Why I Swapped Urban America for Life in Rural Kenya

For Jasmine, the decision to leave her federal employment job in the United States and move to a rural part of Kenya with her family was driven by a profound yearning for something more.

Disappointed with the relentless “rat race” of urban life in the US, she sought to honour her husband Kevin and provide a better life for her children by immersing them in a different culture, rich with opportunities to learn new languages and connect with their family’s heritage. For the American woman, Kenya’s allure extends beyond its vibrant traditions. Jasmine initially found herself enamoured with the country’s lifestyle and healthier food options which facilitated her weight loss journey without the need for stringent diets or workout regimens.

However, the transition was not without its challenges. The language barrier, cultural differences, and the quest for meaningful friendships posed obstacles that Jasmine navigated with an open mind. While English is widely spoken in developed areas, Jasmine recognizes the importance of learning Swahili or the local language to fully integrate into rural Kenyan life. Adapting to cultural norms such as dressing in dresses and skirts was another aspect of her journey. Making friends in the village proved isolating at first but Jasmine remained hopeful and determined to build meaningful relationships over time.

Jasmine’s love story with Kevin has its roots in a lucky encounter during a mission trip to Kenya. Though their initial meeting was brief, their paths crossed again the following year allowing them to truly connect. As their bond deepened, Jasmine found herself drawn to Kenya’s allure, prompting her to request a two-year internship with an organization in the East African country. It was during this time that the two began dating and Kevin would later surprise Jasmine on her birthday by showing up at her doorstep, cementing their connection.

For Jasmine and Kevin, the realization that they are a perfect match came after dating for a year and a half. With shared goals to reunite in the US, they embarked on a new chapter, overcoming immigration challenges to finally tie the knot in May 2016. Today, they are proud parents to two children.