How many of us have used the phrase, “worst day of my life.” How many of us have felt the gravity of something so wrong, we felt like we’ve been the only people exposed to this sort of unequivocal injustice that knows no bounds? Plenty of us.
The other day, I heard one of my good friends say, “Worst day ever.” And he meant it. He meant it with every fiber of his being. He didn’t even question it. When I asked him, “What’s up?” He barely had an explanation. He left his phone and home and got lost on the way to pick me up.
Mind you, I’ve been getting ready to go to travel to Kenya for a few months for this volunteer opportunity. I’ve been evaluating every material possession that could possibly pass through customs with a sort of discerning eye that I’ve never possessed before. I’ve been wondering what would be offensive to the male population, what clothing will hold up against the equatorial climate, what sort of items won’t Bring to light the fact I’m a spoiled American that has always been afforded the sort of luxuries that they never will? What won’t leave me “hungry”? What won’t leave me feeling like I’m missing something for two short weeks.
Part of my prep of going to foreign countries that I don’t know much about always involves a little bit of research. Who are these people, what preconceived notions will they have about me and the country I come from? What is their recent history. About 7 minutes into a documentary about Kenya that was an hour long and I already had tears streaming down my face. A woman was talking about the unspeakable violence she tried to report to the police, only to have the police tell her, “you took a shower, if you want to submit evidence, go back to those men and get some more.” A young man, barely on this side of puberty spoke about how he split up from his parents by accident during a street rally. He found them a short few hours later – and had to identify their bodies. I was 7 minutes and 2 stories into a piece on a country I would be visiting less than a week later – and I was humbled beyond belief.
“The worst day of my life.” A phrase I’ve heard roll off of people’s lips so commonly, it’s depressing. Once I take a step back and evaluate that, I just think – is it? Really? Is it the worst day you’ve ever had? Is it a day so terrible, you just want to crawl up into a ball and give up? When I hear the explanations for the “worst day ever” it involves, not finding a parking spot right away, the 4 Starbucks on the way to work are really inconvenient to get to, the vending machine was out of pop tarts (a plight close to my heart), my phone died, my commute sucks, my boyfriend never gets me flowers…
As I sit here on my comfortable couch, in my house full of things I could survive without, typing on my expensive laptop – I can’t help but think about the fact that my worst day ever will probably never compare to a day in the life of the people we are traveling to meet.
Diane Rodriguez
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
August 29: All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...
It’s a bit surreal to think that in a few short hours, myself and 14 of my fellow colleagues will be leaving our respective cities and traveling half way around the world to start a project that will forever change the future of a community of people in Maai Mahiu, Kenya.
With the support of family, friends, and our peers at Softchoice, we’re about to start a life changing journey – not only for others, but for ourselves as well.
Leading into this trip, I’ve spent a lot of time in self-reflection. Thinking about the ‘what if’s’, ‘what is it like now’, and ‘what will be’ as a result of our time spent on the ground. It’s a bit of a mind overload, to say the least….
Now, I’ve never been anywhere in Africa… and although I like to view myself as a well-travelled individual, I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed leading into this experience.
It’s with mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety and hope that I depart for this mission. I can’t help but admit that I’m starting to feel those pre-trip jitters. This is something unlike any trip I’ve been on before… but the reality is, this isn’t about us. It’s about the impact we’re there to make. The experiences that we will take home with us forever, are merely a fringe benefit of the greater cause.
As we lead into our adventure, I’m excited to watch this mission evolve and take shape. I can’t even imagine how this trip will change me personally; my views of the world, as well as my view on my own life coming home after our trip… but I’m excited to see that unfold.
The African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” is something that I’ve continued to give a lot of thought to as we get closer and closer to departure. That’s what we’re there for. Although we may be worlds apart, we’re all the same. I don’t think anyone can anticipate the emotions that will occur once we’re on the ground… but the growth we’ll experience as we learn about the culture, the people and the impact of this project will be unwavering.
To my family, friends, and colleagues who have contributed to this cause, asante (thank you)! I can’t wait to share the experiences we’re about to have with you while on the ground, and once I’ve returned.
So for now, remember: Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean, I’ll miss you until we meet again!
With the support of family, friends, and our peers at Softchoice, we’re about to start a life changing journey – not only for others, but for ourselves as well.
Leading into this trip, I’ve spent a lot of time in self-reflection. Thinking about the ‘what if’s’, ‘what is it like now’, and ‘what will be’ as a result of our time spent on the ground. It’s a bit of a mind overload, to say the least….
Now, I’ve never been anywhere in Africa… and although I like to view myself as a well-travelled individual, I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed leading into this experience.
It’s with mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety and hope that I depart for this mission. I can’t help but admit that I’m starting to feel those pre-trip jitters. This is something unlike any trip I’ve been on before… but the reality is, this isn’t about us. It’s about the impact we’re there to make. The experiences that we will take home with us forever, are merely a fringe benefit of the greater cause.
As we lead into our adventure, I’m excited to watch this mission evolve and take shape. I can’t even imagine how this trip will change me personally; my views of the world, as well as my view on my own life coming home after our trip… but I’m excited to see that unfold.
The African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” is something that I’ve continued to give a lot of thought to as we get closer and closer to departure. That’s what we’re there for. Although we may be worlds apart, we’re all the same. I don’t think anyone can anticipate the emotions that will occur once we’re on the ground… but the growth we’ll experience as we learn about the culture, the people and the impact of this project will be unwavering.
To my family, friends, and colleagues who have contributed to this cause, asante (thank you)! I can’t wait to share the experiences we’re about to have with you while on the ground, and once I’ve returned.
So for now, remember: Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean, I’ll miss you until we meet again!
Ian Zagrodney
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
DWC Softchoice Cares Participant
Kenya, September 2013
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