Hi!  I was raised in a small town in Idaho where almost everyone knew everyone else.  While this certainly gave me a sense of security, it definitely felt sheltered and closed in.  I started traveling at the age of 16, when I went to Germany as an exchange student, and I realized experiencing other cultures gave me a respect for humanity that I never appreciated just seeing the same old way of doing things in Idaho.  I think witnessing the way other people live can not only give us respect for each other, but also a gratitude for our own circumstances.  Having an opportunity to go to Kenya will be thrilling and I’m so excited to discover another part of the world, meet new people, experience other cultures, and see other ways of doing life.  And if I can do that and help contribute to an incredibly meaningful cause at the same time, I feel like that is a jackpot not to be missed.  Being affiliated with an organization like Makindu, with a mission to provide basic necessities to children, necessities that most of us take for granted, feels like such an honor and I am so excited to be part of this.  Another huge bonus is that I get to experience this trip with my brother and sister-in-law - which is a true gift.  Thank you so much for considering donating to this worthwhile cause!