Four months ago I found out I was going to Africa. I was ecstatic, but in an abstract kind of way. Today, two weeks before my September departure, the feelings are far less cerebral: I feel excitement and anxiety in my belly and at the ends of my toes.

My name is Kate and I’m a student in International Development at the University of Toronto. I’m about to spend 10 months as an intern with CPAR in Ethiopia. While I’m still completely unsure about what life in Africa will be like, I do know a bit about what I’ll be doing while I’m there. My focus will be on two programs, CPAR’s Moving Beyond Hunger program, and CAPAIDS Safe Livelihoods for Older Orphan’s project. I’ll help primarily with reporting and monitoring for these two projects. As well, I’ve been asked to spend time visiting communities and collecting stories and photos of people are participating in CPAR’s projects.

So here is a brief introduction to the adventure that I am about to embark on (epic, if only for me). I will be recording the highs and lows and in betweens of my time abroad here, and you’re welcome to stop by for an update!

Kate