The heart of Kenya lies within its people. I walked throughout the mountains of Kitengala, greeted by families, kids, and farmers – all excited to see a foreigner in their small community. I not only saw the community, but became a part of it. Living with a host family, my host sister took me to meet her cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Mile after mile and home after home, each person, always welcomed me with open arms. A farmer offered to teach me to milk a cow and a family wanted me to try their local fruit. Although they didn’t have much, they were eager to share what they did have. I also met an 11 year old girl that walked with my host sister and I for hours, never letting go of my hand. She was in awe of my color, as were the other kids in the village that had never seen a foreigner before. Children talked with us and joined us on our walks, eager to hear where I was from and what the other side of the world was like. Most lived in shacks and frail houses, but were grateful to have a place to call home.