Tanzania: Home of the slowest internet connection ever!

Hey everybody!

Finally back to the internet cafe after a couple really busy days. I have found it virtually impossible to upload pictures so far so my apologies as I have some amazing ones to share. The connection is so slow here but I'm working on it. Since the last update I have visited all of our volunteer locations, finalized all the programming that will be taking place here, (which include a batik workshop, a local women's choir who will come and perform for us, a bead making workshop, and a Chagga dance performance - which is the local tribe here.) My volunteers arrived safe and sound on Saturday evening and today was our first day at our various sights.

To fill everyone in. I am the international director here in Tanzania for an organization called GLA - Global Leadership Adventures. Every two weeks a new crew of volunteer high school students (from all over the world) arrive to participate in this service learning program. Our volunteer sights include two primary schools, a local daycare, and a local orphanage. The program is geared to expose the students to both the culture, the people, and also countryside. So this coming weekend we will be headed out on a two day safari which we are all very excited about so hopefully my pictures next week will include elephants, zebras, and lions...

I am still attempting to pick up as much of the language as I can and the other day I thought I was learning a new word. We walked by a young boy on the street and he called out to me "Munai, Munai!" My friend Mama Simba said... "Oh that's another name for mzungu." Eagerly I repeated the phrase hoping to add it to my collection of Swahili words... that is until Mama Simba continued..."Yes, when the children see a white person here they call out Money, Money..." Scratch the new Swahili word and on a serious note... here the westerner does represent someone with money whether you are a volunteer or someone paying for a private safari. There is so much poverty here and everyday I am reminded of how much we do have... take for granted... and waste back home... ie. water, electricity, and yes money.

Well, sending love and if I could I would also send you all an avocado... they are the best I have ever had here! xoxo