Swahili for "small and beautiful"
I first learned the meaning of this word at the Kazuri bead factory in Nairobi, where I picked up a few beads for my trip bracelet (great idea Nat!).
When we set out on this adventure, I looked forward to some incredibly awesome times, and I mentally prepared for some times that would downright suck. What I didn't consider were the Kazuri times. Small and beautiful experiences that would bring a smile to my lips and warm my heart.
Like when we were wandering around Loitokitok, a border town in southern Kenya, and a little boy, probably not more than 2 years old, pulled his older brother across the street toward us with his arm stretched out to hold our hands with a big huge smile on his face.
Or when I discovered, a week after buying a shoulder bag at the Nairobi city market, that the Swahili words on it read "though I have traveled far, I am not yet tired".
And just 2 days ago, Aran and I went for a run on the beach in Bwejuu (we've been drinking too many Tuskers!!) when we were chased by a group of giggling, squealing kids. They cart-wheeled and jumped, grabbing our shirts and arms...happy as ever in their way-too-big and tattered clothes. They were small and they were beautiful, and they left us with a totally unexpected smile for the run home.
