This is not a vacation!

Today the internet people were supposed to come in and set up my WiFi. They came only to realize they forgot half of their equipment.  Since I stayed home for this, I ended up working the rest of the day from home. I can't help but to feel unbelievably awkward as I roam around my half empty apartment.
It's really starting to soak in that I'm here to stay and as my friend Tamsin said "this is not a vacation but it's HOME".  

I invested most of the day working on various things.  After I exhausted myself of work, I found myself more work, my work plan. I have so much on my plate that I felt like I needed a robust work plan to clear my mind.

I want to make the most out of this fellowship. I had dreamed of this kind of change in my life. Now that I'm finally here I want to make all the sacrifices worthwhile. So many people around me have invested in me and sacrificed; my family, my friends, Acumen, my investee and more importantly, myself.  I have given such a big part of myself for this next year. Yet, I find myself being so awkward about it all.

The self doubting, and frustrations are piling up. 


"Can I really make the impact that I am here for?" 
"Is 9 months enough time to learn, build and create everything?"
"I don't know anything about this region"
"Oh dear, what have I done, I have no idea what I'm doing!"
"Geez, do I miss Trader Joe's and good sushi!" 


I  just want to be past the adjustment hump.
For now I have to let the reality set in that this is not holiday but home sweet home!

Mambos From Kenya!

I'm finally here!

I can hardly believe it myself as I feel like I've been waiting for this to happen for such a long time.  

I've been here for a week now and I've already immersed into the Kenyan lifestyle, or so I like to think. I have very poor connection and will get my high speed internet next week (yay!). Therefore I will keep this entry simple and quick.  

In the meantime let me highlight some of the interesting and cool things I noticed.

•  Do NOT ride a public mini van, Matatu, unless you are a pro or well situated. Almost got robbed but fought for my wallet back. Made for an interesting welcome and story but definitely learned my lesson.

•  Traffic is horrible! I thought I could buy a bike and cycle my way around here. Not possible as walking is hardly possible. Quite the disappointment. I guess I have to save my cycling days for the countryside. 

•  Kenyan women are stunning; their hair, skin, eyes, etc.,...striking!

• The smog is nearly as bad as Tehran. I have gotten sick on two occasions already. Luckily it rains a lot to clear the air for a little bit.

•  The counterfeit market here is strong and growing. Saddens me but makes my purpose of being here more worthwhile as I work with Sproxil www.Sproxil.com, to combat counterfeit prescription drugs and consumer products that are a menace to health and safety.  I'm very excited to be doing this work! 

 I will try to keep a goal of updating this at least once a week and if I don't then call me out on it. 

Pictures and the such will be here soon!

Till then.....