I am proudly the official editor/writer for a great project in Tanzania, The Orphan Games. I met Javier (the founder of Wheels of Action, an NGO based out of Denmark) in Moshi, and am enthusiastically supporting the awesome work he is doing in Tanzania. Read more about The Orphan Games here:
http://www.wheelsofaction.org/projects/the-orphan-games.html
Facebook (search 'The Orphan Games')
I have been commissioned to write an article defending the use of the word "orphan" in the title of this project (certain sponsors prefer the term 'vulnerable children'). The following is what I have created thus far. Feel free to comment and add suggestions!
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Empowering Orphans: The Need for Candor
A beautiful trend is emerging in the West. More and more citizens of first-world nations are reaching out with hearts, minds and hands to Africa, assisting underprivileged communities with initiatives such as microfinancing, mosquito net donations, HIV awareness and free ARV (antiretroviral) provisions. Tragedy and suffering in Africa has long been recognized, but at last it seems the world is finally willing to work together to help this struggling continent achieve the humanitarian assistance it rightly deserves. Each NGO has its own mission: education, women’s empowerment, health care, environmental protection, care for orphans… A powerful web of support is being weaved – the combined energy of individual volunteerism and government assistance is creating a collective awareness of the issues at hand, while providing the means for ordinary individuals to proactively address these issues.
The Orphan Games project was established as a means of gathering, inspiring and empowering orphans and underprivileged youth through athletic activities. Using competitive sports as a platform, the Orphan Games events in Arusha and Dar es Salaam hope to provide a sense of belonging within the orphan community, promote healthy lifestyle habits, encourage self-respect and respect of others, and facilitate the development of lasting friendships. According to the 2007 statistics compiled by UNICEF (The United Nations Children’s Fund), Tanzania has 2.6 million orphans – 970,000 of these children have been left parentless from the AIDS epidemic.[1] Among the many issues facing impoverished nations, the suffering of parentless children ranks among the most heartrending. Wheels of Action is committed to helping alleviate that suffering by giving orphans the opportunity to experience joy, sportsmanship and a sense of personal achievement. These elements are invaluable in giving underprivileged kids something that is essential to their survival: a sense of hope.
At first glance, the title “Orphan Games” might be seen as stigmatizing, but it is our opinion that the word orphan presents the most accurate and sensitive description of these youth. In a world filled with social inequality, marginalized groups are often viewed and referred to in a derogatory and/or unfavorable manner. This is the basis of stereotypes – an oversimplification of characteristics of a group or class of people, often carrying negative undertones and painting inaccuracies with an unflattering brush. “The effects of stereotyping can fluctuate, but for the most part they are negative, and not always apparent until long periods of time have passed. Over time, some victims of negative stereotypes display self-fulfilling prophecy behavior, in which they assume that the stereotype represents norms to emulate. Negative effects may include forming inaccurate opinions of people, scapegoating, erroneously judgmentalism, preventing emotional identification, distress, and impaired performance. Stereotyping painfully reminds those being judged of how society views them.”
The opposite extreme is the lingo of ‘politically correct’ expressions, words that tread so carefully in communicating meaning that the truth is often blurred and obscured. Used with the intention of minimizing offense to a particular social group, the appropriate nature of the selected terminology is ambiguous, because the selection of such terms is in and of itself subjective.
When referring to marginalized, disadvantaged groups such as orphans, what is needed is an objective, factual reference to these children. If we call them ‘vulnerable children’, defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or damage,” we risk presenting a generalized and quite negative opinion of a large group of children, portraying them as weak, frail and debilitated. Certainly some orphans are vulnerable, but to declare the entire subset of children ‘open to attack or damage’ supports an unfavorable and pessimistic stereotype that is difficult for these children to overcome. Instead, by addressing these children as orphans, defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “a child deprived by death of one or usually both parents; one deprived of some protection or advantage,” we categorize this group accurately, factually and objectively.
Orphaned children are greatly disadvantaged; the difficulties orphaned youth will face in their lives are inarguable. Rather than further contribute to the misunderstanding, isolation and social discrimination they will undoubtedly face, volunteer organizations and individuals committed to bettering their lives must begin by accurately and impartially identifying the circumstances of those lives – this begins with the terminology we use in reference to them. The name “orphan” is not derogatory; it is a legitimate, veritable description of their social status. In a life filled with loss, uncertainty and misfortune, these kids deserve respect and validity – this can only begin by identifying and embracing the position that they have unwittingly and tragically found themselves in.
Mtoto umleavyo ndivyo akuavyo.
[the way you raise a child is what he/she will grow to be].
–Swahilli proverb
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What does it mean to volunteer...?
Now that I am back in the states, I have had some time to think and process (albeit not too much)... I was talking with someone last night about some situations I found myself in while I was in Tanzania, situations way out of my realm of experience and understanding. He was commenting/criticizing the way that I acted... rash, impulsive (seemingly), hot-headed, 'American', naive, etc... And I must admit these words ring true, and I have chastised myself for some of my behaviors as well. BUT, I was in a serious situation with little-to-no support or trusted guidance, so I acted from my heart (perhaps not always the best thing since I tend to be quite emotion driven).
Was I naive? AM I naive? Yes, certainly. All people who volunteer with such vacation-volunteer programs as CCS are INCREDIBLY naive. They travel halfway across the world thinking they will make a difference, yet with little to no understanding of the culture (and sub-culture), society and structure, what lasting impact are they really having? Tanzania is an incredibly complex place, as are all third-world nations I am sure. There are levels of corruption and dealings that are such an intricate part of the society that perhaps it would fall apart without such things. So the volunteer from the nice, middle-class family spends a lot of money to travel halfway around the world, puts in a few hours a morning making kids lives fun, goes on safari, plays cards with friends, and calls it a grand humanitarian effort in their life (and on their CV). Is this volunteering? Is this bettering the lives of disadvantaged peoples? It seems the 'volunteers' get more out of the experience then the Africans.
I had read about such cynicism online before I left for my trip, but already committed to CCS (with its non-refundable policies), I decided to just go with it. And I still am happy I did. It got me to Tanzania by myself, something I'm not sure would have happened otherwise. And my experience in TZ was quite unique -- I can say with full honesty that I worked my ass off there, going to morning placement, afternoon placement, and a lot of extra work on top of that. Yes I partied at night, but I gave the people placed in my path every ounce of energy I could possibly muster (as did Sophia, Andrew, Julia, and a few other volunteers who really were committed to making a difference)...
And now...? It is time to really begin volunteering my time, energy, efforts, heart, and money. Now I have a grasp of the culture, the workings of the country, the language (and am committed to mastering Swahilli by the time I return in June)... What does it mean to volunteer? It means to care for your project as you would care for your child, giving it all the energy and devotion you can possibly muster. Someone I work with lived in an orphanage in TZ for 1 1/2 YEARS... now that is making a difference. I will be working on various projects (The Orphan Games) throughout this year, and then will return in June for 3 months. In the meantime I plan to read every book on Africa that I can get my hands on. It's a start, its a committment from my heart. I genuinely WANT to make a difference, and that will take a lot more effort then the 6 weeks I have put in this past summer.
I guess I am annoyed by the perceived 'goodness' of people who choose to do these programs. "Oh, you braved the dangers of Africa to go help poverty-stricken kids, you MUST be a good person..." It's a farce really-- anyone with enough money can make themselves look noble and valient.
Sorry for the negativity. I'm going to figure out how to put pictures up today so you can finally see my life for the past few months =)
Was I naive? AM I naive? Yes, certainly. All people who volunteer with such vacation-volunteer programs as CCS are INCREDIBLY naive. They travel halfway across the world thinking they will make a difference, yet with little to no understanding of the culture (and sub-culture), society and structure, what lasting impact are they really having? Tanzania is an incredibly complex place, as are all third-world nations I am sure. There are levels of corruption and dealings that are such an intricate part of the society that perhaps it would fall apart without such things. So the volunteer from the nice, middle-class family spends a lot of money to travel halfway around the world, puts in a few hours a morning making kids lives fun, goes on safari, plays cards with friends, and calls it a grand humanitarian effort in their life (and on their CV). Is this volunteering? Is this bettering the lives of disadvantaged peoples? It seems the 'volunteers' get more out of the experience then the Africans.
I had read about such cynicism online before I left for my trip, but already committed to CCS (with its non-refundable policies), I decided to just go with it. And I still am happy I did. It got me to Tanzania by myself, something I'm not sure would have happened otherwise. And my experience in TZ was quite unique -- I can say with full honesty that I worked my ass off there, going to morning placement, afternoon placement, and a lot of extra work on top of that. Yes I partied at night, but I gave the people placed in my path every ounce of energy I could possibly muster (as did Sophia, Andrew, Julia, and a few other volunteers who really were committed to making a difference)...
And now...? It is time to really begin volunteering my time, energy, efforts, heart, and money. Now I have a grasp of the culture, the workings of the country, the language (and am committed to mastering Swahilli by the time I return in June)... What does it mean to volunteer? It means to care for your project as you would care for your child, giving it all the energy and devotion you can possibly muster. Someone I work with lived in an orphanage in TZ for 1 1/2 YEARS... now that is making a difference. I will be working on various projects (The Orphan Games) throughout this year, and then will return in June for 3 months. In the meantime I plan to read every book on Africa that I can get my hands on. It's a start, its a committment from my heart. I genuinely WANT to make a difference, and that will take a lot more effort then the 6 weeks I have put in this past summer.
I guess I am annoyed by the perceived 'goodness' of people who choose to do these programs. "Oh, you braved the dangers of Africa to go help poverty-stricken kids, you MUST be a good person..." It's a farce really-- anyone with enough money can make themselves look noble and valient.
Sorry for the negativity. I'm going to figure out how to put pictures up today so you can finally see my life for the past few months =)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Moshi vs. Tokyo
So I've been in Tokyo for the last few days. My friend Kim (who works for the Department of Defense) had an unexpected trip here during my stay with her in Seoul so I decided to tag along (free hotel in one of the most expensive cities in the world, I'll take it!). Tokyo is cool -- exciting, full of style and funkiness, great architecture, amazing culture... but I'll take Moshi over this any day. We are staying in a military hotel so there is a lot of American restaurants, etc. here. This morning I went to the American buffet for breakfast and had an omlette made for me. It was a bit undercooked so I went back up to the omlette bar and asked the guy to cook it a little more for me. Instead he threw it away and started making me a new one. I almost punched him in the face! I was quite upset but by that time the omlette was already in the garbage and after protesting vehemently to him and lecturing him about wasting food I just gave up. I went back to my table with my new omlette quite depressed - my kids in Moshi eat maybe 1-2 meals a day of ugali (flour and water) and people in first world countries throw food away because it isn't cooked to their liking.
Its all starting to hit me. I left Africa but was still traveling, and to be quite frank I haven't had much time to think about things. It's all been a bit of sensory overload, especially since this is my first time in Asia, my first time meeting my new 'niece' Rachel (who is absolutely precious and adorable by the way), my first time really getting to know Emily (Kim's 3 1/2 year old daughter), seeing Kim for the first time in several years, etc... All that I have seen, all that I have experienced in the past 2 1/2 months is still very much in the frontal lobe, and I have not had the opportunity to process / reflect upon it. I am going to need some serious alone time when I get back to the states, but of course I am starting to teach the day after I return! My mom thinks I am crazy but my students have been wonderfully patient and supportive of my travels throughout the year (not just this trip but the many trips I have taken to perform around the US and Canada) and I don't want to deprive them of music lessons any more then I have to. I also desperately need the money - this trip cost waaaay more then I anticipated, mostly because I tacked on an extra two weeks in Africa (and the cost of all those changed plane tickets - *sigh*), and then an extra two weeks in Seoul and Tokyo. I have zero regrets, but I do need to hustle and work hard this year, especially since I am for sure going back to Africa next summer.
So how do I feel? I miss Moshi, I miss the friends I made there, I miss the simplicity of life, I miss walking 20 minutes to the internet cafe, I miss the peacefulness, I miss the rhythmic bird call, I miss talking to Maya, Sophie and Ange, I miss the million texts I got a day there (Africans LOOOOVE to text), I miss the beautiful sunshine, I miss Konyagi, I miss Mzungu Bar, I miss Glacier (another bar with awesome live music on Fridays), I miss Dismus, I miss my boy, I miss feeling and knowing that I was making a huge difference in kids lives. Heck, I even miss the roosters, even though they drove me nuts for the first couple of weeks.
It's hard to go back to 'the real world', to these lives that we carve out for ourselves with all the superficial worrys and trappings of first-world Westernized society: do my jeans look good? what am I going to do on Friday night? are my thighs fat? what do I want for myself? I I I, me me me ... I talk to friends back home, and its always me me me, I I I .... I hate those two fucking pronouns.
Well, everyone told me this would be a life-changing experience, and it certainly has. I'll tell you one thing: being in Africa 6 weeks has pretty much cured 20 years of distored body image / eating issues... What really matters in life, what is important? My view on those questions is forever changed.
So yes, I am nervous to go back, but not terribly so. Take each day as it comes, enjoy the bountiful (and I mean BOUNTIFUL) gifts anyone reading this blog has been blessed with, appreciate and love that which is in front of us, lead a quieter, more simple life, take the I out of life and think first of others less fortunate, and get back to Africa as soon as possible!
Thanks for reading this blog. I'll continue to write here when I get back to the states -- I plan to do a lot of research on African history/politics/culture and will post my thoughts and findings here for anyone interested. If I don't call you right away, its only because I am overloaded with thoughts / feelings coupled with intense culture shock and jet-lag probably (especially since I start working 24 hours after I land at Newark airport).
I love you all. Live in peace and appreciation for all you have. The next time you take a hot shower, use a microwave, buy cheap food at the grocery store, buy cheap clothes at the mall, go drinking with your friends, watch TV, take antibiotics, just remember... there are a billion people who live on less than $1 a day. Think of that and give thanks to the universe that you were born at the longitude/latitude you were, because in the end, whether we live an easy life or an incredibly hard life is really a random happenstance of what GPS location we were born in.
Its all starting to hit me. I left Africa but was still traveling, and to be quite frank I haven't had much time to think about things. It's all been a bit of sensory overload, especially since this is my first time in Asia, my first time meeting my new 'niece' Rachel (who is absolutely precious and adorable by the way), my first time really getting to know Emily (Kim's 3 1/2 year old daughter), seeing Kim for the first time in several years, etc... All that I have seen, all that I have experienced in the past 2 1/2 months is still very much in the frontal lobe, and I have not had the opportunity to process / reflect upon it. I am going to need some serious alone time when I get back to the states, but of course I am starting to teach the day after I return! My mom thinks I am crazy but my students have been wonderfully patient and supportive of my travels throughout the year (not just this trip but the many trips I have taken to perform around the US and Canada) and I don't want to deprive them of music lessons any more then I have to. I also desperately need the money - this trip cost waaaay more then I anticipated, mostly because I tacked on an extra two weeks in Africa (and the cost of all those changed plane tickets - *sigh*), and then an extra two weeks in Seoul and Tokyo. I have zero regrets, but I do need to hustle and work hard this year, especially since I am for sure going back to Africa next summer.
So how do I feel? I miss Moshi, I miss the friends I made there, I miss the simplicity of life, I miss walking 20 minutes to the internet cafe, I miss the peacefulness, I miss the rhythmic bird call, I miss talking to Maya, Sophie and Ange, I miss the million texts I got a day there (Africans LOOOOVE to text), I miss the beautiful sunshine, I miss Konyagi, I miss Mzungu Bar, I miss Glacier (another bar with awesome live music on Fridays), I miss Dismus, I miss my boy, I miss feeling and knowing that I was making a huge difference in kids lives. Heck, I even miss the roosters, even though they drove me nuts for the first couple of weeks.
It's hard to go back to 'the real world', to these lives that we carve out for ourselves with all the superficial worrys and trappings of first-world Westernized society: do my jeans look good? what am I going to do on Friday night? are my thighs fat? what do I want for myself? I I I, me me me ... I talk to friends back home, and its always me me me, I I I .... I hate those two fucking pronouns.
Well, everyone told me this would be a life-changing experience, and it certainly has. I'll tell you one thing: being in Africa 6 weeks has pretty much cured 20 years of distored body image / eating issues... What really matters in life, what is important? My view on those questions is forever changed.
So yes, I am nervous to go back, but not terribly so. Take each day as it comes, enjoy the bountiful (and I mean BOUNTIFUL) gifts anyone reading this blog has been blessed with, appreciate and love that which is in front of us, lead a quieter, more simple life, take the I out of life and think first of others less fortunate, and get back to Africa as soon as possible!
Thanks for reading this blog. I'll continue to write here when I get back to the states -- I plan to do a lot of research on African history/politics/culture and will post my thoughts and findings here for anyone interested. If I don't call you right away, its only because I am overloaded with thoughts / feelings coupled with intense culture shock and jet-lag probably (especially since I start working 24 hours after I land at Newark airport).
I love you all. Live in peace and appreciation for all you have. The next time you take a hot shower, use a microwave, buy cheap food at the grocery store, buy cheap clothes at the mall, go drinking with your friends, watch TV, take antibiotics, just remember... there are a billion people who live on less than $1 a day. Think of that and give thanks to the universe that you were born at the longitude/latitude you were, because in the end, whether we live an easy life or an incredibly hard life is really a random happenstance of what GPS location we were born in.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Back in the sort of real world...
Day #2 in Amsterdam is slightly less spacy then day #1, though I miss the quietness of Moshi terribly. Being in Africa has certainly realigned what is important to me, what matters to me. Now living and "making it" in a huge city like New York or Berlin seems completely trivial. There is certainly something nice about waking up with roosters crowing, walking down the street with goats and chickens and spending you afternoon drinking a soda and talking with friends at Mzungu bar.
I received an email from an old student today, and he told me that after spending months/years of his life working for a start up company 70-80 hours/week, he is finally realizing that there is more to life then work, and is downsizing his work week to 40 hours. Imagine that! There is more to life then work??? I myself have seen the truth in that this summer. Of course we must earn enough to live and survive, but if the days and weeks pass by unnoticed and we fail to live and cherish our lives, won't our spirit suffer untold consequences? I can answer that with a resounding YES. I feel like my spirit has been smothered and was dying a slow death ever since I started my doctorate degree in 2003 (talk about being obsessed with one's work). And now...? Let's say my attitude on career and other things is changing. I am still waiting to see where these new thoughts lead, but I am leaving my mind and spirit open to new possibility.
I received an email from an old student today, and he told me that after spending months/years of his life working for a start up company 70-80 hours/week, he is finally realizing that there is more to life then work, and is downsizing his work week to 40 hours. Imagine that! There is more to life then work??? I myself have seen the truth in that this summer. Of course we must earn enough to live and survive, but if the days and weeks pass by unnoticed and we fail to live and cherish our lives, won't our spirit suffer untold consequences? I can answer that with a resounding YES. I feel like my spirit has been smothered and was dying a slow death ever since I started my doctorate degree in 2003 (talk about being obsessed with one's work). And now...? Let's say my attitude on career and other things is changing. I am still waiting to see where these new thoughts lead, but I am leaving my mind and spirit open to new possibility.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Culture shock is an understatement
Sorry my posts have been sparse lately. The internet connections in TZ are extremely slow, and after braving the slow, dull trudgery through gmail and blogger one too many times, I gave up on the internet all-together. Quite liberating actually!
Here I am back in Amsterdam. To state that I might have culture shock is definitely an understatement... I found myself wandering slowly through the sheets, noticing everyone's clothing. A pair of nice jeans could feed the family of one of my kids for a year.
So much has happened, some of it which cannot be put on a public blog ;=) Where to begin?
I guess I'll begin with how I feel today. My mind is awash with memories, sensations, and favorite moments. To say the past 6 weeks have been some of the greatest of my life is quite true. In those weeks I have met so many remarkable people, filled with fun, love, joy, honesty and fun. Characters in a chapter of my life that I will never forget.
The last few days of my time in Tanzania were incredibly difficult. Saying goodbye to my nboy was heartbreaking. He feels like my son, I will think of him and worry about him every day. On my last Saturday there I went to the street kids center. I wanted to let them know I was leaving, but would be back next year. When I got there, I looked specifically for Yusef, one of my favorites. We have had a special relationship since the beginning. But after my boy was diagnosed with HIV, I wasn't spending enough time with Yusef and he got very hurt and angry with me. After two days of pulling away from me, I finally sat him down and looked in his eyes, saying "mimi rafiki"(I am a friend). After a long gaze into my eyes, he finally nodded and hugged me.
When I asked about Yusef at the center on Saturday, I learned he was sick with malaria. When I went into the boys bedroom, and I was struck by how lonely and sad he looked. Malaria leaves one feeling extremely weak, lethargic, achy and feverish. And I thought back to when I was a kid, my mom would sit with me and rub my back, and there was no one in this place to rub Yusef's back. So I sat with him for the next 30 minutes, rubbing his back. At the end, I kissed him on the cheek and said "Kwahere. I go Marekani"" (Goodbye, I am going to America). He looked at me with the saddest eyes and just nodded. It was so hard for me to walk away. How many volunteers does he form a special bond with, just to have them constantly walking out of his life.
Outside, I said goodbye to all the other kids and left with my boy. We walked back to CCS, and hung out taking pictures and being goofy. He looked me in the eye and said "God bless you Julieanne". Because of me he has a chance at a better life, and a longer life. I was actually able to change someone's life for the better, and not just anyone, but a boy who I love with all my heart. I can't wait to see him next June!
My last day was pretty special, thanks to Maya and Rasheed (not sure if I have mentioned her yet, but Maya is the roommate that moved in after Sophia sadly left. Maya and I formed a great bond, and are planning to come back to Africa together next summer). RASHEED! The uniquest of human beings =) It is funny how certain moments in life surprise and delight you unexpectedly".
There are a few people I have met on this trip that I know will be in my life for a long time, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met them.
Yes, I am sad to leave Moshi, very sad. I am exhausted yet renergized by all I have experienced these past 6 weeks. I would probably need 10 hours of non-stop writing just to recount it all.
Here I am back in Amsterdam. To state that I might have culture shock is definitely an understatement... I found myself wandering slowly through the sheets, noticing everyone's clothing. A pair of nice jeans could feed the family of one of my kids for a year.
So much has happened, some of it which cannot be put on a public blog ;=) Where to begin?
I guess I'll begin with how I feel today. My mind is awash with memories, sensations, and favorite moments. To say the past 6 weeks have been some of the greatest of my life is quite true. In those weeks I have met so many remarkable people, filled with fun, love, joy, honesty and fun. Characters in a chapter of my life that I will never forget.
The last few days of my time in Tanzania were incredibly difficult. Saying goodbye to my nboy was heartbreaking. He feels like my son, I will think of him and worry about him every day. On my last Saturday there I went to the street kids center. I wanted to let them know I was leaving, but would be back next year. When I got there, I looked specifically for Yusef, one of my favorites. We have had a special relationship since the beginning. But after my boy was diagnosed with HIV, I wasn't spending enough time with Yusef and he got very hurt and angry with me. After two days of pulling away from me, I finally sat him down and looked in his eyes, saying "mimi rafiki"(I am a friend). After a long gaze into my eyes, he finally nodded and hugged me.
When I asked about Yusef at the center on Saturday, I learned he was sick with malaria. When I went into the boys bedroom, and I was struck by how lonely and sad he looked. Malaria leaves one feeling extremely weak, lethargic, achy and feverish. And I thought back to when I was a kid, my mom would sit with me and rub my back, and there was no one in this place to rub Yusef's back. So I sat with him for the next 30 minutes, rubbing his back. At the end, I kissed him on the cheek and said "Kwahere. I go Marekani"" (Goodbye, I am going to America). He looked at me with the saddest eyes and just nodded. It was so hard for me to walk away. How many volunteers does he form a special bond with, just to have them constantly walking out of his life.
Outside, I said goodbye to all the other kids and left with my boy. We walked back to CCS, and hung out taking pictures and being goofy. He looked me in the eye and said "God bless you Julieanne". Because of me he has a chance at a better life, and a longer life. I was actually able to change someone's life for the better, and not just anyone, but a boy who I love with all my heart. I can't wait to see him next June!
My last day was pretty special, thanks to Maya and Rasheed (not sure if I have mentioned her yet, but Maya is the roommate that moved in after Sophia sadly left. Maya and I formed a great bond, and are planning to come back to Africa together next summer). RASHEED! The uniquest of human beings =) It is funny how certain moments in life surprise and delight you unexpectedly".
There are a few people I have met on this trip that I know will be in my life for a long time, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met them.
Yes, I am sad to leave Moshi, very sad. I am exhausted yet renergized by all I have experienced these past 6 weeks. I would probably need 10 hours of non-stop writing just to recount it all.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A quickie...
Sorry for the lack of writing peeps, I know you all are very interested in my travels. I am still in Tanzania, and will be flying to Seoul, Korea on Sunday to see Kimmie! Soooo excited for this!
Friday I am taking my boy to the hospital to get his test results, T cell count, etc. This will be the last time I see him until next summer, and I am very sad for that. Saying goodbye finally will be very hard. I already said goodbye to one of my closest friends here, Dismus. If you're reading this I am thinking of you and miss you!!! You too Sophia!!! And Josh!!! And Kristin!!! And Harvey!!!
Too many goodbyes, and this Sunday will be the saddest of all.
On a happy note, I was taken on an amazing motorcycle ride today through the countryside. This was a belated present from another friend of mine, who has promised me another ride on Friday.
Can't wait!
A note on pictures: the internet is terribly slow here, dial up speed or worse! Pics will have to wait until some downtime in Korea, but fear not, I have over 1500 so far, and still another continent to go!!
Nakupenda rafiki!
Friday I am taking my boy to the hospital to get his test results, T cell count, etc. This will be the last time I see him until next summer, and I am very sad for that. Saying goodbye finally will be very hard. I already said goodbye to one of my closest friends here, Dismus. If you're reading this I am thinking of you and miss you!!! You too Sophia!!! And Josh!!! And Kristin!!! And Harvey!!!
Too many goodbyes, and this Sunday will be the saddest of all.
On a happy note, I was taken on an amazing motorcycle ride today through the countryside. This was a belated present from another friend of mine, who has promised me another ride on Friday.
Can't wait!
A note on pictures: the internet is terribly slow here, dial up speed or worse! Pics will have to wait until some downtime in Korea, but fear not, I have over 1500 so far, and still another continent to go!!
Nakupenda rafiki!
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