“She so sweetly believes anything is possible and my heart would break watching her come to know what I know—that no matter how hard you try or believe, everything can end at the cry of a bullet, the sound of soldier’s footsteps, the breaking of a heart. Eventually she’d tire of the challenges of living in my world, and I’d grow tired too, living in hers.” 

Jessica and Kennedy come from very different worlds. Culture shock and cultural differences are a major thread in their relationship. In this quote, Kennedy is concerned that they won’t be able to live with each other long term because their differences are too great. He wants to protect her from the pain and hardships of poverty in Kibera. He acknowledges that it would be equally as difficult for him to live in the United States. 

“I’d loftily told him that one incident doesn’t define a country and that, anyhow, the media was hungry for stories that fulfill white stereotypes about the violent Other.”

Jessica comes to Kenya with a naïve hope in the world, not having ever left the US. She is quick to fight off the fears of her parents, viewing the stereotypes of Africa as harmful to both the US and African communities. While her hope is naïve, she meets someone who has a deep hope born from hardship. 

“My resolve to live in Kibera strengthens as this seems like the only way to even being to break through the barriers that exist between me and the young people I’ll be working with.” 

Jessica’s resolve and stubbornness are a part of her personality that draws Kennedy to her. These characteristics are important to her survival in Kenya, and Kennedy possesses them himself, having built his organization on hope and resolve. Through the experience of living in Kibera, Jessica falls in love with Kennedy’s strength and leadership. Jessica truly immerses herself in Kibera and comes out with a changed understanding of the community and of Kennedy.