Erin Chapados - Homesick

I would like to start by saying that I don't know how to write my feelings, emotions, thoughts, observations, etc. without failing to do them justice.  When I came home from Kenya I realized that I was homesick. Not for Edgerton, but for Kenya. I had connected with so many amazing people and seen so much it is difficult to tell it all. I would have to write a series of novels to cover the entire trip. I am going to continue by attempting to write about some of the big parts. 

While on the mission trip we had a Bible study. For 15 to 20 minutes almost everyday we went off on our own and study a passage of the Bible. Then we would gather in the Banda and get into small groups. In the small groups we talked about the passage, what our favorite verse was, what questions we had, and what conclusions we came to. Then we also prayed together. This was a time when I was able to grow closer to God. Before the trip I didn't really have a relationship with God. But, by studying his word, praying, and asking questions I came to know God. We also went to church on Sundays. I really enjoyed every part of the service. There wasn't any rhyme or reason other than to worship God. Being able to enjoy every part of church was really neat for me. With the grace of God all around me, I came to know God. I learned that God sent me to Kenya to find him. 

All of the kids I encountered in Kenya were always joyful. Even though there clothes were tattered, shoes falling apart, and probably hadn't bathed in quite some time they didn't care. They were happy with what they had. It was shocking to find that the children were happy with nothing. As a child there never was a point when I didn't want some material possession. It seems almost second nature for me. I had the realization that I am spoiled rotten. There is always food in the pantry, a roof over my head, if I need new clothes I got them, I have indoor plumbing and electricity, and I don't have to walk miles for clean drinking water. I take for granted things that these kids may never imagine are tangible. Yet, they are happier then any other kids I have ever played with. Quite frankly I miss them. 

Every time we needed to go some where close we walked. It could have taken 5 minutes by car but that's not it isn't their culture. In the U.S. everyone has a car, but in Kenya that's not the case. Not everyone can afford to buy a car so they walk everywhere. I really enjoyed walking because you were able to greet people and say hello. Also kids would walk with you and hold your hand. That was really cute. I wondered if these kids were in school, spoke English, or if their parents even cared that they were gone. Those times when we were going into the city of Nakuru or to a tourist hot spotwe would either take motorbikes or a bus. When we would get on the bus kids would say goodbye to us and run down the road behind the bus. Then when we arrived back at the international village they would be there waiting. The two times I road on motorbikes I the Kenyans on the street froze and just stared at us. I'm sure it was an odd sight to see a pack of motorbikes with two Caucasian people on the back of each. We had acquired rockstar status. 

I kept a journal of the mission trip. I wrote down every little tid bit I remembered about that day. It got to the point where I was writing 6 pages for one day. I also took pictures of everything I could. Unfortunately my camera broke half way through the trip, but I still had my iPod so I could take some pictures. Now I can relive those memories forever. It's not exactly the same because it's like taking a photo since the picture will never be as beautiful as how you see it. Either way I can't stop smiling when I look at the photos, read my journal or just replay memories in my mind. Phill Klamm said on July 8th, 2014 that a month from now the memory of this experience would fade, but I can honestly say that the experience is still crystal clear in my mind. 

God bless you and thank you for reading! 

Sincerely, Erin Chapados