Monday, January 12, 2009

Who We Are

Hi Friends! Thank you for reading about our adventures!
We are Christina and Taryn and this is our story.

In the fall of 2005, we met in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar, where we immediately became close friends! Taryn was working as an English instructor with the Berlitz International Language School and Christina was working as a teaching assistant at the satellite campus of her school, Carnegie Mellon University.

While there, we had a two-week break during the Muslim Holiday, Ramadan. It was during this time off that we were able to make our very first trip to Kenya, a place that we had both always dreamed of visiting.

One of the most shocking realities we faced during our trip was the multitude of children supporting themselves on the streets. It was heart-wrenching to see children as young as 5 years old, begging for money and carrying their younger infant siblings with them. We could see the desperation in their faces and right away, we knew that we had to come back as soon as possible. We needed to do something. We wanted to help!

For the past 3 years, we have been brainstorming and researching ways to get ourselves back to Africa. After comparing several different volunteer programs on-line, we decided to apply to the Institute for Field Research Expeditions (IFRE).

IFRE was able to place us in an assignment together, at an orphanage where we would be able to work with children, which was one of our main goals. Compared to many others, this organization was also the most affordable. To see a copy of our proposed budget, then please email Taryn at: taryntb@gmail.com and she will gladly send you one.

6 comments:

  1. hey Christina and Taryn this is very noble of you two!!!!

    am happy u r doing this in my backyard!! all i can say is let the party begin!!!!! we see u guys in June!!!

    Karibu Kenya!!!!

    Love you guys
    Taby

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  2. We love you too Taby!

    We can't wait to get there and help out!

    Love, C and T

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  3. As I already said, Taryn, YOU GO GIRL!! We are very proud of you, and your desire and commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate than we. With your HUGE, loving, and caring "bleeding heart", and your "get it done" attitude, you WILL improve this World, for all people who are in need. You have enriched our lives, inspired hope, and made the "dream" of "making a difference" in this World a reality! You are the BEST Daughter (in-law) we could have dreamed of. We will miss you while you are in Kenya, fulfilling your dreams and helping others. Our love and Prayers will be with you! Thank you for allowing us to be among the first to make a contribution to this wonderful cause.
    Love,
    Vic and Walt, "Mom" and "Dad"

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  4. I really like the new information you have added to the web site! You are CLEARLY serious about keeping your readers updated!
    Love and continued Good Luck,
    Vicky

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  5. Thank you SOOO much Vic for your kind words, love, and support! You are the best mother (in-law) a girl could ever ask for. I love you tons!! Love, Taryn

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