I doubt this will reach anyone, as it has been quite a while since I’ve been back. But I suppose this is more for myself anyway. I thought that by six months back I would feel completely re-immersed into Western culture. To my delight, this isn’t the case. I feared losing all that I learned, and felt, in Tanzania. On the contrary, my desire to be back has increased. I’m comfortable living in the US. I recognize the importance of getting my education here, and of course, all of my loved ones are here. BUT, I miss it, so much. It’s hard to explain, and I barely understand myself how a few months abroad could have such a monumental impact on my life. Three months. I’ve been back six, and very little has happened. But in those three months, my world was re-created. I still have this recurring dream of driving along the road from Moshi to Arusha in a dala-dala. I can remember it so vividly, the smell of the land, the warmth of the sunset, the wind. It almost brings me to tears. But I’m not sad, this memory is of one of the few times in my life I’ve felt entirely at peace. It’s a great source of happiness.
Tag Archives: Reflections
Back in the USA
Can’t sleep-still messed up on time, it’s 1:30am here, so 11:30am in Moshi…so I thought I would catch up!
First Egypt!
The End… Beginning…and a Mountain
I’m done work! Friday we spent saying goodbye to those we worked with, it was quite sad and I will definitely be missing Dr. Mlay, who is possibly the nicest man, ever. He took us for sodas before saying goodbye, it was hard for both Genny and I.
Waiting on the Next Step…
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with CCS and I feel that it is a good program to start out international travel if you have never been. But the more time I spend here and the more people I meet the more I realize that really, it is unnecessary to stay with an organization. Most people just show up and find work and/or places to work (in Africa, India, or wherever else). Maybe it’s just Africa, but the staff at CCS, though they care very much for us, are very slow at getting things done if they ever do. Complications have arose with a few of us and placement end dates, one of the girls is going to be losing money because the program director at the house messed up some forms and there doesn’t seem to be much they can do about it. At the hospital we’ve tried to explain that while following Dr. Ruga around is very interesting it is in no way helpfull (more of an internship than volunteering) and yet they don’t really listen to what we have to say. Basically, we’re all a littl frustrated with them. Overall this has been an incredible experience, its just about time for us to finish up and head on to the next thing, I cannot imagine staying and working at the hospital for another 6 weeks when there is so much more to experience and see throughout Tanzania and Africa in general. There may be an oppertunity to go with others to either Egypt or Mozambique, either would be incredible.
Colliding With The Earth 