Day one

My first day in Kenya.

I wish I were Nikki Jones.

If I were, I'd already be surrounded by friends I just met and having amazing adventures right out of the gate. Living life to the fullest and sharing snippets on Facebook for the my friends to see. I would be confident and bold and step out of my comfort zone (which is her comfort zone) to take life by the horns.

Opportunity would unfold in front of me and I would pick the moments that worked and ride the ride until the next magic moment arrived. Jumping from carousel to carousel on all the painted ponies. Mountains wouldn't dare be hidden by clouds and the sun wouldn't dare not shine. The carpet of adventure and discovery would simply roll out in front of me and I would go.

But instead I am me. Waking up on my first morning in Kenya. Unsure how to work the shower and not looking forward to the cold spray, wishing I had a jacket and hat because it is cold here. WHY is it cold here in Kenya? I am dreaming of an over sized sweatshirt to wrap myself in. I thought I was trading cold for warmth. But I was wrong. I also digress.

I am a side kick, a right hand man, a compadre. I am not a leader, and in unfamiliar settings I become even more quiet, I am good at following or doing without, making due. This makes me an easy traveler. I do not need much. I will not impose. But there is more to traveling then simply going along. I guess it is a good life lesson for me. Aware of who I am and pushing myself towards more. I

have a place. Even the Nikki Jones' of the world need side kicks. And it is only my first day. I know I need to breathe, settle, become accustom, work through culture shock and the devil that says I can't do this, that I am not enough. I can discover, remedy, and be. I can push through.

Besides. Nikki Jones would not want me wishing I were her. She would remind me how amazing I am in my own right and the awesome things that I have done. She would talk about my adventurous spirit and willingness to take a risk and be all in. She would remind me I am in Kenya working with a home of beautiful young girls that have survived a world of ugliness much too young. Not all magic comes with bells and whistles. Sometimes it comes with a simple smile and a willingness to show up.

I think of Nikki tonight as she finishes up her Nepal adventure and heads to Cambodia, a new ancient land filled with its own magic moments. I am so grateful to have her as an inspiration and friend.

I look forward to being your side kick one day Nikki. May you travel in peace, safety, good health, and with grand adventure, and I will do the same. And we both end up stateside again, I look forward to sharing a beverage and swapping our stories.