Its Africa Baby... a local man taught that saying to me and it pretty well sums up my last couple of days . So many crazy amazing things have happened already. I feel like Ive been here for a month because so much happens in a day!
Yesterday was absolutely crazy, we went to a blacksmith and they taught us how they made things and then we went to these caves that a tribe made to protect themselves from war a long time ago...the tribal people dressed up in their traditional clothing and started dancing for us but of course i just had to join in. It was such a cool unique culture. After that we went to the bottom of Mount Kilimanjaro and swam in the glacier waters of the mountain. I went through rapids and went to a waterfall. It was so ridiculously beautiful. First near death experience of the trip...we were driving back in a bus...and lets just say the way they drive in Tanzania is a tad more scary than in Canada...and i was sitting in a spot where i was at the back of the bus but there were no seats in front of me except the drivers seat. you probably know where this is going but i fell asleep..mouth open..drooling..it had been a long day...and suddenly the bus halted to a stop on the highway because an accident happened in front of our van and i literally flew from the back of the bus to the front. Everyone thought i was really hurt...but i just walked away with a headache and a sore back. oh well...hakuna Matata!
Today was amazing. we went to an orphanage and brought food, soap and games to the children. they were absolutely incredible. I wanted to adopt them all. When i was leaving they kept asking if i was coming back tomorrow and kept giving me hugs and i think my heart broke a bit...Im definitly going back there on my free time. There was a little girl who broke her flip flop on the side of the road so i stopped at a corner store and bought her a new pair..As soon as i handed them to her she had the biggest smile on her face...and it didnt go away for about ten minutes...she just held the new flip flops as tight as possible and kept smiling. Its moments like that that make me appreciate everything i have. If This little girl was so thankful and happy by a 1 dollar pair of flip flops then i should be more than thankful for everything i have been so blessed with too.
I can already feel this trip changing me...in the last 4 days I have seen things and met people that will stay with me for a long time. Its Africa Baby.
Monsie dearest....you just make your experiences come alive the way you relate them:) I just love your tender heart and I can definitely imagine how you must feel being around the children at the orphanage as well as that child whose flip flops broke:( I am positive that Tanzania will be a life-changing experience for you. You are so very blessed! Take everything in as nothing short of a GIFT from God. What an awesome privilege!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading the part about your mishap on the bus on your drive back, my heart skipped a few beats....you got me worried girl! The expression, "Hakuna Matata", made everything better!! How's your head and your back now? I guess they do not have seat belts on their buses eh?!
Have a fabulous time; work hard, play hard and pray hard...praising God and thanking Him for everything!!! I love you so much and we miss you. xoxo Momsie
Monica!!
ReplyDeleteThese entries are making my heart so happy for you :) Seriously. I was obviously always happy for you, but now my heart is so warm. Like your mom I did not like reading "my first near death experience" eek! but I'm glad you're okay.
This trip sounds like it is going amazing so far, and I know that with your positive outlook and friendly loving personality it will just continue to be wonderful.
Keep writing!
Lots of love and prayers,
Veronica