Badaaye Tanzania

Sorry this blog is somewhat late. I’m already moved into KBC Kenya but I thought I’d reflect on my last few days in Moyo Hill. The last 3 days in Tanzania flew by in a blur. After coming back from camping in the Serengeti we had the rest of the day to shower, relax and unpack. I was MOD that night, mwanafunzi (student) of the day. MOD is in charge of leading RAP sessions after dinner where we are able to reflect on the day and then do a presentation. This was my second MOD of the semester and I lead a reflective conversation about how we were finally coming to a close in this chapter of Tanzania but to take with you the memories and friends we've made and to become excited to start new beginnings in Kenya. We basically spent our final 3 days saying goodbye to the staff, and as we know i'm the worst when it comes to changes and saying my goodbyes. I never realized the attachment I had in this beautiful place. Its always bittersweet leaving a place you’ve come to love for new adventures.

Bora and Safari in the Library

            Friday was our last non-program day where we got to go into Mto wa mbu to finish any shopping we needed to do and to say goodbye to the friends we’ve made in the community. Saturday was spent relaxing for the most part. Me and Megan (my bandamate) decided to take the opportunity to take pictures around the camp. Bora and Safari followed us around all morning asking us to take pictures of them in every setting, the classroom, the library, the entrance gate, it was really funny and we loved the company. See picture above.

In the afternoon we were able to go volunteer at the local orphanage. They had to move locations because apparently they were too close to the main road (according to the government) but the new place they were relocated too look hardly finished or homey. There was one main building with a roof and the rest was all open fields and one spiket with running water. The children were transported there during the day and back to their old location at night to sleep since the new place was still in the building phase. We were able to paint their classroom, which I felt that the teachers were especially grateful because it definitely brightened up the room. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games with the children such as duck, duck goose, hokey-pokey and follow the leader.  *And mom I donated the last of your book to Juma, the head of the orphanage who was really appreciative of everything we’ve done for them.* Tired and hot from all the playing and painting we arrived back at camp to find a big Italian dinner that some students stayed behind to cook for us and the staff for staff appreciation day. Pizza, cheesy bread, pasta with a homemade Italian sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, garlic butter dipping sauce but what’s a home cooked Italian meal without Ugali. And for desert ice cream and cookies! The staff loved it and it was delicious. That night we all gathered round the bonfire to roast marshmallows and reminisce about the time that we’ve spent together.

            Sunday was our final day. The morning was spent debriefing on the program and reflecting on our 7 weeks here. We sat outside in a circle staff and students included and shared our thoughts and ideas on what we liked about the program and what needed improvement. To me I couldn’t think of anything except more grilled cheese for lunch and chai all the time! After the debrief session was over we said more goodbyes to some of the staff and to Kioko, who was leaving that day. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry but as soon as I hugged Yohanna I lost it. I didn't realize how much this badass Maasai man meant to me. Other then that I was pretty okay with saying most my goodbyes. However, the thought of leaving a place we called home for 7 weeks hit me pretty hard, especially leaving my banda for new bandamates. Here's a picture of us: TEMBO RIGHT LOVE!

Left to right: Megan, Me, Emma, Riley

Me, Yohanna and Ashley

After the packing was over and the rhino was loaded, the staff decided to take us to happy days. Of course since it was our last night in Tanzania we decided to get really wasted. Sitting at the bar all afternoon Kristen G. and I went shot for shot ending the afternoon with signing SFS 2012 on the wall and our signatures. It was a nice way to leave our mark. After happy days we had another goat roast and dinner outside by the bonfire, oh and cake for desert. We all sat around with the staff after dinner to bid our last goodbyes since we were getting up at 6am to part ways. I loved all the staff in Tanzania and I miss them already. KBC will soon become my new home for the next 6 weeks. But waking up to a beautiful sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro every morning is pretty amazing.