Kenya FAQs

Well, it's old news by now that I'm moving to Kenya. Most of you have heard, some of you may not know all the details, so here are some answers to the frequently asked questions I have gotten lately:

Q: Why in the world are you going to Africa?!
A: Teaching. :) I'll be teaching fourth graders at an amazing school, Rosslyn Academy. I've taught fourth grade for four years in Wauchula, so I'm excited to stick with my favorite age group overseas.

Q: What will you teach, English? 
A: Yes and no- I'll be teaching in English. I'll teach the same CORE subjects I've come to teach in Florida, but I'll also be teaching Bible. That'll be new for me as a public school teacher, but I'm excited about it. My students will be from all over the world, so it is probable that some of them are not native English speakers, but coming from Wauchula, that's no biggie. I'm ESOL endorsed and love the challenge and excitement of teaching English Learners.

Q: Are you going to have to learn a new language? 
A: To teach, no. From what I've read, lots of people in Kenya speak English, but I'm totally game for learning as much Swahili as I can. When in Rome, right?

Q: Where are you going to live?
A: I'll be living on campus in an apartment with two other single-female teachers who will also be teaching on the Elementary campus. It looks really nice and totally safe. :)

Q: How long will you be there?
A: I have a teaching contract for a year.

Q: Are you coming home for the holidays? 
A: Probably not. It's a looooong flight back and forth. There's too much to explore and see over there!

Q: What do you get to bring? 
A: I'm allowed three suitcases on my overseas flight....so whatever I can fit in them is what I can bring. Seriously, though, I'll bring a few school things that I think I can't live without, clothes, and stuff for the apartment that we'll need.

Q: Who are you going with?
A: Well, I'm going on my own, but I've already met a handful of wonderful people through email and Facebook. Isn't technology awesome? So, I didn't know anyone at first, but I do know the girls I'm rooming with and so many helpful, knowledgeable school staff.

Q: How do your parents feel about it?
A: They are very supportive! They are coming to visit after Christmas. (It also doesn't hurt that we have family friends a country away....we've also had a long time to prepare and the flight is booked, so might as well be positive, right?)

Q: When do you leave?
A: July 16. I need to start packing pronto!

Well, that's it- I think. If I've forgotten something and you're hankering to know, just ask away! Also, check out http://rosslynacademy.org/ for more info on our school! Also, you can find me on facebook, keep up with me on this blog, or email me (sarahei04@gmail.com). Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers!