Week One

Hello People!! (that's what they say here)

Well, after 4 days of traveling (two nights in airports and one on an airplane) I have finally made it to Tanzania. The trip over here was the most exhuasting and frustrating days of my life and there were admittedly points when I thought that I couldn't (or wouldn't) make it. But the moment I landed in Kiliminjaro all of that dissapeared and I was so happy and honored to be here. Once I arrived, I managed to bribe a taxi driver to use his cell phone to call a ride to the house where I am staying. On the ride from the airport to Moshi (the town where I am staying) any thoughts of sleeping at Heathrow completely vanished. I saw (in no particular order): some Masai men herding goats, women carrying pounds and pounds of bananas on their heads, a man selling plastic cups on the side of the road, my life flashing before my eyes as we nearly were in a head on collision, the dry savanah and busses indescribably full of people with some more hanging off of them. The best moment, however, was when my driver had to slam on his brakes to stop for a crossing animal. It was tall, horselike with weird stripes and so I asked the driver what it was and he kindly said "mama, that's a donkey". Hm, I blame it on the lack of sleep. When I got into the house, the house manager, Mama Grace gave me a giant hug and said "no worries, you are safe now". What a welcome.

I live in a house with 25 other volunteers which are a very diverse group. The staff here is amazing, so kind and inspiring. This morning I was greated by Mount Kiliminjaro as we ate breakfast. It rained this afternoon, the first time since July. The staff here told us that we have brought blessings with us, but it is Tanzania that has brought blessings to me, already. I am so appreciative and excited to be here, thank you for each of your support- I wouldn't be here without it.