Wired to Wonder

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. When we reached Nirobi we switched cars and within a few hours the car began to smoke and the driver seemed concerned. 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 a fun adventure. I saw a soccer ball at the market and I thought no better way to pass the time! We played volleyball on the side of the road and the locals eventually joined in. I love how everyone just wants to laugh and play! The group continued to grow over the hour of waiting. Since the first neighborhood would be dangerous in the dark we slowly continued on to the next town. By the time we arrived, it was dark. We waited at this hotel for the next hour 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!