a mits intern experience from a-z

​Lauren Meandro, Filmmaker Intern

As I’ve lived in Kenya for over a month now, it’s hard to pick just one experience to talk about. So, I figured it was best to go back to the basics and go through the ABCs. This month I’ll focus on letters A-H.

A - AIRPLANES AND AIRPORTS

We had to take three flights to get to Nairobi. Traveling is already tiring itself, but tack on a nine hour layover and a missed flight and you have a recipe for some delirious interns. We survived though, despite the several days of jet lag that it caused us!

B - BONFIRE

Within the first couple weeks of being here, a group from Lipscomb Academy came. They put on a bonfire and made smores with the students. Many of the kids had never tasted marshmallows before and, honestly, didn’t like them very much (they were just too sweet for them). They loved roasting them though!

C - CONNECTION

I’ve been able to connect with the students in many ways since being here. Taking selfies, painting together, and sharing music… but the biggest way has definitely been through my hair. I knew coming to Kenya with purple hair would get some stares, and maybe a question or two, but I never imagined that I’d have the same conversation about it a minimum of 5 times a day. 

D - DANCING

Boy, can these students dance! While much of the staff goes to visit Eastleigh bases on Eastleigh Fridays, the students have the day to hang out and just be kids. Many of the students play soccer on the field while others dance. I’ve been able to join in a few times, and though the students are far better than I am, I’ve definitely enjoyed the experience!

E - EXPERIENCE

Over the last few weeks I’ve definitely had many new experiences. One of them was pulling a banana directly off the bunch! Here’s a video of some of the other interns pulling bananas with MITS founder, Charles Coulston.

F - FLORA AND FAUNA

There are many things I love about being in different parts of the world (as you’ll see throughout this series), but there’s just something special about the different plants and animals that are native to the area where I'm living. Here are just some of the pieces of God’s creation that I’ve been seeing.

G - GABU

This. Sweet. Boy.

Gabu is sassy, smart, and just full of personality. He’s the son of Elizabeth, a recent grad from MITS, who is currently still living at MITS in Kamulu. Some students struggle to get all the documents they need to get a job after graduation. MADE IN THE STREETS tries to help the best they can, especially in the case of young mothers. I know Elizabeth and Gabu won’t be around us for much longer, so I’m soaking up the time we have left with them.

H - HOMESICK

The honeymoon phase has definitely faded and I’m missing certain pieces of home. I’ve found myself missing my car a lot recently, though I think that really stems from missing the independence that I have in the US. For several legitimate reasons, there are not many places MITS allows me (as a young white woman) to go by myself. Abiding by cultural and carefully considered standards are often just part of living “sent”. It may be hard sometimes, but leaning into God’s purpose for me here is far better than focusing on what I’m missing.