Day 73

All day there has been a song replaying over and over again in my head, and one line sticks out to me so much: "Tell the world that Jesus lives; tell the world that he died for them, tell the world that he lives again". So many times I walk away from a conversation or an opportunity where I later think "I could have shared the gospel right there", but for some reason I didn't. Isn't that what this is all about? We are called to go out into the world and be disciples of all nations - isn't that why I came here?

Me, E, & K <3

Telling the world doesn't just mean saying I'm a Christian either. Almost anyone can talk the talk, but walking the walk is the hard part. You can tell the world that Jesus lives, but maybe even more powerful is showing the world that Jesus lives in you, that Jesus lives in me! So many people that I meet here, especially the children, have contagious smiles and enormous giggles despite any challenges they might face. I want Christ to be my reason to smile, and I want my passion for him to be contagious too. I am nothing without Him, after all. I want people to know that, I want people to see that. Forget about age difference, forget about language barriers, forget about the excuses. I am here in Africa, here on Earth, for one reason - to serve my Maker. I owe it all to Him.

Our favorite chipsi restaurant:) If you want take away, you order through the holes in the wall!

Me & J eating chips mayai! It looks gross, but it is absolutely delicious!

Making corn flake squares for the Boona Baana kids

Last Sunday, we made a schedule for the entire week and now that it is just about over, I feel like we have accomplished so much! We have spent lots of time at Boona Baana, and we went to KidzCare twice. I wish every week was like this! We even got a beach day in ;) J, J, K, and me are always stuck doing things together because we have the same schedules, all working at Boona Baana. You'd think that we would be sick of each other by now, but it works! We're like sisters. I am going to miss them so much!

Our kitchen!

J & me taking an afternoon nap

S & me, my (not so) little buddy!

J & me getting ready for bed by candle light...power was out...again

Olo & I at the KidzCare nursery school

Smiles all around :)

Day 69

I was out of the house all day today, and it was great! It was one of the few chances I have had to really experience what it's like to live in Dar es Salaam. Living in a group of 12, it's hard to go anywhere without turning it into a big event. But today, it was just the four of us girls again and we met so many locals who were so friendly and welcoming, and even offered to teach us Kiswahili! We walked around the market, looked through the shops at Slipway, ate lunch by the water, got permission to walk around the shopping centre with the cappuccino mugs (we're regulars! aha), and ended it with a few hours at Boona Baana. I am going to miss this place so much - the smells (even the bad ones...they are part of what makes DSM unique), the sights, the faces, the language, the culture, and especially the kids.

Even if you are having a bad day or feeling tired or wanting to complain, its hard to frown when you are around the kids who come to Boona Baana. Today we painted pictures with them and some of them were so good! And I am so impressed with the way they interact with each other as well, like a family. The concept of family here in Tanzania is so much different from that in North America - not in a better or worse way, but just different. Sawa sawa, lakini tafaoti (same same, but different!). I love how everyone is a sister, brother, or cousin. I love how you are automatically born into a support system woven together with blood and non-blood "relatives". I love how a village will raise a child, if there is no one else to care for that child. And I love love love how even though I am pale white, with blonde hair and obviously Caucasian features, I am a dada (sister)!

Walking home in the intense heat from Wamama Kahawa (coffee shop)...looking for a cab...

Our uncontainable joy after finding a cab driver!

Me, E, and K :)

The group of us at Boona Baana!

(photocred: Jocelyn Ellen Photography)

Day 67

Tonight we had a really good class discussion about the role of international NGO's in Africa on their quest to end poverty, and whether or not they are doing more good than harm. There's a lot I could say about this, probably too much for this blog and definitely too much to type in the short amount of time that my computer will stay alive before freezing and dying. But one thing that kept going through my mind during the discussion is that in order to really make a difference, we need to give a hand up rather than a hand out. We are no better than them in any way, even though we might have different privileges than them. Black and white, African and Canadian, we both come from the same Maker and are called to serve the Savior, I believe. 

Sometimes I wonder, what gives us the right to come here and tell them how to live? Tanzanians have just as much potential and ability to overcome poverty as any Canadian or foreigner. I've seen some NGOs do a lot of good things for these people, and when they incorporate education and create an understanding that leads to personal change, cultural change, and future change it is even better. But I have also seen a lot of NGO's driving around in their nice cars from their nice houses and wonder, where is that money coming from? I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, and I know sometimes I am just as guilty as them, but it's easy to criticize. Bottom line: what's the point of handouts if its not going to change anything or make a sustainable impression? How can we break the cycle of poverty rather than just give a temporary fix?

Anyways, I will probably re-read this tomorrow and wonder what the heck was I thinking, and I'm sure I have plenty of grammatical errors. But if you are reading this, you probably know me well enough to cut me some slack and just enjoy hearing from me. Tomorrow I begin my last week here as an intern before my parents come (WOOHOO) and then a week after that I will be on my way home!

Giving Baby J a busu (aka a kiss!)

Me and Mama B

Squinty eyes; trying on I's sailor hat after his school play!

Day 66

HAPPY BELATED CANADA DAY!

Don't know who the random girl is in the background...

What better way to celebrate the independence of our beautiful nation than with a bunch of crazy college students from Canada at a goodbye party for Sophie. We walked into the compound of CIDA's senior analyst in Tanzania thinking that we were going to a Canada Day celebration, but boy were we wrong. The 12 of us were the only ones dressed up in any form of Canadian-themed attire, complete with flag capes and tattoos on our foreheads. Rather than a "Canada Day get together" as it was described, it turned out to be a going away party for a very lovely family.

Before the party, J & J and I stopped by L's open mic, where he performed an act based on Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech. We were also pleasantly surprised to watch performances by Tanzania's up and coming rap and hip-hop artists. Almost better than watching the performers was watching the audience. The kids knew some of the songs and I was so happy to see some of them get so into it. Especially Mama B, who was dancing and fist pumping like nobody's business!

Day 65

There are a lot of ugly things in this world - garbage, gutters, guns, greed, and more. Unfortunately, a lot of these things are also used as examples of Africa. For hundreds of years, the continent of Africa has struggled to overcome obstacles such as government corruption, civil war, disease, genocide, debt, and poverty, to name a few. Most of us believe that all of these things are what define Africa because that's often all we see or hear about it. The media almost always portrays the pictures of Africa that are negative. It is true that this continent has had many challenges face them, but it is not without hope and definitely not without beauty. Even in the most broken of places, even after the most disheartening events, even among the innocent faces, there is always beauty that outshines it all.

This is Doto, one of the twins from KidzCare

I wish I knew how they do it, how on Earth some of these people exude so much joy after so much loss. Some of them are widows, some orphans, some are too sick to walk, and some have such traumatizing stories that I don't even dare to ask about their life before this point. Yet, they have the biggest and brightest smiles I ever have seen. Forget straight white teeth, healthy long hair, perfect figures, and designer clothes - none of that will make you beautiful. Beauty lies in the ability to radiate joy despite difficult circumstances, and this is exactly what these people do. Beauty lies in the unseen. It can be heard in the giggles of children whose parents have been taken by HIV/AIDS. It can be felt by the warm welcome from strangers as you walk into their humble, one-room home. It can be seen in the examples of Africa's colorful culture, landscape, traditions, innovations, and most importantly in the people.

One of the awesome boys at KidzCare!

This morning I was up before a lot of the others, so I had some time to hang out with the ladies in the kitchen - the sisters/dadas - and helped them wash dishes. Priscus was around also and taught me some more Kiswahili. Then in the afternoon a few of the girls and I walked down the back streets of Mikocheni B to find a little "restaurant" (although that word is way too formal) to eat chips mayai! Chips mayai is like an omelet where the main ingredient is French Fries, topped with salt & ketchup and sometimes salad. Probably not the most nutritious, but it is very filling and for a big plate its only about a dollar. Tonight we are going to a Canada Day part hosted by a man who works for CIDA and a few other families from his compound. I am so excited to meet other Canadians, and now that everyone is back from Arusha it will be good to just hang out all together again.

A butterfly that just happened to stop and flutter its wings for D & A and I as we walked around Slipway!

Day 62

This has probably been one of my best weeks here. Just after I was feeling a little discouraged, just when I wondered why I was here, I found my place. I am a part of this community, in a way, almost. Several times in the last few days I started conversations with some locals in Kiswahili and they carried on thinking that I actually knew the language. I even gave directions to a new cab driver in Kiswahili on the way home from Sinza on Monday. They know me at the local duka, they know me in the Boona Baana neighborhood, and they definitely know me here at the guest house. This is what I came for, to be integrated into the community as much as possible. It's just too bad that it didn't happen earlier, because in just three weeks I have to say goodbye.

Recap of the week: Sunday we went to Kunduchi, it was packed with people! So crazy. Then some of my friends came over for dinner and cards! Lots of fun. Monday I went to Slipway with D & A (the American boys staying at Boona Baana) and we all got souvenirs for our families. Team work makes the dream work (for cheap prices, that is). Yesterday was Cherie's first full day back, and Nicole's last day here, so we went all over the place. I saw the beautiful Tanzanite (hint, hint, nudge, nudge;) and had way too much coffee, but all in all it was a great day! Today, Cherie and I have some time to kill before the new girl arrives. Looking forward to it! Speaking of which, I have to go make her a sign ! :)

Day 60

Before!

As most of you know, I became a coffee drinker about a year ago and never looked back. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to make coffee with beans from Kilimanjaro! It was one of the best learning experiences I could have ever hoped for on this trip. While I was sifting through the raw beans with John and roasting them over an open fire with Juma, I had to stop myself for a moment and take it all in. You can't learn this kind of stuff from a text book, you can't understand the culture unless you jump right in - no water wings, no hesitations, no barriers. 

During!

After!

I am so thankful to be here and have the chance to learn from these awesome people. Even at the breakfast table yesterday morning, with two teachers from South Africa and a man from Italy, we discussed education, poverty, cultural differences, and more over a piece of bread and some chai. How often do you get to learn from others like that? I am so awed and inspired by nearly everyone I meet here, and often surprised at how much I can learn from just a few minutes of conversation with them.

Even with the obvious language barrier between some of the people who work at the guest house, we have grown so close and learned so much from each other. Alimiani, the masai guard for our gate, was a little hard to take at first. But one of my favorite things to do now is just talk with him for a few minutes, in my broken Kiswahili, and try to pick up a few new words as he rattles off conversation that I have no clue what it is about. The other night I explained the phrase "Same, same, but different" (Kiswahili: Sawa sawa lakini tafaoti) - how black & white, Canadian & Tanzanian, are the same but different. When he finally understood, and started pointing to how our clothes were different, our hair was different, etc., I was ecstatic!

When Maria left last week, we were so sad to see her go because she was like our Mama here. Fabiola, Catherine, Juma, and Priscus have been so welcoming and I've loved getting to know them. When Priscus introduced me to his friend, John, yesterday he said "This is Kara, She is very active and always smiles. Every day, you will see Kara and Sienna come to breakfast, always happy". It made my day! Building relationships with Tanzanian people like the ones at Father's has been one of my greatest joys here.

Day 57

A's baby sister! I want one just like her <3

I just had a 10 minute panic attack when I opened my laptop and all I saw was snow falling. If that had happened at home, I wouldn't be as alarmed because there are mechanics and technology experts on every other corner. But oh my lanta, there must be a God in heaven because I took out the battery, said a little prayer, and rebooted this baby. Thank the Lord!

Big A and baby J

Since the rest of the group is off on their safari's this week, I was able to go to Boona Baana by myself yesterday :) Not that I don't like going with the other girls, they are my BFF's! But it was nice to change it up from the regular group book club and instead take a little time to teach the boys how to cook. I & M had to make French toast and brownies for their school projects, but they had never cooked before. The power was out though (what else is new...) so we had to cook the French toast on the charcoal stove outside. I & M had never lit a stove, let alone a charcoal stove, ever before so it was a learning experience for all of us! The food turned out wonderfully, even though we improvised a lot without cocoa, lack of eggs, and no measuring cups;) It was so much fun!

Maria & I

The entire time we were cooking I had this beautiful little girl on my hips. Her sister is also gorgeous! I felt like a real African, cooking on a charcoal stove outside with a baby on my back and all the kids helping. But I don't know if I could do it forever. The mamas here work so hard, and they rely on their children a lot. Little A often has to skip book club to care for her baby sister while her Mama is working. Maria, Boona Baana's Mama's helper, is only 20 years old and she helps take care of the 7 kids, plus watches Julian when Mr. M or B are working. The level of responsibility here is way more intense at much younger ages, but it works for them. It's really interesting to see how the relationships work, dysfunctional to us at times but totally normal for them. Maybe I should take a lesson from them about responsibility and hospitality!

Day 56

Yesterday morning we took a trip down to City Centre, where the streets are packed and the drivers are ruthless. Before starting our journey through Kariakoo, the largest market in Tanzania, we stopped at the Kilimanjaro Kempinski hotel down by the ferry terminal. I thought that White Sands and Kunduchi were glamorous, because of their empty beaches and ample seating areas, but Kili far surpasses any of their traits. For one, Kili has THE most comfortable couches I have ever sat on. Now, maybe it's just because I actually haven't sat on a couch for a long time, but I think it is safe to say that angels were stuffed into those heavenly cushions. Furthermore, they have hot and delicious cappuccino's, incredibly beautiful bathrooms, a gorgeous ballroom, full length mirrors (which I also haven't seen for about 2 months), a third floor outdoor swimming pool, and an eighth level bar and patio overlooking the entire city. If only I had a few hundred dollars to spare for one night at that place. I haven't even been to a hotel that nice in Canada!

The luxury didn't last long before we were back out on the streets, making our way to Kariakoo with a poorly photocopied small-scale map of City Centre. Normally I'd like to think that being a geographer, I have a pretty good sense of place and direction. But yesterday, we just went where the wind took us. Literally. We followed the breeze to stay cool under the scorching sun. It took us past informal houses and modern office buildings, through European-style roundabouts and small dirt roads, and under African trees and over carelessly covered sewage holes. If you want to see colonialism's footprint at its best, look in the big city, where British architecture meets Arabic door designs and Asian rooftops. The unique mix of distinct international influence of the past, combined with the attempt to be a modern urban landscape, is evident in the buildings of Dar es Salaam.

National Museum

After who knows how long of walking, singing Taylor Swift, and sweating our brains out we finally arrived in the busy area known as Kariakoo. There is no structure, no divides, no paved streets, no clear sidewalks. Even though there may have been all of this at one time, the streets and sidewalks are now converted into shops, strewn with sheets of cardboard selling stolen phone batteries, household items, and Chinese imports. We slowly made our way through the crowded and deteriorating streets. It was as if someone threw pavement up in the air and let it dry where it landed before calling it a road. My stomach was more confused then ever with the aromas of barbecued chicken (yum!), burning garbage (yuck!), sewage (barf!), and who knows what else were wafting through the air.

The main part of the market is in an old stadium, with little lighting but a bit more organization. It is crazy to think that in Canada we drive to a single store to buy every thing we need for the month ahead, all with set prices (and high prices at that). Here, almost everything is bargain-able. An item costs $30 at one shop and $10 at the next if you play your cards right, not that anything here costs that much anyways. I can feed 12 people for $6, take an hour long cab ride for $5, and get a 500ml bottle of beer for $1! Life is good here in DSM.

The herbivore & the carnivore <3

It's a Masai thing ;)

Coming here, I didn't have any culture shock at all. Maybe because I had been to Africa before and knew a little bit of what to expect, or maybe cos I just like the simple life better. But I know that coming home will be a big adjustment in itself, because our culture is just so different. My stomach is going to have a hard time re-adjusting to the preservatives in our food back in Canada. And my wallet is going to take a hit when I go out at night or to the store haha. And when I am at the store, it will be weird not to get the usual "Habari" or friendly "Mambo" from everyone I pass by. Hopefully I won't leave all of Tanzania's customs behind!

Day 50

Sometimes I wonder, "Why am I here? What am I really doing to benefit Africa? Is this just a selfish adventure?" It may sound silly, or maybe it sounds completely logical to you. When I look around and see the poverty, I feel guilty knowing that I am living in a fully furnished, air conditioned, gated guesthouse. I wonder if the kids at Boona Baana will even remember me in a few months time. I wonder what kind of impact I will have on their lives, if any at all. It's easy to get discouraged at times, but I know that I am here for a reason. I know that God has called me here for a purpose, it says so in His word: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). He has called me to go to all nations, and share His good news, and has promised that He will never leave me. What more reason do I need to know that my being here is a good thing? I have confidence that God is working in me and those that I come in contact with while I am here!

Day 48

Sorry for the lack of blog posts lately. This last week has been pretty crazy. Two nights ago I pulled my fourth all-nighter of the week in order to watch/listen to the boys play. That didn't turn out so well, because I felt sick and tired all day yesterday. So tonight, before I watch the life changing moment in which we take the cup, I will have a little nap first.

I went to Boona Baana yesterday to hang out with just the girls, while the boys (aside from S) were doing exams. A, E, S, K, and I watched a hilarious Spanish soap opera and painted our nails (well, not S). It was really nice to have a day to relax and do girlie things with A & E because the house is full of boys!

Climbing a Baobab tree (like the one that Rafiki lives in in the Lion King!)
that was over 500 years old!

When I am not at Boona Baana, we have study parties at home. And we've been baking lots! Mango pie w/ lattice crust, cinnamon coffee crumble cake, mango crisp, cranberry scones, rice pudding - all with the unreliable power, lack of ingredients, and bug-infested kitchen at the house. But hey, at least we have a kitchen! Sure does beat the little cook stove we had in Ghana.

On Sunday 7 of us girls took a day trip to Bagamoyo, which is about an hour north of where we live. It didn't have a whole lot to see, but it was nice to have our own little getaway, even if it was just for a few hours. The countryside beyond Dar is beautiful! And we had never been farther than Kerege, where KidzCare is. In Bagamoyo we went to ruins from the 15th century, BRIEFLY visited the fish market (it smelled horrible!), randomly ate at a fire department (there was no public space that allowed us to bring our packed lunches in), and a beautiful art market. Probably not worth a second trip, but it was a great day!

The 7 of us in an old grave site at Bagamoyo

I am dedicating the rest of today to catch up on school work, emails, and pictures. I have yet to figure out my plans for the next week but it feels weird knowing that I am now on the downhill portion of my experience :( Especially now that the Boona Baana kids are almost done with school. I will be leaving shortly after they begin their summer break, so I will have a few days where I can stay longer. Looking forward to it!

Day 39

This weekend still seems like a blur, mostly because I think I am getting the dreaded cold that has gone around the house in the last week or two. Also because for a second time this week so far, I did not sleep until the game started at 3am. Truth be told, I fell asleep in the third period, but nonetheless I was up for a good part of the night. After two beach days in a row, three delicious meals, a new karaoke place, and tons of geography quizzes, I can say that it's been a good weekend.

I am not yet halfway through my time here and I am already thinking about what I can do when I get back to Canada to maintain the relationship with the Boona Baana kids as well as help them get the most out of life. My colleagues and I (doesn't that sound proper) have come up with a few ideas already, so let me know what you think.

1. Pub/karaoke/bowling nights: Charge an entrance fee, sell drinks & food, raffles & games, simple and fun fundraisers with friends. Maybe even some dinner parties or backyard bbq's too.

2. Pictures: Every week, we have been asking the Boona Baana kids to draw something about their life (e.g. their happy place, their future, how they see the world, etc.). Some of the pictures are very revealing, others adorable, and all unique to who that child is. They are all so talented! Either selling them individually or making a book out of them is a possible fundraising idea.

3. Calendars: This is our big idea that we are so gung-ho about. I won't go into too much detail, but you'll want to pre-order one ; )

4. Individual sponsorship: If World Vision does it for thousands of kids every month, why can't we do it for the 5 at Boona Baana (I say 5 because 2 have already been fully sponsored). A good education is the key to overcoming poverty, especially in a place like Tanzania where a good education is hard to come by.

If we could get all five remaining kids sponsored for the remainder of their schooling (even post-secondary), that would be incredible! That is our overall, long-term goal. A couple of years ago, it was about $600/year for them to go to school. Now that most of them are moving on to secondary school, however, prices have gone up. But I think we can do it!

Day 35

Some of the girls and I at Kunduchi Beach - when the tide is
out, we can walk almost halfway to the island!

Today marks five weeks since I have been gone. I know I've said this a million times before but it seems like time has gone by so fast! In only 7 weeks I will be leaving this place...gaah! and only NOW do I feel like I am  getting the hang of things. We are finally in a routine - on our days off, we go to Kunduchi Beach. On the days we go to Boona Baana, we either tan on the roof or do school work in a coffee shop nearby. It may sound like a vacation, but I am actually taking a full course load while I'm here! So it's not all lollipops and butterflies...although the rest of the group teases me about my daily routine and my constant sentences referencing orphans or rainbows....haha

This is how I do work - sea side with a
glass of bitter lemon ;)

Yesterday, most of us spent the day at a beautiful beach - our new favorite hang out spot - that is free! With Cherie gone, we are on our own for transportation, meals, and everything else, but we are pretty much doing what we did when she was here too. It's nice to be independent, yet still keep up with our morning coffees, "peaches and pits" at dinner, and school work. Last night we took a break and went to a pub in Dar for the first time (besides Heineken House, which doesn't really count cos we just watched the game). It was an Irish Pub turned karaoke bar on Wednesday nights, and it was so much fun! It was also right on the water, so I'm sure there was a gorgeous view during the day time. I sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams. I tried staying up to watch the hockey game at 3am but I didn't even make it to the end of the first period!

Me, Sienna, Jesse, and Jennifer on our balcony

This morning we went to the office of a Canadian-based organization called "Under the Same Sun". I have talked about it on here before, but now I better understand the actual atrocities that people with albinism go through here in Tanzania. All but two of the employees that we met with at the local office were people with albinism, so it was really neat to see that they are advocating for themselves and their "brothers and sisters". I could hardly believe their incredible passion for what they were doing and I was so pleased to hear about their progress so far. I even decided to write my research paper about people with albinism for one of my classes here. I can't wait to learn more about it all, and to meet with those people again. They were the sweetest!

Day 33

Yesterday at Boona Baana there were two white, American boys sitting in the living room when we walked in. They had just arrived in Tanzania about two hours before, and are going to be staying there for about a month. It will be great to give the five boys living at Boona Baana some more male influence in their life. We have been trying to get the two boys living at the house with us to come but they are usually busy with their own placements and school work. We also met Marco yesterday, who runs the Green Door Home. He is like a father to these kids, plus six of his own (four of which were adopted from Africa). I am really thankful for all the work he does for these kids that I have grown to love and care for. It is a big job, and an expensive one. Two of them have already been sponsored for schooling (L & I), but the other five (M, I, S, A, & E) still need sponsorship in order to attend an international school which would then give them a British secondary school diploma and a better chance of getting into university and finding a supportive career. It will be especially hard for the girls, A & E, who have all the more obstacles to overcome in order to establish themselves in society and live well above the poverty line.


This kind of orphanage, which is home-based and styled like a family household, is much more costly (per child) to run, but in the long-term it is so much more beneficial for the children. On the other hand, community-based orphanages are usually over-crowded and unable to provide adequate health care, sanitation, nutrition, and education for the children. It is more like an institution rather than a home. If Boona Baana had more funding, Marco said that he would go pick up two or three more orphaned children and move them in as soon as he could, but no more than 10 maximum because then it loses the "family" feel. And it really is a family there! Makes me miss my family sometimes <3

Day 31

Sienna & I made grilled cheese sandwiches
this afternoon - delicious!! Also, notice the stylish
petrol station t-shirts we are wearing, and the backs
say "I love Jesus". Only in Africa...haha

Nyumbani tamu nyumbani :)

It has been over a month since I have been here now, and I am happy to call this place home (or, nyumbani in Kiswahili). As much as I miss my real home, or rather as much as I miss the people that make up my life back home, I am finally adjusted to life here. I know enough Kiswahili to get around and buy things. I have enough contacts that if I ever needed help or just wanted a tour of the city I could call someone up. I have made a place for myself in the house, and in the city.

All of us living here are almost like a family. We have learned how to cook and bake "African style", and found our own favorite places or ways to spend our days off. We have made this a home. We can invite people over, we can cook what we want, we can feel comfortable putting our feet up and taking a break, or find a quiet nook to study at. We've found the best angles on the roof top for tanning, the best place to eat pizza, and the best local brews. It's definitely a home!

This is Joel. How could you not fall in love with that face?

Yesterday was a really fun day off. Joel has really opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at the world. He is so wise (on top of millions of other amazing qualities). I don't know what I, or anyone else here, would do without him. Joel is working at Ardhi University. He has basically taken over 28 PhD students research projects. He is mapping Dar and everything in it. It's a lot of work but he's up for it. Joel is a dime in a world of penny's. Yesterday he worked out for 32 hours. I think I saw him bench pressing some elephants during his daily work out routine. He has adopted over 1,000 orphans so far in the first month we have been here. He says he is planning on making Tanzania's economy the best in the world by the time he leaves and I believe him. Joel... a friend? Yes. A hero? DEFINITELY.

Day 28

Yesterday we visited the KidzCare children's home again. The kids are starting to really get to know us, and growing comfortable with us, which is a great feeling. It nearly broke my heart though when two of them pulled me aside to hug me goodbye and asked me to not to go :( I don't know all of their stories, their past, or what they want for their future. Although, whatever happened to them hasn't stopped them from overflowing with joy and laughter. Even if you are having the worst day ever, just come to this place, welcome their embraces (they love hugs!), and let them share their unexplainable joy with you. Their smiles are contagious!


Even though the last couple of days have been hard for me to adjust to the reality of fatherless children and hopeless dreams, I listened to this song again last night and remembered that there is no such thing as a hopeless dream because of Him. After all, he is the Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5).


"For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus"

(Third Day)

Day 26

I have thought about being a counselor or helping displaced, rescued, or orphaned children in some way before, but I never really understood the emotional toll it can take on a person. Until today, I hadn't realized that after spending enough time with a young person who has been through so much in life already, you catch a glimpse of their past and their pain.

At first glance, he was all smiles; shy, polite, and studious. But today, I saw the hurt of his past in his eyes. I don't even want to imagine what he has experienced in his short life time already, but I know that it has been enough to make his heart heavy. I still don't know what exactly his story is. I do know that his safe place is the football field. I know that he hopes to raise a family of his own one day. I know his dream is to be a semi-professional football player in the UK or Canada. But I don't know how that's going to happen. It makes me sad to know that breaking the barriers of growing up in poverty-stricken Africa is a hundred times harder than overcoming the same obstacles for a teenager in Canada.

Looking back now to the first time I met the kids at the GDH, I feel like I was a completely different person, unaware or maybe even ignorant of the fact that these kids had been through so much. It has been almost three weeks since my first visit at Boona Baana, and just now I am starting to feel like there is trust - but at the same time, I know it's only a few more weeks before I have to say goodbye.

Day 25

I just got "home" (aka the guest house) from one of the most beautiful places in the world! It's also one of UNESCO's official world heritage sites. Zanzibar was definitely the best way to celebrate my 19th birthday. It was possibly the best day of my life - it started out with breakfast on the roof top of our hostel with a beautiful view of historical Stonetown. Next, we started our day-long tour. 

The first stop was Prison Island - also known as Changuu (Kiswahili for red/white snapper) or Quarantine Island. In the late 19th/early 20th century, it was originally established as an island for rebellious slaves to be imprisoned at. However, as communicable diseases began to take over the British decided to use it as a "rest & relaxation resort" and quarantined area for sick British people living in East Africa. While on the island, we visited the tortoise sanctuary where we saw over a dozen, century-old tortoises. We even saw a couple of them mating, and one of them decided to chew a hole in my skirt. Can't say that happens to you every day!

After leaving Prison Island we drove the boat to the other side where we had the chance to snorkel. There was virtually no one else around, other than a few fishermen near the shore. It was 10-30 feet deep where we were, and it looked untouched. There was so much coral, tropical fish, and undersea creatures that I have only ever seen in pictures. It was incredible, definitely the peach of my day :)

When we returned to shore we hopped into the van and drove to a local home where the Mama made us a traditional Tanzanian meal. One of her daughters shared a birthday with me, so they sang happy birthday to us both. It was adorable. Straight from there we went to a national monument - a 100 year old bathhouse made by the Sultan of Zanzibar for his wife. Our last stop was a spice farm, where we saw every kind of spice imaginable - ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and a bunch of others that I couldn't even pronounce the name of! The day was wrapped up with a delicious dinner and a night of fun with the whole group :)

Getting on the plane in Dar. We flew with Precision Air, which is  Kenya Air's equivalent of Air Canada Tango, so it was very safe! And only a ten minute flight!

This is the boat we took to Changuu Island (also known as Prison or Quarantine Island)...we even got to set sail!

Such beautiful water!! This is Jennifer :)

One of the most beautiful places in the world!

Tortoises that were over 100 years old!

The place where we stayed - Princess Salme Inn. Great roof top view!

Alex and I waiting to board the plane home

Jen and I made peanut butter-oatmeal-chocolate chunk cookies when we got home tonight - gloooorious!