Wired to Wonder

Day 1- Sunday June 7-8th

Good morning from Dry Lands Natural Resource Center (DNRC)! I have now been here for two days and I could not be more grateful for this experience. It is 5:00am now and I am sitting in the dining area but it’s not quite the same as what you may be imagining. There is straw roof covering 8 tables with six chairs at each. The walls consist of large openings where windows would be located. Of the things I’ve seen in my life, it most closely resembles a tiki bar. Off of the dinning room is an indoor and outdoor kitchen.

I have grown fond of the kitchen staff here. Kalia is the head chef. She wakes up to cook at 5am and doesn’t leave until midnight, consistently getting 3 hours of sleep. Regardless of her restlessness, she is a bright light and kind soul. She has a beautiful smile.

From the minute I stepped into the airport, I have been living the rush of a new adventure. Perhaps this is the honeymoon phase. Going to bed Sunday night I couldn’t help but panic. I would feel vulnerable to the possibility of an unknown country. I woke up in the morning with a rush of fear and exhilaration. That special in between when you really can’t tell the difference. I sat in silence as my family drove me to the airport. When we arrived, I was met with the embrace of Hannah and Savanna, two classmates. My fear melted away.

Everyone slowly gathered before moving through the gate. When we made it through. I called Rachel and she further brought me peace and comfort for the adventure ahead. Suddenly, I was excited for the 14 hour plane ride, 2 hour plane ride after that, and 4 hour bus ride from the airport. I know it’s odd but a long travel day has always given me so much joy. Perhaps it is a reminder of family road trips, a time to be quiet, or the sign of the adventure to come. In the airport, I met some Venezuelan and Puerto Rican airport staff who I chatted with in Spanish. On the plane ride, I went between sleeping, chatting with classmates, meeting Kenyans and Ethiopians, and watching episode of “Nobody Wants This.” I mean what a beautiful way to spend your day. You can see it as being stuck on a plane or as a day for you. A day to do what you want to do with no pressure.

Kenya has pieces of the places I’ve been before, but no two places are quite the same.