Why Kenya

The primary reason we are going to Kenya is to visit my father-in-law Dr. Robert Mambo. My wife Anita was born in Kenya, but hasn't been back since she left with her mother and siblings when she was 10 years old. Through Anita's dad, we are hoping to be able to visit his people - the Chikambe - who live in a rural village outside of Mombasa.

Beyond my desire to experience my wife's heritage and connect with my father-in-law, there are two other influences in my interest in Kenya and Africa at large...

In '93 when I was in college I read the book - "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay. The author is Australian, but the book takes place in South Africa and follows a fictional South African boy's inspirational life. This book made a huge impact on me and my perception of African culture. The main character is white, but because he is of English decent in the 1940's-50's he is subject to tremendous racism from the Afrikans. He therefore grows up with a sensitivity to the plight of oppressed black South Africans, and is able to bridge the gap between white and black - finding incredible beauty and power all around him.

Recently I read Barack Obama's autobiography which follows his story of growing up with a Kenyan father and a white American mother. So much about his background is extremely similar to Anita's. His father separated from the family and returned to Kenya when Barack was still a kid. Later, as an adult, he returns to Kenya to meet his father's Kenyan family and learn about his heritage.

These stories have instilled in me a curiosity about Africa that in a small way helped inspire this trip.