It is definitely a strange feeling to be writing my last blog entry of my semester, Cheap MBT Karibu since I leave here on Saturday night and somehow arrive back by noon on Sunday. Going back in time is going to be very bizzare! So I guess I have a lot to update you all on since the last time I wrote about a month ago- wow does time fly by! The remaining 3 weeks of my internship were amazing. I spent most of my time at the pediatric center with the children, but on a few of the days, I was able to travel with my supervisor to a few local children's orphanages. I had a lot of fun playing with the children and seeing the different places. Although it is really sad to see so many children without families, I think what really bothered me the most was the lack of education. Many of these children didn't even go to school, because they had such a negative stigma attached to them either just being orphaned or having AIDS that they weren't admitted anywhere. I think this attitude really adds to the lack of development in this area throughout Africa- so that was a little frustrating. But other than experiencing the frustrating moments, I really enjoyed my internship. I definitely think it was the best 4 weeks of my life and it really changed my life.
And now I'm just back here at the compound, Cheap MBT Nama doing some last minute things before we head out on Saturday. We had African dancers come entertain us tonight, along with a wonderful catered "Last Dinner." It was wonderful and the performance was so much fun. Then a few of the people here made a slideshow comprised of pictures during the time we've spent here, which was so nice. I'm going to try to make a copy of it so I can show you all. It's definitely a bittersweet feeling leaving. Of course I can't wait to get home and see my family and everyone, but at the same time, I could easily spend 4 more months here. I came here without knowing anyone and I'm leaving with people I'll be friends with for the rest of my life. The experiences and the time I've spent here are honestly indescribable, and even pictures don't do it justice- even though I really can't wait to show them to all of you. I know I'll go through my ups and downs upon arriving back at home, just because things are completely different here in Kenya and I've grown to really enjoy the culture and way of life. But there are definitely things that I will not miss- such as the lack of plumbing and toilets, and american food that I've craved so much! I actually made a 2 page list of all the food that I've missed since I've been here- I read it to my mom on the phone and she thought I was a bit crazy. But needless to say, I've learned more about myself during these past 4 months than I ever have in my life and for that I am so grateful to have had this experience. Although Kenya is a developing country that has a lot that it needs to work on, it's given me so much that I never could have expected upon coming into this program. I HIGHLY encourage any of you looking to travel somewhere to please come to Africa and experience it for yourself. If I could survive here, ANYONE could- trust me. I'm the most non-outdoorsy person in the world.. well I guess now I can't say that! But I am very sad that this will be my last entry.. well for now, because I will come back sometime during my life. I know that for certain! There is no way that I wouldn't want to come back. I'll miss everything about this place, but I can't wait to come home and share everything with you all. Just to warn you- I will be talking about Kenya non-stop, Cheap MBT Panda also in Swahili which I've become pretty good at I must say. But Happy late Mother's Day to all of the mom's reading this- I hope you had a great day. And I look forward to seeing you all shortly.
Love Chels
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