days like today,

remind me how fortunate I am to have such incredible people in my life.

Today was a roller coaster of emotions, one I don't think I've had in over two years. But at the end of the day everything came together.

More details to come once I'm not so emotionally/ physically drained.

But an ENORMOUS thanks is due to those who helped support NYA Kenya through social media, or a donation, or just gave me a word of encouragement when I was stressing.

Not only did NYA reach it's goal, but we raised more than the $2000! It could not have been done without my family, friends, and strangers. I am beyond humbled today because of that.

After one of the most frustrating days I've had- ever- this enormous goal was accomplished. I honestly cannot express any of my feelings currently with any english (or kiswahili) words.


So for now a simple thank you. thanks you for being yourselves. thank you for being wonderful.


and please, please, please- don't forget to smile today

<3 Katty

So apparently I'm terrible at giving updates.

Sorry it has been so long! I forget that not everyone in my family is on facebook! So lets start with some fun photos.... then stories.

Rooftop view just outside city centre Nairobi

Most of the NYA Team with our certificate of registration and an INGO!!
(again trying to reach $2000, every dollar helps just as much as every share!)

https://fundly.com/network-for-youth-advocacy-kenya
www.facebook.com/NetworkforYouthAdvocacyKenya
www.twitter.com/NYA_Kenya

Maria (my roommate) and Ruben at Kwani? Open Mic night downtown. just being silly, mom I know you'd enjoy this one.

A view of city Centre Nairobi I took from a bar balcony.

Adam & Haron (neighbors) from Sarabi before their performance at Blankets & Wine (a day festival where you sit on blankets and drink lots of wine.... also we brought a picnic)

Roommates at Blankets & Wine! (Maria & Ian)

After Sarabi performed at Blankets & Wine

Some friends at Blankets & Wine! (and apparently red bull and mango juice)

Maria & I outside our house before Blankets & Wine

All the roommates together at Blankets & Wine!

Sorry all of the photos are from Blankets & Wine, I don't generally bring my camera unless there is an occasion... but once I upload my photos from the big camera there will be photos of animals and my kids performing acrobatics !


So I have been in Kenya officially 1 month. I have kept busy with fundraising for NYA Kenya as well as volunteering with Kibera Fruitful Talent center, helping to fundraise and also teaching gymnastics. I've had time to reconnect (and also run into- both figuratively and literally) old friends!


It's strange coming back somewhere after being gone a year. Especially if that somewhere is not where you grew up. Relationships change, people grow.... you think I would remember these things, but of course not. What I think I forgot the most about Nairobi is how much it smells. Like really terrible in a lot of places. I guess I was just used to it last time living here, I definitely am now again. But when I first arrived, damn I forgot about it- although I missed it terribly. I even told Maria I woke up one morning to the smell of garbage burning outside my window and had never felt happier, I was back.

Ok so now I sound mad, sniffing burning garbage and all... but it's the small things... right?

Any who.... I also have a lot of down time because I make my own work schedule, and a lot of it is done from home. This means that I am spending too much time in BuzzFeed (www.buzzfeed.com for those family members unaware) and reading Game of Thrones. I downloaded it onto my nook before I left luckily. I can't put it down when I pick it up, the other day I realized it was getting dark in the house I hadn't eaten anything because I was so caught up in the reading! Immediately made myself about 4 (slight exaggeration) servings of pasta and veggies once I realized how hungry I was.

SPEAKING OF FOOD. I've been so good on my no meat diet- by diet i mean I am trying to go vegetarian for health reasons (aka I have no idea what people put in meat anymore so I cut it out). I don't think I've ever eaten so many eggs... for protein or just because they're quick to cook. Except the other night after going out we stopped in town to get chicken I totally forgot I wasn't eating meat. But besides that I've been meat free. so HIGH FIVE! also no bacon dreams yet.


I've met most of the current AU students abroad, we all went out last weekend and had a great time! (well at least I had a great time... I can't actually speak for them, so for now lets just assume).

Oh I almost forgot! one of my lovely sorority sisters who is currently working in Kampala, Uganda came to visit Nairobi with a few friends so I was able to do some fun touristy things, see giraffes eat yummy food, etc. As a matter of fact I plan on going to visit her in Kampala this weekend! First trip outside of Nairobi ! I am actually really excited to go.... mom I know you want to go... and I promise one day we will!

to any friends back home reading this: THANK YOU for chatting with me via facebook or skype, while you still make me suffer from all your posts about #fallteur I hope everyone is dancing their pants off for me <3


ok so I am wrapping this up.... I promise I will post more photos once I get them uploaded.

don't forget to smile today.

It's a big deal.

I'm so excited to announce Network for Youth Advocacy Kenya is starting to fundraise!!!!!

PLEASE WE APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR AND EVERY SINGLE SHARE

please pass along this link, or give what you can, to help a great cause, that yours truly helped establish.


https://fundly.com/network-for-youth-advocacy-kenya

don't forget to smile today


The NYA Kenya group!
www.facebook.com/NetworkforYouthAdvocacy
www.twitter.com/NYA_Kenya

a few photos

you asked for photos! (ok, well, my mother did) so here they are... (PS these are photos from Barcelona.... also you can click on them to enlarge)

don't forget to smile today.

GUYSSSS.......... I'M BACKKKKK

KATTY'S BACK IN KENYA

Surprise! But not actually. One full year later, I am officially a college graduate, and I am officially unemployed. So naturally my best move was to hop on a plane back to Nairobi to go explore. And well that is exactly what I did. Not without a pitstop however, this time my travels took me to Barcelona to visit a dear friend, (thank you Jake for showing me around). I will post a few pictures after I upload them from my phone.

I saw the sites, ate a lot of ham, walked a lot. I considered the walking a sort of pre-game for the coming few months in Nairobi, a warm up if you will. It also helped with jet lag. I also ate a lot of ham... for two reasons: 1. there is a lot of ham in Spain 2. I am trying to go Vegetarian now that I am back in Kenya, so naturally I had to get my fill of meat before I left. I will keep you updated on how successful I am, and how many bacon dreams I may have in the near future. You may ask why on earth are you (me) giving up meat, there is no way you (me) will be able to; or perhaps you're an experienced veggie friend cheering me on. I say thanks to both of you for the motivation. And no, I don't have an answer as to "why" other than, "why not?" Plus I don't eat much meat here anyways.

Ok enough about my eating habits. I have actually tried starting this blog post at least 4 times now. Each time I was stuck- so talking about food helped, really anything that has to do with food generally helps.

The first time I tried to post I was frustrated with my visa for India. Which as it turns out was a blessing in disguise. I was still able to explore a new city and get to spend time with a friend! I'm not going into boring details as to why it didn't work out, but I didn't want to wait around for the visa much longer I was getting anxious, I JUST WANTED TO GO BACK.

The second time I tried to post was while I was procrastinating packing.

The third time was September 11th the 12th year anniversary. I couldn't find the right words, so instead I went back and read my post from Monday September 10th, 2012 and Sunday September 11th, 2011. I closed my last post with this:

"I am going to kick ass this year, my last year and live it like i was back in Nairobi. The way I know my Uncle T would have wanted everyone to live their life. And look out world, cause hell yeah i'll be seeing lots of you for a while."

Well guess what? I did kick some butt last year... figuratively speaking. Hell, I kicked butt the last 22 years (yes Kelsey I know you're rolling your eyes at me). But I misspoke in my last post, talking about my "last year," it was another year. Another kick ass year. And that is what the next one will be and the one after that. So thank you Uncle T for that motivation.

And now..... drumroll please.....

The fourth and final time, today September 14th 2013, (OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAMIEMARY, THE ONE WHO STILL LIVES IN THE NORTH).

Ok so, 9/14/13 or here I guess it's technically 14/9/13 - whatever you catch my drift - well I'm finally back friends. And today was like anyone other day, except I am here. Back with friends I have not seen in over a year, and back to the place I described as fabulous, amazing, terrifying, and incredible. And now I realize it isn't that place at all that is fabulous, amazing, terrifying, and incredible it was my experience.

So I'm off to create new experiences. This time not only in Kenya but all around East Africa. Stay tuned for updates on my travels, work, and discoveries.


and of course,
don't forget to smile today

Katty [no longer] in Kenya.

Tomorrow is September 11th. I remember this day exactly one year ago: I had been in Nairobi a little over a week, and Victor took our group around, we went to "Bomb Blast" the site where the US Embassy was bombed in 1998, now a small memorial and garden downtown. I was far from my family for the first time for 9/11 and i lost it a little bit, but Belle was there to get me through the day. I won't ever forget that day 9/11/2011 either. It was the start of a whole new life for me, or rather, outlook on life. Those that contributed to that have no idea, but I'm giving thanks here.

One year ago, I cannot believe it has been that long. Never mind the 11 years that have passed since 9/11/2001. I as a fifth grader was terrified confused, not quite old enough to understand the severity of what was happening, but old enough to be scared. And look where I am now, a senior in college, getting ready to enter the real world, just as scared, but excited as well.

First of all i want to say i love my friends and family more than they know whether or not i see them or talk with them frequently, you all are always in my heart. And, Uncle T know we love and miss you and remember you every single day as we go on living life to our best. At least I know that's what I have been trying to do.

While I have been trying to live my life to my greatest potential for myself and all those around me, I thought this would be a good time to wrap up my blog (until KattyisbackinKenya) and sincerely talk about my time over the last year.

Today I was at home between class and babysitting, having lunch and i decided to hang up the painting of the Nairobi skyline Lefty had painted for me. And then it hit me, I said out loud, "i miss it," I am no longer in Nairobi and I probably won't be back for a long while.

That may sound silly, but I emotionally blocked myself from accepting that i was heading back to DC, while i was leaving, and even the past few weeks while i've been living here. I've moved into my apartment, cooked plenty of dinners and even gotten a kitty (Sir Charles, or Charlie who is a precious black and white kitten). But nope I was still quite in denial. I probably still am, i'm sure the next few months will be just as much as a ride as when i first left the country a little over a year ago.

I would like to start off (well continue at least) with a quick summary of the end of my twelve months spent in Kenya: incredible, and I wouldn't change a single part of it for anything in the world.

Being back in DC and seeing everyone, i get all the usual questions including the big one: "how was africa?"

now i understand people are being polite, but how the hell can I sum up the past 12 months of my life in a phrase. I usually resort to, with a huge smile on my face, "it was fabulous, amazing, terrifying, incredible, and i loved it." but that doesn't even hint at how i actually do feel about "how africa was" or rather my experience in Kenya. I may try here, but please whatever I am saying gives it zero justice, it's not something i can explain, it's something you have to experience. and I don't mean go fly half way across the world and live in a slum, i mean have this experience so incredible, and life changing no one will ever understand how you feel, grew, changed. hell it may mean eating at a different restaurant than normal, or going up to a stranger and becoming friends. whatever floats your boat- do it. jump into absurd situations. to be honest crazy shit happens to me because i make sure it does. and I wouldn't have it any other way (maybe my parents would, but sorry your Goose is all grow'd up).

speaking of, I have grown so much not only as a student, but as a person in the past year. in ways i never thought in a million years possible, and in just those few short months. and no, not because "it was africa" or because of the incredible out of body/culture everything experience i had, and yes of course the place, culture and language were unfamiliar and taught me to think quick be patient and deal with shit (literally and figuratively).  but my time away (or home as i like to call it) had such a profound affect on my life because of the people that entered my life there, and the experiences i had. But guess what, i'm still growing, learning, experiencing. that doesn't stop just because i left Kenya, that was just the start.

I haven't had even a moment to reflect about leaving Nairobi, or being back in DC because of my insane hectic schedule, which has probably been for the better. But tomorrow is an important day to remember and reflect, not only on the horrific attack on our country, and on a personal level my family, but to reflect on those who are important to you whether you live with them or they live half way across the world- and in my case, both places.

Now, I cannot write any words, english or kiswahili, that give enough thanks to those who have truly affected my life for the better.  I won't list their names either, but you know who you are (all Kenyan, American, German, or whatever part of the world you are from). and you will always be a huge part of me. for those of you that don't know what my tattoo means, take a second to google it: celtic eternity knot. my interpretation of it is that your past (and those who + experiences) that enter your life change your future, but new things are always happening and reshaping who you are and what you do. it's a never ending cycle, an eternal one.


Well i've now been writing/rewriting this for almost 2 hours, it's well past midnight. and i (shockingly enough) have a busy day tomorrow.

So this was my attempt to explain to you, or answer any questions about my experience abroad. Of course if anyone wants a phone call to chat, or grab a beer (or coffee), or just wants to come play with my kitty. hit me up, because i refuse to be anti-social and depressed that i'm not in kenya anyone. I am going to kick ass this year, my last year and live it like i was back in Nairobi. The way I know my Uncle T would have wanted everyone to live their life.

And look out world, cause hell yeah i'll be seeing lots of you for a while.

and finally-
friends, family, and random strangers reading this for no reason,
don't forget to smile today.

Since we last spoke,

or rather, since i last rambled on about my daily activities.

So Saturday was the big day! Kibera Community for Peace finally happened. and was in enormous success. i mean i'm estimating (seriously my own estimates, i'll post photos in the next few days do you can project your own)  is that at one point we had over 3,000 people in attendance! and reached over 15,000 people spreading Peace from start to finish!

The event went from 9am until 8pm. of course with 5 billion problems- but that me and a small team of people fixed so that no one else would notice. probably the most stressful day of my life. but we all survived and for an amazing day and turnout. Over 27 organizations, and 30 artists from all over Nairobi (even a few outside) came together to help in one of the largest slums in Africa, with ZERO funding, everything including people's time was donated and volunteered (except for the stage/PA system/security- thanks dad for helping out with that before we raise funds to repay).

the official theme behind the event was as Solo7 write painted throughout Kibera during the post-election violence, "KEEP PEACE ALIVE" but a new concept came about- this "Kenyans for Kenyans" idea, or give a little get a little. in exchange for donating time/chairs/tents/etc we promote your organization, or have a performance, etc. etc. and although not without errors, it worked. overall it worked. and trust me i had my doubts. but we all worked insanely hard over the past month and boom we put together this event in 6 weeks (from the first idea until it became a reality). so I am so proud of everyone that contributed time, effort, or materials to make Saturday work the way it. did. Seriously many thanks to all, especially Jojo/George of Kibera Fruitful the event would not have happened without all of his hard work, determination, and effort.

Hopefully later today or tomorrow I can post pictures of the event to give you guys an idea of how the day went.

but now that it's over i'm just doing a few close up things at work with NYA Kenya and Nafsi. my mom comes this week on thursday! then dad and erin next week where we are going on safari and then to zanzibar! i can't wait. then back to America. As it's getting closer i think i am ready to go home for a bit. but honestly I just want to visit home, I don't want to stay. so without a doubt i will be back in Nairobi some time next year. i'm already thinking about it, and with the NGO i already have a job (because now i am a senior and soon I have to be a real person in life, so why not just skip on out back to africa- sounds like a great plan to me- do what i do best).

ALSO i totally forgot the Kenya ni Kwetu organization registration- well things have gone much further. now we are officially have all our paperwork in and are waiting for approval of our INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION, called Network for Youth Advocacy Kenya. like us on facebook and follow us on twitter here !! our website will be up and running in the next few weeks too!

http://www.facebook.com/NetworkForYouthAdvocacyKenya
http://twitter.com/nya_kenya

it looks like this organization is going to be huge all across Kenya, and i'm really excited to work with them, as a co-founder!

keep checking in for photos!

and of course,

don't forget to smile today!