Kenya Day 1: Kansas City to Kenya
Our journey to Kenya officially began with a long but exciting day of travel, filled with anticipation, teamwork, and our first real glimpses of the country that will be home for the next stage of our mission.
We landed in Chicago around 1:00 PM, where we had a short layover, grabbed lunch, and prepared for our overnight flight to Frankfurt. Our flight departed just after 4:50 PM, and we were treated to a memorable experience: flying on a Boeing 747 double-decker, a rare and impressive sight for many of us. The eight-hour flight passed more comfortably than expected—some members of our group were even upgraded and able to rest in reclining seats, arriving in Europe feeling surprisingly refreshed.
After landing in Frankfurt, we stretched our legs, enjoyed authentic German Bretzels, and gathered at Gate B20 to wait for our final flight to Nairobi. That flight was delayed, but spirits remained high as we prepared for the last leg of our journey. We departed at about 5 PM local time, with an expected arrival in Kenya shortly before 10:00 PM.
At 9:47 PM, we touched down in Nairobi.
Arrival Challenges — and Teamwork
As is often the case with international medical missions, our arrival came with some unexpected challenges. While clearing customs, several members of our team were delayed due to medical equipment in their checked bags. The bags were marked with pink chalk and pulled aside, with customs officials repeatedly referring to the contents as “donations.” Despite explanations that the equipment was not being donated, the situation required intervention from Billy, who worked directly with officials to resolve the issue.
After a long wait—and with two team members briefly having their passports held—the situation was resolved with a moderate customs charge. It was a stressful moment, but the group handled it with patience, cooperation, and calm persistence.
By 11:39 PM, we were reunited and waiting by the bus.
First Impressions of Nairobi
Our bus ride into the city offered our first real look at Nairobi. The bus itself was brightly colored and beautifully decorated, and despite some creative maneuvering to fit all of our luggage—complete with pushing, stuffing, squishing, and one Toyota Land Cruiser pressed into service for overflow—we were finally on our way.
Driving through Nairobi late at night, the city felt vibrant and alive. Sidewalks and storefronts were filled with people enjoying one another’s company, and the energy of the city was unmistakable.
At 12:57 AM, we arrived at our hotel.
We made our way down a palm-tree-lined, brick-paved street, up a narrow drive, and into the welcoming grounds of the Kingfisher Nest Hotel. Inside the lobby, a stunning multi-story chandelier featuring kingfisher birds greeted us—an elegant and fitting welcome after such a long journey.
With many hungry travelers, several members of the team checked in and headed straight to the hotel restaurant, where burgers and a chance to finally sit down were met with great appreciation.
Looking Ahead
After nearly 30 hours of travel, our team was finally in Kenya—tired, grateful, and ready for the days ahead. Tomorrow, we begin the journey to Nyamira, where the heart of this mission truly begins.