Stories from my travels and farming initiatives in Africa.
Some years ago, I was given the privilege to take time off from work, —not to rest, but to step into something far more enriching. I packed my essentials and boarded a plane with a simple goal in mind: to step outside of my comfort zone and into a community vastly different from my own. I had the extraordinary opportunity to live in a small mud hut in LungaLunga, a small rural village nestled near the Kenyan coast, where I spent several weeks living, learning, and volunteering. Far from the buzz of city life, I immersed myself in the rhythms, resilience, and remarkable spirit of rural Kenyan communities.
My goal wasn’t to “help” in the traditional sense, but to learn, share, and grow alongside the people I met. Over several weeks, I visited nine rural villages, including communities in the heart of Masai territory. These weren’t casual visits. I spent time sitting in homes, sharing meals, walking through markets, and listening—really listening—to the stories and dreams of the people, especially the women.
The core of my work focused on empowering women through education. I led workshops that covered math, English, business basics, and health. These sessions were more than classes—they became lively gatherings of curiosity, courage, and camaraderie. The women I worked with were hungry to learn—not just for themselves, but for their families, their daughters, and their futures.
In between teaching, I accompanied them to bustling local markets where they sold their goods and bartered with grace and grit. I visited their homes, shared chai, and sat under acacia trees exchanging stories that blurred the lines between teacher and student. We celebrated International Women’s Day together—a moment that reminded me how global and yet personal the fight for equality truly is.
Saturdays held a special place in my heart. We organized extra school for the children of the women I taught. Their laughter, energy, and eagerness to learn made those weekends unforgettable. We sang, read, counted, and explored ideas that sparked both joy and hope.
Living in a mud hut, bathing from a bucket, and waking up to the sound of goats may seem like a hardship to some. But for me, it was a deep lesson in simplicity, connection, and gratitude. Kenya showed me that empowerment doesn’t always start in boardrooms or classrooms—it often begins in small villages, around cooking fires, in makeshift classrooms, and through genuine human connection.
This experience has changed me in ways I’m still discovering. And while I went to teach, I returned having learned so much more.