Homeless Project.

Dear Family,

An update from me has been long over due and for those of you wondering, yes I am still alive. Sorry It's been so long. Heres whats been going on in a nut shell-

I came to Ethiopia wanting to have an adventure, and boy did I get it. My time here has been filled with experiences that have been so crazy. The life I lead here is so different from what I've known from home. I've loved it though. Things I see, hear, and feel are indescribable. Thus, I feel like I can't really convey my experiences well to anyone and I can understand how foreign my stories must sound to people. I wish everyone could hear the begging mother's plea, feel the sick child take your hand, witness the swimming sea of colors at market, or simply smell the foul sent of uncleanliness like I do. Often, things around me are so real it almost seems unreal, if that makes any sense. Like camping with the native tribe, delivering a baby, or being in the middle of a riot, it has all been so unbelievable. It keeps life surprising and always an adventure and thats how I like it.

When I was planning to come to Ethiopia, people would often question me why I was staying so long. I never had a great response but knew it's where I wanted and should be. Now, I have no doubt of why I'm here for 5 months. It's unreal how fast life can change, it took just the instant for Wes to be injured. My carefree African dream quickly ended and the greater purpose of me being here unfolded.

I never would have thought Alyssa and Wes would be the ones in America while I was living in Africa. Having them away I've taken on the added responsibility of their children. I'm a single step mom to 5 kids at age 18 in Africa. Frankly, it's hard. I'm experiencing a very steep learning curve. These kids are truly amazing but like any other kid they don't come without their challenges. All this might forever cure me of ever wanting kids :) jk . I really do love them and I try to be thankful for the time I have to spend with them on such a personal level.

While the kids are at school I've filled my days randomly with really whatever has come my way. Sometimes I do more "mom" stuff. Which ranges from the shopping, making an after school snack, meeting with teachers, or going to the doctor or dentist (We've had some sick kids and chipped off teeth incidences). I go out and take pictures ( I'm working on a project focusing on homeless people. I think they are an extremely interesting subject). I've helped in an orphanage, I went with some American ladies ( Who have helped me keep my sanity) and met with a group of girls who are training to be professional runners. We taught them about personal cleanliness and their menstrual cycle. I can't believe their training. They run about 250 K a week! One of the girls was going, for the first time, to compete internationally in Ireland. I'm going again next week to meet with them and am excited to hear how she did. I also simply enjoy walking around and exploring and meeting with the people. I so wish I could communicate more with them then I can. I'm still looking for volunteer work thats a little less random. I've also been called to be a Relief Society teacher at our branch. I feel too young for all this haha. Heavenly Father knows best and I know, though it's hard, I'm suppose to be here not only for the kids but to learn and grow myself.

I hope this letter finds you all well. I'd love to hear from you.

With Love,

Kate