Tuesday, August 7, 2012

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.

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