Keeping Up with Kathrine

All that to say, HEY! It’s only been about a week and a half that I’ve been living here in Africa and it feels like it’s been an eternity. I have been learning a lot about existence here in Karatu and making a lot of new friends while simultaneously trying to learn a new language and go to work every day. Something I learned very quickly is that this is not a place for introverts (or stubborn individualists like myself). Greeting every person you see on the street isn’t just the norm, but is a sign of respect. And when I say “greet”, I mean you basically say hello 7 times in 7 different ways. It’s been a huge adjustment from just smiling at the people who pass by. For someone who is not an extraordinary small talker, this has been massively challenging. On the other hand, it has been a joy to meet so many new people and make new friends. They are all extremely kind and their English is very good which is EXTREMELY helpful for me. The staff and leaders of Tumaini welcomed me into the...

Monday was a weird day. I had everything packed and ready to go to arrive at the airport for my flight. I was in a strange funk that included excitement and adventure mixed with anxiety and nervousness and crippling self-doubt, but I held it in until we got to the airport. I started thinking about the extent of the trip I was about to take and that I wouldn't see my family for about 6 months and I probably wouldn't see my dog for at least a year, and then every fear I could possibly have began to fester in my mind. I played it cool though, trying to be tough, independent, and up for a challenge. Then, my dad called around 3 PM to say goodbye and as soon as I hung up, I took one look at my mom and started sobbing. So much for playing it cool. For the next hour, every glance exchanged between my mom, sister, and I ended in tears. When it was finally time for me to go through security, I made them leave so I could stop crying, not look like a baby in front of all the airport peopl...