I wander Trader Joe’s, stunned. Rosé Water. Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip. I take photos so I can look when back in Kenya, then get what I came for: Chocolate chips, twelve bags. I will ration them one per month, and promise myself to come home before they’re gone. This time, I won’t stay away three years. The cashier says, “That’s a lot of chocolate chips!” I say I’ve come from Kenya for them. He rings a bell. The manager brings me a 13th bag. “You win a prize for coming the longest way!” I wonder if I’ll stay gone longer.
Christi Byerly, who’s lived in six countries on three continents, runs Awaken Coaching. Her clients come from all over the globe.