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Welcome to my blog! Here I will share with you my experience in Kenya, Africa over the summer of 2014.

I hope that by reading about and viewing pictures from my trip, you will be able to live the experience with me in a way.

A few notes I would like you to keep in mind as you read this:
1. I kept a written journal during my trip and have transcribed it for this blog. In order to keep it as close to the original as possible, I have transcribed it character-for-character. As much as this pains me in some situations, this will mean there are some (many) spelling, grammatical, and structural errors. I think that leaving these intact add to the authenticity of the blog, though, and show that sometimes I had so much running through my head that I just had to get it on paper in any way I could. Also, it is somewhat telling about the environment I was in while writing it.
2. I have left out some details intentionally. If you would like to talk about any of my experiences or have any questions for me, please reach out! I love to talk about it :)
3. There are some opinions which I have chosen to share, which I will hope will be respected. I acknowledge that I do not know everything about some topics I breach, but I chose to share my opinions on them anyways because it shows what this experience brought me to contemplate and recognize, which I may not have previously. If you would like to share your opinions or experiences as well, I would love to hear them. Please feel free to leave all the respectful comments you'd like.

I hope you enjoy reading this! Thank you to everyone who helped me to make this amazing adventure a reality. If any of the stories you read about make you want to get involved, please visit the "Contribute to the Cause" tab to donate to projects underway, or contact me to learn about other ways to help.

Sam

July 9th, 2014 Part 1

12:00 AM (Detroit) 6:00 AM (Amsterdam)

Well, that was, what I'm guessing may be, the first of many inaccurate first impressions I'll have this trip.  The crying little girl was laid down in the seat, set up with a pillow and blanket, and has not woken up once.  We are 1 hour out of Amsterdam.  The mom, rushed to sit down before the plane took off, got her daughter situated, got some luggage rearranged, then finally settled in herself.  Not long after she relaxed (looking tense and upset the whole time) she began crying :( She cried on and off throughout the flight.  Quietly and to herself, but still so upset. I am a terrible person!  I was all selfish about not wanting them to sit by me and they proved me wrong by being silent and having more to worry about than a dumb seat.  I was never able to ask the mom what was wrong.  The time never felt right.  But I prayed for her and her situation, and hope she will be comforted and it will work out.

The sun is rising outside, although I can't see it because most people have their windows closed.  Breakfast was just served.  It will be interesting to go into one of the most basic living environments I've experienced in my life right after being in one of the most plush situations.  I think it is raining in Amsterdam, but I'll put my rain jacket on and be ready to go!



I watched the movie “About Time” on the flight earlier and it was SO GOOD!! I really want to watch it with Connor <3 it reminds me of him in some ways.

I'll try to get a picture with my flight neighbor.  Talk after Amsterdam!

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