Home Again Nairobi, Kenya
The of our start 27-hour travel journey to Nairobi!
Dear friend,
As we stepped off the plane and our feet touched Kenyan soil again for the first time in ten years, I (Jared) was overwhelmed by the strangest and most beautiful sensation—it felt familiar; it felt like I was home.
There’s something unmistakable about the air here. It carries the scent of the earth, rain, and something deeper—something sacred. But even more than the smells or the landscape, it was the people who made me at home again. The gentle, kind, and unshakably hospitable spirit of the Kenyan people—those smiling black faces full of warmth—welcomed me back like a long-lost brother.
Walking out of the airport was slightly overwhelming. We were greeted by a sea of people trying to secure our business. “Taxi?” one man yelled. “Brother, come here. I have a ride for you,” another shouted. It was a lot of excitement after a long plane ride, but it didn’t take me long to catch my breath, smile, and respond with a friendly “Jambo Rafiki” (hi friend).
A flood of memories returned. It was like my heart remembered before my head did. This is the land where I first woke up from a life dulled by comfort and materialism. It’s here that I met the beauty of Jesus in such a real, tangible way. Kenya is where I came alive—truly alive. Where I began to hear God's voice with clarity, and understand something of His heart for justice, mercy, and service. The Kenyan people taught me so much; I feel forever indebted to them.
And now, this time, I get to share it with my wife, Jordan. This alone brings me so much joy!She’s witnessing the place that forever left me changed. She’s tasting the food, dancing to the music, connecting with the people—and she’s loving it! Sometimes I look at her and think “this is where she was always meant to be.”
The last time I was here in 2015, I had the honor of leading a team of five—a nurse, a filmmaker, an engineer, an artist, and a teacher—each one carrying a unique gift to offer and an open heart to learn. We came not to fix, but to walk alongside. That experience planted something deep in me.
Since then, I returned to the U.S. and pursued my education—earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. It wasn’t just about a career; it was preparation. I did it with the hope that one day, I’d return—not as a visitor, but as a partner with the Kenyan people responding to a deep calling.
I feel it now more than ever. My destiny is woven into this country. I am called here—not only to help, but to learn. To sit at the feet of the people, to serve with humility, and to walk hand in hand with those who have so much wisdom, resilience, and depth to offer.
So here we are! Ten years later. Jordan for the first time. I’m slightly older, maybe a little wiser, and still deeply in love with Kenya. We’re ready to set these feet to dancing!
Thanks for walking this journey with us! We love including friends along the way. We’ll be sharing more soon but just wanted to write you this first note from our hearts. JAMBO! WE MADE IT TO KENYA!
With love from Nairobi,
Jared and Jordan Gustafson
