Goodbye Kenya

With project over, I have now reluctantly left Kenya, although I know I will return as soon as possible. In the last week of project, we returned to all the schools we had taught at to collect teacher evaluation forms to receive feedback on our training from the teachers at each school. The principals of all our schools also wrote us recommendation letters acknowledging the changes they saw in their students. It was very encouraging to hear this positive feedback and acknowledgment from the schools. We got to see some of students one last time, and have encouraged them all to stay in contact through email if they wish. Many of them expressed interest in continuing to keep contact with YESS, in hopes of volunteering with them in the future. We were privileged to be welcomed into the schools when we returned to visit. I was especially touched when my class at Embakasi rushed to hug me and even share their lunch with me when I returned to say goodbye. It was so nice to chat with them for awhile about their other classes and day to day lives, as well as have a chance to answer any last questions they had.
We finished the project reflecting on the many challenges and successes of this year. We had meetings and plans drafted for future projects, always critically thinking of how to improve our partnership and the project we run together.
I want to say Asante Sana (thank you very much) again to everyone who helped make this year's project a success. Asante Sana for your support, words of encouragement, donations and prayers.
Goodbye Kenya. Asante sana for allowing me to changed in ways I can't describe and for the opportunity to work with an incredible generation of youth. I have met so many students who I know will be the change they want to see in the world.