Monday, June 14th
What I thought would be an uneventful ride across the country became an adventure to remember. The first half of the day WAS uneventful but things changed quickly. We switched cars in Nairobi and within a few hours the car began to smoke. The driver got out silently with an expression of concern. What I thought might be a quick pit stop became hours of waiting, slowly driving, and waiting again.
What could have been a frustrating and scary detour became an adventure. We pulled off the road into a nearby town. We all pour out of the car to stretch our legs. I saw a soccer ball at the market and I got excited! What a great way to pass the time! A few of us gathered on the hill to play volleyball. There were some older locals interested in joining. At first, I was hesitant but they gained my trust. Over the time we were waiting the group continued to grow. People seemed to be spawning out of thin air. Everyone took turns practicing their form. I love how the Kenyans just want to laugh and play!
Holly gathered us back into the cars as the sky turned pink. The sun was starting to set so we slowly continued on to the next town where it would be safer in the night. The drive was slow and ominous unsure of if the bus could make it. Would be stranded on a rural road with nowhere to go. Occasionally we would hear a pop, we would all looked at each other with a nervous laugh before continuing on down the road. By the time we arrived, it was dark. We waited at this hotel munching on ugali and greens until another bus could come. Joshua got his hair cut, some grabbed food, and the rest of us rested along the sidewalk. I felt safe with the Kenyan students near by and the bus driver being so kind.
When the driver arrived we hurried into the car. I was sandwiched between the driver who started the journey and the one who would finish. I enjoyed the conversation about Kenyan runners, politics, and habits. We passed the Kenyan training facility and I was shocked to hear that Kenyans in rural areas may sleep as early as 6pm.
We dropped off our first driver near his home and picked up the drivers friend but this time I get the window seat. The clock reads 10:30pm and we have been on the road since 7am. Only now do I start to feel the sleep deprivation.
Although we left at 7am, I woke up at 4:30am to cook with Kaizia and Joshua one last time. For the first time, I felt comfortable cooking mandazi! I was still much slower than Joshua but I am getting the hang of it! Before departing, I showed Kaizia a picture of my family and she said to “wish my mother well.” She asked if I had a boyfriend and I told her no. She said to be patient. “You are a good girl with a good family, a good man will come to you.” I reflected on what she said throughout the car ride. It made me emotional to think of how lucky I am to have my family and friends, the financial means to explore freely, and the open heart to connect with strangers.
Onto new adventures at BIOGI!
Wired to Wonder 