My Apprentice Journey to KEmet
MY APPRENTICE JOURNEY TO KEMET
BY kYNDAL"KIKO" LACKEY
My decision to join RTK as an apprentice for their first study abroad trip with Sacramento State was a fairly easy one. Sacramento State’s Cooper Woodson College (CWC) program was partnering with RTK to bring Pan African philosophy students to Egypt and there was no way I was missing out! As my departure date for the 2023 study abroad program drew closer, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. This was going to be my first time stepping foot on the African continent and I knew it would be for many others as well. I could feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over me for being on this journey I had imagined countless times.
On one particular occasion, I was joined by another apprentice named Kenneth who had been to Egypt twice before. As apprentices, Kenneth and I were tasked with picking up gifts for the arriving students. We navigated through the vibrant chaos of Cairo, where ancient infrastructure intertwined with modern life. The city's energy was palpable, and I marveled at the juxtaposition of tradition and progress. But it was hot and at times I felt utterly frustrated as we walked through countless shops searching for string and hole punchers. Our mission forced us to get creative, to communicate in a universal language, and to trust that what we needed would be provided someway, somehow.
With all of our preparations in Cairo completed, it was time to fly into Aswan, meeting the Sacramento State cohort in the Nubian village. As we left Cairo behind and ventured deeper into the Egyptian landscape, the scenery began to change. The vastness of the desert stretched out before us, and I couldn't help but feel a profound humility in the face of nature's grandeur. With each passing mile, anticipation grew but I left all my expectations behind, remaining present and ready to embrace Nubia with an open heart.
Being in Nubia was by far the most profound experience of my trip to Egypt. Arriving at the village is a moment etched in my memory forever. The intense embrace of the sun, the soothing rhythm of the Nile River, and the colorful Nubian architecture... I felt indescribably at home. The villagers greeted us with smiles that transcended language, embodying that universal language of hospitality and human connection.
In the days that followed, my initial apprehensions about group dynamics faded away. It was as if fate had brought together a group of individuals who shared a common yearning for cultural exploration, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world. We laughed, learned, and leaned on each other as we navigated the intricacies of Nubian life, discovering its rich history, vibrant traditions, and warm-hearted people. As we danced, trekked through temples, and shared meals overlooking the Nile’s fertile waters I could feel us all shifting into the frequency of love.
As I reflect on that transformative experience, I am reminded of the serenity I felt before embarking on this journey. The realization that we were all guided to this moment by a higher purpose became even more evident. The connections I forged and the memories I created during those days in the Nubian village will forever hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the beauty of embracing the unknown and trusting in the journey that unfolds.