While in Kenya, I kept a journal where I wrote an entry on my thoughts and activities for each day I was there

Looking back, here are a few of my reflections on what kind of things I learned and acknowledged being in a culture so different from the U.S.

Taken for Granted:

Well, I could make this list endless but here are a few major things that stick out-

• My family has never depended on me for their survival
• Easy access to shoes, clothes, and grocery stores
• Toilets
• Having access to as much clean water as I want
• Limited responsibilites until college (most 10 year olds in Kenya have more responsibility  than me to this day)
• I am lucky to be in a country where gender norms are broken- I have never once believed a man has more rights than me.
• The ability to travel- a lot of students had never been outside of Losho, not even to a market
• Health care, hygiene and always having a comfy bed
• Education: I have always been given this gift and knew from the start I'd be going to college.- Not one girl has passed the 8th grade at Losho Primary.

The Beauty of Kenya:

One would think that the beauty of Kenya is found looking at it's well known scenery and wildlife.  I found its true beauty within its people, especially the women. Courage, strength, inspiration, and kindness are only a few descriptives that could only begin to capture a Maasai women. The pride found in the warm smile of my 4th grade tutor's mother, Nini Sakeri, was nothing short of remarkable. One of the last days in the village, I was honored to be invited for a meal and tea with Jackline's family. Not only had the meal been planned and cooked in preparation for my arrival,  her mother was happy to explain how she had built her house in three months- with no help from a man. This boma, built of dung and wood, was the home of 12 family members. The responsibility and passion that these women have over their families was something that I will never lose sight of. Below are the pictures I took that day

Nini

The ceiling of the boma

Jackline with her mother and sisters

My delicious meal