On a Personal Note...

So, it occurred to me the other day that I have been writing almost exclusively about my day-to-day here in Kenya, effectively writing 'at' you all instead of 'to' you. While I want to continue to describe my experience here, and in good detail, it wouldn't kill me to develop more of a personal touch in doing so. I would now like to take a moment to write 'to' each of you, individually, similar to the letter that Alex left her friends and family when she left for Germany...

Mom - I find myself on another continent, working as hard as you taught me how to improve some small pocket of the world with what I have learned from you, from life, from the education that you saw fit to sacrifice for so that I could have. I love you so much and gain more respect for you day by day. I cannot even begin to thank you for everything that you have taken, given, and received during the course of my upbringing, as well as during my adulthood; it seems only fit to use what you have given me everyday of my life, and what you have given me is serving me well. I am, very much, your son.

Alex - I attribute as much of my current disposition to my own want as to the example you set for me growing up. I became vegetarian, twice, and eventually vegan because you did first, and educated me on the advantages to both humans and animals. I attended Webster University, a school that taught me to think of myself as a global citizen instead of entering into the post-youth mentality some pathetic souls die with of only considering themselves. You have been an incredible older sibling and have helped to guide me in some of the most important and simultaneously confusing points in my life. You are my best friend, the one person that I have related to consistently my entire existence. I miss you.

Nick - I don't think there are things in this world stronger than a brother's love, especially when its an older brother to a younger brother. You are incredible, man. While we butted heads on occasion at the house this past year, you also taught me a lot about myself and my capacity to adapt, which at the time was limited at best. Alex and I often called you the smartest of the three of us and, while I've put that debate to rest in my own mind as that all three of us are equal people with different talents, I want you to know that I think you're brilliant. You have a depth that I have been privileged to learn about, especially in living with you during the past year, and I want to acknowledge you for it. I love you, little bro.

Deej - I think of anyone else that I am writing to on this page, our friendship has developed the most over the past few years. On that note, I have developed a respect for you that I have never deliberately told you about, but one that I hope I exude. You may not talk as much as some, but you don't have to; you choose your words wisely, and when none need to be spoken then you are silent. Not to mention, you're like a rock in your family. You have made decisions to become involved with things like veganism and environmental conservatism that reflect how thoughtful you are, and you give me just as great an example to live parts of my life by as my mom and Alex do. Oh, and the gift you gave me before my departure, The Motorcycle Diaries, has been like seeing this part of my life lived by someone else, in a different place at a different time; a road map to a new mentality, you could say. You're wise as hell and, even though it's a small reflection of it, I want you to know that the book has provided a lot of utility out here 'in the bush'.

Mark - It has been great getting to know you over the past years, and I want to thank you for all that you've done for my mom, my family, and myself. You are a genuinely good person. And, when I say that, I mean that you are able to retain a decent amount of cynicism about those things that need to be taken with a grain of salt, but without letting it wear on you. There have been few times that I have seen you without a smile on your face. Thank you, and your family, for helping to make this trip possible and, more than anything, believing in me. My mom has told me a number of times what esteem you hold Alex, Nick, and I in and I want you to know that I feel the same way.

Justin & Kegan - My brothers from another mother. While I am enjoying my life in Kenya very much at the present moment, I miss hanging out with you guys a lot sometimes. From time to time, when there's nothing to do, I picture myself with you guys doing the stuff that we'd do: climbing the bluff, drinking at Friday's for Stag Monday, driving around with either 3OH!3 or German rap playing at an obnoxious level... This summer's going to be great. I miss you guys, and am very much looking forward to continuing in the nature of a true 20-something when I return home, tearin' shit up and what-not.

Warmly,
Zachary