The Contrast

Habari,

Happy New Year everybody!  I know it has been a LONG time since I’ve submitted a post.  SO much has happened since then I don’t even know where to start.  First of all, I have been on the run, catching up and reconnecting ever since I touched down in Philadelphia airport on December 17^th. 

It is very obvious how much my mother missed me while I was in Nairobi.  Even before I got to go to my own home, she had me chauffeuring her around.  Now, I had just spent almost a full day travelling from Nairobi and she just had to have me run her to the store and to play her lottery.  SMH.  I missed you too mom.

The differences in environment were clear as soon as I touched down.  It's like night and day.  First it is good to be a US citizen returning home.  There’s no long wait in the immigration line waiting to be abused by the officials. LOL.  You just breeze through the line.  Welcome home!  The next contrast was the fact that I got to get behind the wheel of a rental car and drive myself around.  I didn’t realize how much I missed driving.  I almost lost my mind coming out of the parking lot.  I think I reached 80 mph before I realized I was speeding.  LOL.  I never would have been able to do that in Nairobi because the roads would have torn the car up.  I wasn’t use to the smooth roads.

After my mother finished using me, I headed home to my humble abode.  I was greeted by a sparkling clean home.  My mother must have cleaned every nook and cranny of my home.  The wood floors were shining so much I was almost blinded.  Good job Mom!  I really do appreciate you taking care of the house while I was gone. 

The absolute best part of returning home was lying down in my fabulous bed.  Those of you who have followed the blog know that I have a problem with the ‘hard as bricks’ beds in Kenya.  OMG!  I slept until my body hurt.  I forgot how good my bed feels.  Readjusting to the Kenyan beds will be hard.  SMH

I had to work from home the first week I spent in the US.  Now that doesn’t sound too bad until you factor in working on Nairobi time.  The first couple of days weren’t bad because I was still on Nairobi time, but as the week went on, my body thought I was crazy.  I worked up to December 23^rd and then I worked hard to get my body on east coast time. 

Christmas was amazing!  My mom had all of her children under one roof for the first time in almost a decade.  There were grands and great-grands presence so she was in her glory.  I did some shopping while in Nairobi, but of course I had to continue my tradition of shopping on Christmas Eve.  Yes, I know I’m crazy, but there’s just something about being out there the day before Christmas that makes me really feel the season.

The next adventure was travelling to Las Vegas with my cousin Nikki.  Now, I thought I would have scandalous stories that I couldn’t tell you, but it was pretty tame.  The shopping spree that I went on made me realize that I don’t do much shopping in Nairobi.  That’s actually good for my finances.   I did even damage in Las Vegas to make up for the six months in Nairobi.  SMH

The next couple of weeks were filled with trips down south to visit family and friends and catching up with people in the Philadelphia area.  I am so sick of restaurant food now.  I’m sure I gained 10 pounds since I’ve been home.  SMH.  Returning to Nairobi will be good for my health. LOL.  I lose weight there without trying…its slow, but inevitable.   

Speaking of returning to Nairobi, my stay in the States has been extended while I wait for my temporary work papers.  They will take about 3 weeks so it looks like I will be in the States until the first of February.  Returning to Nairobi and adjusting will be much more difficult now that I’ve been home so long.  BUT, I’m going to enjoy the comfort while I can.  LOL.   I will see you here next people.

Asante Sana,

Della Rochelle

Copyright © 2012 by Della Rochelle Williams