Posted on
May 22, 2011 by
DJ MPENZI in
My Trip To Kenya
It was surreal once the plane left the ground from SFO heading to Kenya, I still couldn’t believe that the day had finally arrived that i would finally re-connect with my ancestral home and my childhood. The whole trip thus far has been kept a secret from my parents since this was to be a Birthday Surprise for my dad (05.14.11) and my mum as well. My oldest sister Emily had made up a story and told my parents to make breakfast since she was bringing some of her friends over for breakfast.
My plane touched down at 9:05 am Kenya Time (about 8+ hours ahead of PST time) and as soon as I left the plane I was hit by the smell of the air that completely overwhelmed me…. I WAS HOME!! finally after years of accepting that I may never be able to return I was here now
.
My heart was pumping real fast and my spirit was high..I was very proud this moment reminded me of all the struggles that I had undergone to reach this place in time and the smell of the Nairobi air brought back all those childhood memories that I had once feared gone. The loud cry from my sister as she saw me come through the gates caused everyone at the airport to turn and stare. It had been 15 years since I last saw her and we hugged like we saw each other for the first time. I cried shoot, just couldn’t help it.
Now my parents are another story…we pulled up to the house about 30 minutes later. My folks live on a huge farm dedicated to the coffee research in Ruiru of Thika Road. When we pulled up, my Dad was opening the gate and hadn’t looked up yet. This was the opportune time for me to sneak in front of him. The first look he gave me was that of a stranger and the next was that of a man of no words, he was speechless and for the first time in my life I saw my Dad Cry
My mother was in the house quite oblivious to the fiasco happening outside because to her it was just my sister’s friends coming for breakfast. when she finally came out of the house, I ran to her to give her a hug and to my surprise, she extended her hand for me to shake it. My response to her was “mum, I want a big hug instead”. It was then she gave me that second look and the tears for her came flowing and the hug I had asked for followed right after.
It was the surprise we hoped to make happen and the welcome I had hoped for a long time. After 15 years of being away, I WAS BACK HOME.
Wow, what heart-felt pictures, i almost let down a tear-of-joy for you. Especially the picture of you hugging mum Enjoy Kenya and your lovely-family. *Cheers*
Wow!What a sacred moment to return home and bring that much joy to your family and to your own spirit! I teared up reading + looking at the pictures. Thank you for sharing! Hope you have the best time home, ever!!
My heart was pumping real fast and my spirit was high..I was very proud this moment reminded me of all the struggles that I had undergone to reach this place in time and the smell of the Nairobi air brought back all those childhood memories that I had once feared gone. The loud cry from my sister as she saw me come through the gates caused everyone at the airport to turn and stare. It had been 15 years since I last saw her and we hugged like we saw each other for the first time. I cried shoot, just couldn’t help it.
Now my parents are another story…we pulled up to the house about 30 minutes later. My folks live on a huge farm dedicated to the coffee research in Ruiru of Thika Road. When we pulled up, my Dad was opening the gate and hadn’t looked up yet. This was the opportune time for me to sneak in front of him. The first look he gave me was that of a stranger and the next was that of a man of no words, he was speechless and for the first time in my life I saw my Dad Cry
My mother was in the house quite oblivious to the fiasco happening outside because to her it was just my sister’s friends coming for breakfast. when she finally came out of the house, I ran to her to give her a hug and to my surprise, she extended her hand for me to shake it. My response to her was “mum, I want a big hug instead”. It was then she gave me that second look and the tears for her came flowing and the hug I had asked for followed right after.
It was the surprise we hoped to make happen and the welcome I had hoped for a long time. After 15 years of being away, I WAS BACK HOME.
Mkonu,
So wonderful to witness your journey and the celebration of going home!
All the best,
Darlene
Wow, what heart-felt pictures, i almost let down a tear-of-joy for you. Especially the picture of you hugging mum
Enjoy Kenya and your lovely-family. *Cheers*
[...] surprises his parents – after 15 years away, he arrives home! Read the story. See the [...]
Very heartwarming, my brother. What a great surprise for your family to have you home with them.
You’re such a beautiful soul and I’m so proud of you for making this journey home to yourself. You inspire us all!
Wow!What a sacred moment to return home and bring that much joy to your family and to your own spirit! I teared up reading + looking at the pictures. Thank you for sharing! Hope you have the best time home, ever!!
Yay! So happy for you! I will be following your blog posts from now on!
endelea tu!