I was reminded that the audience for our blog is much larger then I always think it is. This entry was something I wrote and posted on Facebook, and it fits into the purpose of our blog as well, so I thought I would share. I find it really tough putting myself out there, and writing about things important to me and then putting them out into cyberspace where anyone has access, this blog has gained a broad audience. This trip is such a learning experience full of paradigm shifts and realizations about myself and the world. I don't pretend to know better then anyone else, or be an expert in any of the subjects I write about. I am just sharing some of the beautiful and tough things I have been witness to, and some of my own brain manifestations. Take them or leave them or change them as you will, one of the best parts of humanity is that everyone thinks, feels, acts, believes, problem solves, grieves, experiences, and exists differently and we are all here to share with each other. And a little shout out to the lady at the bank, the kids working the cash register at the Vans store, Wawa Joe, the guy at CVS, and all the other random people who asked for the link to the blog that last week when I was running around frantically. Whether or not you ended up reading this, thanks for being excited about our trip, it means a lot, and it's cool how it expands our world even the slightest. (I know I speak for Kira too.) Love to all our friends and family reading as well, it makes home feel a bit closer to know you can hear a bit about this crazy few months. ANYWAY-
First of all, I have learned that I will never be able to take myself seriously while wearing a headlamp, even in a black out in Africa. Secondly, something I've learned about travel and experiencing new cultures is that you can never be fully prepared, and there is always more going on then I know to look for, so it's best to just be open and ready, fully letting go of control and becoming a sponge to the world. That way you see, smell, hear, and feel more, and I'm so grateful for this realization. Kenya itself is a force of nature. From the moment I stepped off the plane onto the dusty red earth, things have worked differently. The weather fluctuates drastically and nothing happens as planned. Everything is more organic, there is an ebb and flow to the market place, a natural momentum to daily life. Time is an illusion, an estimate. Likewise, the people I've met are forces of nature, from the tiny women carrying giant sacks of potatoes on their heads, to the teachers with fervent concern and care for each student. But these kids are the ones teaching me the most, making the world feel more in sync. They have reminded me to get busy living. And made me remember that there's nothing better then feeling thoroughly exhausted after a day of doing something you love. One of the orphans grew up a delinquent street kid, following a path towards a life of crime in order to survive, but he was taken in and has turned his life around completely, just yesterday I watched him graciously receive an award for being the top of his class. It's incredible to witness first hand the power of human connection and how all it takes is just one person to care. Samson and different members of the community here are the sole reason half these kids are even alive. They've shown the uncanny amount of bravery it takes to be selfless, and I am humbled to be witness to it.