Stuck in the middle of nowhere

One of the areas that we conducted the HoA crisis assessment was Modagashe, a small town which is about 140 km from Garissa. On our way there, we saw lots of guinea fowls, camels, giraffes, gazelles and zebras. Of course, my American friends were mesmerized and took lots of pictures.

                                          

Although it had rained heavily the previous night—the first rain in three years, our land cruiser did fine. However, on our way back, it began raining again. The road is not paved and before long, we found ourselves stuck in deep mire.

We did everything we could. We dug around the tires and placed wood bits by the tires. We even tried to winch it out by tying a steel cable to a tree but it broke. So there we were in the middle of nowhere, no cell phone coverage.  One of my American friends said: ‘I bet there’s no Triple A here huh?’ We all laughed and I said: ‘This is Africa my friend.’

The sun was beginning to retreat and dusk was fast approaching. We had heard of a kidnapping of two Spanish doctors in Dadaab earlier that day. Dadaab was about 60km from where we were but we felt like sitting ducks.
We kept pushing the vehicle and adding bits of wood around the tires. Meanwhile I told my American friends of lions who were probably lurking behind the shadows waiting for the night to set in. I told them of leopards, the strong African cats who prefer to hunt at night. Those stories were motivation enough to push harder and finally we got out. Phew!

The way back was full of uncertainties. It was still raining hard and the roads were becoming worse. The vehicle was moving at a snail pace. Earlier that day when we were enjoying the ride and admiring giraffes, I had told my colleague how happy I was to be back in Africa and in the field. I had felt so good to be breathing fresh air and be in the wild. But now I wasn’t so sure. My clothes were all muddy, my feet were wet and I was very hungry and cold and far away from home. I started missing life in the US Although I did not enjoy winter at all). I started doubting whether I coming back home was the right decision.

A colleague interrupted my thoughts. “I know what you are thinking. You wish you had never left.” I nodded. She had been in the UK for years but had decided to come back to Kenya. She explained that she had had the same doubts but with time, she had gotten used to working in Kenya among the needy and was now content. I know I love my country. I know I am passionate about working among the needy. I know I enjoy working in places where others are afraid to go. But I am yet to find that inner peace that says. Relax; you are in the right place. In the meantime however, I will continue to try and enjoy being at home. For though I get stuck in miry clay in the middle of nowhere, Kenya is my country and my love.