Sara Richardson in Kenya

I scanned the crowd in front of me, anxiously awaiting my driver and soon enough, I saw a man holding a sign intended for me. He took my bags and in seconds, we were cruising away from the airport and into my Kenyan adventure. I breathed in the distinct scent of Africa- of reddish brown dirt swirling in the air, mixed with men burning garbage and women cooking along the roadside- and memories of my trip to Mali two years before flooded over me. Although this was my first time to Kenya, driving along the highway with this stranger who had failed to tell me his name felt oddly familiar and unusually safe.

I found my stay in Kenya to be much more meaningful than my previous journey to West Africa, and I believe this to be for several reasons: fewer language barriers, cooler temperatures, a defined project and purpose, and most importantly, the outstanding organization and oversight of Village Volunteers. I have studied abroad in several countries, with various organizations and agencies, and have realized over the years that overseas, things often go wrong. I can truly say, however, that Village Volunteers has it together, and the planning and preparation this organization put into my trip allowed me to have an enjoyable and safe experience. From the time I was picked up at the airport until the time I was dropped off to return home, I was escorted and hosted by gracious individuals who continuously put my needs before theirs.

I traveled to this country to teach Kenyans about clean drinking water and when it was time to go, I had accomplished just that. At times, my efforts seemed futile and at times, I became frustrated. But when I think about Kenyans, I take pride in knowing they are a little healthier, in part because of me.

What I learned from living among Kenyans for six weeks will stay with me forever and I believe I am a better person because of this trip.

Kenya has taught me to live simply. For six weeks, I lived out of a suitcase and realized that I brought more with me than most Kenyans owned. And when it was time to go home, I realized I didn’t need or even want most of the things I had left behind at home. When I returned to the States, I gave away a lot of my stuff because living like an American again seemed too overwhelming.

Kenya has also taught me to live slowly. Kenyans have a way of talking, moving, and doing that is slow. And at first, I found this to be quite annoying. But the more I interacted with Kenyans, I realized that living slowly allows them more time to exchange greetings with passerby and visit family and friends, and this is what is most important to them. Kenyans don’t know how to rush and after my initial annoyance, I found it to be rather refreshing.