It's the first day back from Nairobi and I have spent most of the day daydreaming about the trip. Facebook has been my best friend today as I have posted, commented, and looked at pictures. You know how when something fantastic ends, all you can do is relive it and long for it to happen again? That's today. I feel so honored to be a part of this journey.
The Flight School produced 4 amazing films - 3 student films and 1 professional one. The leadership team was SO impressed with the ideas, work ethic, and passion of the 25 students in attendance. I coached "Team 3" - Mike, Cynthia, Joseph, June, Brian, Skubi, Liz, Eric, and Othole - and pretty much didn't need to be there. They were creative, smart, and efficient. I just pointed out a few things along the way.
But more than the technical aspect of camera angles and lighting techniques, a sincere community was formed. Character was revealed and tested. Friendships were formed and deepened. One thing that took me by surprise was how much I became attached to the people there. Saying goodbye was much harder than I anticipated. But I wouldn't change it - it's a much sweet blessing to be sad to leave than anxious to get back home.
Out of preference to list things rather than write a 4 page essay, I wanted to share with you some things I learned from my trip. I list things mostly because I'm personally much more likely to read a list than a long blog post. Read on:
+ The generosity I learned from the people there was incredibly sweet. the most precious souvenirs I brought back were gifts from people's own possessions. attached to each thing is a memory from the one who gave it! it taught me i need to do the same.
+ Driving on the left side of the road isn't too bad except when the car turns. i usually had a mini heart attack each time.
+ The people we met were instant friends. They were fun, loud, funny, playful, inclusive, passionate, sincere, and kind.
+ The life stories I heard from some people there were breathtaking. There is a strong spirit living in the hearts of people there!
+ Wearing socks with flip flops is a common thing and ok thing to do.
+ It was fun to see a group of people ages 19-33 spend time playing games. I don't know if that was a unusual event or not but I loved it. There's something really cool about taking time to play like you did when you were a kid.
+ Swahili is fun to attempt. I usually got laughed at though. :)
+ It's hard to mimic the accent over there. I mostly just repeated what people said but could not do it on my own to save my life.
+ Every day I got invited to stay there. And every day it got harder to say no!
+ Everybody was beautiful! Brown eyes are my fave!
+ The laid back approach to a schedule was good for my blood pressure. At times it drove me a little crazy but I was humbled when I realized we still got everything done.
+ We worked from 7:30am-11pm most days. These people are so energetic!
+ It seemed like no one there was shy to sing, no matter talent level. Worship was so great!
+ Whenever we sang in Swahili, I just made sounds that sounded like the words people were saying.
+ People are blunt and confrontational when it comes to conflict. They mean to get it out in the open for everyone to know - so that it doesn't become gossip. So cool.
+ BEAUTIFUL flowers and amazing weather. It felt like California.
+ I need to go back to experience more of Naibori/Kenya in general. We were at a guesthouse most of the trip and from the sounds of things there is much more to be a part of!
2 comments:
I like it!! Kenyan Tea Rocks indeed :D
Great blog post! It was wonderful to meet you and to be part of this tremendous group that is changing the world. I hated being the one there for the shortest amount of time. You're right, Africa becomes part of you and when you leave, you know you'll be back.
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