Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Tanzania: Day 3 and Day 4

DAY 3
I am in awe as to how I was able to feel so much after being at LOAMO School for so little time. We only spent a day and a half at the school and still those children I encountered have left an imprint on my life and my heart. Although the time we spent at the LOAMO School was limited, it pushed us for our best. We strived to take everything completely in; learn the children’s names and stories, teach as much as we possibly could in 2 days, and make and build relationships that have such strength and character that they will always be remembered.
One of my students in class five, Junior, told me “You only are here for a short time but you make our hearts happy!” Each child I met during my stay was so unique in their own ways, but each had their own set of big, eager eyes and incredibly huge hearts, which made it impossible not to fall head over heels in love with them.
Saying goodbye to the students at the end of the day was tough, and explaining to each child that when they return from break we will not be there got harder and harder each time. I am so grateful we were able to leave our mark with the LOAMO School, and touch the  lives of each child.

DAY 4
At the beginning of our trip, Lisa Marie told us what we will need to focus on during our time here is being selfless. If there is one thing that this trip has shown me so far, it is just that. Being able to put yourself in situations to solely benefit others is something that is a lesson for everyone, everywhere. Being compassionate and understanding are traits learned by the actions of others and I believe that showing these actions every day is the best way to build your own character and help other people. This is something that Tanzanians use and practice in their daily lives from what I have already seen during my time here.
Today we went and visited the Save Africa Orphanage about 30 minutes away from our guesthouse. On the van ride there I watched the trees go by and focused on the word ‘selfless’ and what it means.

Today at the orphanage was a day of cleaning, which was much needed. Every moment we spent there was devoted to making the orphanage a better living environment for the 20-30 children that were there. Scrubbing desks, walls, cleaning bathrooms, and scrubbing floors were tasks that we were able to complete in a few hours and already our small group was able to help the orphanage more than other volunteers were able to in weeks and weeks of working there. Our hard work incredibly paid off when we were able to see the finished product before we left, and we were able to turn the entire place upside down and vastly improve the lives and I am so grateful to be a part of it. 

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