Culturally different, but very much the same

Field game fun and laughter

My name is Elle and I was one of the lucky missionaries that accompanied Michelle and Fatima on the Kenya CBC mission trip. One of my many favorite moments from my Kenya mission trip this summer was when a few other missionaries and I were sitting in a circle cutting cabbage for the students' dinner that night. We were exchanging stories with two faculty members of the school. We learned about what their childhoods looked like, their grandmothers’ cooking, and their biggest dreams. In return, we shared what it was like living in the United States, our families stories, and pictures of our family members. We sat for hours working and bonding with people who were culturally different but very much the same. They are kind, service-oriented, faithful people. The evenings, after long days of work and carrying buckets of concrete, were also some of my fondest memories. The missionaries and I would gather around tables, talk, and play games. We were all exhausted but howling with laughter, fully knowing that if we were not as tired the jokes would not be as funny. We played through the exhaustion for hours on end. Card game after card game until we couldn’t hold our eyes open. These hours brought us closer together and allowed us to truly enjoy each other's company. This trip has greatly influenced who I am and how I see the world. I recently started my Freshman year of college and I think back to these memories daily and smile. Memories that will always be close to my heart and bring me so much joy. My dorm walls are lined with pictures from these amazing two weeks and the deep friendships I made with my fellow missionaries. I am forever grateful for this experience!

By Elle, CBC Missionary to Kenya