Re-entry into American life is always very hard and each trip it gets harder. I feel like I live with one foot in Kenya and one in the US at all times (and besides my family and friends in the States I’d rather be in Kenya). It truly takes a bit to resettle into things. On a sillier note I’m really missing my African tea and am fighting headaches more than jet lag!

Before I left, Virginia and I were spending the final few hours with some last minute catch-ups with kids, taking a long walk to grab some meat from the butcher for a nice Kenyan dinner and just enjoying our in-person time. Something that was new on this trip was finding a coffee spot in Embubul (where Virginia lives). They make cappuccinos, GOOD cappuccinos! This Italian’s heart was very happy.

Some special things that happened those last days…Virginia and I were honored with beautiful dresses from the Ilmerijo school board. They were saying thank you for the big cooking pot from my parents’ birthday donation. I was completely shocked by this gift, though I was reminded how my measurements were taken, on the street in front of the wholesaler, a few days before by one of our moms. I thought the measurements were for something else. As we were trying them on I joked that they measured both of us while we were sleeping, as the dresses fit like gloves! Head teacher Margaret, Virginia, and I had a good laugh over this.

I had lost one of my sponsored kids and started sponsoring a new girl last year. So before I left I was able to finally meet her mom and brother and see their home. The family gifted me a beautiful dera (kaftan) and head scarf. I was also able to see my other two sponsored kids on Saturday to say goodbye. It was pretty special.

Tracy and her family at their home visit

Virginia and Shantivia in a sweet moment

Upon returning, I had a long catch-up call with Bryan and Ginger. Though I tried to share daily with the team while on the ground (what we accomplished, didn’t accomplish, some challenges we experienced), there really wasn’t the time to go into detail. Our emotions run high, we are physically wiped out by the end of the day, and we work from early morning until late at night, even from our beds. BUT there is nothing like it and we love the work!

Bryan will be traveling to Kenya in a few weeks with two of our sponsors. This dedicated couple sponsors two children, our official first Tuko Pamoja kids, as well as monthly porridge for two of our schools. The kids are very excited to meet them! And every child we came into contact with was excited too, knowing Bryan was coming soon and Ginger, Bryan, and I would be back shortly after that (Jan 2026).

These two enjoying the camera! The kids like to “style”

Speaking of trips to Kenya, we currently have one sponsor interested in joining us during the summer of 2026. We’d love to add two more people and make a group trip out of it! The trip would consist of several safari days (we strongly encourage first-time visitors to go), visiting the schools and children, along with some optional sight-seeing. Past excursions have included the Karen Blixen house (aka Isak Dinesen, Danish author famous for Out of Africa), the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (caring for orphaned elephants and other animals), or the Kazuri bead factory. There are more options available if travelers are interested in non-Tuko Pamoja activities. We can connect you with our driver and offer recommendations on hotels and other logistics.

We have been testing out some lovely rental houses for company and have found a pretty perfect one. The summer 2026 trip would include full board with breakfast and dinner as well as tea.

We have a cook and someone who helps with laundry plus a sweet, easy-to-communicate-with driver. Typically we fly direct from New York’s JFK to Nairobi with Kenya Airways but have also flown with Qatar Airways with a connection in Doha.

If interested please let us know right away! It’s better to book earlier than later for great pricing and to secure the house. Our deadline is the end of November 2025 for the final count. We will be organizing more trips soon. Stay tuned!

On that note, I’m officially signing off on the blog, and handing it back to Bryan. Thanks for following along in spirit and heart.

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