I MADE IT!

BIG NEWS: everyone can rest easy--Megan has landed safely in Nairobi, Kenya! The adventure over was to say the least...an adventure. The 9 hour flight to Turkey was, surprisingly, great! Lots of space, great movies (Harry Potter 1-7 and various new releases), above average plane food and comfy pillows.   No complaints. The following 6.5 flight to Nairobi was less great, but still no complaints. As the day progressed (and moved from January 17th to the 18th) I started to feel the long sleepless hours kicking in. Although the adventure to Kenya was long and exhausting I am forever grateful for my safety.

Upon arrival to Nariobi (at 3 am their time) I was pleased that we breezed right through customs and through to baggage where our luggage was waiting patiently. We were greeted by the very friendly faces of the St. Lawrence compound (where we are staying) who led us through the crazy streets of Nairobi to our home for the next 5 months. At this point we, the students, were beyond the point of exhausted and jet lag was kicking in. We detoxed by doing some group yoga, unpacking, and for those who wanted some napping. The night concluded with a game of flashlight basketball (the basketball courts do not have lights) with the professors children (ages 11-13--who were great basketball players). Everyone was sound asleep by 8:00 pm (1:00 pm on the East coast) and didn't wake up till 7:00 am in the morning.

Sunday the 19th was a city filled experience as we were set free (legitimately) and forced to find our way around the blooming metropolis that is Nairobi. We were assigned groups of 4 or 5 and given a location and some money and were asked to meet up again at 2:00. While I was very hesitant and somewhat resistant to this exercise I found it to be one of the most beneficial and helpful activities I have done, and maybe will do. All of the groups did end up finding their way-- although the routes of navigation were very diverse. We then went to the Nairobi National Museum and were all blown away by the incredible artifacts and pictures they had. We concluded the day by an impromptu bus tour by our friendly bus driver, Jau, of all of Nairobi; from where the president lives to the Kibera slums--total culture shock! This was one of the highlights of my day because I was able to gain a greater awareness of my bearings but also realized how lucky I am to be experiencing this trip. Although we view Kibera a different way they view themselves, my feelings of gratitude were just strongly reinforced and helped me realize help grateful I am.

I think it is going to be another early-to-bed night for us again tonight, the city life really wears you out! We start Swahili language classes tomorrow at 8:30 sharp, can't wait to get back into the swing of things. (I noticed today as we were roaming around the city that I really do need to brush up on my Swahili)

Hope everyone is doing well in the USA!