See You Later

I’m the first person in my immediate family to travel so far. Tomorrow this time, I will be on my way across the country and then across the world. Alone. On my own. Solo. And for once I can say I’m ready. Ready to be scared out of my mind; by myself. Ready to put up with Kenya and get to know who she is (as crazy as that sounds). I’ve never done anything on my own and this is the first. In preschool, Nana was my teacher. In elementary school, the kids from my preschool followed. In Junior High School, the TYWLS family made school my second home. It created a bond that made the transition to high school easy and the place that has changed me the most. And finally, before coming to Wheaton I was introduced to nine strangers that eventually became my genuine friends.


When people ask “why go across the world?” I say “why not?” This is probably the only time I will have to go somewhere so far, and indulge in a new culture. And for this price? I’m there. This summer I read Ntozake Shange’s play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf." One character, lady in blue says, “I usedta live in the world then I moved to HARLEM & my universe is now six blocks.” Well if that’s the case I’ve been in this six block universe for twenty years. I’m trying to stretch my universe as far as it can go, and then some. Sydney is just the first step.

Doing last minute preparations for a four month trip is crazy. Less than twenty four hours left in the US and I’m anxious. Double checking to make sure I have everything and freaking out when I’m missing the slightest thing. I’ve over packed, unpacked and re-packed all in one night.

With the addition of this blog, I decided to try something new. A friend once told me I think too much, so I like the idea of having an open space to talk about anything and everything. It’s a free public canvas, and makes it easy to stay in touch with everyone. I will miss so many things about New York and Wheaton, but I know both will always be there, waiting for me to come back.

To all my family and friends, thank you for all the love, it makes me feel appreciated. I don’t talk to God all too often. And from what I understand you don’t have to be a faithful church-goer to ask for a blessing. But please let me get there safely and in one piece.

I’m the first person in my immediate family to travel so far, but hopefully not the last.

Keep you posted.

Kenya <3