Karanga Village

Made it to home base in Karanga Village - the compound is beautiful, rooms are clean and simple, and I'm getting to know the other volunteers. We arrived last night, had a brief introduction/orientation, then tried to go to sleep. Not the best night's sleep I've ever had, but that is to be expected. There are so many interesting things to tell you already, but I haven't even left the home base yet! Internet connection is very slow and spotty, so I may have to do "proper" updates when I get home, but for now know that I am safe and enjoying my introduction to the continent and country.

Landed safely in Tanzania!!

Made it to Amsterdam!

Leaving Austin

I'm boarding my plane in Austin! Shari is already in London & we will meet up in Amsterdam tomorrow morning. I'm so excited!! Love to you all!!!

Here We Go!!!

My friend and traveling partner left for Tanzania this morning! We had a chance to see each other yesterday, which made all of this feel very REAL. Her route allows an overnight in London this evening for a quick visit with her daughter, but we meet on Saturday in Amsterdam for the final flight into Kilimanjaro. I leave tomorrow morning (Austin -> Houston -> Amsterdam -> Kilimanjaro) for 19 hours of flight time and 9,447 miles of travel. I believe we will both be exhausted by the time we reach Tanzania, but I'm happy that we arrive together.

Today consists of running last minute errands and packing up my suitcase. I did manage to schedule a massage for this afternoon, so at least I'll be nice and relaxed for my grueling days of travel. :)

This is really happening! I almost can't believe it!

Oh, I heard back from Mama Charlotte at UAACC. She said we are welcome to visit them in Arusha - we really hope to be able to do so. Here is a video about their most recent project, a children's home:

Asante Sana

I want to again extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to all of you who have supported me with your kindness and love. I am deeply humbled by both your financial generosity and all of the amazing encouragement you've given to me as I've prepared for this trip. Yes it sounds cheesy, but I have cried tears of gratitude more times than I can count over this past month. I don't think it's possible for me to clearly express how much your well-wishes and support mean to me. THANK YOU for cheering me on, for strengthening my confidence, and for giving my optimism a huge shot in the arm. I wish I could package the incredible feeling I have in my heart and share it with each of you!

More research

I've had lots of pre-departure Tanzanian cultural exposure today! This morning I watched a documentary called A Panther in Africa. It's about a couple who were members of The Black Panther Party in Kansas City but have been living in self-imposed exile in Tanzania for about 35 years now. They run an NGO in Arusha called United African Alliance Community Center that does all kinds of community development in their local village. It was a good documentary and also gave me a visual glimpse into some of the conditions I've only heard about, such as the really rocky and dusty roads, the clothes people wear, the markets, etc. I emailed the folks at UAACC to see if I will be able to visit them when in the area.

Then I had coffee with a friend who lived in Tanzania for 9 months - she had so many insights and stories to tell. Although she was in a different area of the country, she did visit where I will be living and working. Her experience sounded really amazing and it was nice to talk with a young female from the U.S. who has taken a similar trip. Other than not knowing enough Swahili, I feel much better prepared and a bit more confident after today!

Some sobering facts

Tanzania is in the bottom ten percent of the world's economies in terms of per capita income.

In Tanzania there are about 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, more than 6% of the country's population. In 2007, 1.2 million Tanzanian children were orphaned due to AIDS.

In contrast with the U.S.:






Sources: CIA World Factbook and AVERT

There is a really awesome thing I've been told about called the Tumbu Fly or Putzi. This little critter likes to lay its eggs in damp places (for example, your wet clothes drying on the clothesline), and the eggs hatch when they come into contact with human skin. The larvae then burrow into your skin and develop into fully grown maggots. Doesn't that sound delightful?! To kill the eggs from your 'clean' laundry you have to iron everything, including underwear, or risk becoming a Putzi host. Can't wait!

Bug Spray

Sometimes the internet can be a bad thing. For instance, when a hypochondriac (like me) uses Mr. Internet to become educated on the various forms of malaria...and as a result of this research/education, the hypochondriac spends way too much money on insecticides that will probably kill her faster than malaria ever could. I've got lotions and sprays and wipes and roll-ons in various strengths - and every one of them has a poison warning on it! Let's all hope that DEET and permethrin don't turn out to be my generation's Agent Orange.

My Volunteer Placement in Tanzania

I will be working with an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) called TAFCOM, whose main purpose is HIV/AIDS prevention and education, as well as providing care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. This is an issue close to my heart and I am delighted to be able to work with them!!!!

From what I understand, they need skills and knowledge related to grant writing, fundraising, etc. so that they can raise funds to continue their community efforts. If any of you out there have experience in this area, I would love to hear from you! I will be researching grant writing strategies post-haste.

I will also be working with the TAFCOM staff on outreach programs for HIV/AIDS prevention projects in the local communities.