This past weekend, I was very lucky. Only my second weekend in Nairobi, I decided to make a last minute decision to go camping on Lake Naivasha 2 hours outside of Nairobi with 10 other coworkers and friends.  Disconnected from all wifi, I had no idea about the terrorist attack that was taking place back in the city. That all changed when I received an SMS saying a friend had been shot and was at the hospital.

Upon my return Sunday evening, I learned how truly small this Nairobi expat community is. A friend undergoing surgery in the hospital from shrapnel. A coworker’s roomate’s ex boyfriend dead. A friend’s roommate held hostage for 6 hours. Another friend who was luckily late getting to the mall because of a change in plans to pick up drycleaning.

It is a popular mall only three miles away from my apartment, and the close proximity to the events and friends affected has sent me through a wide range of emotions these past few days.

My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends who have been rattled by the horrendous tragedy. I will remain in Nairobi, and hope to support this community to recover and heal in the days to come.