Somewhere Between Here and Home

Somehow, I have found myself at the halfway point of my fellowship. It feels like just yesterday I was packing my bags, preparing to spend six months in Kenya, with so many ideas about what I hoped to accomplish. Now, a few months later, I find myself reflecting on how much has happened and how much I have grown along the way.

One of the things I have come to appreciate most is the sense of community I have slowly built here in Narosura. When I first began visiting the villages, I was a new face, still finding my footing and learning how to connect with the young women participating in our discussions. Over time, those unfamiliar faces have become familiar ones. I was even given a Maasai name, Namelok, meaning “sweet one,” which I have grown quite fond of. There is something incredibly heartwarming about being greeted as Namelok, it has made me feel intrinsically connected to the communities I am serving.

As these relationships have grown, so has my confidence in facilitating our discussions. What initially felt intimidating has slowly become more natural. I have become more comfortable speaking, asking questions, and allowing conversations to unfold organically. I am learning that building trust is just as important as the information we share.

Of course, not everything has been smooth sailing. Between navigating limited resources, adjusting our activities around the harvest season, and managing my own expectations, there have been moments of frustration. I am learning that community development rarely follows a perfect timeline, and sometimes patience is just as important as preparation.

Outside of work, I have found comfort in the ordinary routines of daily life. Walking to the market center, greeting familiar faces, and settling into the slower rhythm of Narosura have made this place feel a little more like home. Recently, I also spent time with family in Othaya, which was a much-needed opportunity to rest, reconnect, and enjoy life outside of my responsibilities.

As I enter the second half of my fellowship, I am learning to give myself a little more grace. I still have goals I hope to accomplish, but I am beginning to understand that not every meaningful part of this experience can be measured. Sometimes, it is found in the relationships we build, the confidence we gain, and the small moments that make an unfamiliar place feel like home.