Kelsey's Magic Book

So right now I'm at our pre-departure orientation (PDO), basically just our pre-trip training. I have to admit I was super nervous about it before I got here, I thought it was going to be really boring and they were going to force me to do silly team building exercises and games that I would hate, but it's actually turned out to be really fun and very useful! I've met a lot of great people and it's been such a good time, so thanks to everyone who's been praying for me even before I leave the country!!

I've also been learning a lot more about what I'll be doing while I'm in Kenya. We had an entire afternoon to talk to one of the guys in charge of the whole micro-financing program for CMF and we found out tons about what they do and where we'll be involved and what they expect of us, so that's exciting. I really can't wait to get there and get to work helping out with the already amazing program they have running!

Also, I wanted to tell you all (and by you all I mean the 5 people that are probably reading this haha) about the AMAZING going away gift I got!! Jennifer Cherish Stone, my bestest friend in the whole entire world, gave me what she calls Kelsey's Magic Book. She talked to all of my best friends and my family members and had them write me letters or notes or funny encouragements for when I'm in Kenya. It really is the most amazing gift I've ever gotten and will help SO much when I'm feeling homesick. So I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who contributed, I really can't tell you how much it means to me. I have the most amazing friends and family in the world. I've really never felt so loved before and it is so comforting to know there are so many people back home praying for me while I'm wandering random continents. So really, thank you so much for all the love and support you've all given me in preparation for this trip. I'm so grateful to have you all in my life and I can't wait to be able to come back and tell you amazing things about my summer!!! Love you all :)