication for the Africa/South Asia part of my trip... and emergency meds for traveler's diarrhea11:00am 2/24/2011 Follow-up appointment to get

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-56249479726488109602011-02-17T08:46:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:28:03.281-07:00

Addendum: What a quick response! Within 6 hours of my posting this, a lovely Seattle couple has volunteered to pay the full cost of his visit! Thank you for all others who considered supporting him! Believe you me, there will be many other opportunities to help.-------------------------------------------Therapists Without Borders aims to have a sponsorship/scholarship fund in the future, where

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-5121856798274952502011-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:33:03.085-07:00

Updates~~ Whirlwind Wheelchair International, inventor and manufacturer of the rugged RoughRider wheelchair, invited me to train and meet with their team last weekend at their headquarters in San Francisco. It was an amazing experience to have been in the same room with these brilliant minds and open hearts. They taught me about wheelchairs (particularly how to measure and assess candidates for

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-58409992802213573712011-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:32:27.711-07:00

Dear Friends,Therapists Without Borders (ThWB) will take its inaugural research and development trip this spring to several rural villages that we have identified as focus points as we begin our work to bring highly skilled, trained therapists to villages with diagnostic and treatment needs. For at least three months, I will travel to Peru, India, Kenya, and Ghana. Each development site has been

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-11912845625248587352010-06-08T13:23:00.001-07:002011-03-22T09:35:17.727-07:00

It occurred to me upon arrival back to the States this weekend that I never make comparisons until I come home. That is to say, I only notice myself noticing differences AFTER a trip. For example, I noticed that the roads are so smooth here, our cars are in good condition, there are tons of lanes and cars everywhere, and everywhere is air conditioned even though it's not that hot out. I did NOT

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-73513245511983781532010-06-01T15:08:00.000-07:002011-03-22T09:34:10.180-07:00

I've hit that point in time where I feel discouraged about how much more needs to be done and how little time I have left. I'm also losing patience with the increase of both the temperature and my insect bites. The first makes me feel guilty for leaving and the second makes me feel guilty for wanting to leave. I plan on writing about the specifics in more detail another time. Suffice it to say

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-58784150399918797662010-05-27T21:01:00.000-07:002011-03-22T09:34:10.181-07:00

Any doubts* I had about coming to Belize quickly dissipated when I met my host family. Barzakh Falah is run by a married couple, Jaime and Nancy, who rank among the top people I admire, respect, and find inspirational. They have 2 children of their own with 1 on the way (i.e., any day now!) and are raising 3 adopted children, each who had been deemed "unadoptable" by the authorities around here.

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-86895141452816403302010-05-21T21:18:00.000-07:002011-03-22T09:46:16.217-07:00

"Barzakh Falah was established in June of 2008, to address the pressing needs of abused, abandoned and at-risk children living in Belize. An important component in this is the ongoing development of a sustainable and self-sufficient organic farm and its integration into each child's education and maturation."(From the Village Volunteers website) I will be going to Barzakh Falah primarily to

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-50544783558572355392009-02-09T18:49:00.000-08:002011-03-22T09:47:13.951-07:00

At a primary school in Dago Village, in western Kenya area near where Obama has history, I was a welcomed visitor.Following a speech about the importance of education and hard work (which was mysteriously NOT recorded!), I presented the faculty and students half of the donations my Kamiak High School colleagues and Seattle friends gave me. I saved the other half for Sirua Aulo Academy, which I

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-80310240533042347862008-10-06T20:09:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:49:22.908-07:00

Over two months ago, I wrote a post about a lovely 12 year old girl named Jacqueline. She has had a history of 30-minute epileptic seizures and is one of 8 children. Her disabilities has impaired the daily lives of the entire family (lacking the father who prefers to spend his time with his other wives) and threatens their survival.Thankfully, Jackie now has a sponsor! An outstanding woman and

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-78606969134671697142008-08-24T23:23:00.001-07:002011-03-22T15:55:00.816-07:00

At the end of my week at Dago Village, my host planned for me to observe the math class again till the end of the geometry lesson, and, at my request, observe Rose Achieng (Jacqueline's younger sister, with apparent developmental disability) in her class. Afterward, during their morning break, they were to gather the students in the center for me to present the donations officially.Well, as per

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-81819652638224816202008-08-07T22:57:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:51:35.772-07:00

Saturday, June 28thAt Dago, my hosts suggested I go to the orphanage around 2pm to do something with local kids. As per African Standard Time, they sent me at 4:30pm. When I arrived, there were about 14 children waiting for me.By 6pm, there were 42 kids... and growing.Apparently they had heard a mzungu was around and kept trickling in, even as we left the building.My Dago host, Mr. Odoyo,

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-80637184641353479952008-07-31T22:39:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:54:31.595-07:00

Similar to Greg Mortenson building a bridge to overcome his first obstacle into Korphe (See: "Three Cups of Tea"; more info on this blog later), Emmanuel Leina needs to build a bridge.Badly.This is the only connection between the main roads and Sirua Aulo Academy.If it rains during the day, then all bets are off. If it rained overnight, at least he'd have to wait till it dries up a bit before

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-15366061625990268662008-07-31T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:53:16.477-07:00

Chronological Age: 7Grade: Introductory (i.e., Kindergarten)School: Sirua Aulo AcademyVision Screening: Appears to be WFLHearing Screening: Appears to be WFLEvaluation Date: July 5, 2008Evaluation Location: Transmara DistrictExaminer: Linda, M.A., CCC-SLP, through Emmanuel as our Swahili/English translatorReason for Referral: Nathan was brought to the school at my request to meet all children in

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-38480535123153850342008-07-29T23:19:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:53:59.446-07:00

Chronological Age: 10Grade: NurserySchool: Sirua Aulo AcademyVision Screening: Appears to be WFLHearing Screening: Appears to be WFLEvaluation Date: July 5, 2008Evaluation Location: Transmara DistrictExaminer: Linda, M.A., CCC-SLP, through Emmanuel as our Swahili/English translatorReason for Referral: Naeku was brought to the school at my request to meet all children in the area with

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-88190702694083793442008-07-27T23:01:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:53:59.448-07:00

Chronological Age: 12Grade: noneSchool: noneVision Screening: Unable to completeHearing Screening: Unable to completeEvaluation Date: June 24, 2008Evaluation Location: Dago VillageExaminer: Linda, M.A., CCC-SLP, through Edwin as our Luo/English translatorReason for Referral: Jackie was referred for intervention due to significant concerns regarding her health, development, and cognitive status

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-71250145546655486822008-07-27T02:38:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:56:16.470-07:00

On June 22nd, during the 7 hour journey from Nairobi to Dago village, Edwin (aka "Morning"), my arranged escort, and I took two matatus and so did my luggage.That is, we had to fit two suitcases into one matatu heading toward Kisii ahead of our own matatu and pick it up later when we arrived.In Kisii, we transferred to another matatu but didn't have the option to separate my 3 cases since we were

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-32995487385547837302008-07-24T23:29:00.000-07:002008-07-25T01:40:27.702-07:00

A friend of mine, a fellow Village Volunteer volunteer, has also been touched by Kenya. Like me, Tyler has been infuriated by the media's reaction to and the pervasive misunderstanding toward the post-election situation. He is going back next month with other volunteers to try and remedy that. I earnestly pray that he succeeds in making a dent in the most resilient disease of Western

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-36009601985566143482008-07-24T00:44:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:09:05.266-07:00

Thanks to the donations written directly to me (instead of Village Volunteers where they could've received a tax-break), I could afford to pick up a few more items when I arrived in Nairobi. We stopped by a book store and here are a few things I found that exemplify (exaggerate, really) the difference between our side of the world and theirs.(Click on the images to see full size)These are

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-81127447524727641702008-07-22T00:41:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:04:11.650-07:00

On Friday, June 27, my host arranged for me to attend the 8th grade class at Dago Primary School so I can document the use of the particular donations made by one generous teacher in Mukilteo, WA.At Dago, the math teacher prepared a geometry lesson so the students can use the new compasses, protractors, and graph paper. Calculators were few, so they were given to the staff to use for

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-52229201359722769942008-07-20T17:15:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:05:13.838-07:00

This is after I revealed to Susan and the family that Susan will be sponsored by an American couple for the rest of her education (she's in 6th grade now). Pamela, who is trilingual in Luo, Swahili, and English, had adopted her earlier on and now is expressing her appreciation and describing how Susan came to her household.

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-70165350461332555342008-07-20T03:13:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:08:37.128-07:00

Emmanuel is passing out board books to the nursery and intro/kindergarten students. It is their first time with such books (even for the teacher!) and... I'm just glad to have been able to record this. They are speaking Swahili, and the very enthusiastic boy on the left is my Brian!I was aiming to update something to this blog each night since there's so much to share, but I've hit the

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-66923357040932135842008-07-18T00:44:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:09:59.777-07:00

At Dago village, they named this calf after me. Meet Linda the Cow. Don't laugh. Anyone else have a treasured animal in a foreign country named after them? So there.At Oronkai village, Emmanuel has a bull named Balala, after a Kenyan politician. He didn't name it - I think a child of a friend named it.

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-23373748770886069972008-07-17T00:06:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:11:54.668-07:00

Like reading the definition of autism from a textbook and then meeting a child with autism, I hadn't fully understood what it's like to experience the midnight sun. It's freakin me out, actually, that it's 12am and it's twilight. About 10 people are still up and very active (I'd include me cept I'm falling asleep at the keyboard) at this hostel. And yes, of the 10 of us, there's only one other

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-1343415756205382672008-07-15T19:53:00.001-07:002011-03-22T21:14:00.734-07:00

Arrived safely, finally, after 20 hours travel from Kenya-London-Seattle, a 3 day ferry ride from Washington, and 13 hour drive north through the Yukon Territory... to start work at my new short-term assignment at a private SLP & OT clinic in Fairbanks. Yes, they had me start the moment I arrived at 11am today, all my belongings still in my car! So again I must apologize for not updating - I've

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-80362848268607075072008-07-10T12:42:00.000-07:002008-07-10T12:44:51.957-07:00

I'm HOME!Well, as "home" as a nomad like me can be. No rest for the weary though -- will update more when I can! Videos, pictures, stories till your eyes blur -- guaranteed!Thanks for all your prayers for safe travels! Tomorrow I have to be in Bellingham by 3pm to catch my ferry to Alaska. The journey continues!

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-59069918516536231252008-07-06T06:27:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:17:15.109-07:00

I'm in Kericho now, at a Cyber because Emmanuel had to replace the car's brake pads and didn't want me to be bored waiting (though there's no way I would've gotten bored, with Kenyan newspapers to read, blogs to pre-write, "Into the Wild" to start reading, etc.) This one is much less annoying, though I still wouldn't call it high-speed. Anyway, onto the rambling!I've decided to organize my blogs

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-89812675830965517732008-07-03T05:24:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:21:00.405-07:00

... with Sirua Aulo Academy! 70 adorable charming students every day has done it to me. But more on that another time. I'm at an internet cafe and the connection is painstakingly slow and woefully expensive for what it's worth (that is, even though it's only 2 shillings/minute, it took 10 minutes for me to open up 1 email, after crashing twice over the previous 10 minutes). So here is a quick

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-80661564050095022032008-06-21T12:39:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:22:34.483-07:00

Had a good day walking around downtown Nairobi. Bought 2 dictionaries and 12 more kid books for donation. These kid books are great because they are by Kenyan authors, and about village life. Future volunteers could do a better mix of donated Western books with in-country books.We went to an Indian restaurant instead of Carnivore tonight. Great truly authentic Indian food. Rode in matatus all day

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-69954737077497051152008-06-20T22:15:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:24:16.997-07:00

I've brought Seattle weather all the way here! It is completely overcast and mid-60's degrees, except the Kenyans aren't out celebrating the heat wave - they are bundled up in their winter gear and complaining about the cold!The exciting surprise was an impressive gentleman named Junior Gaya being here in town to pick me up! He is a native Kenyan who hosts Village Volunteers volunteers in his

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-69111948977724058982008-06-19T21:36:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:25:31.748-07:00

Flight to London departs at 10:20pm, but I am here and ready to go.Shana Greene, the executive director of Village Volunteers, and I added several more items into my grey luggage, such as 5 deflated soccer balls, trial antimalarial medication, and ... well, my socks. At curbside check-in, we discovered it is 75 lbs! The gentleman suggested moving some items over to my green bag, which was exactly

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-25451469760403531152008-06-18T01:07:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:28:11.759-07:00

I flipped through this donated book the other day called "My Very Own Octopus". In it, a boy imagines all the advantages of having a pet octopus, which includes protecting him from bullies and hugging him 8 times with his 8 arms. Those are all cute and appropriate.But this book includes full color pages of situations such as "My room would always look neat because my octopus would help me put

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-37886312862847924912008-06-17T20:54:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:28:44.975-07:00

(we are chatting on instant messenger)Mom: Did you get some shock's yet?Mom: You know what I mean? To pretend.Me: Yes, Mom, I got my shotsMe: To protectMe: :-)

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-80169538887023342622008-06-16T22:23:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:31:17.376-07:00

WoW!!! 140 pounds of school supplies & books (including weight of suitcases) were donated in a month! I never get tired of saying it: THANK YOU!Kamiak High School staff and Mukilteo School District SLPs have been so extremely generous with their donations of mostly brand new items!! I didn't expect that!For the sake of packing space and the environment (because they burn their garbage in rural

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-43359765113769169492008-06-12T21:00:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:34:48.175-07:00

Last year, students from Pirrar Secondary School for Girls in the Transmara District recited this poem for me among many other "dramas" and performances. These girls, whose parents pay high prices for their secondary education (i.e., equivalent to high school) sleep in the room next to the classroom. Their outpouring of enthusiasm for education in the midst of having nothing that we privileged

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817346702943553908.post-8807845447630358602008-06-08T23:08:00.000-07:002011-03-22T21:38:24.429-07:00

Neuroplasticity... refers to the changes that occur in the organization of the brain as a result of experience.Growing up in Florida, the winter holidays meant bright lights wrapped around palm trees and spray-on snow. Florida's natural pines were never the nice conical plastics we purchased from stores. The Christmas trees I saw on TV and movies were all fake, perfected versions of the

Autosmilerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724047545715265339noreply@blogger.com1