The African Aunties: Kenya, Kindness & Kinship

My daughter and I just returned from the adventure of a lifetime: a 10-day African safari.

I had dreamed of an African safari for years. I imagined elephants wandering across the savanna, lions resting beneath acacia trees, giraffes stretching toward the sky, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.

Africa gave us every bit of that.

Traveling halfway around the world with my twenty-year-old daughter was exciting, but it was also a little intimidating. We were thousands of miles from home, on a different continent, surrounded by unknown places and unfamiliar faces. Like any mom, there was a small part of me that wondered what it would feel like to be so far away with just the two of us.

On our very first day, we met four women from Toronto who happened to be traveling with our safari group. At first, we were simply fellow travelers. We exchanged introductions and climbed into the same safari vehicle.

But somewhere between the early morning game drives, the long, dusty roads, and the unforgettable wildlife sightings, something changed. We watched elephants wander across the savanna, held our breath as lions lounged just feet away, and celebrated every incredible sighting together. Evenings were spent sharing meals, swapping stories, and laughing until our stomachs hurt. Over ten unforgettable days, we stopped being fellow travelers and became friends.

They became our African Aunties.

These remarkable women welcomed us into their circle as though we’d known each other for years. They took my daughter under their wings, celebrating every exciting moment with her, laughing with her, encouraging her, checking in on her, and making sure she always felt included. They looked out for her in such a beautiful, caring way. As her mother, watching complete strangers embrace my daughter with such genuine warmth and kindness was one of the greatest gifts of the entire trip.

Ten days.

That’s all it took.

Ten days filled with breathtaking wildlife, endless laughter, heartfelt conversations, shared meals, bumpy roads, and moments of pure joy. Somewhere along the way, we stopped being six travelers sharing an itinerary and became six friends sharing an unforgettable experience.

By the time we hugged goodbye, it didn’t feel like we were leaving people we’d just met. It felt like we were leaving family. These incredible Aunties, over a span of ten days, reminded me of lessons I hope I never forget.

Take life one step at a time. Don’t rush the journey or get too far ahead of yourself. Be present for the moment you’re in, trust the plan, and keep moving forward. 

Never stop seeking adventure. Whether adventure means traveling halfway around the world or simply saying yes to something new, life still has wonderful surprises waiting for us.

It is never too late to follow your dreams. These women reminded me that curiosity, joy, and wonder don’t have an expiration date.

Get up and dance. Don’t worry about looking silly. Simply enjoy the moment. Sometimes happiness is found by saying “yes” before overthinking it.

Friendships matter. We often believe meaningful relationships take years to build. Sometimes they do. But sometimes all it takes is openness, shared experiences, and a willingness to connect.

There is something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by people who understand what you’re experiencing. People who nod because they’ve been there. People who celebrate your small victories. People who remind you that you are strong and brave.

If you’re navigating divorce, feeling scared, alone, and wondering whether to join a support group, I hope you’ll remember our story.

Sometimes all it takes is one shared journey to find your people. Support groups have a beautiful way of creating that same kind of connection. People begin by sharing introductions. Then they begin sharing pieces of themselves.

Week by week, they encourage one another, celebrate small victories, laugh together, cry together, and gently remind each other that healing is possible.

Strangers become familiar faces.

Familiar faces become trusted friends.

And the journey suddenly doesn’t feel so lonely anymore.

Looking back, I realize our safari wasn’t just about seeing Africa or witnessing its incredible wildlife.  It was about discovering what happens when we stay open to new places, new adventures, and especially to new people.

Sometimes the greatest gifts in life aren’t found in the destinations we visit. They’re found in the connections we make along the way. All it takes is a shared journey, an open heart, and a willingness to connect with strangers to become friends.

To our African Aunties, thank you.

Thank you for welcoming us into your circle and for taking my daughter under your wings with such warmth, kindness, and generosity. Thank you for your laughter, your adventurous spirits, your wisdom, and for reminding us that friendship knows no borders, no timeline, and no age. You made a faraway place feel like home, and our lives are richer because our paths crossed.

If you are interested in learning more about my Rebuild and Blossom: From Endings to New Beginnings divorce support group, visit: kimberlylorahcoaching.com.  

Men’s and Women’s groups are beginning in September.  

Want to chat?  Schedule a complimentary consultation at https://calendly.com/blossom-coaching/complimentary-meeting-30-minutes