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.