Emily

My name is Emily Edwards, and I am the coordinator for this year's VLM trip to Kitale, Kenya.  I am originally from Memphis, TN and I have lived in Chicago, IL for the past four years.  I recently graduated from DePaul University with a major in Psychology and minors in Women's and Gender Studies and Community Service Studies.

I am so excited to return to Kitale, Kenya and see the sisters, children, and people in the community that I grew to love last year. Kenya brought a state of joy and appreciation for relationships that I had never experienced before my visit.  Community is very important to the culture of the Kenyan people, and that is something that I immediately picked up on and appreciated.

Kenya is a beautiful place that is made even more beautiful by the people that you meet; when people are around you, they are truly with you.    

The distractions and busyness of American culture is replaced with patience, attentiveness and intentionality.

The children that I met were full of energy and smiles.  I also noticed a sense of resilience with the children that I have not experienced as much with children in other places.  The people of all ages that I met challenged me to grow, learn and love more every day.  

I am so excited to return to Kitale and honored to have Matt, Dom, and Adela as my community.  I am excited and hopeful for what this journey will bring.