Michelle Is Taking Me to America

I decided to visit my friends in Nairobi this weekend. So I caught a bus to Nairobi, and the bus ride gave me some much-needed processing time. Staring out the window of the bus, I just kept thinking of how much I have changed since a year ago. I never could have guessed a year ago that I would be where I am right now in life. It’s crazy how fast everything can change! When I got to Nairobi, I met my friends at Nakumat…which is like America in Kenya. It is this huge chain store that is all over East Africa. I think it’s probably the equivalent of a Walmart or Target in the United States, but everything is very Westernized and expensive. I had lunch at my friend Skippy’s house and then went to meet the family of my friend Steve. I met Steve’s mom, 4 sisters, aunt, and grandmother. I spent the rest of the day just hanging out with my friends and their families and it was nice to feel so welcomed. Everyone had questions they wanted to ask about the United States, and I was able to ask them questions about their lives in Kenya.

On Sunday, I was woken up by my friend’s 5 year old nephew…he grabbed my hand, pulled me out of bed, and started packing my things. He told everyone that I was going to take him to the United States to go to church and then he was never coming back home. It was adorable and precious…and finally he settled for me simply going to church with him in Kenya. So a bunch of us went to church. On the way to church, we passed a short-term prison. It was very interesting to see a prison in Kenya and I was able to ask my friends questions about how the criminal system works in Kenya. Church was wonderful…like all my other church experiences here in Africa…and after we went to my friend, Grace’s house. Grace is the sister of my friend, Freddy, and I visited her house with her two younger sisters, whose names are Winnie and Cynthia. I had an incredible time with Grace, Winnie, and Cynthia. They taught me how to cook ugali and chapatti—which are two staple foods here. We listened to music, danced, and just had a great time. On the way back to their house, I had a really good conversation with Winnie about her life and her dreams. Winnie is 15 years old and about to enter high school. She wants to be an accountant, loves to sing, and really enjoys reading. Her and Cynthia are two of the most amazing young women I have ever met. They have so much responsibility in their household, but they carry out all of their chores with a smile on their face. In the time I have known them, they have never once complained. Winnie and Cynthia even got to talk to my dad that night and they were so excited. They couldn’t believe that they had just talked on the phone with someone in the US.

That night, I helped cook dinner…I really enjoy cooking here! And then I went to play video games with my friend Frankie. Frankie is Freddy’s younger brother and is right around my age. He is awesome and I really enjoy spending time with him. Whenever we have a free second, he always asks me to tell him a story of my life…and then he tells me one from his! Frankie killed me at soccer, but it was fun! Then we had dinner and I was showing everyone pictures of my friends and family. The next morning, I jumped on a bus back to Kajiado to return to work!