On my way.

The months following my return to Canada from Kenya the first time around seemed to drag on. Although the holidays were such an exciting time for me and I was ecstatic to be reunited with my family and just as pleased to return to my own bed, hot showers, television, and a what now seems like unlimited selection of food, a longing to return to Kenya always remained. After the euphoria of being reunited with my family and friends and re-adjusting to life back home in Canada I knew that all I wanted to do was to return to Kenya. I am very fortunate to have parents who not only allow me to take a year off from my studies and travel half way across the world to live in Africa (not to mention twice in one year) but also show unconditional love, support, and interest in my travels.

I am so excited to be returning to Africa after what seems like three long months. This time around I feel as if I can jump right back into life in Mlolongo, Kenya with ease. There are many things that I want to continue from my time spent there in the fall such as: participating with the centre and working at Hope baby orphanage. However, I am anxious to try to get involved with new things as well such as a friends library project in Kibera, one of east Africa’s largest slums, and also to travel more within Kenya and to learn to more Swahili .

A little background information… The centre my friend received funding for to set up in Mlolongo is an ongoing 2 year project. The main objective and motivation behind the creation of the Si Siri (there’s no secret) project is to provide accessible education and support for HIV. Through the centre we do mobile testing in orphanages, schools, and MARPS (most at risk populations), support groups, in school educations, community outreaches, and activities with youth in the community. The orphanage we spend our weekends volunteering at is called Hope Baby center. You can find out more here: www.futurehopeandbabycentre.org. I am beyond excited to be reunited with all the little ones and looking forward to meeting two new additions to Hope Baby Centre.

That’s all for now folks. Ill update more once I get settled in Kenya. Here are some pictures from the fall... Kwaheri!