Initially, I was skeptically about this trip. I wasn't sure where we were going, what we were going to do, and how everything was going to play out; but i was pleasantly surprised, I loved the trip. Yes, it was a little more work than we thought our "Senior Trip" would be, but I think we all bonded as a grade and got to know a different side of Kenyan culture! I was extremely impressed by the Camps International team, and the significance their presence has been on the surrounding community. I was in awe of the creative ways they used plastic/glass bottles for foundation and other constructional uses, I have never seen such an artistic, effective use of waste ever. I think its a great way to not only get the community involved by helping collected these bottles, but also creates and promotes a clean environment, which is extremely significant for the children of the community. The beach/local artists were also fantastic in this aspect; making bracelets and other trinkets out of washed up flip flops found on the shore is such a creative idea, and not only brings profit for the struggling artists, it cleans up the beautiful beaches on the coast. I also gained a new respect for these artists, I had a very hard time making my bracelet, took me about 2 hours to make a little piece of jewelry, it is quite the meticulous job. This trip was particularly rewarding for me not just for the work we did in the community, but also getting the chance to snorkel for the first time in my life! This was personally my favorite day, the accommodations on the boat were fantastic and it was just a lovely experience. As a Kenyan, it gave my a great deal of pride in my country. Not only is Kenya such a beautiful country environmentally, but the people bring a smile to my face everyday, and make me proud to be Kenyan. The captains on our boat were so intelligent and really new what they are talking about, and treating us with the upmost respect and made the experience for me. I felt this way throughout the trip, especially on the first day of the trip, when we arrived and we learned about how the community utilizes the trees, the coconuts and various other local resources. Its amazing to think amongst the poverty and the facade of nothingness that seems so apparent in this community, there is such a rich culture, intelligence and happiness evident within the people; you can see it when they spoke to us about their culture, and their land essentially. The romance between the people and their traditions, which we saw with the witch doctor visit as well, is a beautiful thing to witness, and makes me feel more connected to my own roots. This trip promoted thought provoking ideas, for me personally, about not only the disparity in the world I live in, but the juxtaposing pure happiness and authenticity that is found in these communities; I love community service for this selfish reason, that kind of purity is contagious, and makes you a more humble person. I am lucky enough to be a Kenyan who has live around the world, who has experienced many different cultures, and from seeing what amazing things the Camps International team has brought with there expertise, it inspires me to go out in various communities in the Nairobi area and bring what I can to the table, with my "best of both worlds" identity. All in all, I was thrilled and enriched as a person on this trip.
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