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!

Day 22

Hope for a brighter future for Africa can be about as dim as nights like these in Dar (we have slowly been adding more power outages every day and now we are at 16 hours of now power each day). We had a glimpse of light during dinner with three lovely guests, but its as if they took the power with them when they left because suddenly the generator blew. Not only did it shut off, but the wires actually melted together. Everything becomes so much harder when you're left in the dark - like trying to pack for Zanzibar, find your passport, or taking a shower.

In my Geog. of Africa class last year we talked about the pros and cons of Africa. Unfortunately,  most of the list was full of cons from both the present, past, and future of Africa. Just today I spoke with L again about the negative lenses that many people see Africa through. I don't remember exactly how many cons there were compared to pros, but for someone like me, who has always had my heart here, I was saddened to know that so many people did not see what I see in Africa.

So far, I've seen that development can be similar here in Africa to the power cuts in Dar right now. In the dark, it is hard to see the good things and shadows scare people away. But even in the dark, in the dreary weather, in the fragile faces, in the broken nations, there is beauty in nature's drawing, in the children's faces, and in the genuine hearts of Africa's people. I want to share the story of Africa so that even when it is under the shadow of corruption, civil wars, and poor governance, people will see that there is much more too it than that.

Day 20

Every day that I spend here, the more I fall in love with it. Especially today. Two days ago, I realized I was in love with the seven-ish kids at Boona Baana. Today, I went to Kidzcare orphanage (which I mentioned in an earlier post) which was founded and is still run by Mary, one of the sweetest, most caring, servant-hearted women you will ever meet! After arriving, we started at the nursery school (aka kindergarten) which was fairly new and very well done, but only had two rooms with mats on the floor and one desk for the teacher. They were learning the alphabet today, as well as common words in English. For break we went outside and played "Saa ngapi Mr. Wolf" (What time is it Mr. Wolf), London Bridge, and Simon Says. After, we sat down and read books and sang songs. So cute!

At 11am when the kids got out, we went over to the orphanage for our (first) lunch - so good! We had about an hour and a half before the first few kids came home from school. We played hopscotch, basketball, soccer, and drew in the sand with them. After the second group of kids arrived from school, we sat down for (second) lunch - ugali! Although there was a slight language barrier, we had the most fun with these kids. It started pouring rain in the afternoon and they thought we were crazy for running around out there, but eventually they joined us - it was a blast! Lots of singing and dancing in the jioni (afternoon), and by the time Mary came to pick us up I did not want to say goodbye. Aside from the Green Door Home, I had never been to an orphanage before and now I am hooked! I want to come back to Kidzcare for at least a month next time though, anybody want to come with?

These pictures are only from the nursery school, orphanage pics are on someone else's camera!
With love,

Day 19

Ninapenda Boona Baana watoto - I love the Boona Baana kids <3

Yesterday, as we were pulling away from the Green Door Home, I realized that I had fallen in love with the 7 kids (and all their friends). For growing up without anything constant in their entire life, each one of those children has brought me so much joy and encouragement. The oldest boy, L, talked to me about his insight about international aid and the Tanzanian government's response. What a fascinating conversation that was! And to my delight, we actually agreed on a lot of stuff :) Then there is T, who is actually the daughter of the lady who started Boona Baana but she hangs out there with us a lot. She is a typical, girlie, 13 year old - as is A and E (who is still just a preteen). They love Jaden Smith and Justin Bieber, while the boys like football and have a crush on Willow Smith ;)

The lucky ones at Boona Baana were adopted when they were still babies, but for the other 7, they will probably remain at the Green Door Home until they start their own family. L is 16 and hopes to be a film director one day. As much passion and drive that he has, in addition to book smarts and street skills, it saddens me to think that it is harder to break out of the cycle of poverty in Africa than almost anywhere else. Thankfully, with a sponsorship from Australia, L is able to go to an international school, receive a British education certificate, and has a better chance of getting into university and finishing a degree. I hope that nothing stops him, because I know he has so much potential! But after getting to know this boy and the others, after only just two weeks, I care so much for them and my dream is now that they all will achieve their own dreams one day. <3

With love,

Day 16

After Swahili this morning we picked up some samosas and rushed to Maisha Finance where we started our Investour! It was amazing. We had the opportunity to support one of two businesses, and at the end of the day it was our choice. The first entrepreneur that we met was a lady who sold charcoal. Interestingly enough, 97.5% of Tanzanians still use charcoal (for cooking). Although charcoal is pretty easy to come by for right now, it's obviously not a sustainable method, nor is it environmentally friendly, nor is it healthy. That was in the back of my mind throughout the entire meeting with her, even though I really wanted to help out her and her two children. She was also lacking drive, a vision, and a business plan.

The next entrepreneur we met was Tony, a woodcarver specializing in building tables. His artwork was absolutely beautiful, unique, and you could see his passion and excitement as he pulled out his work for us to see. He already had a loan, and paid it back very quickly. Tony's business was doing so well that he could not keep up, so he applied for a loan with a specific vision for the 300,000 /= (equivalent of $200 U.S.) that he asked for in order to buy materials to fill all his orders.

At the end of the day, we made a business-minded decision and chose to give Tony the zero interest loan. However, the charcoal seller was not left alone. Maisha Finance, the microfinance institution the actually initiates the loans, will meet with her and give her some of our feedback about how she can create a better approach for her business. If three groups tour her business and none of them choose to invest in her, she will automatically get the loan from Maisha Finance.

Microfinancing has such potential to be a source of aid for poverty-stricken entrepreneurs in terms of development and reversing the poverty cycle, but apparently it has been abused in many countries. Banks and microfinancing institutions, big and small, have taken advantage of the poor by enforcing a high-interest rate after the loan has been approved. I've never been very business-minded or math-oriented, but I think the idea of microfinancing is really fascinating. And the fact that the people at Investours have found a way to incorporate tourism, students, and social responsibility is so incredible! I'd love to start something like that in Ghana one day:)

Day 14 / 2 weeks!

I almost can't believe that I've been here for two weeks already, but at the same time I am really missing home - or rather, the people at home! Only about 8 more weeks till my parents come visit though :) You'll probably hear me saying that a lot over the next 8 weeks...haha

People laugh at us when we say "student price", for taxi's, markets, restaurants, everywhere. Because to them, we are white. We are western. Therefore, we have money. Although we know that this is definitely not the case, that's what the common understanding is over here. Yes, we have more money than they do, but it doesn't give them any right to take us for a ride.

Yesterday we were pulled over in our taxi by a traffic officer because we had too many people in our van. Having met our driver's family and getting to know him personally, I was actually more scared for Iddi than for me. I know we could have just taken another taxi home if worse came to worse, but if he got his license taken away or a ginormous fine, how would be support his wife and two school-aged children? Thankfully, he was let go with just a warning and we got home just fine, but the experience was enough to make us realize that it's not just about the law, it's about money. While we were sitting, waiting for the officer's verdict, we saw several cars and trucks go by with people hanging out the doors and sitting in the bed of trucks. Obviously, we were treated differently because of our skin colour. There's nothing we can do about it though.

Aside from that experience yesterday, most of the people here have been VERY friendly. We have been invited into numerous homes, welcomed with open arms, and greeted by every person we pass by. If only Canada were like that...

Today was our first official day of the book club and we had an awesome turn out! Nearly 30 kids were there, and it was a lot of fun. We might even need a few extra helping hands next time! Tomorrow will be our third Swahili lesson, and my Swahili is coming surely but slowly. Iddi taught us a Swahili song yesterday on our way downtown and I am pretty stoked to try out my new sentences out in public this weekend!

With love,

Day 12 / Mwenge

Today was my day off, so the four girls who were left at home decided to do a bit of exploring. I really want to buy some dresses, so we tried going to a local market area called Mwenge. It was really neat to be able to walk through the streets and shop where the locals shop, it made me feel like less of a foreigner (even though I stick out like a sore thumb with my pale skin and long blonde hair!). To add to our local African experience, we went to a nearby restaurant and tasted some traditional Tanzanian food. Ugali is a stiff, porridge-like substance dipped in sauces or beans. Not my cup of tea, but it wasn't horrible. 

The best part about the whole experience though was walking in, sitting down, and realizing that our server knew NO English. In addition, there was no menu. So they had to call another waiter to us, who thought we were German (probably because of my Heidi braids today). Eventually, we got everything sorted out but it was fun to get over the language barrier.

Day 10 / GREEN!

Today we went back to Boona Baana to paint the door green! Here are some pics :) Also, while I was there I have never been more grateful to have a mother. These kids at Boona Baana have grown up without a mother, without someone to kiss their scrapes or tuck them in at night, without the one person who gave them life. So Mom, thank you for everything! I am so blessed to have a mother, and to have one like you is just icing on the cake times a billion. I love you!

Day 8 / Under the Same Sun

There are so many issues here that I didn't even realize were issues. As we were driving through our neighbourhood with my new favorite driver, Iddi, (and apparently I am his new favorite too...haha) Jennifer pointed out a sign for "Under the Same Sun". It is an organization that assists people with albinism to live a normal life, safe from the superstitions and discriminations of others. In parts of Africa, and Tanzania especially, people with albinism are hunted and attacked with machetes because their blood is believed to provide wealth and good fortune to those who drink the blood. It is hard to believe that this type of things still happens in the 21st century, but after learning about it this afternoon it has been on my mind non-stop.

I am hoping to learn more about the culture of Tanzania that supports these kinds of activities and how Under the Same Sun is going about in eliminating the discrimination here toward people with albinism. It would be great to have a chance to meet the founder (who apparently lives in Langley?) as well as visit the office here in Tanzania to find out more about what I can do to help, or even just to learn more so I can share their stories and hopefully stop what is happening in so many parts of the world!

Check out their organization here: www.underthesamesun.com

Here is where I am staying! My room is the one with the porch on the second floor, left hand side! And the picture on the right is obviously a sunset, but I think that's what heaven's gonna look like ;)

With love,

Day 7 / Green Door Home

So week 1 is down. And to be honest, it's been a rough week. The first few days were okay, because I was in a fog. But after I realized how far away from my family and boyfriend I was, and after my expectations for Dar were completely thrown out the window, I wasn't sure if I could do it. But I am not a quitter, and I really do like it here. Just takes some getting used to, especially since I am a rare species that grew up thinking that my family were my best friends for life (which is true! but uncommon...) and without them here it's pretty sad, not gonna lie ;)

Today I went to the Boona Baana Centre for Children's Rights (aka Green Door Home - although right now the door is yellow) and met the kids that I will be working with all summer! So after my melt down this morning, I couldn't help but smile when I got there. There are 7 kids, between the ages of 10 and 16. They are pretty much orphans, and with a house mother that is not much older than them they basically take care of themselves. One of the boys, Samuel (he is 13), had the biggest grin on his face the entire time we were there. How can you frown in front of a person like that? He brought me more joy than he will ever know. I am excited to be leading a neighbourhood book club on Mondays and Thursdays, which will likely require me to learn a lot more Swahili! We are also thinking about doing an HIV prevention program with them with the neighbourhood kids to do our very small part in helping reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and contribute to maintaining the health of these children.

In addition, we have set aside Sundays for "fun days" with the kids, and are hoping to make a movie with them. It was cool how that idea came up, because I thought it would be a fun little thing to get to know the kids but it turns out that Linus, the "big brother" at the house, is hoping to be a film maker one day! Samuel also enjoys making cartoons. After learning this, it definitely seemed like a God-thing to make a movie with the kids to keep them occupied and hopefully teach them a skill for their future. I am so stoked to get to know these kids! I know it will probably be challenging, with the constant struggle of gaining their trust as well as teaching them knowledge and skills that they can use for a life time.

Prayer for the Green Door Home would be much appreciated! Especially for the hearts of these children, and that my fellow interns and I will find the right balance between teaching and just having fun with them.

Here is where I stopped for lunch before we headed to the Green Door Home ;)

With love,

Day 5 / Unputdownable

Yesterday we walked into a bookstore at a very Westernized mall and there was an advertisement for a book that was "unputdownable". I did not know that was even a word (and according to spell check, it isn't. But here, it is).

This is not Africa how I remembered it. This Africa is much bigger, much more urban, and much different than my "home" in Ghana, West Africa. Nonetheless, many of the problems still remain the same. Hunger, poverty, sickness, crime, civil unrest in some places, etc. What probably makes it different here, however, is that all of these social issues are thrown in among some of the nicest beaches, five-star hotels, and wealthy mansions Africa has ever seen. There is an ongoing conflict between rich and poor, yet they have found a way to live as neighbours. While I watched a crippled man begging for money on one side of the street, all I had to do was turn my head to see the mega-corporation headquarters in Tanzania and the $200+/night hotels that many of the musungu (aka white people) work or stay at.

At times it can be confusing, frustrating, and even convicting to see because I know that I am not totally innocent in the mess of developing countries that the world has helped create. Then I meet people who truly care, and who truly do make a difference, and I have hope that I too can do something here. Maybe not a very big one, maybe not a very wealthy one, but they change someone's life by helping them establish a life of their own. And after seeing this beautiful country full of so many amazing people, it really is "unputdownable".

Day 4 / Education in Tanzania

I have yet to visit a public school in Dar es Salaam, but having read a few articles, going to a private school, and meeting a teacher, as well as speaking with a few other Tanzanians about the issues with education here, I think it is safe to say that educational system in Tanzania is quite inadequate. Let's start with the basics - like language. Something we learn from birth, and it is proven that it is most beneficial to learn language with the fluency of a mother tongue before the age of five. The official language here, Swahili, is what children grow up learning and are taught that in primary school. But when they get to high school, they are graded and tested in English - a language that some of them have never learned before. Usually, students of elite parents will get the highest scores, move onto the best universities, and ultimately have a better chance at a successful future. The students who may be the smartest but do not have the same opportunities to learn English fluently do not have the equal chance as the students who do know English. I just can't see how this language system in schools is logical.So far, the only teachers I have met in Tanzania have been from a private school or missionaries. I am very much looking forward to meeting with a public school teacher and discussing the current issues they have with the education system. I did, however, find out that according to a document published by ActionAid-Int'l and the Tanzanian Teachers Union in 2007, the average teacher only gets paid 100,000 Tsh (Tanzanian shillings) which is the equivalent of $70 US. How is that livable? Five years later, however, I have been told that the price may have gone up to 300,000 Tsh/year, but I am curious to see what the facts are after meeting some teachers. Even teachers in Canada don't get paid as much as they should, but the numbers I have heard for salaries of Tanzanian teachers is outrageously insufficient.More to come on this topic soon :) I might even do a research project on it!
Aaaand on a side note, for those of you (aka my parents...) who would like to know how I'm doing, here's a picture that should explain it all! I've got some color, a big smile, totally safe, but missing you in my heart ;
)

And here is my new room! Right now I am sharing with Jesse and Moriah but I think Moriah might be moving into another room tomorrow when her roomie gets here!

Day 3 / What's wrong with this picture?

10 points to whoever guesses what is wrong with this picture.

Can't figure it out? Well that's because at first glance, it's paradise! We went to this resort today where we paid 20,000 Tsh (the equivalent of $13 US) just to swim in the pool and bask in the sun for a couple of hours. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful! But as I looked out into the harbor, the exotic islands, and the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, I realized just how wrong this picture was.

You see, just on the other side of this hotel there were people who would have to save up for weeks in order to get enough spending money to visit this place. Just a few blocks away, as we were driving home we were approached by a man pushing another disabled man in a wheelchair and begging for money. To be honest, the sight of the disabled man took me off guard. I had almost forgotten that disabled people even existed in Africa because you rarely see them (I will have to do another post on this later! Lots to say about that...ha). The list goes on and on about poverty in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa, from lack of adequate education, hunger, water sanitation, health & disease prevention, etc. etc. etc.!

It is easy to forget sometimes that I am living in a poverty-stricken country while I sit in my air conditioned room on my laptop with a full belly and healthy body. Also, many places  here in Dar seem so urban and westernized because it is such an international city. But not long after I come back to the reality that there is poverty, still alive and well, just right across the street. During my stay here, I know  I can't eradicate it. I can't fix it. I can't even make dent in the depressing face of poverty in Africa. But I can make a difference, and I really hope I do.