Rose-colored glasses

A year ago today, I boarded a plane headed for Tanzania.  I had no idea what I'd find.  I didn't even know where I was going to sleep when I got there.  That was the adventure I craved.

My time there was life-changing, because I've never lived in a world where everything was an adventure.  A trip to get groceries meant a mile walk, hanging onto the side of a dala dala (bus) for dear life while the pavement raced beneath me, bartering in Swahili with a local for pennies worth of delicious produce.  The children I worked with had diseases I had only ever read about in books.  But now I have seen rheumatic heart disease, rabies, and pediatric AIDS.

I had every target on my back: Single. White. Woman.  And yet I approached my life there confidently (and only sometimes with reckless abandon).  I have never lived so simply.  It's a true test of flexibility to forego all of the luxuries of Western culture.  And yet, I'd love to live without them again.

I miss the beauty of my surroundings: Kilimanjaro peeking out of the clouds, flowers blooming on every tree, the amazing fruits and vegetables that were picked straight from the trees, the feeling of Karibu and the sweet nature of all of the Tanzanians.

I miss Dana.  Happy friendiversary!!!!

I don't know if I'll ever make it back to Moshi, Tanzania, but that's okay because I live out the lessons I learned there every day in my life here.  Karibu, work hard, be present in your community, provide resources, care for the children like they were your own.