Today, I head to Kenya. A land I left four months ago. Memories tantalize my senses and emotions.
When I close my eyes, I am back there. I can feel the warm humid atmosphere, entreating my body as sweat beads accumulate on my arms, legs and forehead. I am blinded by the daunting and bold sun, that hangs overhead. I can taste the stale air, the saltiness of the moisture and scratchiness of the dust on the back of my throat. I can hear the rustling of the trees and bushes so dry, who seem to move out of some obligatory notion. I can feel the dust being kicked up as I stomp the ground, the dust clinging firmly to my shoes and legs. When I close my eyes…I am back there.
The phrases of Swahili linger in the air, usually directed toward me, because I am different, because I am white, because I am Mzungu. Habari rolls off my tongue, as if instinctually, the only way I can hello. The few phrases I can speak, like a grade school child, I wear with pride. The little I know, seems to carry more sentiment than years of learning ever could. When I close my eyes…I am back in Kenya.
When I open my eyes, I am here, in the swirling madness of life. The daily race, quests, bullet points, obstacles are all here when my eyes are opened. Yet, I yearn for what I see with my eyes closed. I long to have my eyes look upon what memories have impressed upon my heart.
Praying for you as you lead debrief with teams Kenya and Uganda. Every time you go back you will encounter something new. Pray it will be a refreshing time to challenge and encourage.
Have a great time of debriefs and connecting with wonderful Kenya friends! Love ya!
one more time son, this is your voice, your gift…
love ya, have a great debrief and travel boldly.
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Love this Nick! I am right there with you. “Yet, I yearn for what I see with my eyes closed. I long to have my eyes look upon what memories have impressed upon my heart.” Totally describes my heart for Kenya/Africa and our time there. I think of it daily and with a passion filled heartbeat. AMAZING. Love you brother!
God bless you man, that’s so amazing that you are already back even if just for a little bit. I feel that too, when I close my eyes in reflection I see far more clearly than during the brightest day.