Wherever you go...

There you are. I like it here so far. You can't beat my commute (I walk to work), the beach is close by (I can see it from my school), and I never have to do my hair (because it just curls, anyway). Santo Domingo is a lot like any major city in the world. But, instead of hip-hop blasting in the streets, it's reggaeton. Instead of hotdog vendors on the corner, we have various banana/plaintain related options. And I'm still getting used to the traffic here. I generally feel like I am playing a very calculated game of frogger when I cross Churchill (a major road near my apartment) every day. I've gotten pretty good at it, but sometimes the lights go out and the traffic is rerouted, making my strategy useless.

I can't complain, though. I live on an island. ;-)

My Birthday Wish

The first time I understood that people go without clean water, I was seriously scandalized. It's still true. One in six human beings are without access to clean, safe, drinking water, and I am still horrified at that fact.

Let's do something about it. My birthday is usually accompanied by a lot of fanfare; this year I would like for it to carry a bit more meaning. I am requesting gifts of $27; one dollar for every year I have had clean water ;-). It will go to a community full of people who have not been born to that same right.

Make my wish come true.


Love always,


Kate

Second Block.

Today I had the great pleasure of introducing students at Haverford High School to charity:water. They were worth the commute. The Global Issues Club there put together a fantastic panel - and by that I mean ME. Ha! It was great to share my experiences in the face of the water crisis, and to field their amazing questions. It got me excited for my time this July in Zambia with Water for the Oppressed!

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charity: in chelsea

Tuesday night was a charity: event at Chelsea Market in New York City. Tegan and I took names, and coats, and time to check out the photo exhibit that will be up there through the end of May. Even the bathrooms contain a charity: message - the fact that we use more water to flush a toilet than most people in the developing world use for washing, cooking, cleaning, etc. in a day. The exhibit is an awesome way to bring a bit of perspective into the every day. See for yourself!

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And in Conclusion...

My favorite little kid move is what I refer to affectionately as "the deadweight". It is that full body protest where one goes entirely limp, generally in a public place while the adult in your charge struggles to hold you up and get you moving again. Every time I think about my impending flight back to the States, this is the picture of struggle that comes to mind. Rwanda has been sewn into my heart for some time now, and I think that it will always be so. The thought of leaving this place is heartbreaking, but makes these last days even sweeter.

Friday was our last hygiene training in Ruhango, a little community off the beaten path, a couple hours south of the main city. Our hostess there, a woman who lost her entire family in the genocide, gave us a high compliment when we left... She had tears in her eyes. That is something. We drove out with a pile of singing kids (and Tegan) in the truck bed. I am honestly going to miss them, and hope for the day that I can visit again. May my Life bring me back to them soon.

The only thing that makes leaving ok, is the thought of being with y'all. Can't wait to see you. Get ready for some amazing coffee mixed with a little bit of culture shock. And stay tuned for the next adventure. It's coming soon...

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