Goodbye USA, Hello Kenya!!

After years of anticipation, I am headed to Kenya TOMORROW for 5 weeks. For those of you who do not know, I am participating in a program called Medics to Africa in Migori, Kenya. There, I will be volunteering in St. Joseph's Misson Hospital attending pain rounds, observing and assisting in surgeries, and interacting with patients on a daily basis. At the end of my trip, I get to go on a 3-day safari with the Masai Mara tribe, sleeping in a hut surrounded by the African wildlife. I can't believe I have been given this opportunity, and I will try to post updates with pictures often. If you'd like to contact me, I will have limited access to email and skype during my stay:

email: blaire@umich.edu
skype: blaire_strietelmeier

A few things I have learned while preparing:

- My dad has offered just about everything to convince me not to go, including: a car, a trip to Sweden, a functioning hot tub, a TV in my room, and a horse (all of which I have turned down)

- Safari gear is really neat- I purchased some sweet boots, a neon camping backpack, a mosquito net, loads of bug spray, and malaria pills YUMMY

- The Typhoid vaccination hurts really bad

- I will have to entertain myself for 9 hours in the Amsterdam airport because, apparently, the city is too dangerous for a sheltered, red-haired girl like myself

- I have invested in a new camera and am hoping not to lose it/break it. My track record with cameras is embarrassing really

- Everyone is really worried about me- especially my parents, my brothers not so much

- Everyone also knows how life-changing this experience will be and cannot wait to hear my stories!

See you all in June!