Posts
Well folks, I've actually enjoyed writing this blog to keep you all updated about what was going on in Tanzania. I'm so glad that a lot of friends are reading it & enjoying my stories. It was a good idea after all!
I've been home for 3 weeks now & still have my heart in Moshi. I was NOT ready to leave. Just when I got all comfortable w/ life there I was wisked away to Walnutport, PA. Boo hoo hoo! I still feel like I could take off a week & do nothing but meditate on my experience & look at the pictures. By the way- if anyone wants to see pics, I have most of them uploaded onto KodakGallery. Just let me know if you want the links.
So many people have asked, "how was your trip?". I think if you kept up w/ my blog, you'll see clearly how it all was. YES- I would leave tomorrow & do it all over again!!! I've received 2 emails from my kids already-it's so awesome!! I wish I could see them all again.
Going to Tanzania & volunteering w/ CCS was a phenominal experience. I could not have known how much joy, compassion & love I'd experience there. I think my heart grew 10 times. Ü
So if any of you ever have the opportunity to help others in any way- do it! You never know what your ripple in the pond of life can do.
Peace & love~
Kwaheri!
Jes
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
International Women's Day Parade- or so We Thought
The last morning I was in Moshi, there was a town "festival" going on - International Women's Day. I heard about it from a flyer at the internet cafe. There was going to be a parade & festivities after. As luck would have it, the 2 mzungu volunteers who organized the event walked in to the cafe! I thought it was an awesome idea & said I'd post the flyer at our home base (they were from a different group). They said everyone would meet behind the police station by the YMCA & the festivities would be at Moshi Books. They said anyone could walk in the parade-cool! Plus afterwards, there was going to be kangas (sarongs) & tshirts sold, some food & other things going on. It was at 8:30am & my flight wasn't until 4:45pm, so I had plenty of time to go check it out. How cool to experience International Women's Day in Tanzania before I went home!!
So about 6 of us headed out Saturday morning to the YMCA. We figured we'd see a crowd & just follow it. Well, we couldn't find anyone anywhere. We asked a guy working at the Y where the police station was. He directed us clear across town. It didn't make any sense! I apologized to the girls & said that's what I thought those 2 volunteer gals said to me. So something got screwed up in the conversation. So we headed towards Moshi Books instead to ask them & along the way, guess what we see & hear? A PARADE! Yay! They were headed right towards us along the main road. So we stopped to watch, take some pictures & join in the fun.
There were tons of women all wearing green, yellow & white clothes & kangas, some carrying signs. They were so excited to see us & waved us in to walk. Cool! We were smiling, they were smiling, they were led by a little band- guys playing a trumpet, trombone, snare drum & bass drum. It was very festive & a lot of fun! These women were so happy we were walking w/ them. The music was fun & jazzy so we were all dancing. The local women got a HUGE kick out of me dancing. Being a bellydancer, I know how to shake my thang. I guess they don't figure "white" girls can move like they can-haha. They kept pointing to me & cheering. It was cute.
In the meantime, we were all wondering why we were the only mzungus walking w/ them. Where were the others? Hmmm...weird.
So we walked all over & ended up behind a building where there was a stage area set up & a big tent w/ tons of folding chairs. Women were wrapping scarves & kangas on us-they were so happy! A group of about 12 women dressed alike, were in a semi-circle singing & playing clackers that were actually cow horns. One rather large woman was sitting in the middle playing a big drum. They sounded awesome! We were all dancing w/ them & they still kept pointing at my booty & cheering at what a good job I was doing, haha!
So we're getting all hot & sweaty & still wondering where all the others were. I was more confused cuz I thought we were supposed to end up at the bookstore, which we weren't. Still we were having fun. We got up to dance several times. Also wondering who the people were sitting up on the stage & still wondering where all the others were. I thought, "Could there possibly have been *2* parades going on at the same time? Were we at the WRONG parade???"
Well, I'll be damned- YES WE WERE! This was some kind of POLITICAL celebration!!!!!! It was hysterical!!! Everyone kept shouting something like, "CCM- OH YEA!" We were so confused! I don't know how in the world there could have been 2 parades in the same town at the same time. These folks were so happy we were there though! Camera guys were taking all kinds of pictures & then they wanted us to write our names down & get up & address the crowd! It was SO funny. We all thought we were going to be in the next day's newspaper!!! So we bagged out as innocently as we could & headed to Moshi Books to find out where the REAL Women's Day thing was!!!
There was nothing at the bookstore, but they directed us just up the street to a Community Center where the real deal was being held. UNbelievable!!!! I still can't believe there were 2 parades!!! SO funny.
So even though we missed their parade, the whole center was filled w/ people & vendors selling handmade stuff to benefit local women's groups. We were glad to make some purchases & show our support.
What a WACKY day!!!! So, so far I haven't been called by the Tanzanian government....
So about 6 of us headed out Saturday morning to the YMCA. We figured we'd see a crowd & just follow it. Well, we couldn't find anyone anywhere. We asked a guy working at the Y where the police station was. He directed us clear across town. It didn't make any sense! I apologized to the girls & said that's what I thought those 2 volunteer gals said to me. So something got screwed up in the conversation. So we headed towards Moshi Books instead to ask them & along the way, guess what we see & hear? A PARADE! Yay! They were headed right towards us along the main road. So we stopped to watch, take some pictures & join in the fun.
There were tons of women all wearing green, yellow & white clothes & kangas, some carrying signs. They were so excited to see us & waved us in to walk. Cool! We were smiling, they were smiling, they were led by a little band- guys playing a trumpet, trombone, snare drum & bass drum. It was very festive & a lot of fun! These women were so happy we were walking w/ them. The music was fun & jazzy so we were all dancing. The local women got a HUGE kick out of me dancing. Being a bellydancer, I know how to shake my thang. I guess they don't figure "white" girls can move like they can-haha. They kept pointing to me & cheering. It was cute.
In the meantime, we were all wondering why we were the only mzungus walking w/ them. Where were the others? Hmmm...weird.
So we walked all over & ended up behind a building where there was a stage area set up & a big tent w/ tons of folding chairs. Women were wrapping scarves & kangas on us-they were so happy! A group of about 12 women dressed alike, were in a semi-circle singing & playing clackers that were actually cow horns. One rather large woman was sitting in the middle playing a big drum. They sounded awesome! We were all dancing w/ them & they still kept pointing at my booty & cheering at what a good job I was doing, haha!
So we're getting all hot & sweaty & still wondering where all the others were. I was more confused cuz I thought we were supposed to end up at the bookstore, which we weren't. Still we were having fun. We got up to dance several times. Also wondering who the people were sitting up on the stage & still wondering where all the others were. I thought, "Could there possibly have been *2* parades going on at the same time? Were we at the WRONG parade???"
Well, I'll be damned- YES WE WERE! This was some kind of POLITICAL celebration!!!!!! It was hysterical!!! Everyone kept shouting something like, "CCM- OH YEA!" We were so confused! I don't know how in the world there could have been 2 parades in the same town at the same time. These folks were so happy we were there though! Camera guys were taking all kinds of pictures & then they wanted us to write our names down & get up & address the crowd! It was SO funny. We all thought we were going to be in the next day's newspaper!!! So we bagged out as innocently as we could & headed to Moshi Books to find out where the REAL Women's Day thing was!!!
There was nothing at the bookstore, but they directed us just up the street to a Community Center where the real deal was being held. UNbelievable!!!! I still can't believe there were 2 parades!!! SO funny.
So even though we missed their parade, the whole center was filled w/ people & vendors selling handmade stuff to benefit local women's groups. We were glad to make some purchases & show our support.
What a WACKY day!!!! So, so far I haven't been called by the Tanzanian government....
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Girl Talk- No Boys Allowed
Warning= GIRL TALK! No boys allowed!!
This was something I forgot to write about before. I want to include it now cuz it was so awesome.
Prior to leaving for my trip, I knew I was going to be w/ older, teenage kids & I was reminded by Jenn that it might be good to bring along some feminine "supplies". After one of our sessions w/ Sara (CCS staff), I mentioned it to her- about taking them w/ me to school for the girls & telling them I had them. She informed me that Tanzanian girls have a code word for supplies- "BREAD". In case there are any boys around, they can talk about 'bread' w/out feeling embarrassed I guess. Sara said it would be good for me to talk to the girls about their periods & she even said I could talk to them about HIV & using condoms/safe sex. WOW. Got the green light.
So the 2nd Friday at school, I grabbed some girls & said I wanted to talk to them outside. One girl went for the rest of the girls & we all gathered outside at the bottom of the steps. It was SO cute. We all gathered in this football huddle w/ our arms around each other, leaning in close. They were all giggly & excited.
"OK girls, I want to talk to you about your period."
A collective "ooooohhhhh".
"I have some bread".
Again, "ooohhhhh".
I told them what I had & that I would bring it with me each day. They should just ask me whenever they needed it & I'd give them some. Then I asked them if they had any questions. Boy-did they ever!
"Why do I feel so bad?"
"Why does it hurt?"
"How long should it last?"
"What if it's more than 10 days?"
"What if it's 2 times in 1 month?"
WOW! It was amazing. I wondered if they ever had anyone tell them anything about their periods. We all get the talk in middle school to some degree, but these girls never had any kind of Health class, I'm sure. It was so awesome to be able to talk to them about this & answer their questions as best as I could. Of course w/ some things I told them to talk to their mother, grandmother or healer.
Then I mentioned sex- no matter what, always, always, always have him use a condom! They all kind of looked like they were taking it all in & nodding their heads. I said,"You don't ever want to get sick- get HIV or get pregnant before you're married". Once again, a collective "nnnnoooooooo!!" Of course I told them to wait til they get married, but regardless (just in case) always use a condom.
WOW! What an experience to be able to "minister'' to the girls in this way! I kinda felt proud that I could open up & talk to them about all of this & answer their questions. All the girls at home base were amazed that I had this talk w/ my girls. It was so neat.
GIRL POWER!!!
This was something I forgot to write about before. I want to include it now cuz it was so awesome.
Prior to leaving for my trip, I knew I was going to be w/ older, teenage kids & I was reminded by Jenn that it might be good to bring along some feminine "supplies". After one of our sessions w/ Sara (CCS staff), I mentioned it to her- about taking them w/ me to school for the girls & telling them I had them. She informed me that Tanzanian girls have a code word for supplies- "BREAD". In case there are any boys around, they can talk about 'bread' w/out feeling embarrassed I guess. Sara said it would be good for me to talk to the girls about their periods & she even said I could talk to them about HIV & using condoms/safe sex. WOW. Got the green light.
So the 2nd Friday at school, I grabbed some girls & said I wanted to talk to them outside. One girl went for the rest of the girls & we all gathered outside at the bottom of the steps. It was SO cute. We all gathered in this football huddle w/ our arms around each other, leaning in close. They were all giggly & excited.
"OK girls, I want to talk to you about your period."
A collective "ooooohhhhh".
"I have some bread".
Again, "ooohhhhh".
I told them what I had & that I would bring it with me each day. They should just ask me whenever they needed it & I'd give them some. Then I asked them if they had any questions. Boy-did they ever!
"Why do I feel so bad?"
"Why does it hurt?"
"How long should it last?"
"What if it's more than 10 days?"
"What if it's 2 times in 1 month?"
WOW! It was amazing. I wondered if they ever had anyone tell them anything about their periods. We all get the talk in middle school to some degree, but these girls never had any kind of Health class, I'm sure. It was so awesome to be able to talk to them about this & answer their questions as best as I could. Of course w/ some things I told them to talk to their mother, grandmother or healer.
Then I mentioned sex- no matter what, always, always, always have him use a condom! They all kind of looked like they were taking it all in & nodding their heads. I said,"You don't ever want to get sick- get HIV or get pregnant before you're married". Once again, a collective "nnnnoooooooo!!" Of course I told them to wait til they get married, but regardless (just in case) always use a condom.
WOW! What an experience to be able to "minister'' to the girls in this way! I kinda felt proud that I could open up & talk to them about all of this & answer their questions. All the girls at home base were amazed that I had this talk w/ my girls. It was so neat.
GIRL POWER!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
More About the Last Day of School
The kids split up to go to their classes & I went with Andrew into his office to talk.
I'm going to back up & say that Thursday we had a feedback session at home base w/ Sara & Mama Grace. I told them I'd love to help out the school in some way after I go home. We weren't allowed to bring/give gifts so I thought it'd be better to do something once I'm at home, on my own. I said I'd love to get them English books from Tanzania but how do I do that? Was there a publisher in Tanzania? How would I send them? I'd even love to donate a new blackboard instead if that was possible. They couldn't really give me a solid answer.
So, in Andrew's office, he had talked to Sara about my wanting to donate books or something else useful. He was so happy & said he'd come w/ me across the street to Moshi Books to look at some/pick them out. I was confused cuz Sara didn't give me an answer about it. I explained to Andrew that I had to talk to Sara first to see if it was ok, how could we arrange it, etc. He offered to drive me to home base & talk to her. I said let's just call her first. He was anxious! He told me about a past volunteer who donated a computer & printer for his office & that it was ok cuz it was her own doing & not because he asked for it. So he was telling me that as long as my wanting to make a donation of books was coming from my heart & not cuz they asked for it, that it was ok. Still , I needed Sara's approval to feel that it was ok w/ CCS.
We went to Moshi Books & he picked out an English text for Form 1, Form 3 & a teacher's manual. They were all $6 each. I wondered how long it would take for them to order all that I needed for the kids. Andrew said it's a big store & they have everything. I doubted that they'd have enough though. We went back into the classes & counted how many kids. 16 in mine, 14 in Sam's plus 2 stragglers. Andrew explained that I could get 1 book for 2 students to share, even 1 book per 3 students if money was an issue. I thought in my mind- of course not! If I'm going to do this, everyone is getting their own book.
We couldn't get Sara on the phone so he did drive me to home base. She wasn't there but David was, another staff member. I explained what I wanted to do & he said as long as it was coming from my heart it was ok. He didn't want me saying that CCS 'told' me to give something, of course not. This was something I wanted to do on my own. He said that it was fine & he'd back me up. Cool!! So I grabbed my purse & checked to see how much cash I had left. I was good so Andrew drove me to a Bureau de Change, I got the shillings & we went back to school & walked over to Moshi Books.
It was incredible!!! I was getting the books TODAY! I said how many I wanted & next thing you know, the women are coming from the back of the store w/ the stacks of books in their arms. They had them ALL!!!! I couldn't believe it! No waiting- I could physically give the kids the new books right away before I left!!!! All the books (33) came out to be around $150. In the grand scheme of things, it's a drop in the bucket. To know how they would be used & how desperately they needed them, it was no question in my mind that it was right.
So with weighted bags, we walked over to school to Andrew's office. He wanted to stamp each book w/ the school emblem. When we got to his office, he just grabbed me by the shoulders & absolutely beamed from ear to ear. He hugged me on both sides & kissed me on both cheeks & kept thanking me over & over. I was elated to be able to pull this off in 1 day!! Especially before I left! We were both giddy with excitement. He used my camera & got some shots of me stamping the books & I got him too-he looks SOOO happy. It was phenominal.
We were bursting at the seams with excitement to give the kids the books. Oh, by the way, I had planned to review my lessons w/ the kids, play my frame drum for them, etc but this took all day! I didn't get to do anything w/ my kids. One of the other teachers was with them the whole morning so they weren't alone. They just covered other stuff while I was out & about. They had no idea where I was or what was going on.heehee!
So I came into my class w/ the Form 1 books stacked in my arms. They all got wide eyed with excitement & started cheering! Andrew explained to them that they were to keep the books safe, in good condition & sign them out. They were to leave them at school & pick them up in the morning. We didn't want them writing in the books so that the next year students could use them, & the next & the next. Andrew took a bunch of pics when I passed them out to the kids. It was the greatest!Next, we went to Sam's Form 3 class & we had Sam pass them out & took more pics.
It was the greatest day ever. So amazing. Bittersweet with leaving & missing them, but incredibly moving to be able to do something so simple & easy to help sustain the school for the future.
At the beginning of my trip, we had written 3 personal goals during orientation. I didn't feel that I totally accomplished my last goal of passing on the blessings that have been given to me so that others could be helped. Until my last day. It all came full circle & I felt a great sense of inner knowing & satisfaction that I had done what I felt I needed to do. I tried my best, felt the struggles, S T R E T C H E D myself, jumped & cheered for my kids when they "got" the lessons, felt so proud when they thought creatively for themselves & fell in love w/ all of them in 3 short weeks. My heart truly grew 10x. Doing this program was one of the best things I've ever done.
PS- the kids all got some more Hershey Kisses thrown at them when I left. ;)
I'm going to back up & say that Thursday we had a feedback session at home base w/ Sara & Mama Grace. I told them I'd love to help out the school in some way after I go home. We weren't allowed to bring/give gifts so I thought it'd be better to do something once I'm at home, on my own. I said I'd love to get them English books from Tanzania but how do I do that? Was there a publisher in Tanzania? How would I send them? I'd even love to donate a new blackboard instead if that was possible. They couldn't really give me a solid answer.
So, in Andrew's office, he had talked to Sara about my wanting to donate books or something else useful. He was so happy & said he'd come w/ me across the street to Moshi Books to look at some/pick them out. I was confused cuz Sara didn't give me an answer about it. I explained to Andrew that I had to talk to Sara first to see if it was ok, how could we arrange it, etc. He offered to drive me to home base & talk to her. I said let's just call her first. He was anxious! He told me about a past volunteer who donated a computer & printer for his office & that it was ok cuz it was her own doing & not because he asked for it. So he was telling me that as long as my wanting to make a donation of books was coming from my heart & not cuz they asked for it, that it was ok. Still , I needed Sara's approval to feel that it was ok w/ CCS.
We went to Moshi Books & he picked out an English text for Form 1, Form 3 & a teacher's manual. They were all $6 each. I wondered how long it would take for them to order all that I needed for the kids. Andrew said it's a big store & they have everything. I doubted that they'd have enough though. We went back into the classes & counted how many kids. 16 in mine, 14 in Sam's plus 2 stragglers. Andrew explained that I could get 1 book for 2 students to share, even 1 book per 3 students if money was an issue. I thought in my mind- of course not! If I'm going to do this, everyone is getting their own book.
We couldn't get Sara on the phone so he did drive me to home base. She wasn't there but David was, another staff member. I explained what I wanted to do & he said as long as it was coming from my heart it was ok. He didn't want me saying that CCS 'told' me to give something, of course not. This was something I wanted to do on my own. He said that it was fine & he'd back me up. Cool!! So I grabbed my purse & checked to see how much cash I had left. I was good so Andrew drove me to a Bureau de Change, I got the shillings & we went back to school & walked over to Moshi Books.
It was incredible!!! I was getting the books TODAY! I said how many I wanted & next thing you know, the women are coming from the back of the store w/ the stacks of books in their arms. They had them ALL!!!! I couldn't believe it! No waiting- I could physically give the kids the new books right away before I left!!!! All the books (33) came out to be around $150. In the grand scheme of things, it's a drop in the bucket. To know how they would be used & how desperately they needed them, it was no question in my mind that it was right.
So with weighted bags, we walked over to school to Andrew's office. He wanted to stamp each book w/ the school emblem. When we got to his office, he just grabbed me by the shoulders & absolutely beamed from ear to ear. He hugged me on both sides & kissed me on both cheeks & kept thanking me over & over. I was elated to be able to pull this off in 1 day!! Especially before I left! We were both giddy with excitement. He used my camera & got some shots of me stamping the books & I got him too-he looks SOOO happy. It was phenominal.
We were bursting at the seams with excitement to give the kids the books. Oh, by the way, I had planned to review my lessons w/ the kids, play my frame drum for them, etc but this took all day! I didn't get to do anything w/ my kids. One of the other teachers was with them the whole morning so they weren't alone. They just covered other stuff while I was out & about. They had no idea where I was or what was going on.heehee!
So I came into my class w/ the Form 1 books stacked in my arms. They all got wide eyed with excitement & started cheering! Andrew explained to them that they were to keep the books safe, in good condition & sign them out. They were to leave them at school & pick them up in the morning. We didn't want them writing in the books so that the next year students could use them, & the next & the next. Andrew took a bunch of pics when I passed them out to the kids. It was the greatest!Next, we went to Sam's Form 3 class & we had Sam pass them out & took more pics.
It was the greatest day ever. So amazing. Bittersweet with leaving & missing them, but incredibly moving to be able to do something so simple & easy to help sustain the school for the future.
At the beginning of my trip, we had written 3 personal goals during orientation. I didn't feel that I totally accomplished my last goal of passing on the blessings that have been given to me so that others could be helped. Until my last day. It all came full circle & I felt a great sense of inner knowing & satisfaction that I had done what I felt I needed to do. I tried my best, felt the struggles, S T R E T C H E D myself, jumped & cheered for my kids when they "got" the lessons, felt so proud when they thought creatively for themselves & fell in love w/ all of them in 3 short weeks. My heart truly grew 10x. Doing this program was one of the best things I've ever done.
PS- the kids all got some more Hershey Kisses thrown at them when I left. ;)
Last Day at School- :(
Hi gang,
Most of you know that I'm home safe & sound now. I didn't have an opportunity to get to a computer during my last 2 days so I haven't been able to catch up with what happened. So I'll try to remember everything!
My last day, Friday, started out on a sad note. I was all bummed & emotional Thursday night too. At breakfast Friday morning, Sara (our staff member) told me & Sam that our head master, Andrew, has not been in to school lately because his wife had to give birth to a stillborn baby. Dear Lord. I started crying & Sam was also in disbelief. Andrew has a bad leg & walks with a profound limp so we both thought, how much can one man go through? It's not fair. We were so upset. Then Sara told me that Andrew was coming in to school to say goodbye to me. I said, "Oh no! You call him & tell him to stay home w/ his wife! That's more important. He does not have to come in just for me". She called him but he had already left.
We ge to school & one of the boys grabbed my arm & said, "Teecha, you sit with us for prayers today". Cool! We always sat in the study room when they did that so I was thrilled to see them singing & stuff. I sat amongst the kids & Sam sat in too. It was so nice. They sing like they mean it! Stanley (teacher) read from the bible about ask & you shall receive, seek & you will find, etc. Andrew came in then & Stanley asked him to say something. He briefly told the kids he was sorry for not being around but things at home were hard but he trusts God & thanks God that his wife is home & ok (didn't mention the baby). Then Andrew started talking to me in front of everyone saying such wonderful things about me being there-thanking me for everything I've done, that the kids enjoyed me so much, etc,etc. Of course the waterworks started flowing!!!!
Then he asked the kids if anyone wanted to say anything. Emmanuel stood up, looked at me & said the most wonderful things! I can't say word for word, but it was all so moving to me. It was so incredibly sweet!! I'm crying some more...and they sang me a song! It was about "our time being too short"-ohhhhh boy. Then Andrew asked me if I'd say something to the class. Oh boy!I was a mess!
So I got up in front of everyone & couldn't speak for about 30 seconds. I just looked at their faces & knew I'd never see them again & how amazing they are & how much they've impacted my life. I squeaked out how I came there & didn't know what to expect, that they were such great kids who have touched my heart so deeply & I love them all. It was SO hard!!!!
I wasn't expecting all of that at all! It was SO special. Everything they said, such wonderful things...my heart has truly grown 10x.
Most of you know that I'm home safe & sound now. I didn't have an opportunity to get to a computer during my last 2 days so I haven't been able to catch up with what happened. So I'll try to remember everything!
My last day, Friday, started out on a sad note. I was all bummed & emotional Thursday night too. At breakfast Friday morning, Sara (our staff member) told me & Sam that our head master, Andrew, has not been in to school lately because his wife had to give birth to a stillborn baby. Dear Lord. I started crying & Sam was also in disbelief. Andrew has a bad leg & walks with a profound limp so we both thought, how much can one man go through? It's not fair. We were so upset. Then Sara told me that Andrew was coming in to school to say goodbye to me. I said, "Oh no! You call him & tell him to stay home w/ his wife! That's more important. He does not have to come in just for me". She called him but he had already left.
We ge to school & one of the boys grabbed my arm & said, "Teecha, you sit with us for prayers today". Cool! We always sat in the study room when they did that so I was thrilled to see them singing & stuff. I sat amongst the kids & Sam sat in too. It was so nice. They sing like they mean it! Stanley (teacher) read from the bible about ask & you shall receive, seek & you will find, etc. Andrew came in then & Stanley asked him to say something. He briefly told the kids he was sorry for not being around but things at home were hard but he trusts God & thanks God that his wife is home & ok (didn't mention the baby). Then Andrew started talking to me in front of everyone saying such wonderful things about me being there-thanking me for everything I've done, that the kids enjoyed me so much, etc,etc. Of course the waterworks started flowing!!!!
Then he asked the kids if anyone wanted to say anything. Emmanuel stood up, looked at me & said the most wonderful things! I can't say word for word, but it was all so moving to me. It was so incredibly sweet!! I'm crying some more...and they sang me a song! It was about "our time being too short"-ohhhhh boy. Then Andrew asked me if I'd say something to the class. Oh boy!I was a mess!
So I got up in front of everyone & couldn't speak for about 30 seconds. I just looked at their faces & knew I'd never see them again & how amazing they are & how much they've impacted my life. I squeaked out how I came there & didn't know what to expect, that they were such great kids who have touched my heart so deeply & I love them all. It was SO hard!!!!
I wasn't expecting all of that at all! It was SO special. Everything they said, such wonderful things...my heart has truly grown 10x.
Friday, March 7, 2008
About Cross-Cultural Solutions
Hi gang, I thought I'd write a little bit about Cross-Cultural Solutions & the program here.
It's been so amazing!! I had no idea of what to expect when I came here. The program is run SO efficiently. Not only have I volunteered at a school here, but I have been totally immersed in the Tanzanian culture, thanks a lot to them.
We have some staff members here that take good care of us. Sara is the best! She's a 27 yr old woman who always has a cell phone in her hand to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you have any kind of question or problem, she'll get to the bottom of it. Moses is an older gent, as well as Mama Grace. They oversee our programs. David helps too, taking control of paperwork, passports & in-country permit things. We have 3 drivers that take all of us to our placements every day- Richard, Simon & Athumani. Although unfortunately, Athumani has been in the hospital w/ malaria. It's so common here w/ the local people. They don't take the preventative meds like we do.
We also have several grounds keepers- our property is SO beautiful!!! They're always working outside planting new things, watering the plants & they actually trim the grass w/ a hand-held machete. God bless them for doing all that work out in the hot sun!
There's several security guys too that are always patrolling the gates. We have a cooking staff (YAY!!) & a house keeping staff too. They're all so fabulous, we really appreciate them all!
We also have 3 local volunteers. 3 young men who go to some placements along w/ other volunteers of CCS. I did not have one of them w/ me, they typically go to the preschools to translate. After placement, they go to college classes. How neat!
CCS has offered us some pretty neat "classes". Our 1st 2 weeks were very busy. Our placement is only 8-12pm, but they filled our days! We had classes outside every day- Kiswahili (learning the language-was very cool) & talks about Tanzanian culture, education system, traditions, customs, traditonal healers (fascinating!) & more. It was so neat. I feel like a chocolate covered strawberry- totally DIPPED in the lifestyle & culture!
It was all very important though. For example, there's a particular handshake they do here which is cool & when you visit someone in their home, you're supposed to bring them something like sugar or cooking oil. NO flowers- they're for dead people!
We also had day trips which I wrote about that CCS organized for our cultural learning. It's all part of the program. My friend & roomie here-Leann, did the CCS Russia program last year. She said they followed the same format there as well w/ Russian classes & cultural learning. They are on the ball! We have been very familiarized w/ Tanzanian culture through the program. It's awesome!!
The food has been fabulous too- a lot of beef, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mangoes & bananas.
So, all in all, it's been a tremendous learning experience in so many ways. I love it!!
Jes
It's been so amazing!! I had no idea of what to expect when I came here. The program is run SO efficiently. Not only have I volunteered at a school here, but I have been totally immersed in the Tanzanian culture, thanks a lot to them.
We have some staff members here that take good care of us. Sara is the best! She's a 27 yr old woman who always has a cell phone in her hand to make sure everything is running smoothly. If you have any kind of question or problem, she'll get to the bottom of it. Moses is an older gent, as well as Mama Grace. They oversee our programs. David helps too, taking control of paperwork, passports & in-country permit things. We have 3 drivers that take all of us to our placements every day- Richard, Simon & Athumani. Although unfortunately, Athumani has been in the hospital w/ malaria. It's so common here w/ the local people. They don't take the preventative meds like we do.
We also have several grounds keepers- our property is SO beautiful!!! They're always working outside planting new things, watering the plants & they actually trim the grass w/ a hand-held machete. God bless them for doing all that work out in the hot sun!
There's several security guys too that are always patrolling the gates. We have a cooking staff (YAY!!) & a house keeping staff too. They're all so fabulous, we really appreciate them all!
We also have 3 local volunteers. 3 young men who go to some placements along w/ other volunteers of CCS. I did not have one of them w/ me, they typically go to the preschools to translate. After placement, they go to college classes. How neat!
CCS has offered us some pretty neat "classes". Our 1st 2 weeks were very busy. Our placement is only 8-12pm, but they filled our days! We had classes outside every day- Kiswahili (learning the language-was very cool) & talks about Tanzanian culture, education system, traditions, customs, traditonal healers (fascinating!) & more. It was so neat. I feel like a chocolate covered strawberry- totally DIPPED in the lifestyle & culture!
It was all very important though. For example, there's a particular handshake they do here which is cool & when you visit someone in their home, you're supposed to bring them something like sugar or cooking oil. NO flowers- they're for dead people!
We also had day trips which I wrote about that CCS organized for our cultural learning. It's all part of the program. My friend & roomie here-Leann, did the CCS Russia program last year. She said they followed the same format there as well w/ Russian classes & cultural learning. They are on the ball! We have been very familiarized w/ Tanzanian culture through the program. It's awesome!!
The food has been fabulous too- a lot of beef, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mangoes & bananas.
So, all in all, it's been a tremendous learning experience in so many ways. I love it!!
Jes
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Life in Moshi
It took 2 weeks, but now I'm totally settled in to my surroundings. Just in time to leave, unfortunately! When I first arrived, the older volunteers kept commenting on how 3 weeks is SO short. Now I understand. It really is. A lot of girls are here for 6, 8 & 12 weeks. Granted, they're mostly 18-22 year olds! But it really is true. Just when you get in the swing of things, you have to leave. It does go by VERY fast.
I truly feel like a part of the community now & not a tourist. There's an acceptance here of us which is so refreshing. Everyone you meet out walking acknowledges you. It's so wonderful compared to at home. When I walk the dogs, it's hard to even say hello to someone cuz as you get closer, they turn their backs! People avoid conversation at all costs. It's SO opposite here. I love it! Basic humanity, people! If I pass someone here & they don't say anything first, I don't wait-I'll say "jambo!" & they always reply with a smile & say something else. I told some other girls that it feels so good to be able to reply to people here AND say something in return!! I think they love it when you respond with something more than hello. Especially if they ask "habari..." & you answer & say "na wewe?" which means 'and you?'. I LOVE speaking Swahili. I'm totally going to miss that when I go home. Who wants to learn so we can talk?? (Barry-I may have to come into the store more frequently to talk to Ali!!)
People are out walking EVERYWHERE. You have to basically. Unlike NYC, people here have to walk FAR, just to sell something closer to town or to get something in town. Lots of people (men) ride bikes. I haven't seen any women riding bikes. We get to ride sidesaddle behind the guy doing all the work. Ü
The cars are like the kind in England. The steering wheels are on the R & they drive on the L. They have crazy vans called dalla dallas which go up & down the roads constantly like buses. They cram tons of people in them, sometimes they're hanging out the window. Yes, I rode one today! It wasn't too bad. Especially since some places are too far to walk & it only costs 30 cents.
Main roads are paved, but most of the roads in town are just dirt- with LOTS of dips, BIG dips. So, with the downpours that we're starting to get, it makes for tons & tons of MUD. My shoes are a lovely shade of reddish brown, as is everyone else's. I made the mistake of wearing flip flops to town the other day, walking in the mud. I got a huge blister from the 'thong' under my toe.
I can NOT imagine what it's like here during the rainy season! It lasts from March to May. My roomie, Karen, will be here the whole time so I'll hear from her. I can't imagine how messy it gets. Some roads are completely impassable & people just stay home.
Every place, store, etc has these metal things outside the door to scrape your shoes from the mud. Our floors in the house are pretty much dirty at all times. I think the dirt is permanently embedded around my toes now. I'd love to have a pedicure when I get home. Actually, I'd love to have a body scrub, pedicure, teeth cleaning & a haircut. Ü
The people are so awesome. I know I just mentioned it, but it's just the greatest how everyone greets you. Everyone says "karibu" with a smile which means welcome. How many times to we say that to strangers in the US? Uh, NEVER. I had thought before coming here that I might want to come home w/ a kid. Just to be able to give a child a better life in America with more opportunities. We may have more opportunities, but I'm telling you= there's nothing wrong with their life here. I think they'd hate the lack of community. They may not have toys, teddy bears & dolls, but they have family, fun & lots of bananas. What truly matters in life anyway?
I hope to hold onto the sense of community & human kindness as long as I can.
And the children- oh my, the children!! They are too cute for words. There's a word that everyone uses here- MZUNGU. It means 'foreigner'. You learn not to be offended when someone calls you that or when children point to you & yell,"mzungu! mzungu!". Some girls at the house got tshirts that say MZUNGU. I didn't get one, but they are funny.
Well, this morning I had my 1st encounter w/ little kids. When I was dropped off at my placement, 2 tiny little kids around 3-4 came running w/ their arms outstretched to me yelling, "mzungu! mzungu!" I mean they ran right into me, reaching up to me & started petting my hair like a dog. It was the cutest thing ever!!!!!! I loved it. I don't think I'd want kids hanging off of me every day doing that but it was fun.
Well, that's about all I can think of for now about life here. I love it. Wouldn't want to live here permanently, but it's fabulous. I miss scrapbooking & stamping. They don't have any kind of crafts here really, just woodworking for souveniers & batik. So that's one thing I miss.
So, gotta get going for dinner. Tomorrow's my last day at school. I'll probably be crying buckets.
love,
Jes
I truly feel like a part of the community now & not a tourist. There's an acceptance here of us which is so refreshing. Everyone you meet out walking acknowledges you. It's so wonderful compared to at home. When I walk the dogs, it's hard to even say hello to someone cuz as you get closer, they turn their backs! People avoid conversation at all costs. It's SO opposite here. I love it! Basic humanity, people! If I pass someone here & they don't say anything first, I don't wait-I'll say "jambo!" & they always reply with a smile & say something else. I told some other girls that it feels so good to be able to reply to people here AND say something in return!! I think they love it when you respond with something more than hello. Especially if they ask "habari..." & you answer & say "na wewe?" which means 'and you?'. I LOVE speaking Swahili. I'm totally going to miss that when I go home. Who wants to learn so we can talk?? (Barry-I may have to come into the store more frequently to talk to Ali!!)
People are out walking EVERYWHERE. You have to basically. Unlike NYC, people here have to walk FAR, just to sell something closer to town or to get something in town. Lots of people (men) ride bikes. I haven't seen any women riding bikes. We get to ride sidesaddle behind the guy doing all the work. Ü
The cars are like the kind in England. The steering wheels are on the R & they drive on the L. They have crazy vans called dalla dallas which go up & down the roads constantly like buses. They cram tons of people in them, sometimes they're hanging out the window. Yes, I rode one today! It wasn't too bad. Especially since some places are too far to walk & it only costs 30 cents.
Main roads are paved, but most of the roads in town are just dirt- with LOTS of dips, BIG dips. So, with the downpours that we're starting to get, it makes for tons & tons of MUD. My shoes are a lovely shade of reddish brown, as is everyone else's. I made the mistake of wearing flip flops to town the other day, walking in the mud. I got a huge blister from the 'thong' under my toe.
I can NOT imagine what it's like here during the rainy season! It lasts from March to May. My roomie, Karen, will be here the whole time so I'll hear from her. I can't imagine how messy it gets. Some roads are completely impassable & people just stay home.
Every place, store, etc has these metal things outside the door to scrape your shoes from the mud. Our floors in the house are pretty much dirty at all times. I think the dirt is permanently embedded around my toes now. I'd love to have a pedicure when I get home. Actually, I'd love to have a body scrub, pedicure, teeth cleaning & a haircut. Ü
The people are so awesome. I know I just mentioned it, but it's just the greatest how everyone greets you. Everyone says "karibu" with a smile which means welcome. How many times to we say that to strangers in the US? Uh, NEVER. I had thought before coming here that I might want to come home w/ a kid. Just to be able to give a child a better life in America with more opportunities. We may have more opportunities, but I'm telling you= there's nothing wrong with their life here. I think they'd hate the lack of community. They may not have toys, teddy bears & dolls, but they have family, fun & lots of bananas. What truly matters in life anyway?
I hope to hold onto the sense of community & human kindness as long as I can.
And the children- oh my, the children!! They are too cute for words. There's a word that everyone uses here- MZUNGU. It means 'foreigner'. You learn not to be offended when someone calls you that or when children point to you & yell,"mzungu! mzungu!". Some girls at the house got tshirts that say MZUNGU. I didn't get one, but they are funny.
Well, this morning I had my 1st encounter w/ little kids. When I was dropped off at my placement, 2 tiny little kids around 3-4 came running w/ their arms outstretched to me yelling, "mzungu! mzungu!" I mean they ran right into me, reaching up to me & started petting my hair like a dog. It was the cutest thing ever!!!!!! I loved it. I don't think I'd want kids hanging off of me every day doing that but it was fun.
Well, that's about all I can think of for now about life here. I love it. Wouldn't want to live here permanently, but it's fabulous. I miss scrapbooking & stamping. They don't have any kind of crafts here really, just woodworking for souveniers & batik. So that's one thing I miss.
So, gotta get going for dinner. Tomorrow's my last day at school. I'll probably be crying buckets.
love,
Jes
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