I am the luckiest girl in the world. About six weeks after I arrived home from Africa, Africa came to me. Lucy and a handful of her kids from Hope Community Center in Kinangop, Kenya arrived in the States to sing and fundraise for their orphanage. First leg of the trip: San Diego. Then they toured the East Coast and came back to San Diego for 5 days before flying back to Kenya on Dec 23rd. It was fascinating to see American life through their eyes. I was fortunate to spend lots of quality time with the kids, especially Juliet (12) and Julia (13)...living at Felicia's, pedicures with mom, dance class, Medieval Times, meals together, the park, lots of singing and lots and lots of YouTube. They love posing for pictures and taking video of themselves and then watching it over and over. I had two camera batteries and always had to have one charged and ready to replace the other. They love playing at the park, especially the swings. They don't like pasta or red sauce. They like chicken and lemonade. Juliet is always laughing and happy as a clam. She doesn't easily get upset or hold grudges. Julia is definitely a teenager. She has many layers but struggles to express herself. And even though her teenage moodiness often reared it's ugly head, I found myself drawn to her. Felicia and I made it our personal mission to teach the girls that they have a voice. Although it doesn't flow with their culture, we wanted them to assert themselves when it came to choices even on the simple stuff like "do you want cheese or pepperoni?" In the end, after pouring my life and energy into these kids, I was exhausted. But it was worth it...even the drama. More and more I think I want to forgo traditional motherhood - you know...get married, get pregnant, have baby, live happily ever after - p.s. don't tell my mother. Instead, adopt a kid from Africa...maybe not even a baby. Anyway... goodbyes were anti-climatic. I can't take it personally. Over the years, I'm sure the kids have learned to detach from people who won't be in their lives forever. I hope it's not forever. I miss them already.
CLICK HERE to see more pics from Part 1 - October/November
CLICK HERE to see more pics from Part 2 - December
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