Words.

I wish I had a really amazing way to kick off this post other than not feeling much at all. I am slowly coming to realization of all that I am immersed in over here, and while I am loving it and learning so much from this experience I am completely heartbroken. I know wholeheartedly that I am meant to be here and know that I have a purpose of some sort while here, however I think my expectations were a lot larger than feasible. This picture to me is so powerful, it says so much I was taking film which I am trying to get uploaded successfully on here and Jen caught this as we were driving through the suburbs of Pikine, but it really reflects it all in a weird way right now....

Today I put my head down on the bus and teared up, I no longer wanted to see all that we were passing on the way to the Angela Davis School. I wanted no more pictures, I wanted no more sense of smell. I wanted out. No picture, no scent was going to escape the conditions we are surrounded by here.I wish I could capture the smell around here and bring it back for all to smell, maybe then something would make the pictures come to life more. As I look back on my pictures I can smell a stench that consists of  garbage, urine, burnt garbage, death, the smells burns your nostrils as you walk the streets and tears well from the overwhelming aroma.

 I came to Dakar with the expectation that I was going to make a difference, that I would begin a movement. Not to say that I can't I just don't know how I will completely complete that task. The things I have witnessed are numbing, they take it out of you, they break you down, they break your heart. I cry.

I realized how small I am in this big large world we live in, I have nothing to be ashamed of, I have nothing to complain about, I have education, healthcare, food, clean water, a place to call home with four walls and roof, I have a bed to rest on --- I have so much.  Back home we are surviving we will never struggle, our problems are nothing to compared to what I've seen. I really have nothing to say to explain the heartache I felt when I returned from Pikine today, that is when it all hit me...

We spent the day at the Angela Davis School where we are celebrities in that town because we are from America. It is a city with 1.2 million people who live in extreme poverty and when I say extreme I'm saying like what you see on the TV ads times one hundred. Things you wouldn't think would be considered a home are. We stick out as you can imagine when we arrive places, however in the Senegalese they will welcome you into their home or school with open arms and treat you as such. We were greeted, introduced, taken on a tour, introduced to the students and then were prepared a feast of some yummy Senegalese food. They will give you so much food that a plate full would feed four back home. However it is okay to turn food down because what ever is not eaten will be given to someone who wasn't able to eat. We were also given ceremonial tea which is a big deal in this culture, it is a series of three rounds of tea, each time they brew it, it gets sweeter. A male will prepare and serve it and will make sure each glass is filled, emptied, filled several times to create a foam and the higher he can have the tea kettle above the glass the smarter and knowledgeable he is. The tea contains a certain tea from here, fresh mint, and lots of sugar!

Unfortunately, I will not be able to post any pictures of the children I am working with because of the research I am doing I do not have clearance or permission to display pictures of the children here. Personally I can but in regards to using my pictures and stuff from my trip here for my research I can only show my pictures on a personal level, so pretty much I have to print them off and show them off so that no one will copy them and use them! 

Bottom line they completely melted my heart today, they have it, its in Pikine right now and the pictures show just that. But as we exited the school today the children came swarming to us because we all had cameras that they could see themselves on. The kids are amazing, they are contagious, their eyes and smiles say so much, the pictures I have truly speak a thousand words. The children are beyond precious, they hold on to you, ask for you to take their picture and when you do they swarm you to see it and smile, giggle, and point as they admire themselves. I also handed out pens to them as I boarded the bus, they were grabbing on to me they were begging, then I ran out. I wish I brought more stuff, they need it far more than we do and I have the means to give it to them. They rejuvenated me today, however they really started to break me down, it is such a weird and odd feeling to put into words. It really truly is, but those few pictures that were taken today have already touched me, I cannot even look at them without tearing up.

People are strong here. People amaze me here.People are beautiful here. People take pride in the things they make and sell. People are happy off of nothing. People are proud here. Proud of who they are, where they come from. Senegal makes them happy and proud. It is inspiring. It is moving. It is West Africa. It is Dakar, Senegal.

Video Tour

Today we took a city tour which was heartbreaking and eye opening. I took lots of pictures as I bet those who follow along on facebook have seen. I got out my video camera to try and capture what exactly are seeing hearing. This really doesn't do anything justice, it really truly doesn't. The smells here are indescribable I write of them in my journal however to put a direct description is far from happening unless you witness it first hand. I almost wish I would capture a jar of it and bring it home for those to open and smell, however I would avoid it. I wish I could describe what I'm feeling but I am numb to it and am afraid for the day that it will all hit me I have a feeling it will be after Wednesday. That is the day we begin at our placements. Well I should be fast asleep already. 

Good night to all!!

Language lessons tomorrow and hopefully time to actually post something good lol!

Traveling to Dakar

 As jet lag sets in I will try to force out a post worth reading however hopefully I can compose something worth reading tonight. For most of you it is still early on Sunday for us over here it is only 9 but we've been forced to stay awake to try to get on their time here, its been hard we had dinner at four and were practically sleeping at the dinner table. Jet setting over night is not something I would like to do numerous times in my lifetime, it is exhausting. Not to mention once we landed we were bombarded by people and it was only 9:45 am we still had a whole city tour and a class meeting...to much, to much!

The flights went effortlessly for the most part, there was minor turbulence that woke me up about five times throughout the whole seven hour and fifteen minute flight over here. I was nervous the whole day because of the unknown however it was kind of silly now and I had a great support system sending me off and a great support coming over here with. We were served dinner and drink on the plane then the lights were finally dimmed to sleep and once the lights turned back on it was another meal which was just a light breakfast. The last two and half hours drug on and on and on and on until finally land appeared!!!! NO MORE OCEAN!!!

I have still not completely processed the fact that I am in Africa but the minute I step outside it is a pleasent reminder that I am not in America and yes it has been a slight shock, one I can't quite put into words yet, maybe with a few more pictures a few more situations and immersing myself in the community will help comprehend and maybe put in to words what I thinking/feeling. For now and for a future post: I was able to talk with a local man about education over here, lack of money, etc. We went to a market today and went on a mini city tour where we walked down a road where mothers were homeless with young children, I witnessed two toddlers fighting over their mother for the food she was still able to produce, then followed by two young boys in matching soccer jerseys asleep on a curb. 

The day I flew out this was a line from my devotional: "In My presence you can face uncertainty with perfect peace." couldn't agree more. As for now the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions are alot to take in and comprehend and to even understand myself and maybe it would just be best to sleep on it and immerse back in to it tomorrow with fresh eyes and mind. I can already tell I will be enjoying my time here, but will go home with a heavy heart and many new views and questions. Please continue to send prayers our way!!

All is well in Dakar,

Kate

Adventure Awaits

This is going to be a quick one because I am minutes away from packing my car and hitting the road to the east side of the state. However I wanted to take a couple of minutes and write my last post from the U.S until I return. During our three weeks of departure we had to write a poem about ourselves using the 'I am' format, and while I was overly excited to share with my classmates and future travel partners all about me, we all had to and during it all we all had a common trend. Little did we know though that our professors said that once we return we will see a transformation of poems from what we see and witness while abroad. Before I leave I want to share mine with any one who reads, and when I return I plan to write another one and see how it changes. Here is mine:

I am compassionate about a special population and enjoy a good laugh

I wonder why there are so many corrupt things in this world and why so few are doing anything to make a change

I hear the sound of music as a temporary escape from the high pace everyday life

I see people being fake to others to get ahead in life and other being genuine and not getting the credit they deserve

I want a world where everyone is accepted and embraced despite their difference; in my mind I believe everyone deserves a shot

I am compassionate about a special population and enjoy a good laugh

I pretend that people close to me don’t let me down or hurt my feelings

I feel an array of emotions and the ebb and flow life offers

I touch the sturdy ground of pavement as I run and train for races

I worry that my time here will be cut short

I cry over a sad movie, story, or anything really. My emotions are probably slightly unstable

I am compassionate about a special population and enjoy a good laugh

I understand that our time is precious and limited; I’ve learned to start following my dreams

I say chase your dreams, follow your heart

I dream of becoming a strong advocate for the special education community and a strong mentor for someone

I try to please everybody, but am learning to put myself first at times

I hope to leave a lasting impression on this Earth; I hope I make a difference somehow.

I am compassionate about a special population and enjoy a good laugh.

Lastly I wanted to remind myself and all of you the meaning behind the name of my blog follow through and although the lyrics of the song pertain to a relationship more than likely back in October when I began to share about my journey I wrote as to why I chose the title, etc. As I leave today my ipod has the song and I will listen to it as I fly to Africa. "Oh this is the start of something good..." 

 Please continue to send your prayers my way and to the group in which I will be traveling with. May we be blessed with safe and healthy travels and may we all soak it all up and enjoy every moment we are abroad. Thanks again to all of you who have shared encouraging words, prayers and well wishes. They will all be carried with me as I travel to Africa. Thank you beyond words and I hope to continue to share of my journey while there. My next post will be when I am in Dakar-- how awesome!! All the best!

Katie

Three Days.

It is unreal that there are just three days left until we all board the plane(s) and jet set half way around the world... no big deal right?! This morning I packed my car up and am anxious to head to Holland and hopefully relax a bit, maybe check out my boat and soak up some sunshine!!! I took a  minute this morning to take it all in, and let me tell you that as of late, thoughts of gratitude and being excited were few and far between. This week posed a lot of challenges for me, coming to terms with packing my life in a suitcase for three weeks, the enormity of what I will be immersed in three short, speedy days is hard for me to fully grasp. I don't think this trip would have its full meaning if it didn't set you up for a flurry of emotions. I hate saying goodbye and I of course get homesick--I'm the girl who hated sleepovers....

 I will credit the group of individuals that I will be traveling with there is an energy among them all that subsides any nerves, I think that is because we are all in the same boat we are all experiencing highs and lows and emotions that cannot be put into words. I struggle with the unknown too what I will be feeling, what I will be seeing, and what lives I will be moved by. We talked yesterday about working at the Angela Davis school which is located in a suburb outside Pikine which has millions of people living there. the thing is all the students who attend that school are in severe poverty but are producing outstanding school achievement --- from what our professors said they said that the sights that we will see there are ones you would only think you'd see in a movie. I am looking forward to being put out of my element and to really have an immense sense of thankfulness in my life and where I come from.

 Looking forward I am already finding ways in which once i learn about education there and the conditions there how I will be able to work from the U.S  and try to implement some suggestions, I know it may be a far fetch idea, but no idea is too small these days after all I never imagined I would be traveling to Africa. I have spent the past three weeks working through the literature and regulations and treaties and education policies from around the world and within our own and it has been amazing all the information I have learned and what we will be immersed in or that progress is being made!

Thank you to all of you who have sent wonderful messages and love and support throughout the past couple of months, it has meant so much. All messages are tucked away in my carry-on and will be my motivation, encouragement and my love away from home. I look forward to blogging throughout my adventures and hopefully posting pictures from time to time and video as well! This has been quite the journey up until this point and I'm not even there yet, I can only imagine what is awaiting me come Sunday. I hope to post one more time before I leave the states, until then take care and enjoy the sunshine!

Quickly Approaching

This time next week I will already be in Dakar for 12 hours which is unreal and hard to grasp. We have been very busy preparing and becoming more informed on the area in which we will be living in for three weeks. Although it is a very exciting and once in a lifetime opportunity my nerves and anxieties are beginning to take hold and kick in. I have been doing a great deal of research on the education foundations and laws over there as well as the comparisons to United States as well. Although I wish I had more details on what I will be encountering while I am abroad I really have no idea at this point. But am beyond excited to share along the way. What I do know is that it will be the first time we are traveling to the developmental school which will be very eye opening and full of new learning opportunities, heartbreak, and hope. I just recently went and purchased school supplies that I will be giving to the children at the school I will  be working in, they are always loving pens, pencils, and paper--it is very expensive over there. Aside from working on my own work within the school, we as a group will be traveling to the following places:

- NGOs Museums, Art galleries, Craft markets

- Pikine

- Supermarkets

- Angela Davis School

- IFANN Museum

- Yoff

- Goree Island

- Mariame Niasse School

The hotel that we will be staying in is located in the heart of the city with great store fronts surrounding us, I hope the first day will be filled with lots of pictures of the surrounding areas and our hotel. I will be rooming with other girl from my program and am very excited to be spending my journey with a familiar face, but all nine of us that are going all bring something to the table and that is refreshing and we all share a common passion for working while over there. While I am hoping that at nights I will be able to blog about my daily adventures I am not 100% that we will always have power, therefore we will be living with headlamps and laughter I'm sure. I hope to blog and post pictures as much as possible. I am also working on bringing a flip-cam which will allow me to capture video along the way which would be rather amazing! The weather in Kalamazoo has been a great reminder that although it is great to be lounging by the pool in 85 degree plus weather next week I will be covered in long skirts and shirts with head wraps on in 90-100 degree weather with high humidity---makes me thankful for shorts already. I look forward to updating later this week on a couple other things we have been working on in class--including tomorrow I will post about the University in which we are invited to in order to study while we are over there. For now I leave with a video from a documentary that we watched last week within this video there are glimpses into the Dakar looks like and the people that we will be surrounded by. It has a powerful message, and we are looking into being able to go to his music club one night while there, the music over there is supposed to be amazing!!!

Have a great Sunday!!

Yesterday began the three weeks leading up to departure we have class twice a week for three hours where will are beginning to prepare for what to expect and begin to finalize our projects while we are there. Thankfully I have all my research proposal already complete so I will continue to look in to the school that I will be working in as well as reading up on some articles pertaining to Senegal and their education system. My first glimpse of what I'm getting myself into is this picture below that is on the cover page of our class page....I'm in love already.

Then I went on to find....

Despite all of my recent emotions and highs and lows of the realization that I will be half way around the world in three very fast approaching weeks these pictures and talking about the situations and experiences we will be put in dissolve any hesitation at this point. The faces on these children show a happiness and a need, a need that I hope through my work and presence will some how be impacted. Although I am aware that much of my existence in the classrooms will be to observe and discover I CANNOT wait to interact, take pictures, and hand out the goodies I am preparing. From my mentor's previous experience she has given me these bits of advice: 1) you will want to pack the kids in your suitcase 2) you cannot adopt from this country 3) if you're emotional you will cry [that's a given] 4) all the kids will sworn you 5) they will chase your bus when you leave ** 6) They will LOVE their pictures being taken && be thrilled to see it immediately after you take it **7) They LOVE crayons, markers, pens, paper, nail polish, && and any other type of school supply because it is so expensive over there. ---- Oriental trading company here comes a large order I'm thinking!

Aside from the kiddos we have begun talking about the main focus of our trip and what the main goals are to focus on those being globalization and all that falls under it. We have begun to explore the definition and look at examples from around the wrong at how developing countries are suffering in all aspects and what consequences are occurring due to the impact of globalization. It is very eye opening, saddening, however is a call to action for me. It helps subside the anxieties I have been feeling and pushes me to keep praying and finding positivity to move me through this journey with an open mind. 

I am curious to see how the next couple class periods go and how they begin to move and effect me even more. There is an urgency and a calling for me to go and this is a beautiful reminder that I am following not only my heart but a life long dream and I am already so humbled and feeling very blessed by this opportunity.

I have started reading a devotional book every day and I swear that this book is a miracle worker, every day I wake up to an ah-inspiring message that navigates me through my day yesterday's were these:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." --Philippians 4:13 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

-- Isaiah 41:13

This is perfect for me right now, for those close to me you know that I have been experiencing some pretty intense and high anxiety emotions, this for me is something to be expected and I have realized that without these emotions/fears/anxieties this trip would not be all that it is. This is a once in a life time opportunity.

Stay tuned for more Africa news, its here. It's real. It's pretty amazing!

Feelings.

As my junior year comes to a close I look back at a tedious yet rewarding year of school. I am so thankful for the friends I have made and the obstacles and experiences I have been a part of this year. I am truly blessed. I am happy to say that I can now focus on my next step in my life and influencing the lives in Africa. I am less than a month away from boarding the plane and flying over seas. This time in one month I will living in Senegal. How surreal!

A couple nights ago I sat and talked with a friend about recent feelings. Feelings of uncertainty and change and ultimately following her heart with a tough decision. Throughout the conversation we began talking about exciting things coming up in our lives, trips and adventure will take us out of the Kalamazoo bubble and expand and provide many great opportunities for personal growth. She began to talk about a trip she used to take all the time and a couple years ago stopped taking, she plans to go back on the trip this summer. This brought up more conversation of course and more thinking in this noggin of mine. Throughout the whole conversation she told me this bible verse:

"Be still and know that I am God."
--Psalm 46:10

Last night I was still and began to feel an overwhelming gratitude for myself for allowing myself to let down a guard and really put myself out there in regards to traveling abroad. I have been so humbled and blessed by all the kind words from all of you and support from you all. It is quite amazing to me what a community of loved ones can do when asked. For that, I am forever grateful.

I have never doubted my will to travel to Africa and that brings comfort while I begin to prepare more and more for my trip.I am so thankful that I will still in times of questioning and concern to know wholeheartedly that this trip is something I am supposed to do and will benefit greatly from. I find myself leaning on others and myself to continue to build up my confidence in letting go and taking this trip for what it is worth. All types of emotions and feelings have been taking me over but I know that I am doing the right thing.

So thanks to you my dear friend for having a chat with me the other night, and to all of you who have asked questions, sent prayers, and become my support system along this journey. You have all helped mold me into who I am and have made my heart so strong for a good cause. 

Keep sending the prayers and love && I will start to write more updates more regularly and this I promise!

Be still.

-- Kate

Official!

Not that I ever doubted it but I can officially say that I AM GOING TO AFRICA!!! I had my vaccinations appointment this week Tuesday where I spent t w o hours with the travel nurse to go over the ins and out of traveling to Dakar. It was highly educational and informative...Her direct quote "if you can travel to Dakar you can travel any where in the world." What is that supposed to mean?! However, moving on...

I  had to have four shots on Tuesday two in the left, two in the right arm....YAHOO! And for those of you who know me oh so well I received by Malaria pills (that will be a fun time). Let me tell you two of them really hurt!!! Minor side effects though  just a headache for two days and was exhausted! OH and I couldn't really move my arms, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Overall I learned that I need to be very careful while I'm over there from the water to the food to those darn mosquitoes!!!! Now that all the nitty gritty details are done its time to start working on their culture and the etiquette we need to work on and have a couple language lessons. I also will need to begin packing and finding appropriate clothes. Senegal is v e r y conservative and women need to dress as such, so I am on the hunt for long skirts and three quarter length shirts, all of which I would prefer were cotton (cooler). I will be thrifting for these items and washing them in protective mosquito spray and giving them away to the local community before I leave. This way I will hopefully protect a woman there for a couple weeks while the bug spray embedded in my clothes is still useful. Also I would like to pay it forward!

That is my lastest update, I am getting very anxious and excited! However, I am much more excited for the wedding weekend than anything at this point!!! Happy thoughts!!

Thanks for all the support!!

the small things.

First and foremost I would like to say how humbling and moving it is to receive such kind words of encouragement and support as I get very close to my adventure. To start this post I started a list of things things that have moved or inspired me this past week, I think I am taking on a new motto to life 'enjoy the small things' along with my others 'keep calm and carry on' and oh so many more [I love quotes]!

1. The sunshine I never realized how happy the sun can make me until this past week immersed in it! I loved running in it, anything but snow!
2.  My co-hort is literally my backbone right now, without them I would be nothing at this point, thank you to all who fill in the blank and check my work to make sure it's looking good and thanks to Megan for sitting down with me after class over a drink to chat about everything (cannot wait to live together). I have met a great bunch of future teachers out of you all!
3. I'm thankful for laughter it really is the best medicine whether I make myself laugh or others around me I am so beyond thankful for that--- if you have any jokes send them this way!!
4. My little gremlins I am thankful for them they are just so perfect and so funny!!! I am looking forward to spending my summer with them and welcoming the third after my trip!
5. coffee & home-cooked meals---yet again I am sitting in a coffee shop drinking coffee blogging and working on school work, and have a freezer full of food. This semester has been so hectic I have a hard time making trips home luckily I have a piece of home here in Kalamazoo. Thank you mom!!!
6. Wedding Bliss! Cannot wait until April 21 the wedding prep is all coming together so nicely!! YAY love!
7. Friends. I was able to catch up with Kellie who is also going to Africa in May and it was nice to share stories and advice and overall catch up on life.
8. Mountain bike trails--- I ventured on a ten mile trail this weekend and despite the pain I felt at miles 6-10 the trail was so breathtaking and beautiful and it wasn't until I was at mile 8 that I finally gave up feeling my pain and actually soaked up the trail and just enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature to its full extent!
9. Running it is a great stress reliever and oh so good for the soul!
10. Sleep. I wish some days I could turn my brain off and enjoy it this past weekend I was able to not think of homework and sleep and wake to a soothing alarm that meant the day could hold whatever adventures I wanted and it held the key to not having to worry about anything until Monday---that is a weekend if you ask me!

Overall advice--regardless of what week may bring your way and whatever hurdles you may have to jump, take time to enjoy the small things.  

I booked my flight on March 26 which is TWO months before I leave! Did not do that on purpose however like much of this journey has been I believe that every thing is happening for a reason and a purpose. I have also made my appointment for my vaccinations which is happening on April 10 at 10 am! Life holds the funniest things in it and I am thankful for those little things, they really add a spice to life! I have been experiencing a roller coaster of emotions in regards to this trip, they say it is normal however I am still caught off guard some days by the enormity of this whole thing. I cannot believe that in a little under two months I will immersed in a different culture and will be learning, g r o w i n g and changing! While some days I am trembling in fear, most days I jump for joy in excitement. I have no idea what exactly I am getting myself into, however I think that is exactly what I need, I need to stretch myself and expand to see what I am truly capable of and learn from others in Africa!

Thank you for those who continue to support and encourage me, you all are what are pushing me towards a life changing and once in a lifetime opportunity! I am so moved by your messages and humbled to know how loved and supported I am.

Hoping to post more often, however April is looking beautifully busy!!

Thankful!

Very excited to share with anyone who has been following that today I received news that I was granted a scholarship from the Honors College. There were four scholarships available all ranging in amounts. I was lucky enough to get the third highest (one below the most) amount of money. I am very thankful that this will help put me that much closer to going to Africa and making it that much more realistic. I still have more money to earn and continue to request prayers and well wishes my way as I prepare and continue to work towards my research project.

The sun was shining, class was cancelled, I wore flip flops for the first times this year, I registered for next semester classes and received fabulous news!!

Follow through.

wrapping my head around it all...

Greetings!!

I better write now while I am sane due to a much needed break---spring break! Although it has been spent waking up at 9 every morning and working on homework until 5 I would say I have completed a lot and that I have. I have also managed in some quality time with Bradley and have ventured around the east side of Michigan. I am currently sipping on a tasty cup of coffee in a cute little coffee shop tucked downtown Farmington Hills & am blogging!!

Tomorrow is a BIG day and when I say BIG I mean it, I find out about a scholarship that could or has the capability of funding my whole trip across the ocean. I am very anxious about it and hoping that the man upstairs has something so great in store for me. 

I have so far attended two meetings in regards to information with traveling. There are ten WMU students who are traveling and three faculty. Two of the faculty are married and they teach in Speech Pathology and Africana Studies they are the definition of a true scholar they are so intelligent.Santiago (one of the faculty) actually is a professor at the University we will be able to attend and has gone over to Dakar a couple months ago to get set everything up. The main language over there is French luckily with the relationship with the University over there some of the students will travel with us and translate for us! We also need to take language courses prior to departure. I will be traveling over seas with 3 other ladies from program at Western which is comforting and I am happy to know that there are students from the Special Education program wanting to go to work within the schools. One of our professors is also another faculty member from WMU and will play our 'mother' role---we are all flying over with her and she is giving us each an Ipad while we are abroad that will allow us to keep in touch via Skype, etc and allow us a handy way to keep journals and notes.

Our second meeting consisted of meeting with the health clinic to go over all the medication and vaccinations we will need prior to departure and things to avoid, etc while over there. For starters we cannot eat the salad or any fruit we have not seen be cleaned (this flashes back to Mexico) I will take this advice seriously this time. As far as water goes closed mouth showers, freshly opened water bottles and a handful more of other health precautions to take. as far as vaccinations go ooh baby--I swear I am heading to a country that everything possible to get is possible. I will be vaccinated for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, medication prior, during and post for Malaria, and a few more I think I'm forgetting. Mosquitoes are going to be a main concern for all of us over there, we will literally be covered 24/7 with certain protective spray and are encouraged never to sit near pools, water etc. Luckily our hotel is closed off so we won't have to worry about bed nets, etc. One might think that all of this information would scare me off of wanting to go but I am always reassured by my mentor that it will be a life changing trip, that is trying in many ways but you will come back changed---that keeps me keeping on!!! 

Now for the technical stuff! Many might still be wondering the main reason I am traveling and now I can happily inform you all exactly what I will be doing. Below is all information from my proposal I turned in for my BIG scholarship (hence the italicized print) hopefully this will all clarify questions not only for those reading but for my own sake while I post it all! Happy adventures!

Exploring the Role of Oppression for People with Disabilities in West Africa

Group Purpose

                The common goal of instructors and students involved in this course is to understand the impact of globalization on systems such as health services, schooling, foreign policy, food, transportation, housing, and to analyze how that impact translates into public policies (Cultural Connections Brochure, 2011). This study abroad program includes (1) a three-week pre-departure orientation in the U.S. to clarify goals and prepare participants for the academic experience abroad, (2) the expectation of sustained engagement with the people, and their daily lives in Senegal, the host country, as well as (3) activities both in Senegal and upon return to the US that link experiences abroad with both the participants' educational experiences and goals in the U.S. In addition the course will have a re-entry process during the last week of the semester where students complete their capstone projects incorporating their overseas experiences into their U.S. practice. All participating students will also be required to do a presentation during orientation week in fall 2012 to disseminate information about what they learned while abroad concerning the causes of globalization and its impact on systems.

Individual Purpose

 While abroad I will be traveling to Dakar, Senegal. Dakar is the capital of Senegal – the country at the most western point of the African continent. With over two million people living there, the pace of the town is fast and the markets are usually crowded.  Many migrants from various African countries, as well as those from Europe and Western Asia are drawn to Senegal.  Senegal is a country with a rich linguistic profile. You will find people there who speak the national languages (Wolof, Seereer, Mandinke, Soinike, Diola [Jola], and Fula [Pulaar]), as well as those who speak French, English, Spanish, and Italian.  The language of the government and schools is French. Gorée Island, which houses a replication of the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) is a mere 20-minute ferry ride from Dakar. In Senegal there will be many opportunities to examine the consequences of globalization on systems, for me, specifically education and human services.

 I see Dakar as an outlet for me to experience “different ways of knowing” from outside of the United States.  As a means to gain the most out of my education at Western Michigan University I need to take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to me. Traveling to Senegal  provides a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that will open my eyes to so much as well as open doors to new experiences, places, and people.

As a special education major I have found there is so much information to learn and so many experiences that are possible.  I am drawn to many social justice issues, including the impact of globalization on the K-12 education system in the United States. In today’s society it is not okay to just be an average teacher or one that blends into a crowd will not get you hired. I need to be an educator who  embraces all  educational experiences.  Bower and Sature (2011) state that teachers need to have a high level of critical consciousness. They use Howard and Alemans (2008) definition of critical consciousness.  Howard and Aleman state teachers need “to be able to recognize that people’s ways of thinking are significantly influenced by race, gender, and language, and the hierarchical social systems in which they are located”) p. 165.  Dakar will offer an experience like none other found in the United States, I will be working with students in a developmental school and a school in an extremely low income area of the city (often referred to as a slum). It will be an experience to understand how people with disabilities are defined with this culture as well as compare low income to my similar experiences here in the United States.  I believe these environments in will provide new tools and learning experiences for me to apply to my future job. Through the pre-departure seminars and well as the seminars within Senegal I seek to address the following research questions:

1.       How does hegemony explain the oppression of individuals with disabilities in Senegal vs. in the United States?

2.       What teacher knowledge, skills, and dispositions are needed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in West Africa vs. the United States?

3.       What role does family play in the education of the oppressed in Senegal vs. the United States?

Moreover, I see this experience as one that will allow for personal growth. By serving others and working towards impacting a community outside of my country, I will also gain self worth and dignity in my future goals. Furthermore I believe there is much work to be done not only in the United States but also abroad. Upon completion of this study abroad program, I will be fulfilling my personal, educational, and future professional goals as I seek to understand “different ways of knowing”. Bower and Sature (2011) state “Teachers’ awareness of differences and attention to assumptions are essential in providing culturally relevant instruction and maintaining high expectations for all children (p. 416).  This is a great opportunity and I look forward to its impact on my future personal and career objectives

Interview Question for Educators of People with Disabilities, Parents of Children with Disabilities and People with Disabilities themselves:

Part A

1.       How is a disability defined in Dakar?

2.       Who is involved in the identification process of a disability?

3.       What does it mean to have a disability?

4.       How are people with disabilities in Senegal incorporated into daily life, schooling, and work?

5.       What accessibilities are available to students with disabilities within schools?

6.       What barriers do children with disabilities face within schools? In their community?

Part B

1.       What are your goals for the future?

2.       What are some barriers you face in day to day life, within school, outside of school?

Timeline of all of my adventures and deadlines: 

December, 2011	-          Initial literature review on oppression in third world countries
January – February	-          Continue with literature review -          Prepare research questions -          Begin to examine data collection processes -          Complete study abroad application (January 20, 2012) -          Develop research proposal for Honors’ College
February 24, 2012	-          Program proposal deadline
March-April, 2012	-          Continue with literature review -          Finalize interview questions and research protocol.
May 7-May 25, 2012	-          Attend Cultural Connections 3 week on-campus course (content knowledge on social theory, globalization, life in Senegal) -          Finalize project
May 26 – June 16	-          Travel to Senegal -          Attend seminars on aspects of Senegal Culture at the University in Dekar-daily -          Take local language lesion-Woolof (3x per week) -          On-site research visits in the afternoons (3-4x per week) -          Service Learning Project with school in low income area -          Local family visits -          Daily evening seminars with the entire Cultural Connections Study Abroad Group -          Complete Action Research-Capstone work to be complete first week upon return
June – August	-          Compile and review data -          Prepare for thesis declaration
September	-          Presentation to study abroad board -          Declaration of thesis -          Prepare presentation to Honors College board and project committee