"Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye"

Today, we had a day full of Irente Adventures!!!!

Most of us started our day with with a warm bucket shower at the Tumaini Hostel (YAH FOR WARM WATER), while others were busy breaking beds ( ;) Kari... oops!). Then we headed out for the Irente Children's Home (Orphanage) where we were asked to join them for their morning prayer to listen to them sing and share their room updates. We were then invited in to play with the children. It was fun to see some of the same children from the previous year!

After play time, we headed in for Chai and Popcorn with the head of the school. They welcomed us with traditional song and dance. AJ was brave enough to join them for their last song!

It was then off to the Irente Rainbow School where we were greeted by many excited children. They were jumping on us, shaking hands, and exchanging Jambo's with all of them. Soon after our arrival the students were called in for porridge and bananas. We helped serve and then kids greatly enjoyed being filmed and having their pictures taken. They are mesmerized by the cameras and Rusty's video camera! The students ranged from 2 and 1/2 to 15 years old. After morning porridge we played with the students, handed out balls we had brought, and tossed Pipi (candy) to the children. Some of us were practically mauled by the young ones who were eager for candy. The suckers were a hit! For us Wazungus (white people), the jewelery made by the students with Autism and intellectual needs were a hit! We spent a few more minutes playing in the school yard and touring the Ng'ombe (cow) and Kuku (chicken) houses before saying our goodbyes. During our goodbyes, Kari was bitten by one of the young boys at the school... not one of todays finer moments!

Next on our agenda was the Irente School for the Blind! This was a quick stop but a memorable one! First, we were greeted by a young man (16 years old) who was born normal, but burned after falling into a fire when he was 4. He was extremly welcoming and invited us into the school. Before heading out for a tour we were serenaded with a Swahili and English verse of "Jesus Loves Me." It was one of the most touching moments thus far! The 9 of us were then taken on a tour of the school, including the dorms, creative workshops, and braille classrooms.

Off for lunch we went! Making our way through the beautiful rainforests of the Usumbara Mountains, we landed ourselves at the Irente Biodiversity Farm! First stop on this stop was a fresh lunch equipped with homemade Rye Bread, Tilsit Cheese, Avocados, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Carrots, Green Peppers, Jams, Whipped Butter, Soft Spiced Cheese, Passionfruit Juice, Sweet Bananas, and Tanzanian Coffee. Talk about YUUUUMMM! Favorite meal this far! So yummy and among some of the most beautiful scenery! Next was a tour of the farm to show us the alien and indigenous trees around the mountains. Of course, at the end, we had to do some shopping :) before heading back to the Irente Children's Home!

The children were so excited to see that we were back to play. Only this time, we had plans to listen to the head Mama story tell some new stories that we plan to turn into "books and a bag" project to use with our University Students in the coming trips :) It was so touching to see the children sit around and listen to the Mama tell stories of Leopards and Chickens :) I even attempted reading our currently "book in a bag" book to one of the older children. They were extremely wound up after story time, so we ran around with them and sang songs before heading back to the hostel for the evening. One of the students continuously sang us a song... "Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye" waving his hands in the hair and displaying a HUGE smile on his face. It was hilarious! Videos to come!

Our evening is being spent eating dinner at the hostel and catching up with family via phone and internet!
  

ROAD TRIP!

Just a quick update before we head out for our 4 hour drive to Lushoto where we plan to spend the next 5 days teacher training at SEKCO University!

Yesterday we left the town of Arusha around 9 after a filling breakfast and headed for one of our most favorite locations, "Shanga Shangaa" workshop where we were able to see the new and exciting things being created by locals that are either dead, mute, or blind. They make everything from blown glass to paper necklaces right in front of your very eyes!

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch along the River Side and then managed to do some major damage in the gift shop :) It was then time to head for Moshi where we would be staying in a Lutheran Hostel for the evening. Of course, a bathroom stop was needed and we met the most beautiful little boy names Baraka who entertained us with his 2 year old dance moves. He was especially fond of Amber's Iphone! We continued on to Moshi and made it just in time to see the wedding party arrive at the Church Hall next door. It was equipped with Royal Blue Satin bridesmaids dresses and a full brass band!

Hungry by now, we made uploaded and made our way to the outdoor BBQ restaurant where we enjoyed some Maji (water) and soda (no beers this time since we are at a Lutheran establishment), however we did get to take park in some beef Somosas (one of our favorites from last year)... basically wontons with a chopped beef filling! We sat around the table for a while sharing stories and then decided to call it a night around 9pm.

This morning we are up early for the remainder of our journey to the Usumbara Mountains where we will visit the Rainbow School for special needs children, the Irente Orphanage, and the Irente School for the Blind. We cannot wait to get started with our students at SEKCO and we hope that you tune in to hear about what Lushoto has to offer!

Take care! Until the next internet cafe is found.... Kwheri! (Goodbye)

Safe travels!

After what seems like several days of travel we have finally stepped foot on Tanzanian soil for the third year in a row! Those who have visited before are more than excited to be back and the first timers are wide eyed at all of the new sites, smells, and sounds! Now let me explain how it is that we made it safely yet again.... The 9 of us (Marilyn, Valeria, Nicole (veterans) and Amber, AJ, Ellen, Kari, mindy, and Rusty) met on Wednesday July 26th at 11 am at the ever to busy ;) MCI airport for our first short flight to Dallas. After a short layover with Ben & Jerrys and some candy snacks we loaded the plane for our first 9 hour flight to London. Bring the Olympic season, we met many travelers headed to the games for various reasons. Most of us were seated near each other so it was nice to get to visit during the long flight. Marilyn got into a bit of an altercation with a gentelman wanting to switch seats with his wife. He was a total jerk throuout the flint and managed to wake her up mid sleep to use the restroom, stating "it would be routine, so get used to it!!" needless go say we were all ready to deboard and make our quick connection to Kenya! Some of us needed one final sip of Starbucks before boarding :) The next 9 hour flight proved to be a quick one since most of us spent the majority of the time snoozing! Landing at 9 pm we headed for the visa desk and baggages claim. I was longing to be horizontal at this stage of travel... Being this exhausted is not how I envisioned spending my 24th birthday!! We made our way to the Kenya Comfort Hotel and without much hassle were able to catch some zzz's before our 7:15am pick up! Day two.... Or three.... Or....??? At this point we had all lost track and had to remind each other what day it was. Back to the airport we went. We had several hours to kill before our final flight to Kilimonjaro Airport in Tanzania so we enjoyed some window shopping, African soap operas, and some cafe'. Before we knew it we were back on Tanzanian soil and ready to reunite with our favoritest tour guide Efream!!! I was especially excited to see Efream because I had a gift for him that I have been looking forward to giving him since we left last year! Also routinely we made it through customs and baggage claim in no time and were greeted by Efream's warm smile and embrace! Awww.... Back at last! Efream was sporting his USA K-state t-shirt I sent to him and his family months after our last visit. We loaded up all the luggage andnheaded out in two jeeps to the Impala hotel where we planned to stay the night before heading out to Moshi and Lushoto. After checking it, pulled Efream aside and presented him with the brand new netbook that we brought for him! His response was priceless "ohhhh I think I'm dead!!! Holy moly thank you sooo much!" This response has already made my trip worth while! The group headed to there rooms to unpack and then met for lunch on the patio of the impala! The weather is beautiful here and we are enjoying the cooler, jacket weather! I cannot wait to share our adventures with you! Stay tuned!

Preparations!

In exactly one week we will be well on our way to Tanzania for yet another adventure! This year there will be 9 travelers!!! Including our videographer Rusty who will be documenting our every move :) veterans Marilyn, Valerie, and myself (Nicole), along with undergraduate education students Mindy, Amber, AJ, Ellen, and Kari.

The last few days we have been meeting to gather and pack up materials. We are set for 3 days of teaching at SEKCO, teaching training college, and a few days in the local schools. Those of us who have experiences the Lushoto mountains before cannot wait to get back to the crisp mountain air and the wondrous sites on Safari. We are excited to share our experiences with the first timers and are confident they are going to love Tanzania as much as we do.

Until our travels on the 26th, get excited to hear about our adventures this year as we travel through Dallas, London, a night in Kenya, and finally Tanzania!!!

**Be sure and invite friends and family to join our blog as followers so that they too can read along with our happenings!

One last hoorah!

It was necessary to post one last blog to share with you our disastrous end to the trip... 

After arriving in in D.C. at 8:00.... 40 minutes earlier then schedules... we thought things were looking good for our last journey before being home. We made it through customs in a timely fashion after claiming our luggage. It was necessary to stop at the first Starbucks we saw before heading through security and on to our gate. Since we had already had lunch (according to our schedule), we didn't need breakfast but we grabbed some Subway for later and hung out by the gate. Wi-Fi was available so we did some facebook updating and internet surfing. Across from our gate was a 10 minute manicure store, so I decided to hit it up for a quite polish :) Amber, Marilyn and I took turns taking our "baby wipe" showers in the bathroom stalls. We got into some fresh clothes and before we knew it, it was time to board. However, we were still about 40 minutes waiting for the "crew" to arrive from a previous flight. We were told they were coming from gate C and would be here anytime. Restlessness set in, and then it was time to board. The plane was TINY compared to the large international plane we had just come from. I'm talking 1 seat on one side, 2 on the other.... TEENY! We were settled with our seat belts fastened when the stewtest came over the PA saying that the air conditioning wasn't working so it was going to delay us a bit longer. Sighs were heard throughout the cabin and cold water was handed out throughout the isles. Next thing we knew it, we were de-boarding the plane because they could not get the air conditioned fixed and didn't want us sitting on a blazing hot plane while they worked on getting it in working order.

This was beginning to look and sound vaguely familiar. Let me remind you that our flight was canceled last year due to storms. We took our seat at the gate and were told it should only be another 30 minutes. 30 minutes turned into an hour, and Marilyn had the bright idea to go ahead and get in the customer service line just in case. Sure enough, our flight got canceled!!!! We were beside ourselves. During our wait, however, a gentleman sitting next to me phoned the 1-800 United number and managed to get put on another flight leaving at 6 from Dulles. Without hesitation I too dialed the number and managed to snag the last spot on the flight. I felt awful that I was unable to get my other too traveler on the flight, but Marilyn was in line and Amber was in the bathroom so I only had my confirmation number :( Luckily, Marilyn was next in line the customer service line, so she was able to book the first flight out in the morning for both her and Amber. She also rated a hotel, meal voucher, and shuttle for the night.

Amber and Marilyn waited around until I boarded my plane, which was also delayed an hour, and then headed to catch their shuttle to the Hilton A-Loft hotel. The flight took off without any more delays. I was much in need of a cold one, but unfortunately did not have any cash and they didn't take credit cards :( Happy to be home, I was greeted by my mom and Zuri at the airport. Tears filled my eyes, I was ecstatic to see them both and also happy to get a text from Amber saying that the hotel was super nice ($349 a night!!!!) and they were stuffed full with wonderful American food :) Off we went to home where I was more then excited to sleep in my own bed. We made a quick stop for a late night dinner and then it was bed time for me!

This morning, I left for the airport around 7 and crossed my fingers that things went smoothly for the girls this morning. They left the hotel at 5am and had to wait in the line for security for over an hour. Good thing they were 2 hours early! Upon their arrival to the gate, there flight had been delayed 40 minutes. A slight freak out occurred but thankfully they boarded and took off without any more complications! Charlie, Sam, Brenna, and I greeted the tired travelers, exchanged goodbyes, and picked up our luggage!

Though our trip ended with unwanted complications we are all back home safe and sound now! Be looking for many albums on facebook and wish us luck as we rest up and get ready for the coming school year!

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed!

P.S.  I currently am dealing with the itching of 35 bug bites, including one on my nose, one on my fore head, and 3 on the back of my hand!!!!! They loved me this year! Amber only has 6 and Marilyn ended the trip with 4! Not fair! I am just glad to be back with the Mosquitoes that DON'T carry Malaria!

The home stretch...

We are currently awaiting our flight to Kansas city in the Washington Dulles airport. We are more then happy to be back on American soil :)

Our traveling actually began yesterday morning with an early flight from Dar to Arusha. Little did we know this process would be so costly. We were supposively unaware that we could not each have 2 pieces of luggage unless the airline was informed before hand. So we had to fork over 310,000 shillings which is roughgly $195. Yikes. Needless to say we were not happy campers.

At least there were no glitches in the flight. We made it to Arusha several minutes earlier than expected. Since we had 4 hours to kill before heading to Ethiopia, Marilyn had plans to visit Patandi Teachers College, while Amner and I scheduled a lunch date with Efraem for one last goodbye. Our rides awaited us among arrival and we quickly dropped our luggage off at the day room at KIA Lodge.

Once to Patandi, amber and I made a brave attempt to travel by "dala dala", the Tanzanian public transportation. We waited on the side of the street only minutes before a "mini bus" pulled up. The locals refer to them as mini busses, but picture a soccer mom mini van pimped out with graffiti and Swahili slang! We piled in amongst many other individuals to make our way into town.the bus quickly filled up, and before we knew it there were 20 other Tanzanians up for travel. I had a young girl sitting on mymlap, reaching to hold my hand, and Amber had another that couldn't take her eyes off of her. Though it was crowded in the 16 passenger van we managed to enjoy the experience and get off at the right stop. We tried communicating with Efraem to explain where we were, but with a lack of street signs it was very confusing. We finally just had to hand the phone over to a local to give directions. By now, we were down to about 30 minutes to enjoy a quick drink and chat with our dear friend. After our goodbyes were exchanged :( we decided to grab a taxi back to Patandi due to our time constant and the fact that the "dala dalas" made frequent stops.

Marilyn was just minutes behind us. We hopped in the car and headed to the airport for our 3:15 check in time. Marilyn shared with us her experiences of enjoying lunch along side Lake
Duluth and touring the ministies teachers college. She was shocked and what poor shape the
college was in and stunned to find out that there earliest text book was dated in 1983. What
help they are in need of!

We made it back to the hotel with a few minutes to freshen up, grab our luggage, and head to KIA airport for Ethiopia. Amber and I had no eatin much and Marilyn had to endure grizzly goat meat so we grabbed a bite to eat and then boarded shortly after.

The 2 and half hours to Ethiopia were nothing compared to the 17 hours that lied ahead. We had a few hours to spare in the Ethiopian airport so decided to grab some water and braid the girls hair. To do so, Amber had to brush through her matted mess of hair. She obtain so much she was able to form a small hair ball and left it for someone to find and make a voodoo doll out of.... Sorry folks we are a bit delirious :) and sleep deprived. Not only was Amber's hair entertaining so too were seeing all of the couples bringing home adopted Ethiopian babies. Joy filled their faces and everyone was goo goo gaga over the adorable children.

It was time for the dreaded boarding... Amber and I were luckily next to each other again, while Marilyn was up closer to the front. The flight began with a round of Dramamine for all! None of us were feeling well and also wanting some good sleep during the evenings flight. We were served a meal an hr after boarding and then shortly after fell asleep for awhile. It never fails that they come around with another meal just as you are in a deep sleep. The flight went smoothly thanks to our several rounds of Dramamine and ibuprofen, people around us probably bought we were major pill poppers, but at least we were resting comfortably :)

The landing was a breeze and now here we are eating on some subway and waiting for our flight to MCI in 3 hours. We are tired, dirty, and ready for a good nights rest in our own bed. We hope you have enjoyed hearing about our experiences in Tanzania as much as we have enjoyed reliving our adventures through story telling.

Plans are already in the makings for next years trip so stay tuned!
Kwaheri!!!

Karibu Tena!

As the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end!" and our adventures in Tanzania came to a truly amazing end this morning. We slept in, had our last fix of the Swahili Sweet Pancakes and headed to the Autism Unit around 9:30. It was the first day Amber was able to join us. Mama Ella would not let Amber get away without saying her goodbyes! We were joyful to have her finally joining us. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Abdala and Alpha. Alpha is particularly fond of Amber so it was no surprise that he followed her around most of the morning.

We exchanged our Shikamo's and Harbari's and then had plans to show the teachers how to use the sensory items we have toted along this entire month. We bagged them up and then began taking them out to use with the children. It was so interesting to see how each kid was stimulated by a different object. Gedion was infatuated with the noise sticks that had beads rolling down inside of it, Irene, who is obsessed with balls, fell for the Velcro toss and catch set, and Karime's favorite was chasing the bubbles. It was a true joy to see the smiles on both the kids and teachers's faces. The teachers were just as interested in the unique items we had collected as the kids were. Each one took a child and began showing them how to use the items. It was special and really made it worth the extra pounds added to our luggage to see how much the enjoyed the sensory items.

After "play time" we headed inside the classroom for Chai was the students and teachers. It was quite special to have them offer us Chai with bites, fruit, and biscuits. The school as it is has so little, so for them to share this small token with us, meant more then they probably understand. However, more then the bites was the next token that was shared with our team... Mama Ella read the most heart felt letter I have ever heard. She stated that on behalf of herself and the entire staff, they were so thrilled to have us come back to the unit and share more knowledge. They feel that we have prepared them for yet another successful year of teaching and welcomed us back for years to come. To show us just how serious they were about welcoming us back, they had three of the students present us with gifts.... A t-shirt that read "Karibu Tena Msimbozo Mseto" or "Welcome Again to Msimbozo Mseto" we were ecstatic to receive the shirts and know that they really do appreciate all of the information and items that we have brought to them the past two summers. It warmed all of our hearts and made us feel as though we were having chai and bites among family!

Until next year, we have said our best wishes and God Blesses to the center, the students, and this evening to our dear friend Christopher. Though we are sad to leave, we are anxious to get home, and know they we need to rest up before returning again. There is must to be done regarding special needs awareness in Africa and I think we are well on our way to building a strong team to help change the way children are educated here :)

Our plane to Kilomonjaro leaves at 9:30 tomorrow so we are headed to the airport bright and early. We are expected to land in Ethiopian around 7:30 before heading off to Washington D.C. 10:30. Once to D.C. We've got a few hours to kill and then are heading to KC for a much needed reunion! Yah yah yah! I can just hear my bed calling my name :) can't wait to hug my little baby Zuri!

Love and thanks for reading!
Marily Kaff, Amber Olson, and Nicole Maupin