This fall, a group of Canopy Life students and staff traveled from Kenya to the United States for 3 weeks filled with learning, laughter, and honest cross-cultural exchange. The itinerary was full, but the depth of the experience reached far beyond the places they visited.
This time together created moments that stretched worldviews on both sides of the ocean.
From offices high above Atlanta’s tree canopy to hospital labs, classrooms, bowling alleys, and backyard dinners, the U.S. tour was full of moments that invited learning and connection. We’re grateful for the chance to share a few of these stories from the Canopy Life team.
Who Came
The Canopy Life team included staff members Miriam, Davis, and Sheila, along with students Esther N, Magdeline, Janelle, Imani, and Enock.
Each person arrived with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to learn—not only about a new country, but about themselves and one another.
New Places, New Tastes, New Questions
One of the group’s first stops was Phipps Plaza. The scale, pace, and luxury of the space were overwhelming in the best way. High-end storefronts felt almost unreal—but the food court quickly became a favorite. Many students chose Mediterranean food and loved it, savoring flavors that felt both new and familiar.
By chance, the group was invited to join the Santa line—normally appointment-only. As staff tried to explain the tradition, they slowly realized how strange it can sound when spoken out loud: there’s a man who watches you all year, knows your name, and then you tell him what you hope to receive for Christmas.
The Kenyan students looked at them like they had ten heads—and everyone laughed.
In Kenya, Christmas traditions focus more on family, church services, and food. Experiencing a different set of traditions sparked curiosity and conversation as the students stepped into something new with openness and joy.
Career Days: Seeing What’s Possible
Career exploration was a central part of the trip, beginning with visits to Atlanta Tech Village and CBRE.
At CBRE’s Buckhead office, the group was welcomed into a top-floor workspace overlooking Atlanta’s fall-colored tree canopy. The view alone was impressive—but the people made the moment meaningful.
The tour was led by two women, Betts and Sarah—one of whom is among the top leaders in the Atlanta office and visibly pregnant. As they shared about their work across commercial real estate, design, sales, and research, something clicked for the girls from Kenya.
They listened as these women spoke about leadership, flexibility, and practical workplace supports, including private spaces for pumping breast milk. For Sheila, Myriam, and the girls, this was eye-opening. These accommodations are uncommon in Kenya, and seeing women lead confidently while pregnant expanded what felt possible.
For the girls, it opened new ways of imagining leadership and family together.
Northside Hospital: Science and Curiosity
Northside Hospital left a strong impression.
Tina and Shanda—who had traveled to Kenya earlier in the year—welcomed the group into the maternity wing. Students were amazed by the scale, the technology, and the beauty of the space, as well as the fact that more babies are born there than at any other hospital in the United States.
Learning about epidurals sparked curiosity and amazement. It was one of those details that’s fairly common in the U.S., but not something they often encounter in Kenya.
The visit continued into the hospital’s massive lab, where students observed a pathologist demonstrate procedures involving a gallbladder and placenta. In the morgue, the lead pathologist had the space decorated for fall and brought a lot of humor into the tour.
Students held a liver, touched a brain, and examined a heart and lungs.
It was a really memorable, hands-on way to learn.
Schools as Learning Labs—for Teachers Too
School visits were meaningful for students, but especially formative for teachers.
At Fellowship Christian School and Beacon Hill Middle School, classrooms became inspiration spaces. Teachers from Kenya took photos of thoughtful details they hoped to adapt back home:
- magnetic clips on whiteboards
- cork strips for pinning visuals
- creative storage solutions
- student work displayed with care
- handmade subject posters
These visits sparked rich conversation as teachers imagined how what they were seeing might translate into their own classrooms and school culture.
Before leaving Beacon Hill, Miriam stepped into the gym during pre-game practice and casually sank a few basketball shots—a lighthearted moment that brought plenty of smiles.ally sank a few basketball shots. It was a fun, light-hearted moment for everyone!
Play, Laughter, and Everyday Joy
Not all learning happened in formal spaces.
One evening, the group visited Main Event for bowling, arcade games, and laser tag. For some, it was their first time bowling—Davis included. Imani stood out for her skill, and bowling quickly became a favorite. Laser tag was new for everyone and a lot of fun.
Later in the trip, pickup soccer at a local field turned into a community gathering. Nearly 40 kids showed up. The Kenyan players more than held their own—and definitely surprised some of the local guys. The game kept going longer than planned, and no one seemed in a hurry to stop.
Food, Friendship, and Belonging
During the visit, Leah opened her home to host the group.
Teachers prepared a traditional Kenyan meal—nyama, pilau, ugali, chapati, beans, rice, and salad. Eighth graders and their parents gathered, conversations flowed, and plates were filled again and again. Several boys ate their weight in chapati.
Kids played soccer and volleyball in the yard long after dinner ended. Parents asked questions. Teachers shared stories. It was a really sweet moment of connection in the group.
When it was time for everyone to head home, there were tears—from both Kenyan and U.S. students.It was the kind of night that reflects the heart of Canopy Life.
With Gratitude
We are deeply thankful to the many schools, organizations, host families, and friends who welcomed our students and staff during these weeks together. Your generosity, hospitality, and willingness to share your lives created space for learning, connection, and belonging—and we are grateful to be part of this community with you.