Serving in Nakuru as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer has been quite incredible. From the very start, the generosity of the people here has left a lasting impression on me. In Nakuru, hospitality is a way of life. You can visit a household at any time of day, and before you know it, you’re being served a warm cup of tea. It doesn’t matter if it’s morning, noon, or night—tea is always on the table. I remember my first day when my host pastor took me to an evening ceremony, and we were served tea a lot of tea more so to me who did not have a jacket that men around here like to wear. Coming from a culture where tea is mostly a morning ritual, this was a surprise! Now, I’m so used to it that I can happily take tea anytime and as many times as I’m offered.

The kindness I’ve experienced here goes far beyond tea. Often, I’ll be walking, and a friendly local will offer me a ride on a motorbike. People are always sharing the fruits of their land with me—avocados, sugarcanes, and arrowroots. These acts of kindness are constant reminders of how close-knit and welcoming this community is. It’s amazing how everyone seems to genuinely care about each other, even if you’ve just met.

One unique challenge I face, however, is Vinnie—the family dog. I have to admit, I’m still a little afraid of him, especially when I need to go out at night. To muster some courage, I pretended to be brave and called out his name loudly about three times: “Vinnie, Vinnie!” This is my way of letting him know I’m approaching, so I don’t take him by surprise. It’s become a bit of a nighttime routine, and slowly Vinnie’s coming to realize I’m a friend!

That said, people here have a resilient and tough side too. I’ve been invited to community meetings that sometimes end up with the organizer not showing up. There are always those who’ll need a little reminder about what I’m doing in the village. One gentleman at a local center, for example, kept asking if I was there to distribute contraceptives. These moments have taught me to take things in stride and embrace patience, even when things don’t go as planned. Humility pills serve best. It’s a humbling experience that’s made me value the importance of listening and adapting to the local way of doing things. The local leaders are incredibly welcoming and supportive. They regularly check in with me to see how I’m settling in and make sure I have everything I need. Knowing they care about my progress has helped me feel more connected and has made my service feel even more meaningful.

I feel more at home here with every passing day. I’ve embraced the tea culture, the friendliness of the community, and even Vinnie’s watchful eye. Even though not every local knows me so far, ninety percent of the children know me because I have been good to them, and have a strong relationship with the young souls. Serving in Nakuru has become about more than just my work; it’s about being part of something larger, learning from the people, and finding joy in small, everyday moments. So far, I can truly say, “So far, so good!”