A week before leaving Houston, it finally hit me that I was doing this. I was going to Kenya. I wondered how my days would play out, how much time I’d spend alone, and whether I would be able to form relationships with my host family given that I am just a stranger. However, within one week of being in Kenya, I can say that I have never felt more welcomed to a new place. I was immediately greeted with smiles and hugs by my host family. Every day we eat all of our meals together, help clean up together and share stories of our upbringing. At times I even forget I am in Kenya. I have come to appreciate the value of spending time with people and simply having conversations with them. It has made me realize that I should make more of an effort to share meals with my family once I return to the U.S.

Aside from Kenya’s comforting welcome, I have also gone through some uncomfortable or rather just new experiences. On my second day of work, we had to go from the office to our home using a matatu, a popular form of public transportation. But this isn’t a regular bus, the driver isn’t afraid of anything. We ride 2 inches away from cars, and go on the dirt road to pick up new passengers. It was scary at first, but now I am going back home in a matatu every day! It’s an adrenaline rush I didn’t know I needed after a long day of work. Also, did I mention that they are pimped out, by that I mean TV screens, 5-foot speakers, and celebrity portraits on the inside or outside of the taxi/bus. As of now the coolest one of been in, had Mariah Carey’s face on its roof. Excited to continue this routine and to become familiar with the roads of Nairobi!

P.S. Here is a picture of a matatu for reference