Nakupenda Tanzania!

Mambo!

Kindness, love and happiness. Three words that summarize the people I met, the way I was treated, and the motto I will live by. I learned that the people who have had a hard life are often the ones to spread the most kindness, love and happiness. They’re the ones with patience and strength.

A lesson that I will always remember is to never take for granted my education, my health and where I come from. Education is a set up for success. The higher education you strive for, the better. As a first generation graduate, and getting to see the struggles of students in a foreign country, I get motivated to aim high. Health is a big motivator, because I have witnessed two people who were extremely close me lose a battle against stomach cancer. Losing them was extremely hard, because I lost them six months apart from each other. I can’t imagine going through that pain again. As I mentioned Mamma Ellie and Ester in my first blog, Ester was taken to the hospital and the results came out as UTI, Typhoid and Borrelia. It scares me to think that if we didn’t take action faster, what would’ve happened? I am thankful that I am able to go to the doctors immediately, if I start noticing that something is not right. Last but not least, where my parents come from plays a huge role of the person I am. It defines my culture, my beliefs and it’s the land of the people who I love the most. I see how Africans take pride of their culture and their surroundings. Being in Africa definitely reminded me to never forget where I come from.

After spending time with the children at L.O.A.M.O, I question the career I want to dedicate myself to, social work, because being in that classroom I realized how big the teachers roles are in shaping the future and bringing the community together. I can’t put into words how great it felt to take part of their learning and lives. Saying goodbye was difficult for me because I got to see the impact we made in each of their lives and how opening they were to receiving us. I was able to create unforgettable connections. I truly hope that I get to see my students accomplish every single one of their dreams, because they are a group of kids that have the most passion, dedication and capability that I have ever seen.

Seeing life in Tanzania, the goal I am setting for myself is to encourage others to take service trips and help others. I am setting this goal because I have a strong feeling that once others see how difficult it is to live in another country, they will be more grateful, more understanding and they will want to take action. 

Being part of the organization for two years has made me into a completely new person. I find myself having grown, become more open minded and definitely more prepared for the real world. Children’s Global Alliance challenges you emotionally, physically and mentally every single day and that’s why I love the organization so much. You get a lifetime experience that impacts your heart one way or another. As I move on to my next chapter in my life, I feel ready to overcome each challenge that comes my way. Thank you Children’s Global Alliance for shaping a huge role in my life! 

Kwaheri!