It is Dec. 22 and our class in Eastern Africa begins in ten days.  I have intended to start blogging even as we prepare for the trip…..but, it seems I have been so busy with the details and logistics of making the class happen, that I have not had time to write.  Eight students are on board and I am one of three professors that will be learning first hand from community development efforts on the ground.   UCCS is partnered with the Global Livingston Institute in Denver and, particularly, Jamie Van Leeuwen, who has led a number of groups to Eastern Africa in recent years. Cerian Gibbes from UCCS Geography and Environmental Science is the third member of our teaching team.  I will endeavor to provide some updates and commentary as the class proceeds.