8 Things That Have NOT Changed In the 8 Years Since I Moved Back to Kenya

I love an anniversary—the pause it offers, the nudge to reflect. Recently, I marked eight years since I moved back to Kenya, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how life has shifted: new routines, evolving dreams, unexpected growth.

Last week, I shared eight things that have changed since making the big move home. But today, I want to celebrate the constants. Because even with all the change, some parts of me have stayed remarkably the same. Here are eight things that haven’t changed, eight years in:

1. I still feel like I’m in my early 30s

Despite what my birth certificate says, I often find myself surprised by my actual age. I keep wondering if one day I’ll suddenly feel older—or if this is just how life is. When I turned 30, I remember thinking that it felt so right. Way more right than any age in my 20s. Maybe I'll feel that way when I turn 40, but for now, I still feel like I'm almost a decade younger than reality.

2. I’ve maintained close relationships with family and friends

Even with oceans between us, I’m lucky to have deep and meaningful connections with my family and closest friends. Some I speak to weekly, others I catch up with only a few times a year—but the bond is strong and enduring.

3. I’m still incredibly hard on myself when I make a mistake

This one I wish had changed a bit more. While I’ve grown in confidence and resilience, I still get deeply discouraged when I mess up. It's a work in progress, but maybe some self-criticism is just part of how I’m wired.

4. My clothes

Yes, really. A large portion of my wardrobe has stayed the same since I moved back. It turns out I just don’t care much about buying new clothes. If I like something and it still fits, it stays.

5. I’m still single

This is one of those areas that ebbs and flows. I’ve had seasons of actively putting myself out there and seasons of barely trying. No serious relationship has come from it—yet. Most of the time, I feel at peace about it. Occasionally, I feel the weight of it. I’ve come to accept both as part of the journey. Ultimately, my life is too good to sacrifice for a sub-par relationship. So unless it's great, I'm going to pass.

6. I still get restless every couple of years

Something in me craves a shake-up every so often. Sometimes that means rearranging my furniture. Sometimes it means taking a spontaneous trip. And occasionally, it means a full-blown life reinvention. It’s been a while since the last big one… so who knows what’s next?

7. Still counting every penny

Starting a business was never going to be the shortcut to riches—but wow, the financial hustle is real. I’m getting by and paying my bills, but there’s not a lot of cushion. That said, there’s satisfaction in knowing I’m building something on my own terms.

8. I still love living in Kenya

Despite the occasional restlessness, this is still home. Kenya has a magic that hasn’t worn off, even after all these years. I’ve explored so much and yet barely scratched the surface of what this country has to offer. I truly still love it here.

Eight years in, and the constants are as important as the changes. They remind me of who I am beneath the shifting surface of seasons and stories. So here's to the parts of us that remain steady, even as everything else evolves.

And here’s to anniversaries—for giving us a reason to pause, to reflect, and to remember how far we’ve come.