I love talking about food. It makes me feel connected to my family back home. ​​

But now that I am in London, my connection with my family and cultural connections to food are broken, which makes me sad and lonely. ​​

When the crops were ready, we harvested them, brought them home, and cooked them. I used to go to the fields with both my mother and grandmother, though I spent more time with my mom since my grandmother wasn’t feeling well. My mother clearly wanted me to learn these traditions, and these experiences made me feel loved. ​​

I enjoyed how we prepared food together before cooking—it was a fun, shared experience. As we made the dishes, the smells filled the air, creating a sense of excitement about cooking various meals. I was eager to learn about different types of Kenyan cuisine that extend beyond my own culture, particularly in terms of preparation, cultivation of ingredients, and monitoring their growth. They have taught me how to prepare food, the importance of handling food, including interacting with others, and how to conduct myself with respect during special occasions. While some people may have parents to teach them about cultural practices, not everyone has that advantage. I feel fortunate that my parents are present in my life even though from afar now that I am in the UK.​