As I prepare for my fourth trip to Kenya it has come to my
attention that it could not be more different than the preparation for my first
trip. The first time I left American soil I toted my body weight in luggage
around the world. I packed anti-malarial pills, protein bars, and more hand sanitizer
than I knew what to do with. I stepped off the plane confused, and lived what I only assumed could be a strange dream for six weeks. Upon returning to America I realized I couldn't wake up from the dream and four years later I'm not sure I ever will.
This year I am calculating my precious space for only the most important things I will need in the six months I am away. Easy Mac, Cards Against Humanity, pen-pal supplies, and a nice bottle of wine to celebrate a particularly good day of work have taken the place of precautionary first aid kits and 14 different pairs of shoes. Since I lost my DL in Kenya last year my passport is never more than an arm's length away and since I've been living out of a suitcase for the last year one could say I'm two steps ahead in the packing game. Having a apartment, a family and students to come home to makes the transition significantly easier and I'm eager to get on my way!
I have high hopes for my six months abroad. Kenya has always given me a new perspective on my life and this year I think that is exactly what I need; less distraction, more simple beauty, and a chance to soak in the honesty of my little home town. I am in a curious place of self-discovery in life, and I can’t think of a place I would rather do some soul searching.
2014 started out with a lot of hope and a list a mile long of things I wanted to fix or focus on throughout the year. When it all comes down to it most everything on the list involved being more grateful on a daily basis, and looking for self-empowerment where ever possible. This is a peek at my list and the things I will be working on in my six months away this year. (Note: there is a fine mix of work related and personal efforts included here)
·
Be more present. Something about lying in the middle of the grass
on the side of the road or in a field by yourself isn't entirely accepted in
America. Thankfully, in Kenya it’s encouraged. To sit down where ever you want
and relax, read, or talk is exactly when I need in my life. With no screens in
my face, full of presence, and something curious to look at all around me.
·
Travel more. Kenya is smaller than Texas and I've seen only a
handful of the places I would like to. I’m keen to travel to the desert, to the rain-forest, and everywhere in between.
·
Become, even if slightly, more involved with local politicians. I
would like to start talking with local government representatives about the
troubles that we (long term volunteers) have faced and about the options for
making glue (as an inhalant) more of a prominent issue with law enforcement.
· Learn more. About everything. By reading, by talking, by living.
·
Do more social work. It’s such an important part of the work we do
and one I’ve become very passionate about, also one I’ve regretfully neglected
in the past.
·
Do yoga every day. Whether it’s ten minutes when I roll out of bed
or a class in the evening with friends. Yoga is something I’ve only just
started to ponder, but I think that it’s going to be something I hold onto for
some time to come. My rooftop was made for morning yoga, and if I can savasana
while resting my mind and body into Maasai land I’d be a fool not to.
·
Accept that mistakes do not equate to failure.
