Last week, we thought the rainy season was in full swing, and we wouldn't get anymore sunny days until April… I know, I know, none of you back home want to hear about how we're complaining about rain when there's mounds and mounds of cold snow in the States. But on the bright side (literally, "bright"), the heat and sun are BACK (at least for the next few days), so my goal of coming back as a tan goddess is still underway. ;)
Two weeks ago, I got to visit the elephant orphanage, where baby elephants roamed around and we got to pet them as they walked by! Afterwards, we went to the giraffe center, where we got to pet and feed and even kiss the giraffes! It was all an adventure to say the least as many students got lost in the process. My group ended up in what seemed like the middle of nowhere but what our cab driver called a "shopping center" (And I'll tell you this: it was definitely NOT what you think of back home when you hear "shopping center")… BUT the giraffes were right down the street and everybody made it home safe and sound.
This past weekend we also traveled to Ngong Town, which is home to some of the Maasai people and is where one of our program leader's family lives. At his resort, we met some of his family, and they gave us a tour of the area, where we hiked up and down a giant cliff side for 3 hours through tiny crevices and over giant rocks. We also had the company of a dog and cat that followed us as we huffed and puffed our way to the top (they were way better at it than us), and our guide was constantly amused at us Americans and our lack of "casual" rock climbing experience. It was absolutely beautiful and reminded me of the country side of Ireland… (But what do I know? I've never been there and have only seen what it looks like from the movie P.S. I Love You….). Either way, it was wonderful and well worth the hike!
Our time in Nairobi is almost halfway done, and while I feel like I've been pushed outside my comfort zone and had numerous experiences of culture shock, reality checks of what life is here, and moments of fear, I know there's so much more for me to experience. Living in fear anywhere can be detrimental to having a fulfilling experience. There's a difference between making smart choices and being aware and then just being too scared to do anything. While being here, most of us have experienced a little bit of "I just want to lock myself in my room", but that's not the point of going on such an opportunity-filled experience like this one. If you don't allow yourself to have opportunities of immersing yourself in the culture, what are you going to gain?
I've learned that things here are a lot different, and by getting upset by the system or wanting to change everything about it, I'm looking down on the culture, as in mine back home is better, and that's not the case at all. I don't want to come home and all I have to say is: "It was so fun!" Yes, I definitely want "fun" to be one of my words to describe this journey, but I also want to be able to say I GREW as person and have a better understanding and appreciation of cultures other than my own. I'm not by any means trying to scare anyone at home by saying I've had experiences of fear, and everyone on my trip is a-okay, but it's just a different lifestyle here. I am, however, excited to see what other ups and downs and side to sides God has in store for me as I continue to learn, grow, experience, and enjoy all that Kenya has to offer! :)
WITH SO MUCH LOVE,
JEN <3
No comments:
Post a Comment