What living in Kenya for a year has taught me:

1. Patience.

Kenya has taught me that things don’t always happen on my schedule—and that’s okay. Whether it's waiting in traffic, for paperwork, or for someone to show up, I’ve learned to release control and breathe through the discomfort. Patience isn't just about waiting—it's about how you wait, and in Kenya, I’ve learned to wait with grace and trust.

2. Openness.

Living in a new country—one that’s vibrant, layered, and full of contrasts—has cracked me open. To new cultures, to different ways of thinking, to unfamiliar systems, and even to parts of myself I hadn’t met before. Kenya invited me to soften, listen, and open my heart without judgment or expectations.

Impromptu road trip

3. Strength in the pause.

Back home, productivity often felt like a badge of honor. Here, I’ve learned that there is immense strength in the stillness—in the moments between doing. The pause isn’t empty; it’s where integration happens, where ideas are born, and where the soul gets a chance to breathe.

Hike outside of Nairobi

4. The healing power of nature.

Being surrounded by mountains, savannahs, oceans, forests, and wild animals—nature in its rawest form—has been healing in ways I didn’t know I needed. Just hearing birdsong, watching a sunrise, or walking barefoot on red earth brought me back to myself. Nature doesn’t rush, and yet everything gets done.

5. Letting life take its course.

I came to Kenya with some ideas, but not a concrete plan. And that’s been the greatest gift. I’ve learned to follow the breadcrumbs, to say yes to what feels aligned, and to trust the unknown. Life here has reminded me that surrender is not passive—it’s active faith.

6. Not having a plan is a plan.

This year has shown me that structure is helpful, but it’s not everything. Sometimes, leaving space for spontaneity is exactly what allows the magic to enter. I’ve watched some of the most meaningful experiences unfold simply because I allowed space for them.

My birthday celebration

7. What I was capable of.

There were days I doubted myself—new environment, different systems, moments of loneliness or cultural dissonance. But I adapted. I built community. I created, I thrived, and I kept going. Kenya reflected back to me a quiet, resilient strength I didn’t know I had.

Diani Beach

8. Life has a funny way of working out.

From people I met at just the right moment to opportunities that seemed to appear out of nowhere—there were countless moments when I was reminded that the universe really does have a sense of humor, and impeccable timing. What seemed uncertain became aligned.

Fitness Event with Chiluba

9. What is meant for you will find you.

This year, so much came full circle. Things I once chased showed up effortlessly. People, places, chances—they arrived when I stopped forcing and started flowing. Kenya reminded me that alignment attracts what force often repels.

10. Coming here is a calling—a soul thing I cannot explain.

This journey was never logical. It was something deeper. A pull I couldn’t shake. And being here has affirmed that some decisions don’t make sense until you live them. Kenya wasn’t just a place I moved to—it was a part of my soul I came home to.

Here's to another year adventure, trust and soul!