Kilimanjaro and Other Experiences

Most of this Blog has been about spiritual learning points from the trip, but a lot of you have mentioned you’re curious what all I’ve been up to. So I want to make sure and fill you in about the stuff outside of the
volunteer work.

The first two weeks of living in a Tanzanian home have been so enjoyable. At first, there were a lot of things you just have to ‘man up’ and get over:

One of the first nights I went into my room for bed, only to find a huge spider crawling on the outside of mosquito tent.

I woke up a few nights ago to use the bathroom and there was a rat crawling around the floor. I was half asleep, but my reaction was “Hey Buddy!”, and then simply to carry about my business.

At first I was a little nervous when each meal turned out to be the same thing… everyday. Bread and butter for breakfast, Ugalli and beans for lunch, rice and beans for dinner. Now I honestly crave it each day, and am going to have Mama teach me how to make it so that I can replicate it back home.

We had a good laugh the other night when Mama said she was going to make a very special dinner for Jeff’s last night. Without fail we had rice and beans again that night. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

We are having our fair share of fun, too. Yesterday we took a day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is about an hour and a half hour drive. We had plans to meet my friend Jory (who many of you know). We were to meet at the gate at 9 AM. We were on Africa time, so despite leaving at 7:30 AM we were still an hour behind schedule when the drivers decided to stop for breakfast unannounced. Luckily, totally a God thing, Jory and her friend Monica were on Africa time as well and we all met conveniently at 10 AM.

It was SO fun to see Jory, hear about her travels, and simply see a familiar face. We hiked around, a group of about 10 of us, and saw the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro. I’ll admit that climbing around the base made me want to summit the beast, but I’ll have to save that for another time. Instead, we saw some of the most amazing waterfalls. II can’t wait to show pictures of this, it was awesome.

I decided I have to go on a safari. It’s expensive, but we get a great deal being volunteers. I think the regret I’d have coming this far and not going outweighs the cost. So now the anticipation is starting to grow, and I can’t wait to track down some lions and elephants.

I really enjoy the new dynamics of my homestay. Matthias (Sweden), Kazee (Australia), and Maria (England) all arrived yesterday. With Shane being from Canada, we have a fun mix of people. Five people and five different countries. We spent last night talking about adventures from all over the world.

I’ll keep you updated on anything else I get myself into! Two weeks, wow, I don’t feel a sense of urgency yet to get out and do anything. I think it’s a good testament that I’ve used my time wisely.

Hope this paints a picture of what it’s been like here! And hope everyone back home is having a blast. I’ve got to get going so I’m home for some Ugalli before getting rocked by Africans at futbol. God Bless!