Love is like Malaria

*** Sorry I wrote this post a few months ago and never posted it***

"Love is like Malaria"

Ugh… im having such a difficult time writing this post! I have started, deleted and restarted this post several times. How can I possibly sum of my experience in a few paragraphs? The answer is I cant! What can I possibly say to make my readers understand how incredibly complex and multifaceted Kenya is. My experience was incredibly rewarding and challenging at times, exciting and repetitive at others and lastly frustrating and surreal. I guess a few mysterious and insightful words I can leave you with is “Love is like Malaria”. Those are the words of a young Kenyan child. “Love is like Malaria”, I have been pondering its meaning for long time, and I think finally I have the insight to understand it.

Over the past year I have had so many experiences that not only challenged me, but pushed me beyond anything I thought I was EVER capable of.  I didn’t realize a year ago when I landed in Kenya the amount of courage and strength it would take to just step off that plane and begin this new journey of my life. I was so scared and so unsure of what was to come of my volunteer work. It was much harder than I ever expected, however, once I finally opened my mind along with my heart I was able to let myself go. I found courage, strength, inspiration and love in this country, particularly in places I would never expected it. I have a million stories, and could probably go on for hours but I will leave you with a few photos to describe my final days here.

Unexpectedly I fell in love with this country, and the people. When you love something its incredibly hard to let it go. Some would even say I have caught the BUG for aid work. I agree completely, I LOVE it. I have finally come to an understanding of the term "love is like malaria" because you never know when you are going to catch it.

I was in complete denial my last few days. 

I tried to work as much as possible. 

One of my last days at work .

Trying to get my last taste of e coli. 

Just kidding... but not really!

I also attending several of our local church services 

just to see the Tabaka children dancing. 

Had about a million photo secession with everyone!!

More love from my friends.

Spending as much time with my little Tyson.

Please note we are in church! This ornery booger 

refuses to look, watch, or listen to mass.

More Bre and Tyson love before we set off

to Kisumu. Time to get this boy enrolled in school!

My coworks had a going away party for me.

I was so flattered and embarrassed!  

Its not a party in Kenya unless you have Crest 

and Stoney Soda. 

 

In Kenya, at a party it is tradition to have all the guest 

stand up and say something nice about you. 

There are gifts involved too! Please note my lovely Kanga.

Dr. John Ogot and I. One of my favorite

doctors to work with!

My bestfriend! Father Gabby.  I would have 

been completely lost without him, The kindest 

man i have ever met in my life!

Big day is here! We are finally going to school!

On the ride up to school. Going to Kisumu! Tysons 

first time in a car and out of his village. 

Saying "see you next year" to my sponsor family

in Kisumu. My Kenyan family!

We too had a party. Complete with soda and cake!

Tysons first day of school! My little boys

in middle class. Naturally I cried... he did too 

when he found out he had to stay in class and behave 

all day.

My last day with Tyson! The 

saddest and happiest moment of my time here. 

I am leaving my boy who I love so much but leaving him 

in school and in good hands. 

Tysons new school supplies. 

Tyson getting his new school supplies.

One more post to come, possibly a video too.