I really appreciate your videos. My husband and I are mapping out a 5-7 year plan to move our family to either Kampala, Uganda or Nairobi. We have also looked into Windhoek, Namibia. Your videos are a breath of fresh air.
Your son has grown up so much and is sooo adorable!!!! I'm so happy to see your family is doing well! It's really nice hearing from you! Much love sis!
So good to see a video from you. Any content that you decide to share with us won't be boring so feel free to share when you can. Your son is adorable and he's getting so big
I'm new to your channel and the reason why I decided to subscribe was just my intreged interest from your channel's name. So I have really enjoyed your videos and how your daily life is in Africa. Please stay encouraged to continue blogging your life. And Lance is just to cute for words. His smile is priceless.
What you said at the end was "It's better to get something up than to be perfect." I'm always interested in hearing your different stories about your Namibia experience. Post away. Don't worry about perfection.
You look naturally Beautiful, you have a shine about you. PS try not to give a personal timeline of your direct Pvt. life like "husband out of town" He stepped out or is working is good enough... The reward of your hard work shows in your handsome healthy baby boy. Your rewards are coming.
Sooooo glad you are back!!!! Motherhood changes everything and sometimes life is "boring" but it doesnt mean you aren't busy pouring into your child, your household and yourself!!! Its a huge shift especially being overseas away from support....and you are adapting very well!! Keep it up!!
hi i am a Kenyan i have been following your videos since then i really love them i love the fact that you love our continent you're welcome to Africa dear
Im African living in American and can understand how lonely it can be in a new environment. Maybe you can start a monthly or quarterly meet up with other AA ladies or non Namibians married to Namibians or just expats living over there. I am Nigerian and I remember Niger wives was a association formed by expats married to Nigerians men. They had fairs and bazaars yearly with foods from their countries and fun for all kids in the our small town. Im sure it started as a social meetup for them to make friends and to talk about their experiences living in Nigeria. I was a stay at home mom for the first 8years here in the US because I wanted to be 100% involved in my kids upbringing. DO what works best for your family. Stay blessed!!
You're back yay you should do a day in the life of a toddler. That would be awesome to see what Lance likes to do in a day. Im gonna do the same for my son. Happy belated birthday to him.
It was great seeing another video. Take your time, your true followers can be patient with you. I feel that you keep most of us updated on Instagram and also when we receive emails regarding any updates on your website. I know that you say that your life is boring and is often concerned about the content of your videos, but honestly it's a treat for me because your videos,blogs and Instagram post provide a small window of your life in Namibia. Thanks again for always sharing a little part of you. Lance is growing up nicely and handsome. Take care.
You go girl. I'm happy I inspired you to make a video! Motherhood is its own job on top of the things we want to do as working mamas. Your baby boys laugh was so adorable! He is gorgeous! 😍 He reminds me of my 3 year old lol...energized. love this. So happy I found your channel as well! Your experiences are so inspiring and interesting to someone like me who literally doesn't leave her house let alone the country girl. 😂😂 keep it up hun. 💜
Thank you and yes! You're honestly one of my favorite RU-vidrs because of your authenticity and honest outlook. Your videos have normalized so much for me! Extremely helpful. So thank you!
I enjoy watching your videos. KUDOS to you!!! Thank you for the update. Lance is cute. He looks like his dad. Toddlers do what they do so I did not have a problem with him as you filmed. It is OKAY in my book so no need to edit, let it be natural. I agree with you wholeheartedly about motherhood challenges. I make it through with the strength of God and his blessings. I can relate to a lot of what you said. I stopped working two years ago due to the increase demands of my job which was a burden on me and my family. It has been a blessing and a growing experience. You have to do what is best for you and your family. Also as women we MUST TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES TOO. So please find time for yourself even if it's after your husband gets home and settled. Let hubby watch your son for at least 20 min. It helps! When you are ready post those unedited videos. We will be happy to see them! Much blessings to you and your family! 😀
Lance is adorable; and a bundle of energy. The 'twos' can be difficult now that baby is well up on his feet and the world is such a marvel for him. Hang in there.
Hi Kaylan! I know it's been a while...(the ups & downs of life in Africa, Girl!!!) Anyway, you are doing an amazing job with Lance! You will never get these formative years back with him, so keep being the great mother that you are. Give him as much time as he needs right now. Social media will always be around! I applaud all your many efforts to stay connected and share a piece of Africa! :)
Hey Kaylan - Awesome to see You and your son alive and well. I am looking forward to seeing the content you haven't shown us! :-) Blessings and Peace Lady! I love the fact that your experiencing your life in Africa and sharing it with us, your viewers. Thank You, it is appreciated so much.
Yes, thou art baaaack! Missed the videos and all. I liked and commented before I even finished watching... 😁😁 and Lance's laugh tho 😄and him screaming over you 🤗so adorable. Well, may the Lord continue to be with you 🙏🏾and guide you all.
I love your honesty and courage in talking about your challenges. This honesty will serve you well. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to hearing more about your life in Namibia. Peace
Sista Shipanga good to see you again. Lance never fails to bring a smile to my face. Thank you for all you do to enlighten us on life as a Dark skin american in the Motherland. Loved the video. Peace and good health to your family.
Thank you for making this vid sis! It's been so long and I always check to see if you made anything. Definitely family comes first! We get it. But please know do have an extended family of sisters out here who really appreciate you. I'm in Puerto Rico and an African American and the only other African Americans I see are usually on vaca. Though I know PR is not Namibia, it's still nice to be able to see and hear from a kindred spirit. Be blessed and know that we are here! PS: your son is adorable :)
Thank you for the update and for sharing your life with us. I'm going to visit Senegal in November and I would love to live one day in Africa. Much love from Portugal.
Thanks for sharing. I like your videos, I use them to improve my English here in Canada. My son is 2 too, I know what it is to stay home with toddler. Thanks and keep posting.
Yes! LOL Two years are A LOT to manage lol! That's so cool that my videos help your English skills! And that's a brilliant way to learn! I should probably be doing the same thing to learn Oshiwambo (my husband's mother tongue).
HI there Dear, SO happy to have met you in Namibia. You were so instrumental in making our trip so memorable with your suggestions and connections. Im glad you're finding some time for videos again. If I hadn't seen them, I don't think we would have traveled to Namibia. We can't wait to return. Hope
We love your videos...!! please keep showing them.. it's so inspiring! I'll be making the move back to the montherland. You're amazing, thank-you. Would love to read your material.
It's so great to have you back. I am not a mother but I also don't have much of a social life and I find it helps to take a walk daily...helps clear you head and energises a person. it's quite easy to get cabin fever if you stayed cooped indoors
There is a lot to show. Specifically, most blacks in the west will never get a chance to go to Africa and live in a small town. You are our eye on Africa.
Hi- I've been watching your videos for a few years now and identify with you leaving corporate America. I have 3 children now, two boys ages 10 and 7 and a girl 10 months. I felt like you with my first years ago, he was so energetic and I didn't realize how "high voltage" boys were:-). When I had my second, I had more experience and I realize the importance of managing boys' energy. I still do this today. When they are very active, I get out of the house with them even if it's just walking outside. It's so helpful. I love that you are pacing yourself on your work. Your life seems so interesting even if you don't think so at the moment. Looking forward to more when you can:-)
Omg thank you soooo much for this comment!! Your perspective helps me a lot. He is my first and I don't have much experience at all with kids so I literally have nothing to compare him to. But high voltage is a good way to describe him lol I think about when I have a second child and how much more mentally prepared I will be. I have definitely realized the importance of managing his energy. This is why I wish there was like a playground nearby or something - but basically we take walks to the shops and around the area. Thanks so much for saying all of this, it's reaffirming.
hi, just found your great channel, thanks! We're a world away in many ways - age, continents, cultural background, life situation,, etc. I'm an elderly woman from far back European background whose grandparents settled last century in Argentina - then I emigrated to Canada where I lived 40 years, but I now live (for a long while) back in Argentina, in my original town lost in the southern Patagonian desert. I had no children. I get by with a small pension so life is a struggle in a country with crazy inflation, corruption and other nasty stuff. Yet, I found so many things I was nodding "yes, I understand" when you tell your viewers about your current life!! It takes a lot of endurance to live in a small place without cultural resources or variety.. I think if you and I could meet for coffee, we would agree on many things. People in my native town find me "aloof" and perhaps arrogant because I don't "join in" a lot of local activities. But I'd be a real fake if I tried to do that - I have so many interests beyond local gossip and routine. I'm glad there's internet (slow and intermittent as well!), but at least we can connect with the world beyond our current boundaries. Good for you to keep working with your writing! Your kid is lovely and yes, I know how exhausting it can be, but he'll grow up fast... All the best to you, and thank you for your really interesting channel - I'll check as many back videos as I can - you make them like "being there" without having to travel. Take good care of yourself, thanks again!!
It was so good to see and hear you again. I thought that you had left the country. Your baby is very active and I presume that he needs supervision all the time except when he is sleeping. Enjoy the time with him as long as you can.
Nope, I'm still here! :D Yes, he was acting out for the cameras a bit LOL but definitely has a lot of energy and requires a lot of supervision, at 2 he gets into everything! And thanks so much watching!
Lance is so precious I just started watching your videos I just got to the wedding beautiful wedding I can see your very happy thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule God bless you and your family 🙏
My son is a teenager now, but when I watch my 2 year old great niece I'm in the same position as you!! I can't get two seconds of peace lol! She's into everything and demands attention constantly and I'm drained by the time my niece comes to pick her up! If you have more kids it might be easier because they'll have each other to play with! I only have one though! I found with my son tho he was really busy at that age too; putting on an educational video like Barney or Sesame Street would hold his attention for a while yo give me a much needed break! 😊
Yes!! That's exactly my situation! Completely drained by the end of each day! I was thinking about that too! That a sibling would be great... but then I had such terrible debilitating morning sickness that I want him to be a bit more independent before I have to go through that again! I can't imagine being that sick and having to watch him! (My brother was born when I was 2 and a half and I don't know how my mom did it LOL) Thanks so much for these tips!
Welcome back! I've missed your videos and your son has grown so! I'm glad you've concluded that you won't overthink things because many of us are just interested in your life as an expat in general and any footage is appreciated. I would love to see things when you're out and about doing ordinary daily things but I do understand how difficult that may be, with the stares as well as while balancing a toddler. One quick question -did making videos become a little weird for you once you started to be recognized around the town? I'm curious if you found it easier when you were speaking to faceless subscribers as opposed to people who can actually identify you. Hopefully that question makes sense.
LOL! Yes, that's something I forgot to say - that it's often just my son and I walking through town and balancing him and a camera will be challenging - but it's not impossible! I'll do my best :D Part of it is also me getting in my head again LOL... I can definitely sneak my camera around some spots.. especially on weekends when my husband is out with us. The average person doesn't recognize me and the people who do wouldn't bother me - the main thing stopping me is strangers who will stare at you dead in your face LOL I also studied broadcast journalism so I need to get over myself and stop overthinking (I do this a lot LOL). I should remember the FB/RU-vid live options! Sometimes I get a little leery about doing them, only because my internet isn't extremely fast like American high-speed internet.. but in the past, it's actually done pretty well! I'll keep that in mind and thanks for the suggestions!
I love what you and others of the diaspora have done in moving to the mother land,when was the last time you traveled back to the states,and have you gone to any other countries in Africa.
Do you ever think about moving to the capital or somewhere your husband has friends/family so you won't feel as isolated? I am planning to retire early in Senegal when my 4 year old is high school age and the city my husband is from is too slow for me to live and make friends, we decided to buy land just outside of the capital so we can go to concerts and restaurants etc and meet other expats and tourists. I'm from Los Angeles so I've learned that I need variety or I'll get cabin fever
Toddlers are exhausting😮Exercise (jogging, aerobics) to somewhat keep up with toddler energy. Make a schedule for him were the most active part is during the time were he is most active. Get him to run, hammer nails, dance, maybe thirty min intervals. I have a very active 3 year old daughter that will turn four in November thanking God that things are finally easing up😱 My dad always tells me everyday enjoy them like they are at every stage because eventually they will grow up and mature out of the strong need for your care, then we'll be bored and lonely for another reason ☺ Motherhood got to love it.
Yes!! Exactly, they are exhausting and really keep you on your toes!! I have never been so active in my entire life LOL! Thanks so much for these tips; I will definitely implement. Great words from your dad too!
I love your hair my sister. I'm considering the same thing before I come there in about 4 yrs. Thank you so much for the videos. Your baby is so handsome and has gotten so big. Congratulations on making it there. Your doing well. May I ask how much family support you have from your husband's family. You should probably consider bringing a young girl from the family there to help you. You can even send her to school. And, I say that just as a hope for you to consider. Every mother needs some me time and every couple does as well. #motherhenhasspoken😁 God bless you, your like the pioneer for us who are considering to follow. I pray you don't get burnt out. "The end of a good thing is always better than the beginning". Enjoy the journey.Much love to you.
Hi! Thanks for the suggestions! My mother-in-law is amazing but lives about 5/6 hours north of us with the rest of my in-laws! She has offered to take my son for some time but I'm not ready LOL I feel like my son doesn't know her/the family up there well enough and would be shell shocked if we just up and left him there for a few weeks! I was thinking when he get's a bit older and understands where he is a bit more than I'll be MORE than ready to leave him at grandma's for extended periods (my mom used to do this with my brother and I and we'd spent weeks and summers in Baltimore at my grandparents place). Great memories too :) It's funny because I've had a fellow African American here tell me to never bring in family! LOL I'm not sure why she frowned upon it so much! That being said, that would be a nice help I guess, but there isn't exactly anyone to fit this role right now.
AfroAmericaninAfrica Embrass your new family dear. The Black American way is very different being that we don't activate our village. It will help you in many ways, you and your husband. I do understand you don't want him to be far so young, I wouldn't suggest that either. But, keep the young relative in mind. You have time. Or bring it up to your husband, I'm sure he may have an even better suggestion as long as your willing. I wish you all the best.
The African Family system is what protect us from "poverty of the soul" which most of us are now experiencing for trying to be alone and not to be bothered - it creates the evil spirit of selfishness. Those trends are very European and create all kinds of sicknesses for us, so please do not listen to your Eurocentric Friends. The other children /siblings in the village that your child might grow to bond with will forever enrich his life. AAs in Africa should learn the African family values and help pass it on to their kids or else their sojourn in Africa could be a waste of time and lost of opportunity. I use the word siblings because all across Africa, we do not have a word for cousin, therefore, other children from family members in the homestead are brothers and sisters to your child. Do not take my word for it research it for your self. Long before the US had created a social welfare to help families but insisted men should not be in the home to get that help as well, the African had for thousands of years had instituted a multi-layer of protections for the African child against poverty and isolation. A priviledge that had made the African child almost a royal.
I definitely wouldn't bring in family. My husband is East African and I'm Black American. We have tried to bring in a "house girl" and she was a spy 😂! I'm an outsider and do things differently and she was very vocal about her opinions. We ended up hiring someone from another African country and it worked well. Thanks for being so honest about your adjustment to motherhood! It's a narrative that needs to be shared! And biggups to you for nursing your toddler! Go mama go!
Oh Wow! Hello There! I have been looking for some RU-vidrs in Namibia, coz I thought I am the only one here, and I came across your channel. Great content and good to know I can relate to your channel as well. New subbie here. Hope we can collab one of these days. I would love to meet and greet.. Keep on posting content. Take care and Best of Luck!
He absolutely adorable and 😂🤣 he will Exhaust you completely both but 12to 17 roller coaster months but but have patience he will love you adore you seek advice drive you crazy love and respect you. at 18 or 19 years old he’ll calm down. But that grown young adult will give you your do. ☺️
It's so nice to see you! I think a lot of your subbies are interested in your life abroad (as boring as you think it may be). Do you think you will ever move back to the US? Take care and I cant wait to see more videos from you. Your son is so cute..
Thanks so much for saying all of this! I'm not closed to moving back to America mainly because my father is there and he's a little bit over 60. So as he gets older, I might have to be around!
Can I suggest you guys move to Johannesburg. you'll be exposed to a lot more opportunities both you and your husband.It will be a big plus in your quality of life (Professional Life). The internet connection is super fast with our broadband and wifi
If it helps, I live in a busy city, was involved in other activities, and have a 2 year old as well. I quickly realized that the only thing I owe myself and family is to do what you are doing now. Get involved with my 2 year old and gradually build a healthy social group with other families. It may seem boring when taken out of perspective, in my reality, that is more than enough. It is a family that builds a nation. So investment in family and a two year old is beyound a full time job. You soon will have individuals that you and your child can socialize with in a way that is good for your souls. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
We'll watch anything. I'd really love to know what the weather is like. I'm actually attracted to Namibia because there is a winter of sorts. I live in Atlanta, but I hate the heat. I like winter. I want to live somewhere that won't be baking year round. Your son is adorable. Very 2. 😉
Do you garden? Is gardening an option in the soil. I read it is dry. The soil that is. Do you have rainy season? Is it humid? I could ask questions for hours. 🤣 Thanks for the video.
Hi Rhonda! Gardening is definitely an option - I just don't have a yard right now since we live in an apartment complex! We also have a rainy season - and still, most of the time it's not really that humid here. It's a very dry climate.
im interested. living in a small town in Nabimia for my retirement is an option. i will need a car but most needed will be income that would support my fund. lol. anyways im very resourceful. what is the cost for utilities? is it easier on the pocket to live in an apartment complex. is there public transportation? cost of living? where are the best locations and types of food options. these are some things ppl like me would want to know. so your content is good and important to those who plan to settle in Africa.
meal preparation or planting your foods or crime statistics (lol) or daily news or your neighborhood. are there local parks, library, grocery stores. wow, you were once new to this country and have now settled in more importantly how did you survive the culture shock. do you need frequent immunizations. so much more... i kniw you have your hands full with Baby Lance who is so handsome and adorable. you appear to be very at home after several years. im convinced that it is possible to do. im a senior who has always wanted in live in Africa. im single. the reason for many questions. your lifestyle is not boring to thise if us who plan to join you in Africa. thank you. what is your name? going to ur website.
Hi! I have two videos up on my channel about just those things :) One on the cost of living and the other on utilities. There isn't much public transportation, especially outside of the capital. But there are taxis in my town and most small towns here so it's very easy to get around in towns. To travel around the country between towns there are minivans called combis (not that safe) and long-distance taxis that you can catch as well as international bus systems like Intercape (like Greyhound).
Thank you :) I will try and address these things in future videos! I plan on doing some simple Q&A videos answering people's questions, so please stay tuned!
Could you share details about the water supply? Do you have shortages of water? Is it well water or city water? How often do you lose electrical power?
I haven't had many issues w/water supply in my 6/7 years of living in Namibia and I've lived in 3 different towns so far... I do remember my very first few months here there were water outages a few times a month - but it never lasted more than a day. Sometimes they are advertised in advanced. Other than that year (2011), I haven't experienced water outages. Power outages are more frequent (where I live maybe once a month) but generally advertised in the paper in advance (in the town I live in).
I stumbled upon your video and I enjoy them very much. You are very easy to listen to, very informative. I am pleasantly surprised that it's seems quite modern with readily available consumer goods etc.. Thank you, your videos makes it a visit to Africa feasible. One of your initial videos showed you and your husband having your home built near his parents but without the modern conveniences of running water and electricity. I'm thinking, 'how on earth is she going to be able to adjust to that,' especially coming from NYC. My question, were you able to to live in the home your husband was building there for a period time, if so what was it like long term?
both men should be proud.this is a unification fight.havent had one in ten years.be proud of your guy indongo.i kinda know Crawford will win but I'm routing for indongo
yup don't be too hard on yourself. scheduling baby boy is will help alot. and free up some time. email me if you can from NYC USA and i pray all is well with you and the family.
Thanks so much for saying that and for the tip! Really appreciate it! And yes, I'm learning that scheduling is soooo important when it comes to his day! He was doing pretty well with decent bedtimes but now he's like reverting and lately its been taking foreeeever to put him to sleep!
Motherhood is the toughest job you'll ever love ❤️, not PC. 😊 Here are things to try to get the crayon off the wall ( Baking Soda, WD-40, Toothpaste, Pencil Eraser or Vinegar).
We love you, and your son has really grown, and handsome as ever. Praying for you always, and we are your family here. We do not want your personal 411, but whatever you want to share. I am retired now for 5 years, and will be 75 in October. Your son is so happy. i love informal videos. The terrible twos. lol Thank you. Google: Judi Grace StoryCorps. ( My audio on solutions from a 74 years young woman) Murders in Chicago.
JOIN A CHURCH PLEASE, AND GET INVOLVE IN THE CHURCH WORK. IN ANY COUNTRY ONE IS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE NEW FRIEND.--- I THINK WE NEED A TRAINING TO KNOW TO LEARN THINGS NEW AND DEPROGRAMMED OF BIG CITY LIFE. A RE- ADJUSTMENT, OF A NEW LIFE IS A MUST. OTHERWISE , WE JUST COMES BACK TO THE OLD THING WE LEFT BEHIND.--- IT IS PAINFUL TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE ADDICTION OF BIG CITY LIFE, THAT WE WERE MOLDED IN ALL OUR LIFE.--- GOD THRU THE PAIN OF THE VERY COMFORTABLE LIFE OF BIS CITIES. AND LEAN, TO APPRECIATE, THE LIFE OF A SMALL CITY. AFT FIRST IT WILL PAINFUL TO BREAK FROM THE FORMER OUR WAY OF LIFE, BUT, AT THE END, IT WILL ALL PAID OFF FOR SURE.