Just received this email from her this morning:

Hello! I just wanted to send a quick email and let everyone know that my trip to Mombasa was amazing. I am so glad I was able to extend my trip to see another part of Kenya. I just took a bus there and back which took about 8 hours (ugh!) compared to the 45min flight, but was only about 13USD vs 160USD each way! So, I managed just fine and made it back {****} early this morning. While in Mombasa, I met some great new people and now have friends to visit in Scotland, Canada, and Australia!! I also got to volunteer at a medical camp which was pretty interesting and extremely rewarding… and I have to admit relaxing on the beaches was a perfect ending. I needed it! …minus the abundance of mosquito's! However I also have to confess that I did witness old white men and women promoting prostitution with the locals out at the bars and clubs. I have never seen anything so disgusting in my life. I had read about it, but it's different when you see it. It is sad how people will take advantage of another culture just because they have money [to do so]. But despite all the negative things I have witnessed or experienced here (or anywhere), the positive experiences always outweigh the bad! And I really have met more amazing people and learned more about different cultures in the last five weeks than I ever could've imagined. It is refreshing to know that there are far more good people in the world than there are bad!!! 🙂

Anywho, in case you didn't know, I am flying home tonight! I depart ******* just after 10pm, have a 5 hour layover in Amsterdam, and then will land in Chicago just before noon on Tuesday! I can't believe my time here is already over. It really has gone by so fast. I feel like I could've stayed even longer! It was especially hard to leave the special needs school in Nyeri. They were all praying for me and telling me not to go. Several of the children were crying and throwing themselves to the ground! A little dramatic, but I was so touched and so sad to see how they all were aware that I was leaving, especially those with very limited cognitive ability and/or verbal capacity. The children and the teachers also had a little ceremony for me. I was shocked when they presented me with gifts considering the little money they have and I was so touched when they gave me the Kikuyu name, Nyakio, which means hardworking or dedicated lady. I can't wait to show everyone the hand made jewerly, purse, shoes, and certificate they made for me!! They are beautiful. 🙂 It was also pretty amazing to see the look on their faces when the boxes Kathy sent arrived. As complicated and expensive as it was, there's no price tag large enough to to see the look on their faces. They were so grateful for all of the materials and school supplies. I can't tell you how much it will help. So, thank you Kathy, and a big thank you to everyone who donated supplies and/or money. I will be sending pictures and developing the website soon so you can see where your money went. You definitely won't regret it!!!

Ah, but as much as I could stay here for the rest of the summer, I miss everyone so much and I am running out of money!! Plus, I do miss the luxury of living in America. I think I am most looking forward hot showers with water pressure, high speed internet, my own bed, using a washer and dryer, always having running water, and Chicago style pizza!! I swear I may never be able to eat rice and beans again! Or beef!! Haha! But most importantly, I can't wait to see everyone and be able to communicate on a more regular basis for those of you are further away. I can't thank everyone enough for the phone calls, emails, texts, etc. It really meant a lot to me to hear from you and to have all of your support. I would recommend volunteering through this program to anyone. I have a feeling it will be the most amazing traveling experience of my life.

Love you all so much! Will let you know when I arrive into Chicago safely.

Much love,

Suzy

Suzy and I on the beach in San Diego when she was three. 1985 perhaps.
I know I changed the photo because she and I were almost in silhouette.
Would not be able to duplicate it because I've forgotten how I did it!
I may very well do a painting of this.