Lena: Really settling in

Posted 11:24 PM, November 27, 2007, by lenawine

So I know it's been a long time since I've written. There are two reasons for this. First internet in Migori is notoriously unreliable... the only internet cafes here connect through the cell phone network and so even when they are working, the connection is quite slow. My second excuse is that being here in Kenya is not as remarkable as it has been in the past. That's not to say I'm not enjoying myself - in fact, in many ways I am enjoying myself more this visit than I have on my previous visits...

This is the first time that I have truly felt comfortable here. The first time I came to Kenya, as a college junior on a study abroad program, I was determined to accept (as best I could) anything and everything that came my way. I really wanted to be open-minded, and I result I wasn't critically evaluating what was going on around me. On my trip last summer to Tanzania, I was equally determined to figure out whether I could live long term in a developing country. I think I may have been overly critical.

On this trip, I feel very comfortable and at ease. I realized upon returning that there are many things that I missed about this place when I am away. In a way, it is like coming home. I feel a sense of contentment and joy. The livestock along the side of the road, the pit toilets, and the children pointing and screaming mzungu, are all expected.

Comments

Thank you for recounting your experience. I am a hospitalist in San Francisco and will be travelling to Kisumu in June 2008 to staff the Matibabu medical clinic. I would love to correspond with you to get some insights from your vast experience in Kenya. My email address is CalForever@gmail.com. Thank you.
-Kenny

Comment by: Kenny at December 29, 2007 1:27 PM

Good written feelings. lol

Comment by: Oyun at September 30, 2009 12:25 PM