VLM Kitale Introduction 2014

Friends, family, loved ones, or if you simply stumbled upon this blog in the middle of the night, hello! My name is Melisa Martinez and I will be going to Kitale, Kenya as part of the VLM in less than 24 hours. Yes, less than 24 hours. I am currently a graduate student at St. John's University in New York City. When I return to the States, I will be finishing my Masters degree in General Experimental Psychology. It sounds a lot more challenging that what it really is, trust me. Also, I work part time at St. John's as a graduate assistant for the best office in the entire world, Office of University Mission, and as a swim instructor in Downtown Manhattan. 

This will be my first summer with the VLM. Honestly, I am so honored and excited to have this wonderful opportunity. My hope is to learn and grow with the people who I'll be serving with and those who I will be serving. I am also very excited to learn from the Daughters of Charity who give themselves completely to their work and the people of Kitale. Most importantly, I hope to come up with a sustainable and thought-provoking way to support the work in Kitale after I return home. 

I invite you to follow our journey during and after our time in Kitale. I want to thank all of those who have supported me up to this point. Whether it was financially, emotionally, or both, your willingness to give is something I'll never forget. And now, to start packing...