Robin Wiszowaty never felt she belonged in suburban Illonois. She was angry and looking for a purpose. Spending a year living with a Masai family in rural Kenya gave Robin her purpose: International Development. She eventually became a speaker for Me to We, and a facilitator for their trips to Africa. In this book, part memoir, part call to action, Robin details her journey and shows readers how she found peace, love and purpose in Africa. Written primarily for the youth market, Robin spares the reader some details (details BTW the adult reader wants to hear, specifically about her relationship with Samuel) but keeps her message of being able to change the world front and centre. Good read for teens and a great addition to classroom libraries.

I have not read the book. yet, I know only too well teh eurocentric minds that write about a culture from their world vision. Besides, I find it exploitative to relinquish one's privileged life, only to know one can return back to it and then write comfortably.. I wonder if teh proceeds from the book go towards whom teh author writes about.

I really liked this book . her determination and love for the peaple and culture. A great read

a very inspiring and uplifting story that shows true insight into the lives of the less fortunate. there was no superficial taste or intentions in Robin's writing or her experiences, which made this all the more enjoyable. i think her story was absolutely beautiful and should be shared with everyone who is searching for something more, something bigger in life outside of their Western mindset. beautiful.

Robin Wiszowaty spent a year living with a Maasi family in a remote village in Kenya. She was taking a course in International Development from the University of Illinois. Robin was the rebellious middle child of an affluent Polish-American family living in a suburb near Chicago. Robin wanted to challenge herself and set out on an adventure. This inspirational memoir chronicles how she embraced the Maasi culture and fell in love with her African family. This young woman introduces the reader to the realities of the harsh and difficult conditions that the Maasi must endure: poverty, high incidence of AIDS/HIV, female/male circumcision, youth crime, violence and early marriage rates for female teens. Robin develops a special relationship with a young man. Samuel is struggling to support his mother and younger siblings due to the lack of family support from his alcoholic father. After returning to Chicago after one year in Kenya Robin is trying to find a direction for her life. She finally gets a job with Free the Children and is eventually promoted to Kenya Projects Director. This job allows Robin to visit her Maasi family and Samuel. This memoir is a fresh look at the aspirations of today’s youth to become actively involved in helping the youth in Third World countries.