Reflections on Moving to Kenya from America (1.5 Years Later) | IJEOMA KOLA

[@suenanu4648]

I completely relate to your jarring experience. I moved back home to Kenya after 17 years of being away. The first year was extremely jarring and a complete culture shock, don't forget I'm Kenyan when I say that. I have never worked in Kenya and when I left I was 23 and came back at 41. 3 years later, I'm still trying to find my footing. So I completely relate to you

[@africanqueenmo]

I understand

[@wamaithak]

I really enjoyed this video and it got me thinking. I'm Kenyan, I've lived in Europe and in North America. In both those circumstances I think I resisted change, and took a while to adopt new ways of living. By contrast, when I moved to Nigeria, or Burkina Faso (I worked in both countries for some time), I was really excited to adopt and learn the new cultures around me. I was far more open to other African cultures and ways of being. Perhaps with all the change in your life (school, baby etc), there wasn't space for this excitment? Also, I think the use of the terms "expat" versus "immigrant" is not purely temporal as you suggest. If it was just a matter of time spent away, then (for example) most Mexican people living in USA would be known as "expats" and not "immigrants" as we know, many move back and forth over the border, with plans to go back home after working for a short time. Sadly, "expat" is seems to be reserved only for white migrants, or people moving from a "western" country to a the global south. It's all about perceived power and usually, race.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thank you so much for sharing!☺

[@Taylordessalines]

Well said.

[@theturkanabus3610]

Expat is just a fancy synonym for guest worker

[@julieariellemwihaki7647]

I am glad that people are moving to Kenya . Karibu sana.❤❤🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@wangui9944]

Girl you’ve grown so much!♥️Also this video has helped me understand where you’re coming from with all the transitions 1.5 years ago. I’m Kenyan, I can’t per se say I was offended by the initial video, I understood, though the choice of words didn’t sit well with me. All this to say, I understand better and you’ve grown 🤗🤗🤗! So pleased you’re enjoying Kenya. It challenges me as a Kenyan to be more grateful

[@wanjah.374]

Let me tell you, I moved from Kenya to Europe and weeh! I realized in year 7 of living here that I was resisting the life here coz I felt like I would be betraying my Kenyaness. My life got so much more colorful and rich when I accepted that I can still be Kenyan and feel at home wherever I am.

[@alfanm.8221]

Si unikanje kitu kidogo niko msoto na hii lock down.

[@wanjah.374]

@@alfanm.8221 😂😂😂😂. Not those kinda riches , but Amen

[@positivevybes247]

@@wanjah.374 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wereskikate5259]

You will pick up swahili even without lessons because kenyans speak it everywhere. I love that you are teaching your son igbo as well.keep that nigerian culture alive👏🏿

[@nje509]

Moving to Nigeria was a big transition for me and my son. Even though it was my mother country it was an adjustment. It helped solved a story that I made up in my mind that was not true. Belonging is important and I realized that I belong any and everywhere. My son spent 3 years and it changed his whole life! It is powerful experience to see black people in every position and on TV. That is so important for African American boys.

[@teresai1877]

Very interesting story. I'm even considering moving back to Nigeria myself for the reasons you brought up. I found that it is hard to make lasting social connections in the US. When your son grows up, he needs community and what about a spouse? That's the situation my family is in. Currently, I'm single (over 30), none of my siblings is married, and we don't have many friends. That's in spite of being friendly, going to different events, church, work, etc. Perhaps this may be largely because we live in California where there are very few black/African people. I recommend maintaining your Nigerian connections for yourself and for your son. You have to think long term.

[@bongiwembatha8622]

I moved to Nairobi Kenya from South Africa, it has been tough but now when I leave Kenya I miss it immediately Its my home now. It would be nice to meet you one day and just reflect on the reasons why we moved etc.

[@hk254lyt8]

I thought SA was developed. Why would you move to Kenya?

[@bongiwembatha8622]

I love Kenya

[@gracekuria6333]

@@hk254lyt8 kenya is developing its not a jungle..

[@NthabisengKomane]

This is awesome, I'm an interested South African.... Interested in moving to Kenya for a year atleast.... Do u have a video on your experience?

[@bongiwembatha8622]

@@NthabisengKomane oh I've never thought of documenting it but I've had so much great experience. If you have socials I'll definitely share more info with you

[@charlotteroberts3763]

I'm glad the experience is better. I'm seeing quite a few people leaving the US to move to the native land.

[@Iffy2009]

I took me about the same time to adjust to life in Kenya too. It actually took me going back to Canada for 8 months (during the 2017 elections) to know Kenya is where I belonged. I couldn’t wait to come and was so grateful once I finally did.

[@kui9993]

This is good to hear I'm also moving this month and I'm scared really

[@letsseeuson1264]

@@kui9993 it’s home hope you landed safely

[@stevenirungu4323]

i moved to another county in kenya from nyeri to kitui. am feeling very unfriendly, bored, sad, lonely. this feelings come and go they change. i keep on wishing things were different like it was cooler, there was fresh cow milk, the water tasted better, had friends

[@rachsjourney596]

We want to move to Kenya 🇰🇪 My hubby is Kenyan and has so much family there. Want to kids & I to experience life outside the US

[@kui9993]

Take the move I'm moving as well but i don't know where to start though 😁

[@alicemgiri845]

@@kui9993 I will say Nairobi has beautiful houses more modern but a bit expensive... I will say the coast is the best place

[@Habibtay]

If you're moving to a new countey never move to the capital city unless you're a billionaire. The bustle is too much. Instead move to areas surrounding. Like Kiambu County or go down to the coast

[@_huengminto_]

@@kui9993 Hadi wenye wako Mathare ka wewe wanajichocha. Si ni wewe last week tulikuwa tunang'ang'ania fare ya kuenda town.

[@kui9993]

@@_huengminto_ najichocha kufanya nini?kama wewe hujatoka nje usidhAnie kila mtu ni kama wewe

[@JustCHICHI]

My family moved to Canada from Onitsha when I was nine. I’m 32 now so I pretty much grew up in Canada but I moved to Nigeria when I was 25 to be with my then boyfriend, now husband. Moved back here two years after. Going back as an adult was the most beautiful experience, and living in Canada with our toddler has made us hyper-aware about instilling tradition into her. It’s hard because I grew up in Canada, but I find myself wanting her to know more about Nigeria.

[@alobaoluwaseun1849]

I moved to the US from Nigeria alone without any family members or relatives receiving me here. I came in to school, it was difficult, getting my Nigerian foods was from Nigeria for the first year. My mom would send enough to last for a while till we had someone else visiting to bring some more. I’m getting acclimated to the environment now. I understand the need to get your stuff from the community you know, till you find your feet in the new place. I’m happy you’re teaching Baby Kola various African languages 💃🏾💃🏾 that makes me so happy.

[@bethmugambi8819]

I can definitely see the growth in you since you moved to Kenya. I started following you a year ago when I was looking to hearing from other people about their experiences after moving to Kenya. I had been living in Europe for 19 years and I was planning to relocate back home. I have been back in Kenya now the last 5 months having moved back during the pandemic and started a business in that time. I can truly relate to your experience but loving being home and the peace it brings. Well done for sticking it out in Kenya.

[@TheBoldPhD]

Uprooting your life to live in a new place DEFINITELY takes some adjusting. I moved to the US from Ghana when I was 20 and I think back then, my mental constructs were definitely different and I don't know if I would be able to make such a massive move now that I am two years removed from 40. It's one thing to move as a young person and another thing to move when you've sort of settled and know what to expect as a much older person. Change is hard! Haha. Glad to hear your story of adjustment.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wanjanjama]

Thank you for sharing Ijeoma! It's been a pleasure to watch your journey as you've acclimated to Nairobi and this new place and stage of your life. I remember feeling slightly jarred when you first moved because for me it initially felt like as you had described, "making Kenya seem less than life in America", but now that you've explained your story and I've kept up with your journey, your mindset then makes sense. I'm happy that you've been authentic to your story, experiences, and your truth even amidst getting backlash on certain viewpoints and things, and for continuing to share your story and express your lifestyle in Nairobi and Kenya in the best way you see fit. I thank you for creating this content and sharing your journey (mentally, and physically) with us because as a Kenyan born and raised in Nairobi, now currently based in Boston, MA, it is very special and meaningful to me to see your posts and see little snippets of home. It makes being away and living abroad more bearable and enjoyable because, through your content, I am able to feel a little more connected to home. Everything you've said though, especially regarding the ferociousness immigrants have in protecting our identity hits home. I have done the same since I left home, and there are certain things I've refused to adjust to because it simply for me reflects giving up a part of my heritage and upbringing that I'm not willing or comfortable doing. I wrote a poem in 2019 which actually described my experiences and reflections on moving to the US as a Kenyan immigrant. It highlighted the discomfort I felt when I realized no one sees or cares about the multiplicity of your identities; and instead just sees the first two (my black womanhood), which especially in the US, can sometimes lead to your harm. It has definitely been a learning curve for me as well, and like you said - no one place is perfect, but you find the joys and little things that you like; and once you have your spots in a city, that's when you can feel like you've adjusted. Thank you for reading my comment and for making this video once again!

[@sallyjambo5316]

Nice to hear from you! It’s difficult moving to another culture. U ain’t doing bad at all. U looking good young woman.

[@SamMKKK]

Love to see it, Ijeoma. Also, I feel that hidden undertones of classism sometimes govern whether people classify themselves as expats or immigrants. (PS: Lol I love to remind myself that there are more aspects to my culture than its language, and that I will always proudly be Ga whether or not I speak it fluently.)

[@annicks7385]

I find pleasure in the fact that you’re not making absolute decisions . You’re giving yourself time to just let life flow .

[@ThrivingNotDying]

I like the distinction between expat and immigrant. As someone who likes to live overseas, away from the US, perhaps if I look at my moves in new eyes it will help with the adjustment period. Love the video!

[@vivianeclement8285]

unsolicited book recommendation (lol): All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou. It's about her experience living, working, and raising her son in Ghana. But I hear you on preserving mental space for Igbo for your child and prioritizing that for a while. Especially given the fact that you live in Kenya where you can get by pretty easily with English.

[@BackToMama1]

Thanks for the book recommendation!!

[@Raetalkss]

Yes to teaching your son Igbo, I am Yoruba and if I was bothered enough would learn Igbo it just sounds so beautiful!

[@gcbaby100]

Over my 38 years in existence I have been moved (as Kid) and as an adult 5 times at least.I was born in Ghana to Ghanaian parents. From UK, to Zimbabwe , to Botswana, to South Africa, to Botswana, to Kenya and 2 years ago Dec 2018 after my husband's Phd Graduation at UoN moved to Ghana where I currently reside (and Rona has 'grounded' me) . I can relate to what you said about your parents saying fundamentally they are running a Ghanaian household irrespective of wherever we (as a child) or I (as an adult moved to) lol . I realised more and more during my early stay in Ghana, that I am actually more Bantu (eastern/ southern African) than I was Ghanaian (of course I don't even have a Ghanaian passport) . The first year I spent backlashing my parents for telling us all these years Ghana was this amazing place and it was a 'scam' ( the vacations will definitely fool you into believing that). I also realized and understood how elderly returnees died so soon after their return to the country which was always a mystery to me ( the support system was not there etc ... Don't want my post to be too wordy hehe) However my 6 year experience in Kenya was the most amazing one and I cherish the amazing friendships, and memories I had of the place. It's definitely a place I would to return to quite regularly until Rona hit. On the whole I have forced myself to assimilate here and identified low hanging fruit I can work on to keep me focused and not anxious. But it has not been easy. In Ghana I relied heavily on my extended family, in-laws and hubby as I soon came to realise I really did not know the culture well. Long story short.. moving countries is not easy, yes u do cling to what can keep you grounded. However once u arrive find a support network that can help settle u ( my office admin in Kenya were amazing... Call them my second mum's and we are still in touch today). All the best of luck and thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Hey there! Thanks for sharing!😀

[@bee3828]

@gcbaby100 Hey, I would love to visit Ghana and Kenya in the future (I am Nigerian and Caribbean but I was born and grew up abroad). How would you compare the quality of life in Ghana vs Kenya? 😄

[@mariancounsellor]

How do you not his Ghanaian passport if you were born there? I was born in the UK but my dad was Ghanaian and I’m in the process of getting a Ghanaian passport. It’s really unusual for someone not to have a passport for their country of birth.

[@bellaolum9768]

Adjusting to any new country/city/culture is not that easy, especially when you are an adult. It is completely understand and you have done well.

[@vuyile]

Loved the video! As someone who also recently moved back to my home country (Eswatini) after 9 years in Canada, I totally relate to all of this. I had assumed because I grew up here, it would be an easy transition, but I hadn't realized how embedded Canadian culture is in me. So I've had to be compassionate over myself for how long it's taking to get acclimated, and express that to other people too. I will say it has made me alot more understanding of people I know who did immigrate yet haven't let go of their own cultural identities. It can really be understood by someone who's experienced it.

[@cappiah78]

i completely understand you!i moved from Nigeria to the UK..😬😬it was so many rude shocks...especially when I got pregnant and wasnt surrounded by my community...

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LauraExplaura]

I recently moved from Kenya to Lagos Nigeria and I can totally relate to most of the things you're saying. Visiting a place as a tourist is one thing. Moving permanently there is a totally different thing altogether!😅 It's been 4 months for me and I'm still adjusting. Even though I love Nigerian life and culture, I'm putting in a conscious effort to keep my Kenyan roots aflame.

[@akinyingesaobinwogo3039]

Girl I'm waiting for your upload! whens it out?

[@LauraExplaura]

@@akinyingesaobinwogo3039 Next Monday guuurrllllll! ❤️😁

[@digitallocations1423]

Love your attitude. 😙😊

[@MJ-ye7dd]

Hope you love it here. Karibu Kenya. ❤

[@Jennyleonce]

Ijeoma, i totally understand when you say you had to adjust in the beginning. I myself moved to Cameroon 6 months ago from the US & I vlog about it. Even though i was born & raised in Cameroon, i still had to adjust because going back home when you are a grown woman now is just different. I myself shipped most of my things from the U.S. (i.e: mattress, tampons, skin care prdcts etc...) I love your videos 😘

[@georgekarago4458]

This piece is an edifying, objective, and nsightful reflection.

[@naturalgirldiy]

Great video. Seriously thinking of spending afew years in Kenya. Definitely visiting soon.

[@letsseeuson1264]

You are welcome to Kenya disclaimer you might not want to go back .

[@naturalgirldiy]

@@letsseeuson1264 Thank You. If it works out, why not.

[@letsseeuson1264]

@@naturalgirldiy 😂 that’s true my bad so what’s your interest culture or weather or safari .

[@alias6001]

That’s lovely to here! You do seem so much lighter and happier!

[@terrydaniel1572]

I moved from Nairobi to DC and I there’s only one explanation that I felt summed up the experience of moving, “It’s like being born again”.

[@mznickyleblanc9135]

Yay!!Been waiting for this update with crossed fingers. I’m thinking of moving back to Ghana and I watch you for guidance. Thank you!!

[@a.a.6762]

You are doing so well, I am 2 years in and I can tell you, I have NOT adjusted

[@LizNonyabiz]

Leave. It's ok that you tried it and it's not for you. Plan, save and make the necessary moves for your peace of mind! Good luck!

[@a.a.6762]

@@LizNonyabiz Actually working on it. Thanks

[@haroldotieno5804]

I think all this will certainly be an enriching experience for your son. His triple heritage as Kenyan/Nigerian/American is a beautiful thing. I imagine as he grows and makes friends (should you decide to stay), it will expand your social connections as well.

[@alfanm.8221]

Am from kayole and i moved to rongai and i love the people of rongai coz they are friendly but the problem is that i can't understand their language but slowly am learning like yesterday i learned few words like:- mambo Nakupenda Jambo kenya Unachoma jo.

[@morionzenza3720]

🤣🤣Zima iyo kitu unavuta

[@catherinenjoka2467]

Kayole to rongai

[@alfanm.8221]

@@morionzenza3720 😂😂😂😂

[@alfanm.8221]

@@catherinenjoka2467 sindio mambo lkini😂

[@mugambikarugu843]

Una ufala jo

[@sophiejemimah8858]

As soon I got my citizenship...I missed home . Kenya....and came back from North Carolina to kenya...and I love it. I miss target 🎯 miss tjmax...miss marshall.. Ross but I love shopping home

[@Johndoe1y]

I'm a proud Kenyan. I don't think you have to explain your adjustment to a different culture. Moving to a developing country can be difficult - a culture shock🙂. You have every right to be a little critical. But glad you are adjusting. Enjoy your stay.

[@jackienims]

I have had 3 major moves; from Nairobi (grew up there) to the U.S (lived here for 11 yrs) then now in Germany (ben here for a yr & 6 mo.). For me the excitement of moving to a different place helps me adjust quickly, even with the challenges. I love seeing your life in Nairobi, I love my home but I know how challenging adjusting to some things can be, glad you feel settled. Don't let nobody hustle you about speaking Swahili, there are so many Nairobians who don't even speak Swahili and they have never left that city 😂. Love your content!

[@jennifergillies6023]

You have a nanny! As a Kenyan in US, I envy you. I taught my child some phrases in Swahili, I know I need to teach him more words so he can communicate. Enjoy life in Nairobi, and Africa in general. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@dreadams3207]

It’s definitely an adjustment. I moved to Italy 3 years ago. I’m returning to the US soon because Italy keeps locking down the country and we are over it. I’m used to it now, but it was a definitely an adjustment period. I wouldn’t pay attention to comments from ppl who has never tried to live in another culture.

[@MJ-ye7dd]

The love we have ,,we Kenyans 🇰🇪is irreplaceable. We have our own flaws but we are real. When we love we do wholeheartedly

[@juneseif]

Thank you for sharing. I totally relate about moving to a new location. It takes time to adjust, but with the right perspective you will get all figured out. All the best.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks!

[@Amothersvoicenetwork]

I'm Kenyan but lived most of my life in the UK. Im currently in Kenya, single mum and contemplating moving back to the UK. I 100% understand adjustment because I'm still trying to adjust 🤣🤣🤣. I'm what they call a "3rd culture kid" so its definitely hard to adjust. Now that I am a parent, I'm thinking from the perspective "what's best for my son". The plandemic hasn't helped matters but we'll see what happens in the next few months.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Best of luck!

[@lead8381]

Wow. Thank you for sharing your experience. It was interesting when you shared about your parents being strict, but not oppresively so. That's something I was also reflecting on this past week

[@therightlife9434]

I'm glad to have come across your video. My girlfriend and I are moving from Missouri to Kenya. Things in America are really getting stressful with the prospect of war on the horizon. That plus all the mass shootings has us ready for a change of pace. We picked Kenya because she has a daughter there. I'm adventurous and down for whatever, so right now I'm in the research phase of things. Thank you for your thoughts. If you have any advice to give, we would gladly receive it.

[@neilhickey497]

I lived in Kenya for 4 yrs and liked it a lot but I never really was able to make the cultural adjustment if I ever went there again I would make more of an effort to do that.

[@GabrielTheExplorer254]

How did you get to stay for 4 years? I'm trying to move there from the USA.

[@neilhickey497]

@@GabrielTheExplorer254 I was there on a Missionary visa .I can't remember the details of how long it was good for each time (maybe 6 months?) but we never had a problem renewing it.

[@melissamimiewell7926]

Having moved, lived abroad, I totally understand the external and internal transformation that happens when you move to a new place, especially when it's on the other side of the world. You need certain things in your life for you to be "okay". The awareness of what you need becomes a stark reality, when it's lacking and it makes you feel some kind of way. Whether it's your favorite meal, body wash or over the counter meds, the journey to get those needs met, can be the difference in how well you acclimate, survive and actively thrive. So yeah... I get you.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@stephawnmattis476]

Looking at the current state of the U.S I believe it was a good choice in moving to Kenya, I wish I could move right now

[@rosethumbi1770]

I totally understand how you feel, about the whole adjustment thing. I moved from home , Kenya to Serbia. It’s been actually a year and a half now 😂 Now I can confidently say that I’ve adjusted to most thing( I’m still adjusting lol). The language, culture, foood, climate all these stuff. Congratulations for taking that huge step and all the best in Kenya !!

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thank you for sharing!😊

[@AshleyChiLLi]

So much growth is glowing out of you sis. Glad to hear your mind is more settled now :)

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thank you!! 😊

[@chaniawillow]

I am so glad you've adjusted. It can take a minute, well done you.

[@Mylifeasannette]

I have actually just moved here to Kenya from Minnesota. I actually have never even been here before even though I am Kenyan. I defiantly understand what your saying tho!! its hard to change your mindset to acclimate to the culture your currently in because I find myself ordering things to my siblings place that I need that I don't think I can find here. lol!

[@letsseeuson1264]

And how are you adjusting ?

[@Mateyena]

Omg your hair we need a hair update as well, I enjoy watching your life in Kenya, continue to keep us updated.

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Nothing to say about my hair, but it's the same fro from my hair & nails video two weeks ago, just did a braidout on dry hair to refresh!

[@Mateyena]

@@IjeomaKolaYT thank you

[@Chaitogether]

Nice to see!😊❤

[@martino6205]

You qualify to teach or do research at a university. That can keep you busy traveling to an office once or twice a week for a routine.

[@emmadarkwa6413]

Still love you! We very much underestimate how upbringing determines you are or want to be when you move to a new place. I hope anthesis/article is being worked on too.

[@andrewmaina7750]

Congratulations on your adjustment, you have the audience, poise and grace to showcase & share positive African stories and experiences. Please explore and get engaged in the Africa to the world movement to help change the negative African narrative.

[@maryconnor6173]

I moved to another European city for two years. It was an adjustment but didn’t take long. It does sound like you’ve emigrated, cool. 💕

[@taluj2298]

I totally get you. I have lived in three different continents and it takes time to adjust! Am still struggling with a new move and it’s not like an new to it ( military and immigrant). We each adjust at our own pace and look for familiarity in new places to feel secure and have some form of control over the new environment. It’s even harder when you move from being majority to the minority. When I have moved to a majority environment am at peace and less stressed.

[@wtwtwtwtwtwtwt]

We see the growth! Your energy was great in this video too. I think people were rubbed the wrong way by the tone in that first video. Thanks for explaining more about where you were in that video with all the different transitions and adjustments.

[@Bthumi]

I related to this video so much having moved from Kenya to the Netherlands. It's been a whirlwind of an experience but after a year, I finally feel like I have also adjusted. You've also inspired me to do a video sharing my reflections on the move and the effect it's had on me!

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@judithnguli3525]

I just wanna watch your videos over and over

[@sayiatonbirisha9559]

I am a Nairobian and I love love your videos since day one! ✅

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks so much!

[@joynasaka1627]

Me too I like her vibes

[@user-nl9me3er7w]

I'm glad you let go of your inner-American and I'm American black male. I try to tell people this who go out of country for awhile. The faster people do this, the easier it is. Pretty much everybody moves slow to Americans and you need to take several deep breaths for patience. Glad you have found your peace and it will get better. Oh boy you gonna be in shock when you come back tho lol

[@kats715]

Great update and so nice to see you settling in! Those are really intense life transitions to go through and you’ve bossed it. For me the biggest adjustment has been moving from being in the majority to minority. 4ish years on, can’t say that I’m used to it so I feel your folks🥴😂. Missing my peeps and spots!🇰🇪🇰🇪 With the little one, thinking long and hard about where they should grow up. Nice to experience different parts of the world though so for now going with the flow🤞

[@VicSeezzo]

Karibu Kenya 🇰🇪

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Asante

[@rubyruby4368]

I live in Europe for 13 years , I'm now tired of being in Europe I need to go back to Kenya where I was born, it took me 5 years to adjust myself, I'm looking forward to complete my appartment so I have 4 appartments to rent out , so end of this year I will move.

[@doctoredith4007]

I think moving from Kenya to America was a bit hard in the beginning but I got to adjust quicker than I thought I would well I guess I am still adjusting . Now that I have mixed kids who are technically black, I feel the need to move back to Kenya but then I am so used to California . I have anxieties of me not being able to completely adjust back home . It’s been a minute and visiting is so much different that living well I glad you are adjusting well to Nairobi @Zairadiamond

[@dolphineakoth]

I'm considering making a move too, I hope my transition will be ok.

[@nursebondemcanada]

Good luck

[@dolphineakoth]

@@nursebondemcanada Thanks

[@scorpiomoonTAROT]

Me too there’s nothing in America we’ve seen and built it all take what you know and go apply and create elsewhere

[@Chaitogether]

Wow I’m in NJ watching this!!! lol

[@billian1914]

Nice Video and very informative Story.

[@Oldman1912]

Great content. I still struggle to segregate the Nigerian norms I am accustomed to in my everyday life in America and I have lived in the US for over 20 years now. Nonetheless, I accept the fact the cultural norms in the US will not always complement my way of life but it is what it is.

[@jolayemimochoge1746]

Yes ma’am! Totally understand. It is a process especially when you have no other family there apart from your husband. I met my husband in The states (he is South African and I am a Nigerian (dad)American (mom), but we got married in South Africa and we stayed there 10 years! It took me about 18 months to adjust. I think growing up in the Nigerian culture helped me. When we came back to the states in 2015 I felt like a foreigner had to readjust. It took me like 18 months again. People just did not get it they keep saying but your American. Well a lot happened in America during the 10 years I was gone! Oh language was not a priority for me either! 🙈

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks so much Jolayemi for sharing your experience!☺

[@joykamiza2593]

Welcome to Kenya

[@taharka3897]

I live in the US all my life worked in about 30 states. I don't know why people think America is heaven. it has the most homeless people in the world for a country that's not at war. should not be that hard to adjust to a country like Kenya.

[@firaden]

Nice video. I’m planning on moving to Kenya. Interested getting any pertinent information on setup bank accounts and getting property

[@AfamOrji]

I'm waiting for the day that you guys will move to Nigeria. That would make a great content. Just saying...Well done my Igbo sister.

[@oliviahongere]

Was this comment really necessary ?🤔🤔

[@_Sharon_J]

@@oliviahongere is it a bad comment?

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Ah ah me too I'm waiting sha lol

[@bethbellah4524]

Her husband is Kenyan so why would they move to Nigeria?

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

@beth bellah I’m from Nigeria.

[@tonyafrica7085]

Great video thanks for sharing!!!

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

You bet

[@enterpreneur9738]

Welcome home Ijeoma. Welcome home.

[@johnvinther8057]

I am naija living in Kenya I can relate with you in Africa we still have xenophobia the citizens go through tribalism why we as Nigerians in Kenya are not treated nicely an Asian will be treated better than you becareful with the bike guys there AKA boda boda they don't care if you are black as long as you can't speak kiswahili you will be over charged

[@integerconsulting9344]

You have to understand that we consider Asians more Kenyan than foreigners. Many of them are third generation, meaning their great or great great grandparents are the ones that initially came to Kenya to provide colonial labour. Many of them have never known anywhere else as home apart from Kenya. So don't be surprised that Kenyans appear to treat them better than you.

[@johnvinther8057]

@@integerconsulting9344 I see now I understand

[@bee3828]

@@johnvinther8057 it is lovely to treat others nice but given how Africans / black people are treated in Asia (as seen with the recent covid discrimination in China and the racism against Africans and Siddi (African descendants) in India), it is a shame that as fellow Africans we don't treat even each other well and display pointless xenophobia when we should be working towards unity

[@Be-Rean]

An idea, you can start an Igbo basics class for anyone ie expats preparing to move to Igbo speaking region of Nigeria to ease their intergration and acceptance though English is widely spoken, or for Kenyan born igbo kids. 🥸😂🤣

[@rmose5393]

I’m thinking about moving from Philadelphia to Nairobi

[@GraceNdiege]

I don't know why I feel like you would have a good time learning Swahili/Sheng from Patricia Kihoro. For fun, as a video not seriously in like you have to cram.

[@Naomi28007]

I’m thinking about moving to Congo from Uk 🇬🇧 and continuing my medical study. I’m just fed up with Europe I can’t anymore live here. People saying I’m not grateful to live here bla-bla-bla ofc I’m grateful but I have been depressed for the past 3 years because of medical school and I can’t anymore live like this i can’t and I’m only 21 years old 🤦🏽‍♀️ I just wasted 3 years of my life studying in Belgium and I moved to Uk and it’s the same thing I think I need to go back to my mother land. I was born in Congo 🇨🇩 and I think I’ll be happier there than here. Ik it gonna be challenging but I need to breathe and to live so I’m binging on back to Africa videos 😭

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

I am so sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best as you make that decision!

[@kui9993]

Sweetheart do what makes you happy I'm also moving from Finland to Kenya I'm also drained

[@Naomi28007]

@@kui9993 Ooh gosh I feel your pain 😭😭😭

[@TheEstele]

Omg Joyce! I live in Finland and I’m also leaving back to my home country Namibia. This country is so draining

[@kui9993]

Can we exchange contacts atleast talk about it?

[@hildanyareso4636]

hair😍

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

Thanks!

[@Lulu-po3kn]

Karibu kwetu Kenya.

[@rachsjourney596]

Is that a nude lipstick? I love it! Also really liking your hair ❤️ I moved from LA to Vegas almost 6 years ago, of course it was exciting but it took a long time to adjust to the extreme temps in Vegas: heat, cold & so many windy days.

[@cheekbonesgoddess228]

Come to Kenya already

[@agathamagidanga1518]

Commenting first, I love your videos

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

You were beat out, but thank you!

[@Taylordessalines]

Homegirl is beautiful.

[@tabithaomolo6272]

I moved from Kenya to the Netherlands and I can relate to everything you have said.

[@deidreej]

Thanks for sharing! 💐🌹

[@IjeomaKolaYT]

You are so welcome!

[@1Marasa]

Girrrrrl you be glowin 👐

[@alexaanderson-iu3ui]

very interesting , what about citizenship I've been thinking about relocating

[@gerrytushh]

Yet another reason why you require a MINDSET CHANGE prior to relocating to Africa😏

[@bigbiemacaw]

how do you think it would be for an older female solo traveler, my husband died in december , we always planned to do it together but once we reached the time in our lives where we could he got sixk, over the last few years looking after him i now find i'm not needed by the other ppl in my life who once needed me, i train parrots who've been locked in a cage to fly outside, i have 2 rescues but one may not come, she's an older bird , but its time for me, winter on the beach in kenya let tourists get pictures with the birds and let them fly free daily, in winter in ireland one flys in winter the other hates the cold. so would am almost 48 year ols lady with 2 monster parrots be safe alone there, a tent on the beach would do me , ...if i dont do this now i'll never do it..

[@africanqueenmo]

You dont owe anyone an explanation about why its difficult to acclimatise and integrate. A Kenyan would feel the same way moving to Nigeria or America. I'm Kenyan so I know.

[@Edwins0n]

great you're doing fine💙

[@elitandenya]

This was suggested and I'm just here to say you're so beautiful 😻