T Minus 2 Hours

Well, I am sitting at my gate and will be boarding in about 90 minutes. Luke and I came to the airport really early, but it turned out for the best...

As I was checking in on those self-serve kiosks, I received an error on the screen stating to see a Delta representative and that I could not be checked in at this time. First I thought, "oh, I bet we just came too early" and the kiosks are programmed to only check in passengers who are departing within a certain time limit. Well, after five minutes of the representative making disturbing faces at her monitor, and then after ten minutes of her being on the phone, I finally received my boarding passes. It turned out that my connecting flight wasn't officially confirmed and the international help desk had to confirm it for me. I don't think I've ever been that calm in a situation like that before. This trip to Africa is already changing me, and I haven't even boarded the plane yet!

Thanks to all of you who received the last minute invite and attended my farewell party this past Sunday. Your show of support truly meant so much to me. It was supposed to be a short, quiet evening of dessert, wine, and conversation; and I ended up getting home at around 2:00am after doing a little karaoke. I did not expect to stay up that late, but again, it turned out to be for the better. I was so tired by the time I got off work on Monday that I took a two hour nap and then stayed up the entire night last night in order to start acclimating myself to the Kenya time zone.

This morning, I ran a few errands...post office, goodwill, DMV (as my license is going to expire while I am away). Then, Luke and I went to--my favorite--Wilde Roast, and had the BREAKFAST TACOS! Best choice for my last American meal before departing for Kenya!

Just an FYI, I suspended my cell phone service about an hour ago. So, if you try to leave a message or text me, I will not receive it....ever. Send me an email, post on Facebook, or comment on my blog if you want to reach me.

Finally, here is a picture of the two bags I will have while I am in Kenya. In addition to this, I am also bringing a bag over for Michael, as well as a second carry on of gifts for the kids at Daylight and various hosts and community leaders. But all I will be responsible for while I am there is the backpack and my carry-on sized piece of luggage.

T Minus 1 Weekend

This past week leading up to my departure has been a busy one.

Thank you Harley, Samuel, and Stephen for sharing your wisdom. Being that eight weeks is a very short time in which to do ethnographic research, I am so grateful for the time you all took to speak with me and share tips on how to focus my research. I have been physically packed and ready for this trip for a few weeks, but now I also feel better prepared mentally to carry out my academic purposes for going. My husband, Luke, has also been a big help: offering to run some of my errands for me.

Before and After

Today, I also had my hair cut by Andre at Andre Franca Studio. I decided to cut my hair really short so that I did not need to do it every day and because of how hot it is in Kenya. The temperatures right now are in the high 80s during the day, and mid 60s in the evening. Because Kenya is closer in proximity to the sun than we are in North America, I have been advised to wear sunblock, even underneath my clothing. As some may know from last year's Fourth of July weekend, I burn quite easily, and will consider such suggestions carefully.

Tomorrow, I will officially finish packing by cramming the surveys I've prepared into what space remains in my carry-on bag, and spray down my pants and long-sleeved clothing with insecticide. What fun!

Dedication

Cousins Rebekah and Natalie, me, and Granny.

Taken 12/27/2010.

I am dedicating this research trip to my grandmother, Elizabeth Lee Woodard, who passed away on January 29, 2011. She was always a source of great support for my education and academic endeavors.

Elizabeth had her fair share of traveling during her lifetime, and I feel as if I have inherited her love of experiencing new people and places. She was also strong in her Christian faith, and it is my hope that I will encounter people on my trip in Kenya who live out their religious convictions just as faithfully as she did each day.

With just over one week before I head to the airport, I have only a few more things to tend to before I am ready to go. Later this week, I am meeting with two of my former Anthropology professors from Bethel University. I value their wisdom and last-minute advice in how to do anthropological research, or what we call ethnography or field work. Specifically, I hope they can give me an estimate on how many copies I should print of the survey I have prepared to distribute! I will also be meeting with my advisor from the University of Minnesota; I trust he will help me keep the big picture of my thesis project in mind, as I am sure I will become interested in things during my travels that are not directly related to my thesis.

Lastly, I will be getting my hair cut next weekend! I plan to cut it quite short, so that it is one less thing I need to worry about while I am there. I will be sure to post a picture, although, I'm sure there will be a number of pictures posted during my trip that will feature the new do.