I leave for the airport in about 40 minutes.  I will not continue writing in this blog.  So thank you to all of you who spent your wasted time at work reading my musings about Kenya and life.

I want to thank Kenya (and the people I’ve met in Kenya) for teaching me a few important lessons.

Dear Kenya, thank you for teaching me…

1. Patience.  In assimilating to new cultures.  Working with different types of people.  Getting things done.
2. Humility.  In learning different ways to do things.
3. Perspective.  Giving me a chance to get out of my comfort zone and experience new things.
4. Self-awareness.  Constantly forcing me to reflect on who I am, and what’s important.
5. Efficiency.  Finding the opportunities that alleviate the obstacles.  Redefining efficiency.
6. Camaraderie.  Building a family away from family.  Learning to trust, and be trusted.
7. Acceptance.  Knowing that things will never go the way I plan, but giving me to spirit to make the best of it.
8. Healthy Fear.  Realizing that with new places come new dangers, but giving me the courage to face them.
9. Ferocity.  Reminding me of the fire that brought me here, and the fuel I need to keep it burning.
10. Persistence.  Knowing that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and giving me the shining moments to keep me on path.

I’ll be returning to Kenya in September to work as the Commercial and Operations Manager for a start -up consulting firm.  I’m beyond excited for a new challenge, though bittersweet to leave a company that is doing such amazing things.  I can’t wait to come home and refill my tank.  Thank you to ALL for your unending support, kind words, and strong belief in my abilities.  Although I’ve had several reasons to quit, and have at times, it’s knowing the community that backs me is always there, that keeps me going.  To the next chapter.

With Love,

Candida