Here I am without a care in the world ready to hop in our safari van at Samburu Game Reserve. I discovered that it is home to endangered species, the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra.
Women’s Journey to Kenya changed my life in two ways.
I was 29 years old when I traveled with Women’s Journey to Kenya. Today I am 31 and still look back on that trip as one the best memories of my life. The women of Kenya opened my eyes to things I never knew I wanted.
One of the highlights for me was spending time talking and being with the Samburu women. Odd how I really didn’t know what to expect! They were so savvy, witty and incredibly smart. Their necklaces are handmade and represent status in the community.
On day six of the trip we visited an orphanage and washed thirty babies one by one. I have no words to describe the instant love I had for these children. I balled tears of joy and gratitude for the experience of being with them.
I was so surprised at my reaction of being with the babies.
It took me (and my heart) off guard but I was grateful.
It was in that moment that I learned that I wanted to have children and if I could adopt a child someday from the orphanage. That revelation was priceless.
Later that day we sat with the nannies at the orphanage. They explained how the whole community raises the children. This means neighbors, friends, and family members have not only the right, but the obligation to reprimand the children and help them grow. After they spoke, one of the American travelers said, “I don’t even know my neighbor and she lives across the hall!” The nannies laughed in disbelief. They couldn’t imagine it.
We sat in a huge women’s circle with farming women in the village as we explored one another’s lives. (I am off to the upper right of the photo). They couldn’t imagine living as isolated as we do. It got me thinking.
It was then that I had my second revelation. I decided I wanted to be a better member of my own community. When I got home, I hosted a Kenyan Night for my friends. I cooked traditional Kenyan recipes, played Kenyan music, and shared stories and photos from my trip.
This photo was taken at the Maasai Market where I bought some bracelets and brought them home for my friends – my American tribe. Each one is carefully hand-beaded in vibrant color by women.
As the night came to a close, I told each of my girlfriends to choose a bracelet from a bowl. As they chose their gift, I said:
“Take a look at the women sitting around this room. We are a tribe. We are a community. I vow to you tonight that I will be there for you in times of need both emotionally and physically. I urge you to call on me even if it is for free dog walking or babysitting. The bracelet you are holding is a symbol of my love for you and it represents my promise to be your sister.”
My American tribe of friends and I have decided to be in a deeper sisterhood and really be there for one another in an all new way. I’d recommend it!
Today those friends call me for free dog sitting and hugs in times of need. I feel blessed that I could take what I learned in Kenya and apply those values to my life back home.
