Tanzania

My time in Tanzania will be unforgettable.  Every day I woke up and I was able to experience Tanzania through someone else eyes.   On July 14, 2015 I saw Tanzania through Benard’s eyes.  His life is hard, yet he is motivated to learn and always try’s his best.  I was fortunate enough to teach Benard and help him further his skills in multiplying fractions.  On our home visit with him he was smiling and making us laugh the whole time.  I am so thankful that I got to meet and teach Benard because he is an extraordinary human being.

About halfway through the trip on July 19, 2015 we embarked on a cultural excursion to a Maasai Boma (village).  I was able to see the African bush through their eyes.  To me I saw a vast landscape with little to offer, but to them it was a lush thriving wilderness full of opportunity.  The Maasai are inspiring because they continue to live by and follow their traditions in such a modern world.  I can’t say how amazing it is to meet a tribe that has been around for hundreds of years.  The Maasai are honest, humble, and full of wonder which inspires me to always be true to myself.

I always knew when I was getting close to LOAMO because we would make a turn and from there it was a straight shot to the school.  Upon arriving I would head straight to my classroom.  The students would say hello and then sit in their seats excited to learn.  Teaching the students was the most challenging aspect of this trip because not only did I have to be confident, but I would have to be prepared for anything that came my way.  Every night our group would prepare lesson plans for the following day whether we would use them or not.  While I was teaching, the students were focused on absorbing every ounce of knowledge possible because school is all the kids have to work for.  The students taught me that you always want to give 110% everyday no matter what because you may only have one opportunity.

When people say “Africa”, I think about the large mammals that live here.  On July 26, 2015 we departed on a safari.  We traveled to Tarangire National Park.  I am amazed at how pristine and untouched the park is.  Every animal I saw filled me with joy and excitement.  Seeing lions, zebras, elephants and so many more animals is exhilarating because these creatures live in the wild and are free to roam.  Each animal I saw was as pure as the land surrounding them.  These magnificent creatures have showed me that everything needs to be treated equally to maintain balance not just within ourselves but with everyone around us.

I am going to miss the relaxing vibe that Tanzania expels.  Every day I am calm and relaxed.  The people here are so kind and friendly that I always feel safe as if I am at home.  Whenever I travel to a new country have no worries, just pure excitement surging through my body.  The people have taught me that relaxing allows the mind to think freely without worry.  I’m disappointed that my time here in Tanzania is limited, but I will never forget the people I met, the experiences I had, and the lives that were changed.