Kwaheri

If you hadn’t guessed, I have made it home safely. It’s weird to think that a week ago today I was traveling back from Kenya, a country half way around the world. In my arrival home, much has happened in preparation for the next adventure of my life—college. Through this preparation, though, I have begun to notice the little things. For instance, the roads seem substantially smoother and a lot less crowded. No one stares at me when I walk down the street and into stores. Also, when a person says a time, they mean that time. There is so much in the United States I really take for granted daily; I have come to realize this.

In the hustle and bustle of preparing for college, I have also noticed slight changes in myself. A now look at a plate of food slightly differently. It bothers me to watch little scraps from someone else’s plate be thrown away. My patience level has increased. Late arrivals and departures do not irritate me as much. As the changes amount, I am convinced these changes are for the better.

The two months I spent in Kenya were some of the most rewarding thus far in my life. From the people who challenged my thought processes to the challenges faced by a tiny bed bug, I learned and grew an incredible amount. The smiling children and chorus of, “Mzungu, how are you?” will be sights and sounds permanently engrained in my brain. I’m not going to lie, there were times in Kenya that really challenged me. It isn’t easy seeing poverty on every corner and receiving so much attention for two straight months. However, the journey sparked hope and inspiration within. Before going to Kenya, everyone was afraid of me going to such a “dangerous” country. Having made it back safely, I would like everyone to know Kenya is a country available for visitation. The country is unique and the culture is rich and dynamic.  Within a few years I can see myself going back for a visit, visiting all of the amazing people who took me in like family.

The past two months there has been constant inspiration from Dr. Norman Borlaug. Being on an internship named after him, it was hard not to realize the importance of the man. The purpose of my blog was not only to inform you of my daily activities, but to inspire you as well. From my experience this summer, I can tell you food insecurity is a real thing. Many people have no idea where they will get their next meal. With the research I witnessed, though, there is promising hope for the future. Hope for food and hope for solutions. Until later Kenya, kwaheri.

The Final Day

When I woke up this morning it didn’t feel as if I were leaving. I went on my typical morning run, got ready, and ate breakfast. The Guest House held the tradition of no water so I was sent with a heaping pile of clothing across the corridor to another room. The water actually worked in that room, however it was freezing cold. Sometimes I just can’t win.

I arrived in the office and started tying loose ends of anything I needed to talk to people about or give them. Then the goodbyes started. The offices I worked in at icipe are spread out, so I headed to the research building to say goodbye to Fabian and the group over there. I did this in the morning in case anyone was to leave early.

As a final meal, we ate one last lunch in the Guest House. I think they knew it was my last day because as tradition they served rice, beans, and fries—what my diet consisted of while living in Kenya. After lunch I really wanted to walk to the path I run on to take some pictures. A few steps out of icipe everyone realized that the place was far and we turned back. The afternoon was filled with me trying to concentrate on finishing my report, but my effort was useless. There were far too many distractions around me. In the office it didn’t feel like my last day. We talked as if I would have many more mornings to tell my colleagues about my weekends or Kenyan adventures.

Later in the afternoon as people left, the hard part came—saying goodbye. Friendships are such an interesting thing. It’s amazing how two months ago I didn’t even know many of these people existed, and, yet, for the past two months they have become close friends of mine, almost like a family away from home. I will miss each of them. I also thank them for everything they have done for me throughout my stay; they were part of making Kenya the amazing experience it was.

Right on time, my cab driver arrived to take me to the airport. On the drive I took in the surroundings as much as possible. The dirt roads and small vendors along the side will not be something I will see when returning home. This, along with the floods of people walking along the streets. Being an international flight, the cab driver offered to help me find the correct counter. After a few laps around the airport looking for a parking spot, we spotted one and took it. As expected, my luggage was far over weight. I tried to transfer some objects to another suitcase, but that suitcase was already stuffed. Luckily, the girl at the counter cut me a break and let it go through, even though I think it was over five pounds over. Within no time, I was boarding a plane and settled in for the night. Taking off I took one final look at the country I called home for two months, coming to the realization of how much I will miss it. But as many people say, this isn’t a “goodbye” it’s a “see you later.”