Americans Unite
Good news: I’ve finally met an American! It is funny how you
can be traveling and living somewhere else in the world and then as soon as you
meet an American that you feel a certain sense of belonging and an instant
connection. Or at least I always feel that way. Have other travelers ever felt
the same way? Even when my mom and I were in NYC, I met a guy wearing a Rays
shirt who was from that area-ish and I instantly felt comfortable with him.
Weird, right??
Well, this American is named Jennifer (she’s about 50 years
old) and she was in the Peace Corps in Kilifi (a nearby town) for 2 years.
Then, when things became a little rough in this area last year, the Peace Corps
pulled all of its members out of my area of Kenya and moved them to north Kenya
and other locations. But, because Jennifer had already given her 2 years in the
Peace Corps, she decided not to leave with the other volunteers and she stayed.
She has now been living in Kilifi for 3 years and has started her own business.
This business helps start up new small businesses including helping them keep
track of their finances, advertising, and marketing. Pretty awesome!
Jennifer is also teaching a business class at the school of
Vutakaka (as I mentioned in a previous post). The students LOVE this class!
They learn (and so do I) about things such as income and profit and capital and
working capital and things of that nature. Then, they split up into groups and
they are making their own businesses. The students (8th graders)
have come up with many ideas for their businesses such as a bakery, an egg
farmer, a fruit and veggie seller, and others that I can’t remember. In a
couple weeks, we are even taking a walking field trip to a local bakery and egg
farmer so that everyone can meet them and learn first-hand what the costs are
for that particular business. Everyone loves this class because it is
practical, fun, and because Jennifer gives out candy at every class haha!
Well, this Sunday I am meeting up with Jennifer at her house
in Kilifi—and she even has a pool! Woohooo Americans hanging out—watch out
Kenya lol! I’m excited to hear more about her experiences in Kilifi and in
Takaungu (the village where I am living). I’m sure she will have much insight,
advice, and things for me to do/see while I’m here! Oh—and she texted me saying
that she is bringing wine for us—WINE!!!! I haven’t had a drink since the plane
ride here! Happiness haha!
Speaking of, everyone back home keeps asking me where else I
will be traveling to while I’m here, but I really haven’t planned to go to
other places in Kenya. I’m here for such a short amount of time (2 months) that
I think it would be sad to leave to go sightseeing. I do travel to Kilifi
almost every weekend. And I’ll be in Mombasa for a day and a night before I
leave for my safari in July. I might go to Malindi because a lady I work with
is from there and she said that maybe her and I can go there for a weekend if
it fits into both of our schedules. Most other places I’ve been told about by
locals here have mentioned going to places that are more than 10 hours away…soooo
that’s much too far to travel when I have my internship during the week
everyday! I guess that means that I’ll just have to come back another time and
give myself time to peruse the country!!! Haha what a bummer lol!
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
Sorry, only one picture for this post:
Here is the creek that I will walk to tomorrow when I take the small boat across to Kilifi! It is a beautiful walk to the creek!
During my travels, I too feel comforted when I meet someone traveling from the States--especially from Florida. After spending time in a place where the culture is so different from what you know, it's comforting to come across someone who is experiencing the same alienation you might be feeling. Shared language, beliefs, and cultural traditions is what brings people together. It's the heart of a community.
ReplyDeleteJennifer sounds like a wonderful woman! It's amazing that she has decided to stay to continue pursuing her goals from the Peace Corps. It is inspiring to read about people who are so touched by the work they do and ambitious enough to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult or dangerous the road might be along the way.
Your local cultural adventures will be so fulfilling during your time in Kenya! I cherish the time I spent in Caaguazu, PY. Even after my fun adventures in Europe, and other places, I still treasure my time in PY more than any of my travels. Living with people and learning about a new place and culture from their perspective is the most rewarding way to travel. I bet you are excited for what your trip still has to offer--including your pool/wine time and your safari!
That business class sounds awesome! It's like the one we did in 5th (??) grade, Enterprise Village??? So cool that they are doing that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to Thailand, anyone who was from Europe or USA was an immediate friend. I remember in particular a young German girl and a older couple from California. Being so outside of your normal comfort zone makes for a quick connection with anyone who has a common background. I'm so happy that you found that person there!
Hope the wine was yummy :)