Gratitude to my Kenyan Friends
“Sometimes all you hear about is the hate, but there is more love in this world than you could possibly imagine.”
– from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
“Aren’t you afraid to travel to Africa?” This is a question I often hear when people learn about my travels to Kenya. Yes, it is a long way away, the travel time is at least 24 hours. That’s not scary, that’s exhausting. When I step outside the airport, drink in the African air, the sounds on the streets, hear “Jambo, Karibu Kenya! I feel at home. There’s a saying – Africa gets under your skin. That is true for me. Every time I leave, I dream about how/when I can go back.
Sahara Desert from 35,000 feet.
I’ve had extraordinary encounters with African wildlife that renew and restore my soul, but it’s the who people deepen and enrich my experience. I treasure conversations with friends I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned. I am changed as a result. Love is a common thread – love of family, love of meaningful work, love of culture, love of nature.
I took copies of my book to Kenyan friends who played significant roles in the story. I can never thank them enough for the impact they’ve had on my life. Gift giving is a universal practice for showing appreciation. Here are some images of special moments with friends and collaborators last June. My heart is full when I think of them.
Joseph Mutemi – who inspired me by his determination to fulfill his dream of becoming a licensed safari guide despite incredible odds. Joseph’s knowledge of wildlife, kindness and pride in his culture make game drives a rich learning experience.
Joseph Mutemi
Julius Pilipili Memusi – whose love and understanding of elephants opened their world to me in profound ways. Pilipili, a top-level safari guide, is devoting his life’s work to teaching local people how to co-exist with elephants.
Julius Pilipili Memusi
Dr. Winnie Kiiru – Have you ever met someone and immediately clicked? That’s what happened when I met Winnie. She is an extraordinary woman, an energetic force for good. We connected at the National Museum in Nairobi for the opening of the Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Exhibition last October.
Winnie works tirelessly to support women in conservation and science. She is devoted to elephants and finding as many ways as possible to secure their future survival. Her heart is wide open, her laugh is contagious. She’s savvy, she’s smart, she is a brilliant scholar and a global leader in conservation.
Joseph, Pilipili and Winnie were important influencers in the creation of my book. If I’d been too scared to travel to Kenya, our paths would have never crossed. Life is full of risks – listen to your heart, take the leap.
e.e. Cummings
We do not believe
in ourselves
until someone reveals
that deep inside us
something is valuable,
worth listening to,
worthy of our trust,
sacred to our touch.
Once we believe
in ourselves
we can risk curiosity,
wonder,
spontaneous delight
or any experience
that reveals
the human spirit.