I’ve been delighted by the opportunities to teach yoga in a variety of spaces, and to meet the lovely people who attend my classes. Friendships have been formed, which have expanded my life experiences in ways I never expected. Four years ago I started teaching free classes in my home while I was still in yoga teacher training. Last month I flew to Nairobi at the warm invitation of my friend Angela and her Aunt Mary.

They had been coming to my classes while in the States visiting friends and family. Over several weeks our friendship deepened, and before they flew home they invited me to come visit them and teach yoga in Kenya. The idea grew in my head, so I began looking at airfare and things to do in Nairobi. I told Angela she had to take me to The Giraffe Center and Nairobi National Park, whether she wanted to or not; and that I would teach as many yoga classes to her friends and family as she could arrange.

Both of these places were amazing, with the National Park taking several hours as we took countless pictures while oohing and awing. It was truly an awesome experience to see so much wildlife close up. These are the pictures that I’ve shared the most, but they are not representative of what affected me most.

Karibu is Swahili for welcome. I not only heard the word often but felt it in warm hugs, handshakes and bright smiles. People welcomed me into their homes, provided delicious meals, and shared conversation with me as though we were longtime friends. They insisted I be part of group photos, wanting to remember our time together.

I ended up teaching 8 classes while I was there, fitting them in between feasts and wildlife adventures. It made me happy to have something to offer them in exchange for their warm hospitality, and it was a great way to meet more people.

My mind is already filled with ideas about returning next year. Maybe a trip to Mount Kenya, maybe a trip to the coast. What I know for sure is that there will be big smiles and hugs to welcome me. That we’ll enter into conversations as though we’ve been longtime friends. And I’ll be sure to hear and feel karibu again and again.