The summer of 2021, I had the pleasure of getting to know John Sayre. He and his wife are people after my own heart, passionate about the wild, travel, and lifelong growth and stewardship. When he told me about Kenya, I knew it was calling and I had to go. As I prepared for my trip, I did a lot of research online about Basecamp Explorer and about Kenya in general. I have a friend from college living in Nairobi and another mission organization with whom I have served as a healthcare provider in Guatemala, Orphan Outreach has joined with a Kenyan non-profit reaching out to the Maasai children. So, it seemed and seems like there are many things drawing me to Kenya.
As my trip approached in January, COVID complicated travel for many people and I decided to go on by myself! Going to Kenya as a solo female traveler was amazing. It was a great thing to know that Basecamp was going to meet me at the airport and take me where I needed to go.
Once I arrived, I was curious to see how Basecamp Explorer serves the Maasai women. I feel like as a youngish woman, I have a easier understanding and interest in this. I enjoyed being with the women as they made jewelry and I also especially enjoyed the women at the nursery where they take care of the seedlings before planting them. I’m very interested in the beekeeping project coming up. My grandpa had bees.
Because I was only one of the few guests, I got to meet several women who were working in the camps and doing different jobs. I feel like I could speak easily with them and I really enjoyed myself. If I get to go to Basecamp again, I’m hoping to have a female guide next time so I can really learn how much the ladies enjoy their different roles with Basecamp.
As a healthcare provider, I’m curious about what other resources there might need to be for serving the people. I wonder if I could help out with one of the dentists weeks one year!
I’m a pretty good idea generator and am personally looking to continue to build my leadership skills. It’s an honor to be part of a foundation that is doing beautification work for people, animals, land and the future.