Hello Duke family!
Finally feeling ready to blog. I haven't been able to think of something to write about... or maybe I've had too many thoughts in my head to get any of them straight. The latter sounds more correct.
For those of you who know me, you know I really don't like the pop singer Taylor Swift. I've always said that she needs to "get a real problem" as she sings about breaking up with her boyfriend of one-week. I feel like now I'm saying that same phrase to myself after having lived in Kenya for this month's time.
I am going to make a conscious effort not to complain unless truly appropriate. Here, for example, are some things I would complain about in the States:

• I don't want to do laundry
• Ugh, I have to empty the dishwasher
• There's too much traffic
• The Duke University bus system gets me to class late
• There's nothing on TV
  

As I reflect on my lifestyle in the US, I think, "was I really complaining about these things?" Did I complain because I haven't known a different life? Living in the village really puts a lot of things into perspective and I realize that the things that I was once complaining about are things of luxury and not of sufficiency. I feel like I complain about things not being easy and accessible instead of focusing on the fact that I even have running water and electricity! Even in my time in Latin America, I don't think these flaws surfaced before. We, in the US, don't have to spend the whole day scrubbing our laundry in the yards, as our backs ache. Many, if not all, have their own cars so they don't have to cram into a matatu or walk on dirt roads for an hour to get to school/work, and we're lucky to have electricity (something I'm living without now).
I've always known that I am privileged but as I bucket bathe in the mornings and eat dinner by latern-light, I realize just how lucky I am.
It's hard for me not to feel angry when I think about how America lives in excess. People here give ALL the can; they feel that they have given/tithed/etc because of the amount given. In the US, I feel that I give from excess. Do we give until it hurts? Do we open our homes to people or go out of our way to serve others? I can tell you that the people in Kenya do. Even if they can only afford a soda, they will serve you and even if they don't have any shillings to give to the church, they will give a chicken as a donation. This isn't to say that I think we all should live in poverty, but I think some mentalities (mine) should change. The next time you're internet goes out, just be glad you have access to it and your own computer! When you're stuck in traffic, thank God that you have the means to afford car payments, gas, and insurance. When you go to the doctor, don't complain about the wait but be blessed that you're going to get great care (believe me.... you don't want to go to the Chulaimbo Health Center). Again, this is not to say that we should sell all of our things... or that everyone should be called to African missions. I am going to thank God for the blessings and opportunities that I have and give back 'til it hurts. I will be more mindful of this when I return to the States and share my experience with others. To be honest, I'm not sure how to do this. Do I just encourage people with my own personal actions/changes I'll make to my life? Do I share my stories and reflections? Can anyone understand what I've been here? Will I get sucked back in quickly to an American lifestyle of consumerism? Will I grow bitter towards the US, my friends and family?
I don't know how my life will change upon returning to the States in a mere 2.75 weeks but I pray that I (and my team mates) are forever moved and changed for the better.