A Hot Tale From The North

Bars on bars like soap on a pub counter. Crack on crack are those drugs hidden in a broken wall? Shade on shade my boy got disrespected under a tree. Dang! "I'm on a roll" that's what chapati would say.

Not the intro I was going for but, when the mind decides to cook you let it.

Off the line I'll admit it's been a while since I wrote anything creative. Been busy chasing the elusive bag that I failed to take a pause to reflect on life. I recently switched jobs and it's been eight weeks of service at my new job.

Two months later, switching from the media industry to the humanitarian world and moving from Nairobi to Northern Kenya, I have been turned from a wizard to an apprentice. At NMG, I had the work routine memorised. Now, I have to formulate a new routine to make my work easier and also to have and feel a flow that will give me purpose. I have tried a couple of routines; I know the perfect one nears revelation.

Moving wasn't the easiest decision because as you can imagine, it means starting a completely new life. I needed change, manifested it and God came through with this one, for a moment I want to pull a Jonah scenario but realised for growth to happen, painful change has to happen just like pulling and growing new teeth. 

The journey thus far is comparable to not a bed but a bush of roses; a very appealing facade covering thorny stems.  On arrival to Kakuma, hot weather received me with a welcoming embrace from the staff then immediately slapped me with thirst, and handed me new habits like always walking with a water bottle, wearing a bucket hat and starting a skincare routine which entails applying sunscreen daily when leaving the house. I questioned destiny "is this the bright future you promised?" because the way sun shines over here, there will be light across the tunnel, not only at the end. 

When it rains, my body and spirit are jovial for the night will be one without sweat. This, despite knowledge of the ephemeral nature of a downpour in the region - but still as the ‘Golden Bells’ stipulates, a blessing must be counted. It’s funny how I barely had an audience for jokes I crack but lately, I have the privilege of fans. Fans and Air Conditioners have become an essential part of my lifestyle; who ever thought being cool at all times, would be a necessity.

Never say never. I've had to learn the hard way. After University, I vowed to never intentionally be in a classroom setting but let me tell you Maina, this life has so many lessons that you don't need to be in school. As initially mentioned, I have turned an apprentice in this new field of work; I came with basic knowledge of what they need me to do but now I am learning on the go, how they work. 

Thus far, I would describe the humanitarian world as rigidly structured and procedural sprinkled with tons of abbreviations, even for the simplest things. Further, I would describe it as inspiring and compassionate because of the work done. It's having me adjust my creativity, look and appreciate life differently too. I am impressed by the work ethic - especially by youthful colleagues, accountability and transparency.

Aside from work I have been exposed to many other things that are not common Down-country, that's what many here call the rest of Kenya or Downy in short. Most days of work here takes us to the field to meet the people we serve, and due to lack of proper roads, the driver powers the Land Cruiser via every ditch we come across, but what really caught my attention was the laga. A dried riverbed. Turkana is a semi-arid region and it's expected to find seasonal rivers, I was yet to see one in my life but currently I can say I've crossed rivers without the need of a bridge or boat. 

Lagas have a higher water table, occasionally I have seen kids dig up soil to draw water. Staying on the trajectory of what nature has to offer in the North West; it's currently the rainy season and the area has turned into an entomology playground. Leading with crickets, which seem to be blind; judging from constant collision with my face, many insects have rose from their hibernation to feast before the rains and cool weather disappears for the rest of the year. I've met at least five bizarre species so far.   

About people, aside from the difference in complexion and cultures there nothing too different. Everyone's goal is to have a better tomorrow. 

"Habari ya sahii" I was privileged to meet a Congelese gentleman and this was his greeting. I found it quite refreshing because no one really cares about your problems when they lead with "habari yako"... sahii means when I respond "mzuri" I might actually be honest with my response as at that particular moment I am okay. 

I'll end it here. Acclimatising is a journey and I would you like to take you along for the ride. Catch me on the next one as I talk about how hills have become my shrink.