I met all my in-laws( read in - loves) two weeks ago. I had met Ken's mother, and brother in 2009 in London, I was excited and anxious to be meeting his two sisters- Judy and Joan.
The two weeks I spent with them was filled with immense warmth and love. This is a family rich with Love.
From the moment I met them, I knew I was a part of them. By the time they were leaving, we all had very teary goodbyes.
Ken and I took leave from work so as to host them. We booked vacation and took them around the country. From the Kenyan coastline to the Masai Mara to the depths of the Rift Valley, we had a wonderful time!
They were happy to be home after 12 years! They came home and found that life had moved on, without them, despite them, because of them, they missed out on many things, babies were born, grew up, talked, walked, people got married, divorced and some even remarried. Goverments fell and others took power, trees were felled and river dried up! indeed its been a long time.
Other than meeting Ethan and myself, they wanted to see their country, meet their relatives, go places and soak up every minute and every experience.....
I can imagine their excitement when the flight captain announced, "mamabibi na mabwana…tumewasili nyumbani!'
We enjoyed the sandy white beaches of Mombasa, the evening sea breeze at the Sarova Hotel, the sea food was tasty, the cocktails.... everything was magical.
Masai Mara was wonderful! we stayed at the Mara Sopa Lodge. The game-drives were exciting. We got to see the big 5 up close and personal, the hyena feeding at 10p.m, massai dancing, Robert and Ken enjoyed having a cold Tusker under the big African skies...
While at home, I got to sample and try out different recipes with the girls. Ken's mother can make the best fish!
Judy and Joan were excellent with Ethan. They sang him songs, put him to bed, bathed him and feed him. After afew days, Ethan was in love with his aunties. I guess its also because, they are fabolus;they make an effort to look good. From their hair, to fashion sense, these girls are on top of things!
Ethan was spoilt rotten! He got enough gifts to last him another year. The memories are indeed great!
We laughed together, played together, prayed together, watched the sunset together, dined together over great wine! All the small things that make life so beautiful......
Judy and Joan left on Saturday for Los Angeles, Robert leaves tomorrow for London and mum will be here until end of March.
It was sad to say goodbye to Judy and Joan. I hope we shall have a wonderful time with Mum. - I really hope to see them in September during Judy's wedding.
Anyway, I could recount family anecdotes and events ad nauseum but I realise they only mean what they mean, to me. And my skewed sense of belonging to these people- my family!!
I see though, that this longing in me draws from our culture. The unwritten rule that calls you to love. Because your brother, sister, mother, father are your family. And THAT is who you are.
I ask myself now how I have got by for so long on crumbs of the meal that mean the most to me. Well. That right there is what life teaches you... to cherish what you have, who are and where you have been, in the moments that are given to you. Because each one of those things is rich. Amazingly so........
All my love,
Emma K!
