Arrival in Kenya

This is one moment that will stay with me "for the rest of my life."  After two eight-hour plane rides I was thrilled to finally be on the ground in Kenya. Still unsure of what to expect as I walked through the 70's style airport, I was relieved to see my luggage come around the conveyor belt. A little bit of familiarity when everything else around me was entirely new. To be honest, I was most excited that the suitcase full of children's books arrived as those were a far more important delivery than my bag full of clothes. After getting my Visa and moving through customs there was a scan of all the people waiting for their visitors. So many signs with greetings and faces full of anticipation.  I started getting even more excited and then remembered I had no idea who I was looking for in the crowd. Then on the far end of the aisle we spotted the Africa Yoga Project signs and the beaming faces behind them. 

And then the unforgettable moment... their embrace. A welcome that was unlike any I have ever experienced. Complete gratitude and love felt in their hugs and smiles. My cautious, Mid-Western American brain started clicking in, "what are they doing, they have no idea who I am?? What if...." However, I let those thoughts quickly fade as they showed me how little it mattered. I was home, with family, even though we were meeting for the first time. 

Our Rafikis (friend in Swahili), James, Patrick, Sophia and Irene. They were the most incredible hosts while we were there and also a complete inspiration with the work they are doing through the Africa Yoga Project.