I'm Still Not Ready

I realize this post is long over due, but I just couldn't bring myself to write it. I'm not ready to be "done" with this experience, but here it goes...

So my last day in Kenya we went to Kibera - it was probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Literally millions of people in this tiny area. Little "houses" made of tin and garbage, streets made of literal crap. Like human feces as well as garbage. Back during the election violence in 07, they dumped dead bodies in the streets of Kibera. So walking through there was quite an experience. Like everywhere in Kenya, the children were delighted to see you and the adults were indifferent.

I flew the 20+ hour journey home and arrived last saturday. My parents, stephen, and phil greeted me at the airport (I looked like a hot mess after not having a real shower in six weeks and sitting on a plane for a whole day).

The first thing I did when I got home was take a HOT shower. With clean water! Then Phil made me and the family some BBQ chicken quesadillas (I had been craving them since I left!) I fell asleep around 7pm and jet lag kicked my butt for about 4 days.

And now it has been a whole week. I have literally been avoiding this blog, but I know it's time. I know it is not the end of this experience, just the end of this chapter. There is no doubt in my mind I will be back in Kenya soon. I wish Kenya and New York were just a little closer : ) that way I could have the best of both worlds!

My biggest fear is that I will forget. I am honestly terrified that the feeling I had while in Kenya will leave me. I don't want to forget how I felt, what it looked like, how it changed me. I know, I know, "you will never forget this". But honestly, I can feel it slipping already. I can't picture the Maasai  walking around NY in their shoes made of tires. How can I keep those pictures close when they are so literally and figuratively far away? 

Well maybe that is the point. I guess I will know when it is time to go back - when I can't remember why it was so hard to leave in the first place.

Look for some updates with pictures and videos, and thanks for all of your support!