Why Kenya?

In 2006 when I was planning my first trip to Africa I was continually asked WHY KENYA?  Why was I leaving my job, my friends and my family to live in a third world country full of strangers for the better part of a year?  When confronted with this question I gave scripted answers: Because I want to help the less fortunate.  Because the timing is right.  Because I've always wanted to go to Africa.  While all of these statements are correct, the answer I really wanted to give was "I don't know, I guess I'll find out when I get there."

And that's the beauty of an experience like that.  I went to Kenya with no expectations and left with an entirely new outlook on life.  Everything about Kenya challenged me to grow and to broaden my view and understanding not only of global issues like the AIDS pandemic and child poverty but emotional and spiritual issues as well.  So often Africa is seen as one land, one people, one problem but I've had the honor and privilege of knowing and loving a handful of these Africans as individuals.  Since returning from Kenya, I've shared my experience through my photographs and writings, hoping to inspire people to become involved in this worthy cause.  I am ecstatic and humbled that these many amazing women feel led to join me on my return to Kenya this fall and that so many more wish to be a part of the trip financially and prayerfully.  

Now when I'm asked WHY KENYA, I simply respond WHY NOT?

Yes We Kenya

It is my privilege to invite all of Chicagoland to YES WE KENYA!  Yes We Kenya is a happy hour fundraiser hosted by six of my friends and me to raise money for our upcoming trip to Kenya.  $20 all you can eat and drink and you'll be helping a good cause - what a great way to kick off your weekend!  All details are below, hope to see you there!

When: Friday, June 26 from 5:30pm - 8pm

Where: 550 W. Adams, Ste. 500, Chicago

Hosted by: Clare Kennedy, Emma Rush, Heather Koscielniak, Jenn Winter, Lauren Fulmer, Lyndsay Rush & Tami Hardoby

Irene: A True Inspiration

VICDA's Fearless Leader - Irene Wairimu Ngatia

I've been really excited lately.  I'm talking seven-years-old on Christmas morning excited.  As you can gather from previous posts, I'm heading back to Kenya at the end of August for a couple of months and this time I'm bringing a group of friends from Chicago along with me.  The plans for the trip are going really well and the "Wazungu Crew" are all really excited and anxious to get to Kenya and get to work.  I love introducing friends from different parts of my life to one another and I cannot wait to introduce my Chicago friends to my Kenya friends.  Namely the lovely lady seen above, Irene - or Mama Matatu as I've recently begun calling her.  Irene's contagious laugh, memorable one-liners and undying loyalty are just a part of what makes her remarkable.

With VICDA sponsored kids at Bethel Outreach in Kibera

Irene is the director of VICDA, the program in which I volunteered in 2006 and 2007.  She is a true inspiration to me and many others and has been instrumental in making a positive difference in the lives of Kenyans from every walk of life.  From the old and sick to the young and orphaned, and everyone in between, Irene has truly touched hearts, changed lives and given hope.  Please visit her blog and her website or follow her on twitter @vicda to learn more about VICDA's efforts and to see how you can get involved.