The VERY Last Blog Post

One of my favorite parts of Tanzania was meeting the people, seeing how they lived, and being able to learn from them. They have such a different culture than we do but there was so much to be learned. Their pace of life is so great. It is slower than ours, but they take the time to say hello to each other and talk to each other and care about each other and I think that is something that we can learn a lot from. - Caroline Campbell

My time in Africa was not what I expected…but then again, I wasn't sure what to expect anyway. Originally, my plan was to do clinics teaching HIV awareness and prevention; however, after our initial search for partners and teaching opportunities, I decided that I'd adapt and focus on a project that I could delve into 100%. [So we started with the chicken coop.] My time in Tanzania was great. I learned how to work and network with local partners and organizations. More importantly, I learned to appreciate a new culture, people, and community challenges. I was amazed at how much I had to learn about communication, patience, diligence, and friendship. -Gregg Lines

  

My favorite thing about living in Tanzania this summer was seeing all the children. Every day, wherever we went, children called out to us saying things like “Mzungu! How are you?” “Hello! Good morning!” or even “Mambo! Shikamo!” The parents trust us with their children, and the children are not often shy. Goodbye children! Kwa heri Tanzania! - Bailey Howard

Coming to Tanzania has been life changing. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to be happier with what I have and to be more willing to give. I saw people all the time that didn’t have much. Some people didn’t have food, some people didn’t have parents or a home, some people didn’t have money… but they were truly happy and grateful for what they did have. And whenever somebody was in need they were more than willing to give up whatever they had to make sure they were okay. We are so lucky to have parents and a family to live with, parents who have jobs and incomes, job opportunities for us, a solid education system, a good house to live in, clothes to wear, a car to drive, food to eat, money to spend… We are SO blessed! And coming to Tanzania has helped me re-evaluate my life and see that. - Emilee Eddings

Goodbye Tanzania: The place that has shown and given me so much love and care. I have never felt so welcome or loved in a place before. I’m so thankful to my friends and family for making my dream a reality. Asante sana, squash banana. - Kelsi Gunderson

Tanzania has been such an incredible experience for me! I will never forget the view from the ledge about 40 feet in the air behind the waterfall in the foothills of Mt. Meru. It was all so green, with banana trees growing along the sides of the cliffs, and the water shooting over my head. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I can never forget the children flocking to us wherever we go, or how beautiful Tarangire was in the evening of the first day of our safari. All the colors of the arid vegetation bisected by the sandy Tarargire merged with herds of elephants and wildebeests. It was one of the moments of my life where I felt like everything was perfect, and I was entirely at peace. - Aaron Coffey

Tanzania will forever have a special place in my heart. It is hard to describe in words how I feel. I love this place; its friendly people, loving children and beautiful nature. I will always be grateful for the love and friendship the people of Tanzania have shown me. Kwa heri Tanzania! Asante sana! Nakupenda! - Ellen Spångberg

The thing I’m going to miss most about Tanzania is the loving children! I will miss them constantly calling to and approaching our group. Kwa heri Arusha! - Melinda Martin

One of my favorite memories instilled in me from the people of Tanzania is the humble manner in which they served us. Some people would pour water over my hands so that I could wash them. Some would welcome me into their homes as family, prepare a meal for me, and clean up after me. Some would travel long distances by foot and work hard to see to my satisfaction and enjoyment. Some would work for me so that I wouldn’t get dirty or tired. Everyone smiled at me and greeted me as a hailed guest to their country, I felt as if I was being served by Jesus Christ Himself many times. Thank you for allowing me to live among you and observe a happy people. - Nathan Johnson

There are many things I love and will miss about Tanzania. I love the adventures I have had, and how easy it is to have them; I love the freedom a person has while living here; I love the children’s smiles, laughs, and excited greetings; I love how everyone is seen as valuable regardless of what they look like or if they have a degree; I love the beautiful surroundings in the Arusha area; I love the simple lives that everyone lives; and I love the people and will miss them greatly. - Shaylor Anderson

This is not a goodbye but a see you soon Tanzania! I came here to help people in need, but I was helped way more than I helped. The kids taught me some valuable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I love the people here and I love the culture. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives these past few months. I love you all! See you all again! – Alysha Myrick