Closing time

Okay. I haven't blogged in awhile, but it's because I've been so busy! There's also free wifi in the airport :) 

These past couple of days have been amazing and eye-opening. I can't tell you how many times I've dreamed of coming back to America and enjoying its pleasures. Staying in Tanzania for this long has been one of the hardest, yet most life-changing things I've ever done. There's no possible way to put all of lessons I learned in a blog post. It would take weeks. 

The kids are absolutely wonderful (as usual), so it was especially hard to say goodbye. I don't think they quite understood that I would not be going out tomorrow to play with them. I've become so close to all of them, but some I hold special in my heart. 

The kids have a very different childhood experience than mine. My childhood was filled with the love of my family and new experiences. Their childhood is filled with trying to understand why they don't have parents and their "mothers" are nuns. Nevertheless, the kids are filled with joy and happiness. It amazes me. I take so much for granted, but at least now I realize it. 

Yesterday, we went on a crazy hike with our friend Peter. NEVER go on hikes with Africans. They practically bound their way up mountains. Anyways, Peter took us to go see a waterfall. All he said was "wear good shoes". Turns out, we trekked through the jungle and had to cross the river at least 7 times to follow the "trail". There was no trail. We trail blazed. The guy in front of me literally had to chop down plants and hold back branches for me. It was worth it in the end though... 

Right now, I'm sitting at the Kilimanjaro Airport wishing I had more time here but also wishing to go home. I would call the feeling bittersweet. I'm so excited to see all of my family and friends and FOOD. Pray for safe travels please :) 

-Changed woman 

Quick Swahili Lesson

How to count: 

One - Moja

Two - Mbili 

Three- Tatu 

Four - Nne

Five - Tano 

Six - Sita 

Seven - Saba

Eight - Nane 

Nine - Tisa

Ten - Kumi 

Common words: 

Welcome - Karibu 

Goodbye - Kwaheri

Thank you so much - Asante sana

Brother - Kaka 

Sister - Dada 

Mother - Mama 

Father - Baba

Toilet - Choo

Food - Chakula 

Tea - chai 

Twende - let's go 

Problems

The problem is that I can't hold all of them at once. All of the children just crave attention and love, and I can only handle a couple at a time. It breaks my heart to not be able to hold them. If I try and put one down, there are immediate tears. So, of course, I give in and pick the baby back up again. It's a never-ending, exhausting cycle. My emotional scale is off the charts. This has been such a roller coaster. 

Orphanage

The time finally came for the rest of the group to go home and for the girls to be dropped off at the orphanage. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I became so close with everyone. Saying bye to Kristian and Aaron was extremely difficult since Rae and I hung out with them every day, all day. Also, saying bye to my dad was weird since he got to home without me. 

Anyways, after Rae and I had a good cry, we got settled into our modest little double-bed room. Unfortunately, the windows here were left open before we arrived so we were greeted by multiple slugs, spiders, and bugs as a welcome gesture. 

The orphanage is fun while I'm with the kids, but when I go back to my room for bed, that's when I get the most homesick. After being here for so long, I begin to forget simple pleasures. Like being able to sleep without a mosquito net. Or being able to brush my teeth with the water that comes out of the sink. I will experience culture shock going back home all over again. 

The kids are awesome. There are three separate houses, all divided by age. There's a baby house, toddler house, and older house. They all are filled with such amazing kids. Even though they are orphans and have no home, they all are happy and bursting with love. It makes me reflect on my life. They are just grateful for having a place to sleep and having food to eat. My life is such a luxury compared to their simple one, yet they always smile. What am I missing? 

Bukoba Trip

Since some of the people on the trip have relations with friends in Bukoba, Tanzania, we went out to visit them. Bukoba is nestled right on the shores of Lake Victora. 

In order to get there, we had to fly to Mwanza first, then continue on go Bukoba. Both flights were in tiny planes that only seat about 40 people or something. When we finally landed, I realized the airport is the size of a small house. The landing strip used to be all dirt a year or two ago, but they finally managed to pave it. I couldn't believe it. 

Immediately when you step off the plane, you feel the huge temperature change from the Kilimanjaro region. It is more tropical and sunny, rightfully so since it is 3 degrees from the equator. 

That night, we got to meet all of our friends over there. The leader of the pack is named Smart. Smart is incredible and has a truly inspirational story. I can't even begin to explain his former struggles on here and his solutions, but just know they were great. He has real perseverance. One of the things he loves to do is perform music. He has a choir that tours all around the world now. Luckily, I got to hear them multiple times. 

The following day, we did a bunch of different things, like visit a goat farm, a school, a library, and other places. That night we went over to Smart's house for a little party...

When I say little party, I mean huge party. Africans really like to have a good time...it was Project X-ish. 

Safari-Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is my favorite place for viewing game. It is a vast crater filled with so many animals. I like the crater because it condenses animals in a way. They are all living together in one big play pin (kind of). Anyways,  I was with Peter in the Crater and he knows every answer, even to the most random questions. 

Unfortunately, it was cold in the Crater the day we went, but it's so breath-taking that you don't even think about the weather. We got to see the usual- elephants, lions, hippos, gazelles, impalas, monkeys, birds, and more. What was special about this day was seeing a rare rhinoceros. Only 17 or something can be found, and one crossed right in front of our vehicle!! It was amazing. 

That night, we stayed at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge. The Lodge was absolutely beautiful and sat right on the edge of the rim of the Crater. It had a huge outdoor sitting area where you could look out on to the Crater. 

Safari

Safari. The first day of safari was absolutely amazing. We were in Kakasii's car who is like my uncle. He drives like a mad man and doesn't stop for anything. He's killed quite a few gazelles that didn't get out of the way..

The first day we were in the Serengeti. The Serengeti is a national park and is where you can see pretty much all of the exotic wildlife you imagine when you think of Africa. We saw elephants, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, gazelles, foxes, birds, cheetahs, lizards, and lions. Lions are one of my favorite to see. They are the King of the Jungle, after all. Lionesses are complete powerhouses who do the hunting. 

It's hard to explain safari without seeing pictures. Most of my good pictures on my nice Nikon, so I can't really post any great shots on here. 

One more thing: I'm moving here. 

Day 4 and Day 5

Monday and Tuesday were mostly traveling days. We were on our journey to get to the Serengeti and the Crater for safari. After packing up the stuff we needed for the following four days, we loaded into three Land Cruisers. Roads in Africa are absolutely awful. Roads leading up the the Serengeti are absolute death. By the time you get out of the car, your back is basically broken. It's all bumps and dirt. You sometimes have to wear a  bandana to keep the dust out of your mouth.

The drivers were Kakasii, Peter, and Momo. I already knew Kakasii since he has come to America and stayed at my house. By the end of the first day of driving I got to know the other two and fell in love with them. They each are so different from one another. 

Kakasii- easily the loudest man I have EVER met. He has a lead foot and stop for anything. Things (people, animals, cars)  either get out of the way, or don't. He thinks it's as simple as that. He's a fantastic driver, you feel safe even though you may be airborne in your seat. His laugh is also amazing. It's my second favorite laugh, next to my moms. 

Peter- the sweetheart of the group. He drives the fastest. When I'm with him, we always get to places first. He has a rim of blue in his eyes, which is amazing since most Africans have brown. He is the biggest multitasker of the group. He's a driver, a father, a teacher, and a friend. I asked him his favorite animal and he said an elephant. I asked why and he said because they are the most responsible. They are the only animal in Africa that sticks around and raises their young completely. 

Momo- the shy one. Momo is very soft spoken, but knows the answer to everything. All he does is laugh at me when I do stupid stuff. He's a cutie. I also love his name. I got his blessing to name my future dog Momo. 

Left to right: kaka, Momo, and Peter 

Monday we went to a Masai market and bought a bunch of stuff. I am now I pro at bargaining. That night we stayed at a place called Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge. I recommend looking it up because it was awesome (www.rhotiavalley.com). We stayed in a tent with beds and a shower and such. It was basically luxury camping. The owners of the Lodge are Dutch and they hire young people to work there for a couple of months. I will definitely be back there. 

The next day we started our journey to my favorite lodge, Ndutu Safari Lodge. It has a campfire set up every night with cool canvas chairs set up in a circle. It's in the middle of everything. There was a story a couple of years ago where a woman took her little kid past the point where it says (no one beyond this point. Danger) and he got snatched up my a leopard that was perched in a nearby tree. They never found him. Living in the middle of the African bush is no joke. 

Anyways, the road to Ndutu is not a fun one. The roads here are 80% dirt. Not to be too graphic, but when you blow your nose here, it's all dirt. 

On our way to Ndutu, we stopped at a little Masai boma (village compound). While we visited, we got to talk to all of the Masai and learn about their lifestyle. They live in these tiny hits made of cow dung and sticks. It's pretty gross, so next time you complain, remember you're not living in a poop hut. 

Day 3

Sunday worship. 

We went to Kuseyeny for church, otherwise known now as Nkweshoo Lutheran Parish. In order to get there, we had to climb a huge mountain, since the church is located on the side. Guess what famous mountain?!

...We literally drove up some of Kilimanjaro to get to this church.  

When we finally arrived, the children there sang us a "welcome" song. I had my go pro camera mounted to my chest to capture all of their smiling faces as I walked by and gave them all handshakes and hugs. All of the children at first seem timid but then after a few seconds, they all start beaming when you say Jambo to them (hello).  

Once we made our way through the sea of children and the congregation, we were invited to tea and soup. I don't know about you, but I do not crave chicken soup at 9 in the morning. 

Worship was absolutely amazing. The choir was right next to me and I couldn't stop staring at them in awe. 

Later that night, we went to dinner at Kilimakyaro Lodge and all drank a bit to much..Rae and I ended up starting a dance party with Oscar (our driver). Everyone joined in, including the waiters and waitresses. For white people to invite their servers to dance is normally unheard of in Africa. Good thing we're not a normal bunch. 

Day Two

Today started out great. I woke up on the right side of the bed with over 8 hours of sleep. Thank goodness for Tylenol pm. 

The first thing we did on Saturday was visit the Ushirika wa Neema Deaconess Center in Moshi. The Deaconess Center is absolutely amazing. The sisters run EVERYTHING. They grow tons of fruits and vegetables and also have cows, pigs, and goats. They are completely self-sustaining. At the Deaconess center there is a Montessori school for children. This is where special needs kids can go to learn and play with their hands. Here, they actually learn stuff they can do, while still learning skills. 

Next, we went to the Neema Orphanage Center. This is the place I will be staying at later this month into July. I have never had a more life-changing experience. The way I connected with some kids is unexplainable. All of the children there are very young, the youngest being 4-5 months old. I got to hold almost all of the babies!! The really small babies stay in the baby house. The older children and toddlers were outside playing the whole time. I got to play soccer, volleyball, and cars with the kids. My favorite part of the whole day was seeing my dad blow up one of the soccer balls he brought and gave it to this one solemn girl, Esther. Although, the face she put on when she was handed the ball blew me away. She was instantly beaming and just in total shock that an American would come to visit HER and bring HER a new soccer ball. I took one look at my dad and immediately started crying. He was so moved by Esther too. It was crazy to me how such a little thing (that maybe costs $10) can change someone's life. 

This one little dude, Kelvin, wouldn't let me do anything without him. I was sitting on the ground with him on my lap and playing with him for a good 30 minutes. When I had to get up for lunch with the sisters, my pants were soaking wet. I guess Kelvin had gotten too excited and peed on my lap. That was fun. 

It was really hard leaving the orphanage and all of the smiling, adorable children. The good news is I'll be back soon. 

We then went to Machame Hospital where our friend Bob Kasworm works. Bob is an inspiring guy who is originally from Nebreska, but has lived in Tanzania ever since 2004. He left his wife and kids to come here and stay. They do get to visit him, and he goes back home, but I could never imagine. 

The hospital is very impressive, but very different from our own. It is not sterile. It does not have nice, one-room hospital beds. It does not charge a ridiculous amount. It does not have many computers. It does not have many medical personnel. It was weird for me to see this hospital in comparison to Paoli hospital (the local hospital at home) since I worked in Paoli this year. 

I was shocked to learn that a childbirth costs around $7 US dollars. And a hip replacement would be "expensive" and be $90. We got to visit with some patients, mostly new mothers, and look at the workings of the hospital. Although I really like Bob and the nurses and doctors, I would NEVER want to be hurt here in anyway. At all. Ever. 

After that, we went with Bob to see "Houses for Health". These Houses are small places that they build and give to families who are in desperate need of shelter. Bob explained that they can only do so much for people at the hospital, and living conditions of some families make it difficult to stay healthy. We visited with one of the families and they were so thankful. The houses only cost $4000. 

That night we had dinner at a little pizza place. Rae and I had to brave going to the bathroom in a choo (a hole in the ground). Of course this was the one day I didn't wear a skirt...it was bad. Besides, I think we all had too much Tusker. 

Day One

SndDay 1:

First of all, for those who are wondering, we are 7 hours ahead of you here in TZ.  

0700 breakfast was not a good call.  Rae and I literally crawled out of our room. I took a shower in the morning and had mixed emotions.  While I was lucky to be taking a shower, I also had to suffer through a freezing cold shower.  Good thing I chopped all my hair off! 

In the middle of night we were woken up three times.  First by a man screaming "help, help".  We still don't know what it was..Next, we heard wild dogs.  These dogs did not sound as friendly as Zoey or Sparks.  And finally, at 2:30 there was a musical performance including a trumpet.  Delightful!  At least breakfast was good. 

After breakfast, we immediately went into town (Moshi) to exchange money.  I exchanged $200 and I got 325,600 shillings in return (sounds like I'm rich).  People here love American money.  I leave the cleaning women a dollar on my pillow every morning.  Town was bustling, even at 8 in the morning.  It's hard to explain all of the sounds and things I saw.  The most important Swahlii word I have learned is "Hapana" which means no.  The vendors won't leave you alone until you say that.  The other phrase I use at least 5599 times a day is "asante sana" aka thank you very much. 

I';ll continue this post later once I have a chance to get back online.  Xoxx all my love, Anna L.

Continuation: 

After town, we went to Agape which is a junior seminary school that Sister Malay takes care of. She is my day's favorite woman over here. She is very impressive and fully devoted to helping others. She told a story about a girl named Gloria who had no chance of becoming something without an education, until sister gave all of her money (500,000 shillings). Now Gloria has a masters and is fully equipped to be successful in life. 

After Agape, we went to a primary school   Right as we got off the bus, we were attacked with hugs and smiles and handshakes. 

We gave away tons of soccer balls and candy. I have never seen so many smiles. I decided to try and play some soccer with the boys who absolutely destroyed my self confidence (relating to soccer). They play on uneven dirt ground with rocks everywhere. So, naturally I fell right on my butt. They really got a kick out of a muzungo (white person) falling. 

We also visited a local market where they literally sell thousands of machetes. It made me a little nervous to see so many at that market. Our guide, Nelson, told us this is one of the places we shouldn't wander from the group. 

Next on the list was visiting Stephen's house. Stephen is the sweetest man ever. I met him before when I came in 2006 and he still remembered me. We visited with his family and the "Chagga caves". The caves have been around for hundreds of years when the men used to fight in the war while the women, children, and livestock hid. 

That night we went to El Rancho. El rancho is an Indian restaurant, with a Mexican name, that also serves Chinese and pizza. It is quite the place. Dad and I shared a couple of Tuskers and had a great time with everyone. It is kind of the white people's hangout of the area. 

It was fantastic. The group is great and we all get along. I met this group of young people who were working at the local hospital who invited us to the club in town. I laughed for at least a good 30 seconds. A club? In Africa? That sounds sketchy. The group of young Europeans said it was great and totally safe. After dinner we asked our driver and good friend, Oscar, if he knows of this place. He told us we will go soon and he will come in with us and fend off the men. He's the best. 

Needless to say, I slept great this night. 

Update

Good news and bad news. 

Good: we landed in Amsterdam safely. I absolutely love Europeans and their style (better people watching). 

Bad: I'm running on 1 hour of sleep (even with the help of two Tylenol pm pills). It's 8:00 am here right now and 2:00 am at home. No sleep = cranky Anna. 

I also just wanted to give a quick shout out to my mamma! Sorry I was being difficult earlier, I know you were just trying to get me to focus. Love you. 

Next stop- Amsterdam

I am currently sitting on a plane. 

My thoughts right now:

1. People watching in airports is phenomenal. I'd say it is even better than amusement parks, which is saying something. 

2. So glad we took food from the Delta Sky Lounge we snuck into with Carol. The Nutella is coming in handy waiting for everyone to board. We all looked out of place in there. All of the fancy businessmen and businesswomen were all dressed in suits. I walked in with my hiking boots...so that's that. 

3. If you really think about it, I'm essentially going to be having a huge sleepover with these absolute strangers tonight on the plane. If one person farts, it is going to spread through this plane like wildfire and pollute us all. Just a thought. 

4. Thank Goodness for letting this plane have movie screens on the back of my seat. My genius plan is to watch a movie (preferably starring Ryan Gosling or Johnny Depp), eat my dinner, and take a Tylenol PM. 

5. Just talked to Lindsay on the phone and said bye. That was weird since I usually talk to her and all my other friends at least once a day. My friends = my life. I love those weirdos. A month can't be too bad, right? 

Catch y'all later. 

Procrastination...

HEY GUYS!

Tomorrow is the day I leave for Tanzania, Africa.  I can't believe it.  I have been thinking about this trip my whole senior year. I will be gone from June 12th to July 7th.  If you can't do simple estimations, this period of time amounts to a month...which means I basically need my whole closet and bathroom to come along with me.

Condensing all of my useless stuff into a suitcase, a carry-on, and a backpack is nearly impossible.  My mom is about to kill me since I would rather sleep then actually be focused and get stuff done.  I'm afraid I might have inherited some of my dad's ADD.  Anyways, I keep getting these paragraph long texts from my mom informing me of new things I must complete, "or else".

Luckily, I am pretty much all packed.  The only thing really left to do is pack my backpack and say goodbye to everyone.  Even though it may be lame to say, I am going to miss everyone so much.  As much as I love to travel, I am a homebody.  I LOVE my little niche.  I went to senior week (just for a day) to say goodbye to a lot of my friends since I won't be seeing them until July.  Saying bye to mom will be really hard too.  She's my main gal.

Although, I know that what I will experience while over there will be life changing.

"The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see"
-Gilbert K. Chesterton



Let's do this.