This is a quotation from Barack Obama’s “Dreams From My Father”.
“There does seem to be something different about this place. I don’t know what it is. Perhaps the African, having traveled so far so fast, has a unique perspective on time. Or maybe it is that we have known more suffering than most. Maybe it’s just the land. I don’t know. Maybe I am also the romantic. I know that I cannot stay away from here too long. People still talk to each other here. When I visit the States, it seems a very lonely place—“ -Rukia Odero, an African woman who Obama talks to in Kenya.
So this is my last day in Kenya. I am actually a lot more sad about leaving than I thought I would be--especially towards the beginning and middle of my time here. I am really going to miss the mentality of the people here, generally friendly and interested in making conversation and sharing about themselves. I am also going to miss the food, and the Kenyan love of eating and taking time to eat. I have come to love Ugali, which sort of grossed me out when I first got here. I am really going to miss Monica’s sense of humor and her cooking. I am going to miss laughing with Chipa. I will miss my cousins over at the Y-Michelle, Dolly, Rhoda, Cheryl, and Maxwell. I am really going to miss Olungah-everything about him. Anyway, I could go on and on. I am not looking forward to almost 24 hours of traveling, but I am really looking forward to seeing my family in the US again.
I want to thank everyone, in Kenya and in the States, who supported me while I was here. Whether it was sending me an email or letter (even if it never got here), or talking on the phone, or maybe just thinking of me, it helped a lot. This has been an extremely challenging experience, more challenging than I could have ever imagined. It has also been extremely rewarding and I have met some amazing people and seen some incredible things that I will never forget. I will also never run out of good stories to tell.
So here I go, back to the Western world, which they talk about so much here. I hope to have the opportunity to come back to Kenya some day.
omfg that is the last time i risk a beautiful envelope on kenya.
ReplyDelete...so annoyed.... call me once all of your family has gone to bed exhausted from hugging and kissing your sweet sweet face. welcome to ammmmmmmmmmmerica!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!land of the brave.
I made a beautiful card for you in prison at least a month ago (probably longer ago than that.) Reading Rachel's note, I'm glad I didn't send it and risk it getting lost. It'll be here when you get back.
ReplyDeleteDeb told me that last night Grace was having a hard time going to sleep, and she finally burst into tears and wailed "I want Sarah to come home RIGHT NOOOOWWWWWW!!!!"
We're all coming to the airport tomorrow. Well, all but the animals. And Uncle Rob will be in school. But the rest of us will be standing tall when you come out of the International Arrivals door. We may have to strap Grace to the top of the car in order to fit, but I'm sure that'll be no problem. Can't wait to see you, as I believe I've mentioned before, about a zillion times.
have a safe trip back to the states. we have missed you so much and can't wait until you are ready to do a little domestic travel down to maryland. we love you and are so proud of all you accomplished in Kenya
ReplyDeleteI imagine you are in the midst of many hugs, tears and smiles right now. You are about to bring to a close the first of many life changing experiences in your adult life. It will be with you forever. I am proud of you for taking the chances you did over the last four months.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels.
Much love, Dad
I cannot WAIT to go to bed exhausted from hugging and kissing your sweet sweet face! (: I may not have to go to the gym at all this week. xoxo mama
ReplyDelete