When I was told I’d be deployed to the Yatoi sublocation in Baringo South as a CorpsAfrica/Kenya Volunteer, I was thrilled. This remote corner of Baringo was to be my new home for the next 10 months—a place I’d never been before. On October 1, 2024, we arrived, greeted by warm smiles and open arms. The welcome was unforgettable. Community members, elders, and preachers blessed us with their prayers and traditions, making me feel like part of a bigger family.

After the ceremony, I was handed over to my host mother—a tall, dark, humble, and loving woman who immediately made me feel at home. The first month here has been nothing short of remarkable. From enjoying a glass of fresh milk every evening to learning their culture and greetings, I have slowly begun my journey of integration. My neighbors’ kindness has been overwhelming—some welcomed me with tea and honey, while others gifted me bracelets, tokens of their generosity and warmth.

One of the most fulfilling moments so far has been sharing a skill I learned during my Pre-Service Training: making charcoal briquettes. Together with community members, we carried out this exercise to promote environmental conservation and create a potential source of income. Seeing their eagerness to learn reminded me of the value of shared knowledge.

But life here isn’t without its challenges. One of my fears, bees, seems to be a constant companion. On one occasion, my host mum sent me to fetch water from a nearby tank. To my horror, bees were swarming the tap. My first instinct was to flee, but I mustered my courage, approached cautiously, and fetched the water without incident.

Another time, while returning from Endao village, I encountered a particularly persistent bee near a bridge. It chased me relentlessly. Panicked, I suddenly recalled a story from primary school about lying flat on the ground to avoid bees. Desperate, I tried it—and it worked! The bee left me alone, and I inhaled deeply, grateful for the reprieve.

Yatoi has already taught me so much about resilience, culture, and connection. From the warmth of its people to the buzzing hum of its bees, every moment feels like a story waiting to be written. This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads.