TIME FOR THE UNDERDOG

Two or so months ago, I went to an audition 350KM away from where I reside for now. Back to my home town. Time had come. I had a horrible hairdo; no idea why I agreed to try it out, no makeup and was not as fit as expected. This was my biggest leap of faith. I arrived to find a crowd of girls had already gathered…slim, tall, fit, hot, make-up and all. One guy scream “Here is Miss Kenya, she just got here” Flattered I was just as I was nervous. My measurements were taken, keep in mind that I am like 5’6 and I was asked to get in line as a number was assigned to me. 21 or 22 I’m not sure. I was sweating profusely and praying when my number was called up, I walked to where was shown and the judges; 3 of them, all super attractive asked me to give them a walk, I nearly gave up.

I did the best I could though I felt it immediately on how terrible and torturous my walk was and gulped. Three years had passed since I had been diagnosed, three years since I had hit a runway, three years. I was more than rusty. Still, I kept the faith. Bae kept sending me messages of faith and hope as he knew how much I needed this, how badly I wanted this and still do. The judges queried me as expected and thank God I knew about my home area; thank God for everything, thank God for each and every circumstance because he indeed has a way of making and bringing out the best out of the seemingly worst situations.

I was more on I had not made the cut, especially after seeing my photos. My lord! Was I in bad shape! After hours of waiting, we were all called up, just after the last girl who was in a word-PERFECT. Did I mention the judges did point out on my body and how the gym was screaming out for me? So embarrassing but I promised myself and them that I’d be in better shape, for my own sake. Somehow, the judges liked me. Of course not withholding the better body shape. 19 of us to be precise had made the cut. Now, we had to wait. Just wait.

A week later, I got a text confirming I had made the cut and I was to await further instruction. *see what I did there* I lay in wait. And boy did I wait. I had taken one of the girl’s contact and we were both in the dark. Nationwide, the dates kept changing and no word came. After about a month and a half of silence, I let it be. God’s will be done. If it was not in my cards this time, it was definitely in the next. See how badly I need this?

2 months and some days later, I got the text: Standby for the next day. Wait, What? Surely not what I was thinking. Oh yes in Nairobi the following day was the boot camp and the crowning. A few anxiety attacks later, it hit me. We were here. The day of reckoning of phase 2 was here. One casual outfit, a Dinner outfit and heels was among the instructions. In mind I had replayed this day over and over again and believe me, this is not how I had seen it happening.

5:29 a.m. I was up anxiety and all. I’d packed the required and even more. Of course I couldn’t have anything to eat else id hurl my insides. Bae came over and we prayed and headed out. 9:00 a.m. I was where I was needed, too bad none other had arrived. By 12:00 we were only three and the session began. More came over with time. Catwalk time was up, I dreaded this, and I was scared stiff as I wore my six inches. I shocked myself. The trainer asked how id managed to transform myself and I said it was my Mom’s prayers, after all only God could have made this possible.

The time was due, judges were here and we were asked to change. I was so nervous I think I did one of the steps wrong but I pushed on. Bae had come to watch. No pressure. Two hours later, we were seated anxiously and nervously waiting for the results. Second runners up was up, next was first runners up and still my name had not been called out. I almost gave up. Till my name was called. I scream, inwardly. The shock was real, I couldn’t stop shaking as the tiara was placed on me and the photos went on and on. God did this for me. Yes he did.

About time I started believing myself again. About time I got my Mojo back and worked my way up to helping society. I am back!! Today, a few hours later; my feet kinda hurt and my knees are on fire. But it was all so worthy. Next week, the semis are up right after an intense one week boot camp. I am anxious and scared but eternally grateful. I pray, My Family Prays and Bae and friends as well for favor and blessings are unending. Time for the underdog.

Love, Prayers and Favor,

Nyandia.