Father Smith Fellowship -- Destination: Kenya

I am extremely fortunate to be the recipient of one of the five Father Smith Fellowships that were awarded for the Summer of 2010. The fellowship program at Providence College began last summer with two students, one traveling to England and the other to the Philippines. This year's fellows include: Francesca Genova '11 (England), Lia Santilli '11 (Australia), Hollis Dunlop '12 (Nicaragua), Julia Tully '12 (Kenya), and me. Julia and I will be traveling and living together in Kenya! It is very comforting knowing that Julia and I will be companions on this journey to such a foreign place.


With only four days until my departure from JFK Airport in New York, I am incredibly excited for this amazing adventure! Below is a brief overview of my itinerary.


June 7th: Fly on Swiss Air at 6:00 pm (NY to Zurich, Zurich to Nairobi)

June 8th: Arrive in Nairobi at 6:10 pm (after 16 hours of flying), stay in Nairobi for the night at the Kenya Comfort Hotel

June 9th: Picked up from hotel by the Mount Kenya Hiking guide at 8:00 am to begin our hike of Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route

June 12th: Finish hike of Mount Kenya, fly from Nairobi to Kisumu

June 12th-July 11th: Stay at the St. Martin de Porres Dominican compound in Kisumu, Kenya (work at the Our Lady of Grace School and Father Tom's Kids Orphanage)

July 11th: Fly from Kisumu to Nairobi, stay the night with Stephen Walsh and his family (PC alum '89)

July 12th: Fly from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

July 12th-July 15th: Safari in the Masai Mara

July 15th: Fly from the Masai Mara to Nairobi to Zurich to NY

July 16th: Arrive back at JFK at 12:35 pm