In Swahili, Hakuna Matata means “no problem” “no troubles” or “no worries. ”Recently, I embarked on the trip of a lifetime. A trip that when asked, I never hesitated to say no. A trip that made me rethink my whole outlook on life and God’s purpose for it. A trip that would test my patience in ways I never knew it could. A trip that taught me that only the strong survive. That same trip took me 8,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to find out how to just let go and be satisfied.
Kenya, Africa is home to the worlds most majestic and beautiful elements of Mother Nature. My expectations of what I would find there were manifested in National Geographic depictions and of course the Lion King. But what I found in Kenya was truly much more than what I saw on TV. What I found in Kenya was the ability to truly see life for what it is.
Now I know what you are thinking. How does one just decide to travel across the world without any hesitation? Ask yourself, what would you have done in this situation?
In one of my favorite books, Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg says, “We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in.”
So I leaned ALL THE WAY IN!!! AGAIN 8500 miles all the way in.
Now Let me clarify that this was a work trip. My work task was to come up with a strategy for nurturing our relationship with our community partners from our local schools and mental health professionals to assist with providing resources to our plant and leveraging out our tools amongst the group. Now to me, that was the easy part. I have said this before and I’ll say it again, I love what I do, which makes it easy to engage in these types of projects. But what made this project unique was definitely the backdrop and setting of the Masai Mara.
After 4 days of inopportune travel, which should have only been 2 days, we arrived in the Mother Land. In my opinion, I completely understand why Africa is called the Motherland. I instantly felt a connection when I arrived. Now initially, it could have been because everyone looked like me, but if you have ever been to Atlanta or choose your favorite urban hood, you may have the same initial feeling right? WRONG!!! This was different. The people moved differently, and they had a certain rhythm in their voice. To me, when they spoke to you, their souls illuminated with fire. From Nairobi, we flew on the smallest plane ever to Masai Mara where we would be staying for the next 7 days.
When we landed in Bogani, there was a sense of peace that came over me. It was literally as if the world stopped for a few moments just for me to reflect on the fact that I was in Africa. It was very windy but it was as if all of the elements of the climate were speaking to me. I just wanted to vast in the moment. It was all worth it for this moment right here. We were greeted by some of our other co-workers and 2 of our Maasai Warriors who protected us the entire trip. We were taught “Jambo,” which means, hello, and Hakuna Matata. I immediately noticed that we were the guests on this trip, but we were made to feel as if this was our home. I truly felt at home.
As we arrived to our camp I couldn’t help but hear the sweet sounds of singing. “ Welcome to Bogani, Hakuna Matata.” This opened the door for me to just relax and enjoy this total experience. Throughout the next 7 days, there were several life changing moments that will live with me forever. First, it was my visit to the all girls’ boarding school, where I met several remarkable young women who made a strong impression on my heart. Their passion and dedication to their culture, education, and themselves forced me to reflect on my personal life and the impact that I am making towards my career. They were so driven and confident in their passions to be educated and becoming well-rounded women. They inspired me so much to continue to motivate other young women to love who they are and know that the sky is the limit for them. What an amazing experience to be in the presence of young women who aspire to just be great!!! It also forced me to think about my own daughter and the role I play as her mom to inspire her to be her best self every day, even at 4 years old.
The highlight of my trip was the safari experience. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I went on a real safari in a Land Cruiser. Now I have to apologize to my kid and anyone else that I may offend, but I do not have the desire to go to a zoo ever again. To see wild animals in their natural habitat is an experience unlike no other. Because we were in the middle of the great migration, we were able to see almost every animal. I think it was during the safari that I had an ‘ah ha’ moment for inclusion and diversity. Literally just like on the Lion King, all of these different animals coexist together in this on habitat. They all need each other to maintain the circle of life. Coincidentally, we as people coexist in our natural habitats whether it be at work or in our communities. Yet we struggle to agree to disagree and move past our differences to focus on our lives. So if animals can do it, then why can’t we? Think about that for a moment.
Lastly, I would have to say that my experience beading with the mamas of the tribe made me appreciate being a working mom. I’ve been a mom for 4 years now and I decided early on that I was made to be a working mom. No discredit to stay at home moms! I have so much respect for your women. It was enlightening to listen to the stories of how bead making, a cultural tradition for these tribes, has transformed life for these women, socially, economically, and professionally. For some of them, they have become the breadwinners of their families. Moreover, they have become so empowered to create beautiful pieces that allow them to provide for their families financially. I can’t help but think about how empowered they are, and how liberated they seemed. I was reminded of what my role is as a working mother. My role is not only to contribute to providing for my family but to provide a foster a positive example for my own daughter of how strong and resilient working moms are.
Every morning I would wake up in Bogani, and pray for strength, guidance, clarity, and positivity. I am a strong believer in everything happens for a reason. Going to Africa taught me many things. I found guidance in owning my personality and being who I am. I found clarity in my influence as a woman and the impact I can make on the world. I found positivity in the meaning of my career role and my aspirations of what’s next developmentally. But most importantly, I found the true meaning of Hakuna Matata. Unlike Simba, It wasn’t slimy, yet it was oh so satisfying.
The Fierce & Fabulous Provisionist 