Kenya: A New Perspective
I wasn't quite sure how I would be able to write about this 10 day trip, partly because there is too much to say, but mainly because it is hard to put into words how incredible this experience was.
When going on this trip to Kenya I didn't really know what to expect out of it. I was going on a 10 day journey to a new continent with 11 people I hardly knew. Sure, I expected to go on a safari and see a few elephants, but I was not prepared to come home with a new family and a whole new perspective of the world and my role in it.
Here is a quick overview of what we did over there.
During the 10 days, we explored the capital city of Nairobi through various cultural and historical sites, connected with Endicott community members who were able to teach us more about their culture living in Kenya, learned about the coffee production process, and connected with locals through conversations and dance.
Following our visit to the city we ventured out towards Lake Nakuru National Reserve where we visited local primary schools in an effort to give back and connect with the students. We stayed on the national reserve for 2 days. Each day we went on a safari where we got to see some exciting animals such as Zebras, Rhinos, Warthogs, and even two Lions!
Our last stop was Masai Mara National Reserve (I was super excited about this one because I am a huge Lion King fan).On the way to the reserve we stopped at The Masai Village where we were greeted with traditional dances and were learned about how the tribe still operates today while upholding past traditions. During our stay on the reserve, we went on a few game drives where we were able to see some more animals. We ended our time in Masai with a sunrise hot air balloon and one more special visit to a local school.
Although so much of what we did was exciting I want to shed light on some major takeaways I have from my experiences through this beautiful country.
The first time I really started to realize how different people’s lives were in Kenya compared here in the United States, was when we drove to the coffee farm. On that drive out of the city we were able to see small towns and villages where we saw huts made out of cardboard and trees that people relied on for shelter, women carrying water on their backs, children begging for food on the side of the road, and so much more. When we arrived at the coffee farm I looked out and past the electric fence you could see the homes the workers were living in with their families. Seeing the living conditions was a cultural shock in itself, but above all, it gave me perspective on how privileged I am to have been able to grow up where I did with first world conditions.
The one thing that stuck with me throughout this is the fact that every person I encountered, with seemed so happy with what they had. Every person we drove by on the street whether they were struggling with water on their back, begging for money, or had been outside in the sun all day, had the biggest smile on their face. I had one conversation with a worker at the coffee farm and she was saying that she thanks god everyday for what she has and for the ability to be with her family. This conversation in particular made me realize how important the little things, such as human connection, are in having and maintaining a happy life. I think a lot of people in our society associate money and power with happiness, but disregard the importance to look in front of you and be grateful for what you do have and the people around you. There is so much beauty in the simplicity of life.
This was truly a life changing trip and I can't thank Endicott enough for giving me the opportunity to experience this. I not only came home with new friends and incredible memories, but with a new found appreciation for life and the importance of intercultural connections.
Thank you Kenya- I'll be back.
