It’s hard to believe that VALOR’s international seminar to Kenya has come and gone. I remember switching gears mentally the day after Christmas preparing myself for what I thought would be a life changing experience. Now I’m in my third week of being back home, back to work and settling back into my routine. However, I find myself constantly thinking back to a trip that was way more than I ever expected. Kenya was by far one of my life’s greatest experiences and I know it changed me forever! Even more than I ever imagined.
First, let me just say that I learned the most from the people we encountered in Kenya. I think this is what I reflect on the most when I think about my trip. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively in the United States. And, I meet people everywhere I go. But, there was something different during this trip. I knew I would meet new people and I would learn a lot during this trip. But, I don’t think I anticipated the impact the social and cultural experiences would have on me. Most of these experiences were amazing! I especially loved our guides Charlie and Erastus, who shared not only their country with us, but themselves. They welcomed our group, showed us their beautiful country and shared openly and honestly with us. They even helped us with our Swahili and we may have taught them a few English sayings, especially when driving in Nairobi! But, I am still reconciling some of my encounters. As I reflect back and unpack (yes – I am still processing some of these) these situations I am hopeful I can learn and grow from these experiences and can use them to make myself a better person at home, in the workplace and in my community.
VALOR is comprised of agricultural leaders and the focus of our international seminar was to see agriculture in another country. As we toured the many locations I picked up on the following themes:
• Agriculture in Kenya is resourceful – Every stop we made had some form of repurposing. The belief “that what comes from the farm, goes back to the farm” was evident at every stop we made regardless of size. I found this fascinating and found myself wondering how my family could do this better on our farm.
• The Kenyan work-force is appreciative – There are a lot of people in Kenya and Kenya does not have a welfare system. So most of the people we encountered were happy and appreciative of having a job. Keep in mind that not all these jobs were easy, had the best working conditions, or paid high wages. But, it was invigorating to hear from our host and see their passion as they shared time with us on our tours.
• Sometimes I felt like I stepped back in time – The conveniences we take for granted have not necessarily made it to Kenya. The combination of the expense in getting the latest and best shipped to Kenya, an abundant workforce and cheap labor seemed to lend itself to a lifestyle similar to what the United States may have seen many decades ago.
I could go on and on about each of the stops we made along the way. But, this would turn into a novel and not a blog. So, I’ll keep it brief. But, to all of our host while in Kenya, to all of the VALOR supporters and each of our families who kept things going at home while we were away please know that I thank you! You provided me the opportunity of a lifetime and I am forever grateful!
valeadersor.com 