Guest Post: Kaylie in Kenya

Although this whole scenario sounds very cut-and-dry really how this 30-40 hour, perfect fit for my skills, volunteer position fell into my lap is uncanny to me. It all started over breakfast with the co-founder of the BuildaBridge organization during an annual art training program I attended (the Art Institute). After our conversation I had 2 weeks to make a decision whether or not to take the position and although it was fast and I did not have all the details, since the time I gave my “yes” I have felt peaceful and grounded in my decision.

So as I prepare to go (august 30^th is my departure date!) little things have been snowballing into huge signs that affirm in my head that my drastic decision must have been the right choice from the beginning. First off I discovered the New City Arts Initiative in Charlottesville, where I was apprenticing with an oil painter at the time. (http://www.newcityarts.org/) This led me to find the mother organization, this organization. From here I learned about individuals who are using art in many forms in various parts of the world. I have also run into people who have been to the exact areas and even know the same people I will be living, working, and worshiping with during my time in Nairobi. Again, how amazing! Provision has also been made, since I do not have the money to send myself, so many have come to support me, which makes this trip a communal effort and not the task of just one- thank goodness! I was even miraculously provided a computer specifically for this trip after my computer died just a week ago.

I have expectant hope that this“snowball” of affirmations, leading up to when my plane actually takes off, keeps on rolling after I step off the plane and into another family's home, a new city, and another culture.

- Kayllie Sauter, August 2010