I have my pictures up. Click on the link in this title "Pictures" and it will take you to them...
If that doesn't work try this link....
http://picasaweb.google.com/kmshannahan/Africa
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My trip to Placement
This is video of my trip I took to placement every morning. It is a good way for you to see the town and people. Notice, there are a few paved roads in the main town but turn into dirt roads soon after. It is a very bumpy ride so the video is not steady.
Lions
Sorry for the shakiness and language! These lions were going after zebras but eventually slowed down. The zebras had sensed them and ran away.
Friday, August 8, 2008
This is the end....
I am have so many mixed emotions. I cannot believe this is the end of my time here. I am so sad but excited at the same time. I made great friends here and have family in Africa. They will always be in my heart...forever. I know that the friendships that have formed here will carry back to the States. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I came here to help but I am walking away from here with a new outlook on many things, new lifelong friends, and learned about people, including myself.
I need to update you on Matilda. We took her to the hospital Thursday morning. She had some tests done and given the appropriate medication. Thank you for giving me the opportunity and support to help her.
Today, Friday, was my last day at placement. So emotional! The English class group sang to me and wrapped me in fabric, which is beautiful. They lifted me up and carried me around. They also said some amazing and sweet things to me. That's where I lost it. I held it together until then. Then the women's group came later and did the same thing for me. I am now coming home with some beautiful fabric to show off. I need to think of something great to make with the fabric.
Well, I am really short with words today. I have a lot going through my head and probably will for awhile, even after I return. So some things you need to know about me:
I am so slow now! It is so different here and I have acclimated to the lifestyle. Please excuse me when I walk very slowly in front of you!
I miss my friends and family.
I miss pedicures and manicures. Wait til you see the condition of my feet. It is very dirty here and my feet reflect it!
I need a steak, pizza, very cold beer, a nice glass of wine (or bottle for that matter), fast Internet, hot shower, and a facial.
See you soon. I leave tomorrow night and will be home Sunday afternoon. I am not sure how tired I will be from traveling but hopefully I can catch up with you all soon. I will put up pix once I am home. Love you all....K
I need to update you on Matilda. We took her to the hospital Thursday morning. She had some tests done and given the appropriate medication. Thank you for giving me the opportunity and support to help her.
Today, Friday, was my last day at placement. So emotional! The English class group sang to me and wrapped me in fabric, which is beautiful. They lifted me up and carried me around. They also said some amazing and sweet things to me. That's where I lost it. I held it together until then. Then the women's group came later and did the same thing for me. I am now coming home with some beautiful fabric to show off. I need to think of something great to make with the fabric.
Well, I am really short with words today. I have a lot going through my head and probably will for awhile, even after I return. So some things you need to know about me:
I am so slow now! It is so different here and I have acclimated to the lifestyle. Please excuse me when I walk very slowly in front of you!
I miss my friends and family.
I miss pedicures and manicures. Wait til you see the condition of my feet. It is very dirty here and my feet reflect it!
I need a steak, pizza, very cold beer, a nice glass of wine (or bottle for that matter), fast Internet, hot shower, and a facial.
See you soon. I leave tomorrow night and will be home Sunday afternoon. I am not sure how tired I will be from traveling but hopefully I can catch up with you all soon. I will put up pix once I am home. Love you all....K
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Yesterday Was A GREAT Day!!!
We had our fundraiser at the women's group today. We needed to raise the remainder of the money for their fee for the NGO. We made it! What a great feeling. The women made things to sell (bracelets, African plaques, shirts, hats, necklaces, etc.). We also sold pop, candy, beer, and banana wine. You do not want to try banana wine! I have had it before and it is clearly the worst drink ever! hahaha....
Then we had some shaky shaky (that's code for dancing). It is now my favorite thing to say and you definitely will hear me say it!
Then we had a raffle and one of our volunteers from CCS won. It was fun for the volunteers to see and meet our women of the group and vice verse. Great day!
Now for the best news....I took Calvin and Margaret to get them back in school. Thanks to all of you...they are now enrolled in school for the remainder of the year and for all of 2009 and 2010. How awesome!!!!! I am now Mama Kelli to them. You all warned me not to bring home any children so instead I have children in Africa! I have them in my heart forever.
Then we had some shaky shaky (that's code for dancing). It is now my favorite thing to say and you definitely will hear me say it!
Then we had a raffle and one of our volunteers from CCS won. It was fun for the volunteers to see and meet our women of the group and vice verse. Great day!
Now for the best news....I took Calvin and Margaret to get them back in school. Thanks to all of you...they are now enrolled in school for the remainder of the year and for all of 2009 and 2010. How awesome!!!!! I am now Mama Kelli to them. You all warned me not to bring home any children so instead I have children in Africa! I have them in my heart forever.
JFish Foundation
I get to know the other placements through my new friends here in Africa. One girl, whom I have gotten close to, is at an orphanage. It is a very sad condition. We are all touched by these conditions and you can't really comprehend until you see it yourself. I can tell you that Lauren is an amazing person with a huge heart and decided to start a foundation for these children. Check out what has transpired since we have been here: http://jfishfoundation.weebly.com/
truly amazing! I want you all to know that you made this possible through your donations and emotional support. Thank you soooo much. Love you all....K
truly amazing! I want you all to know that you made this possible through your donations and emotional support. Thank you soooo much. Love you all....K
Monday, August 4, 2008
Today was a hard day....
After some teaching at placement, we had more home visits. We went to Matilda's home today. She is 41 and is HIV positive. She is not feeling well and hasn't felt well for weeks. She has not visited the doctor due to her financial situation. She lives alone and has a 19 year old son. He is an apprentice for a mechanic and therefore doesn't have an income. There is literally no one who can help her. I am completely devastated. She has been feeling sick for weeks. Can you imagine being sick and not able to see a doctor? She has severe stomach and chest pains. We asked her what we can do for her and she said nothing. We offered to clean up for her, do dishes, laundry, anything. She politely said no. They are very prideful and will manage to do things on their own or not do it at all. I can't leave here without helping her. I haven't felt this badly before because the other home visits are more positive in one way or another. They may not have money but they have someone taking care of them or they are in a decent healthy state. Not Matilda.
Then we went back to placement. There were 2 kids there, Calvin and Margaret. They are usually in school. We have seen them on occasion but not often due to school scheduling. Today, they stayed for the English lesson. They are so smart. After class and talking with them, I found out they are not in school because they cannot afford it. Well, of course my curious mind went crazy. I asked the locals at the group how much is school and so on. The students were on a payment plan but couldn't make the final payments. Calvin owes $4.00 and Margaret owes $9. Are you kidding me? I fell over. I can't believe these smart children are not in school because of money. I shouldn't be surprised---I see it all the time here. But this hit home. I know these kids and they are the sweetest, kindest, and very respectful kids. I can't let this go. I told them that they should be and will be in school. I told them to meet me at the group kesho (tomorrow) and we would walk to school and get them back in. I can't even tell you the smiles I received from them. They were the happiest smiles I have ever seen in my entire life. It is all worth it. All 5000 plus dollars....right then and there!
As for Matilda, I spoke with the women's group about arranging to get her to the hospital. It has been arranged for Thursday morning. I am getting her there and making sure she gets taken care of. She is a special case and I am more than happy to do this for her. She is alone and I can't imagine what that is like. US dollars go so far here and I know this is so big for them and so little for me.
Keep Matilda, Calvin, and Margaret in your thoughts.
Then we went back to placement. There were 2 kids there, Calvin and Margaret. They are usually in school. We have seen them on occasion but not often due to school scheduling. Today, they stayed for the English lesson. They are so smart. After class and talking with them, I found out they are not in school because they cannot afford it. Well, of course my curious mind went crazy. I asked the locals at the group how much is school and so on. The students were on a payment plan but couldn't make the final payments. Calvin owes $4.00 and Margaret owes $9. Are you kidding me? I fell over. I can't believe these smart children are not in school because of money. I shouldn't be surprised---I see it all the time here. But this hit home. I know these kids and they are the sweetest, kindest, and very respectful kids. I can't let this go. I told them that they should be and will be in school. I told them to meet me at the group kesho (tomorrow) and we would walk to school and get them back in. I can't even tell you the smiles I received from them. They were the happiest smiles I have ever seen in my entire life. It is all worth it. All 5000 plus dollars....right then and there!
As for Matilda, I spoke with the women's group about arranging to get her to the hospital. It has been arranged for Thursday morning. I am getting her there and making sure she gets taken care of. She is a special case and I am more than happy to do this for her. She is alone and I can't imagine what that is like. US dollars go so far here and I know this is so big for them and so little for me.
Keep Matilda, Calvin, and Margaret in your thoughts.
Zanzibar!
This weekend, I took a trip to Zanzibar with my new friends. There was a total of 6 of us and we had such a great time. We took Friday off from placement, we are allowed to take one day off, and of course I took advantage! We flew out of Kili Friday morning and arrived in Zanzibar an hour later. We drove to Stone Town. It was so incredible. It completely reminds me of an European city. Small streets, crowded, and unique buildings. We explored all day and saw some very interesting things and places. It used to be a port for slave trading. We grabbed lunch and explored some more. Then after walking and shopping for souvenirs, we headed to dinner. We found a place on the beach and then of course, headed to the bars. We had a great time!
Saturday morning, we went snorkeling. We headed out to one of the reefs and I jumped into the Indian Ocean for the first time in my life. It was awesome! Saw lots and lots of coral. It was beautiful. We stopped at some of the islands in the area. One of the islands had Galapagos Tortoises. There necks were a long and big as my arms. Crazy!
Once we returned to the main land, we headed to a new area and new hotel. We had planned to only stay in Stone Town one night and be closer to the beach the 2nd night. We rented a place on the beach. It was very cute and it had lots of restaurants and bars to explore with! We found the best spots by the water and had happy hour and moved to another restaurant for dinner. I was literally sitting in the sand, my feet were in the sand while I ate dinner. That is paradise!
Sunday, we relaxed on the beach until it was time to catch our plane back to Kili. It was a great weekend! Wish you could have been there too!
Saturday morning, we went snorkeling. We headed out to one of the reefs and I jumped into the Indian Ocean for the first time in my life. It was awesome! Saw lots and lots of coral. It was beautiful. We stopped at some of the islands in the area. One of the islands had Galapagos Tortoises. There necks were a long and big as my arms. Crazy!
Once we returned to the main land, we headed to a new area and new hotel. We had planned to only stay in Stone Town one night and be closer to the beach the 2nd night. We rented a place on the beach. It was very cute and it had lots of restaurants and bars to explore with! We found the best spots by the water and had happy hour and moved to another restaurant for dinner. I was literally sitting in the sand, my feet were in the sand while I ate dinner. That is paradise!
Sunday, we relaxed on the beach until it was time to catch our plane back to Kili. It was a great weekend! Wish you could have been there too!
Kilasiya Waterfalls
Last Wednesday, CCS gave us a day off from placement and took us to Kilasiya Waterfalls. I was pretty excited until I saw what I had to walk down to get to the waterfalls. It had been raining ALL day. By the time we had gotten there, the trail was a slippery, muddy mess. I literally slid all the way down and it as so scary! I really thought I was going to die! But I didn't, and the view was so worth it. The falls were beautiful. It was a long day but well worth the trip. If you could only have been there to witness my whining behavior! HA HA!
Week 2 in Tanzania
Hello! It has been a busy week....let's catch up...
We are still gearing up for the fundraiser at my women's group. It is going to be great. We are going to have a raffle and a local artist offered to donate a painting to be sold at the raffle. The people here are so generous. They don't have a lot or sometimes anything, but give and give. It all comes from the heart. They are so respectful of one another. It is amazing to see and experience.
We have also been doing our home visits, 2x a week. We visited a young boy, about 8 years old. He is living with an aunt because both of his parents died of AIDS. He is HIV positive as well. He is the sweetest boy I have met. So respectful and happy. I can't get over the conditions the people here live with but how they find a way to live happily. We should all try to overcome like they do!
We also visited, twice now, a baby girl who is 2 months old. Her mother is HIV positive. So far the baby is negative. Here in Tanzania, all babies born to mothers with HIV/AIDS are tested on a regular basis up to 18 months. She is an adorable and cute little girl---keep her in your prayers that she remains negative!
We are still gearing up for the fundraiser at my women's group. It is going to be great. We are going to have a raffle and a local artist offered to donate a painting to be sold at the raffle. The people here are so generous. They don't have a lot or sometimes anything, but give and give. It all comes from the heart. They are so respectful of one another. It is amazing to see and experience.
We have also been doing our home visits, 2x a week. We visited a young boy, about 8 years old. He is living with an aunt because both of his parents died of AIDS. He is HIV positive as well. He is the sweetest boy I have met. So respectful and happy. I can't get over the conditions the people here live with but how they find a way to live happily. We should all try to overcome like they do!
We also visited, twice now, a baby girl who is 2 months old. Her mother is HIV positive. So far the baby is negative. Here in Tanzania, all babies born to mothers with HIV/AIDS are tested on a regular basis up to 18 months. She is an adorable and cute little girl---keep her in your prayers that she remains negative!
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