SM family

Note: Pictures taken by Melissa or Katie unless specified

Tanzi is pretty much awesome. She's already graduated and spent many years as a camp director, so she's pretty awesome with the kids. I would LOVE to be in her computer classes, or even PE! (and that's saying something!)
Whether it's teaching and connecting with the kids, or force-feeding me swahili words in the library, Tanzi is crazy passionate about everything she does, making her the perfect person to spend a year in Africa with!

 Jaqui is the one and only non-american in our group of SMs. She's from Canada, which makes her that much more awesome! A crazy talented musician and artist, Jaqui has led us in praise time and jam sessions, with a voice that really needs to be recorded. (she even sang her maid of honor speech at her sisters wedding! How awesome is that?) Even though she's crazy talented, both with music, art, and in the front office here at Maxwell, she's still super down to earth and incredibly humble.

Katie is a constant source of non-stop fun. She's the one who brought our wonderfully growing quote book (which is roughly half full of her own hilarious words!). A junior from Walla Walla, Katie is exceptionally good at photography and storytelling, and not so great at making up her mind. She said she's the "special ed" at the elementary this year, but her specialness really comes from her love of summer camp, and determination to get things done. Kenya wouldn't be the same without her!   

Taylor is the assistant girls dean this year, but with the dean lacking, she has gone far beyond her job description to make sure that the girls at Maxwell have a great year. Of all the SMs, I think Taylor is the most unique. From her assortment of random instruments and music, to her obsession with her celtic heritage, Taylor makes sure that she remains true to her one-of-a-kind self. Her dedication to this year is inspiring; from getting up before any of the rest of us even think about stirring (even though she's not a morning person), to showing patience and kindness to Sofia (girl with special needs), Taylor's definitely a great person to have around! (this is one of the few pictures that I took)

Keith, my fellow traveler, is the only guy SM at Maxwell this year. He now has 7 wives (the girl SMs), as well as his own girlfriend. I haven't seen him too much since school started, but that's just because he's off in the dorm building friendships with all of the guys there. Keith is all around awesome: He plays the guitar like non other, loves to be adventurous, and drives in downtown nairobi at night like a boss. Keith is a great addition to our team, and we're all glad he's able to deal with 7 girls! As he said - "I grew up with one sister, what's 7 more?" (I took this picture!)

Macy is my roommate and a constant source of entertainment. Not a day goes buy that doesn't include some insights from Macy, which are usually hilarious! Macy loves to think out loud, and since we sit in the library for most of the day together, I get to be part of a lot of role playing! This year, Macy is not messing around! She has a bullwhip in her back pocket, and she's not afraid to use it.

Melissa is the second teacher in the elementary school this year. She is a passionate elementary ed major who loves the outdoors and asking questions. She's also super fast! She rivals me for the fastest eater on campus, walks fast, and runs fast! I know that she will be the first one to the top of Mt Kenya when we climb it next semester. But no matter how fast she's going, she always finds time to slow down to offer a helping hand. I've already been blessed by her advice and her encouraging touch.

This years SM team is pretty much the best! This picture says it all... :)