Kedzie conquers Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

2021

Kedzie did it! She made all the money through cookie sales and working at Chick-fil-a and she did it. She chose Kenya as her trip so she could go on a safari and see the animals she has loved for as long as she's been alive. We are so proud of her and amazed at her experience.

Here are a few photos that I snagged off instagram and I've asked Kedzie to write some things about her experience.  enjoy!

Well Kenya was the best thing I could have ever done. It was life changing and I loved every second of it! All 22 of the amazing people I got to live with for that short two an a half weeks changed my life in so many ways. The safari's where so amazing and fulfilled my childhood dream of seeing wild elephants, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, baboons, lions, and lots of gazelles in person and in the wild! Also visiting some of the Masai people in their homes was so humbling. They live off of so little but are so happy! They also gave me the most out of body experience that I have ever lived through while just siting in the middle of them dancing and singing. Their vibrations of their voices bouncing off of each other cannot be explained without being there.

When working at the worksite I had so many amazing experiences and I don't think I could list them all! I had the privilege of serving the kiddos at the school we where working at and making friends with them! I can't wait for the next time I see them. We sang a song at our last devotional together, God Be with You Till We Meet Again, and it just reminds me that I probably won't see those kids again until we are all together in heaven. And sometime that hurts my heart, but I know I will see them. These are some of the names of the kiddos I will always cherish!

Ayisha

Big Kisha 

Little Kisha

Godbless

Solla

Nathan James

Grace (All of them!)

Promise (All of them!)

Leia

Elsa

These kids made my trip! It broke my heart to say goodbye to them. I cried so much when I had to say by to them and it hurt so much to see little Kisha, Grace, and Ayisha just cry in my arms. What got me to cry is when my girls came up to me all individually and said, "Kedzie. You promise not to forget me?" and "Kedzie please, please don't forget me." These kids have the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met. They remembered my name after one day even though it took me to forever to memorize their names! I promised each of them I would remember them and to keep up the good work, and to never forget that I will always have them in my hearts and mind. They can go so far if the just always work their hardest. 

My group of peeps will always remain in my heart. All 22 of them. Nataile, Jenna the younger, Jenna the older, Haven, Omi, Ella, Hallie, Hannah, Brady, Tyler, Amberlyn, Kaitlyn, Devon, Ethan, Luke, Mimi, Brynn, Aston, Delaney, Eli, Sarge, and Mason. We all experienced the ups and downs of the trips but by the end I cried when I had to hug them on the last night. I'm kinda crying right now. These people are all so amazing and will all do such amazing things in the future! They are my second family. I will always think of them whenever I remember this trip. Good Vibes Only! I wish them all luck in their future! I will also always be number 16 in our lovely count off!

My testimony also grew so much. This trip showed me the beauty of God's creations and how he made this amazing world for us. Also that God has a plan for us. He wants us to change others and in turn change ourselves. Also he loves each and everyone of his children. He might put them in different places in he world but it will never change the fact that we are all connected in one way or another. Also that God speaks through the Holy Ghost and will use the scriptures to communicate with us on a personal level when needed! I also learned how important daily personal scripture study truly is. I know I have had a hard time keeping up with reading the scriptures everyday after this experience but I will keep trying.

I'm grateful for the gospel and for everything this trip has taught me. Im grateful for all my experiences! Even almost getting hit by a bus. I'm grateful for my new found friends, and for everything I have been given. Kenya will always have a place in my heart from now on. Til we meet again! 

Hey guys! I love its here. It is just so humbling and beautiful in it's own way. (sorry for my bad spelling). Okay, things I've loved. I'll star there! I love the church members, school kiddo's, trip leaders (Jenna and Tyler) and I love the friends I'm just really starting to make! I also love Omi and Sarge who are the parents on the trip, who are amazing! I love the food! Though the meat is kinda sub! Capatis are the BEST! Omi is going to send me a picture of how to make the dough, but then I can make them for you! Also, I've bought LOTs of stuff for dirt cheap! I got a two liter soda for you guys to try and some for Sydni and it only cost me 235 shillings! (That's $235 USD)

I also got you all stuff but I'm not telling you what just yet! Well, that's all that's for the boys eyes...well, actually I'll write them tiny notes not he back of this page! 

Dad! You would love it here! The food is just so so so yummy and tasty! I miss your hugs, food and being able to make music with you! I can't wait to see your face again! There have been so many times I've wished you were here with me! Love you! 

Mom! I've missed you the most! You are my best friend and the greatest mother! You would love all the people I've been hanging with! I've been trying to move around to the different groups and have found the people I can trust and those who I just have to be like Christ too! Jenna and Omi have truly been the people who have helped me the most! Some drama has happened and we've take care of it so I'll tell you about it when I get back to save some space but these two amazing women have taught me more about myself and how the world works! They've calmed me down mid panic attack, held me when I've cried and have just been there for me while you haven't been able to. I love them....

...so so so so much! I want to introduce you to them some day! Omi says she would take my senior pictures if we wanted to do that or visit while we are on our way to Grandmas! Her insta is @omi.photos I think. 

Also, you would be very sad with the choices of soda they have! No Diet Coke! But pashon fruit (spelled that wrong) is SO SO Good! You would also love the kiddo's at the school! They are just so smart! Church has been fun the two times we've gone! I want to come back and show you, but I know I probably Can't! I love you so much and can't wait to see you Friday night! 

I have to go! Bye! Miss your voices! -Kedzie

Boys-Ethan, you would find this place to be so fun, hectic, but awesome! They have Masai knifes for around 1500 shilling sand you can barter! I didn't get you one b because that's a scary thought to see you with a machete and it would be a hassle to get through security! Triston you would have laughed at how many times I've thought that you would love it her e, and should be glad we are in the states, have smooth roads and traffic that people follow! Funny thing is that here most people J walk and the second time I did here, I almost got hit by a bus! Make sure mom doesn't hear your giggles cuz then she'll laugh too! Alex, you would love how good everyone here is at playing soccer! And the fact that you candy tricks at the school is a thing to behold! Also for the three of you! I miss you guys and wish I could bring you all here and introduce you all to my new friends and a different culture, and the amazing people of Kenya! 

LOVE you guys!