Safari Day!

This morning we left the Honey Badger Lodge at 8am to head to Kenya for our safari expedition. We had an uneventful ride to the border. When we arrived, we filled out our necessary paperwork and soon discovered that our ride past the border hadn't arrived. Thankfully, the wonderful Honey Badger drivers and Jeremiah came up with an alternative plan. They received temporary visas for the day and drove us to the Amboseli gates.

We arrived at the park around 1:30 and were greeted by some very eager Maasai merchants. Needless to say, many of you reading this blog will be receiving some beautiful, hand-crafted gifts :) 

The drivers from the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge arrived at the gates and we said goodbye to our trusted and witty drivers from Honey Badger-George, Henry and Peter. We are so grateful for their patience this past week. They were always very courteous and allowed us to pick their minds as we tried to grasp the complex Tanzanian culture. 

We popped the roof open as we made our way to the lodge. They were many animal sightings on the way in. We were greeted at the front entrance with cooled, scented wash cloths and passion fruit juice. Not exactly "roughing it" :) While waiting for the group, we witnessed a monkey sneak some biscotti from the cafe area. He was promptly chased away by one of the Maasai warriors with a palm branch-only in Africa!

The safari was amazing. We saw zebras, elephants, water buffalo, many different bird species, hyena, baboons, cheetahs, and several other unidentifiable animals. The savanna is overlooked by Mount Kilimanjaro  which arose from the clouds as the evening progressed. We ended the night with a wonderful dinner. 

This has been an amazing and unforgettable experience. I believe everyone's goal was to make a difference in the lives of the African people, but we head back with some very enriching memories that have changed each one of us for the better. Thanks to everyone for your donations, emails, encouraging words, and unfaltering support. We'll be stateside soon! 

-Krista

Last day

Friday we set out early for a safari and caught the sunrise over the Seringeti. Mt. Kilmanjaro was not not the least bit shy, it was in full view. We took in the Beauty of the Seringeti where we saw many animals, only simba was shy. Next we visited the Masai village. We were greeted with a song and dance. The medicine man educated us on the healing roots and twigs. The Masai women are responsible for building the huts which are made out of elephant twig, ashes, and dung. They even invited us inside their hut to get the full experience. We than headed back to Nairobi to catch our flight home.

We have realized that our experience was both heart warming and heart breaking. I think I speak for all of us when I say we made many new friendships.

- Amanda Strong

sad to leave

We are in Brussels now. Missing families....see you soon. We'll post more when we return.

Tanzania 2014 - Kilimanjaro-Caves- Waterfall

Hello everyone!

We are well into our journey which I'm sure after reading you have realized has been filled with many experiences. Some have made us laugh, some have opened our eyes, some have even made us cry.

Today we experienced the beauty of nature in Tanzania. We were blessed to see the Kilmanjaro base camp (National Park) where many directions are given to help people make the most of their climb to the top of Kilamanjaro. We were excited to hear that 2 of our drivers who have been incredible have actually climbed to the top. We also were blessed with the joy of "flush" toilets, our first outside of the hotel in many days; although we all have become adept at squatting!!!!! We also learned that it takes at least 5-6 days to climb and return from the summit of Kilimanjaro,

We then journeyed to Chagga caves where we learned the history of how the Chagga and Massai people lived in discord among the caves until 1961, when the tribes of Tanicka and Zanzibar joined together to call themselves the country of Tanzania,

The most rewarding experience for most of us was the climb down to Ndoro waterfall. which was beautiful to see, again reminding us of the beauty of nature. For some of us, however this trek also reminded us how much we need each other. The journey was muddy and almost dangerous at times and yet we made it with the help of each other. Something I think we all have been aware throughout our journey, but was most clearly brought home to me today as we actually physically had to help each other climb steps and negotiate muddy terrain. I, personally, was reminded of how none of us can exist in life alone without each other's help and I am thoroughly grateful how the experiences today affirmed that for me and I hope for all of us! What a great day! Thanks to all!

Linda Radder

Tuesday March 25th 2014

Another fabulous day! It rained as usual last night but the morning was gorgeous. After breakfast we started on our journey to the Songoro primary school found quite a ways up the Meru Mountain. It was quite the bumpy ride up the very narrow steep mountainside. The view was breathtaking. Upon arrival the 620 children were waiting patiently. Although it poured for about 20 minutes, we were greeted by them with song. Some songs were in Swahili some were in English. We all were very impressed when they sang in English as English is considered a subject. We then handed out toys, gave out shoes and candy. The children were so excited. I think I speak for everyone when I say it's sad that our time with the children has come to an end in this trip as they have made our trip so heart wrenching and rewarding. The night sky is upon us and we are again exhausted physically and emotionally ( in a good way). We look forward to another adventure tomorrow at the Ndeoro waterfall. Talk to you all soon! Usiku mwema! (Goodnight in Swahili) 

Anne Kraus

Coffee Plantation

Today we had our first telaxing day. We visited a coffee plantation today! We were 1400 meters above sea level where it was cool and lush. They started by taking our coffee orders and then gave us a tour and a step by step demonstration of how the coffee is processed. Our guide roasted our beans over an open fire in an old kettle. It was the best coffee I've ever tasted! They they fed us a delicious african lunch. We then did some shopping and saw some beautiful Tinga Tinga style paintings. After diner we had members of the local tribe play drums and dance. They eventually pulled all of us out on the stage. It was amazing and so fun!  We are all having such a tremendous learning experience. Tomorrow we head over to a school to provide care and friendship for the students. We miss you all and can't wait to see you.

Peace, 

Cindi Griffin

St. Francis of Asissi Orphanage for the Disabled

Today we traveled to the St. Francis orphanage to visit with the children and provide medical services. The orphanage is home to over 200 children, ages 4 through 18. It is also a day school for about 75 children.  Many of the children have a physical or mental disability, or are orphaned.  Some of the children are albinos who are at the orphanage because of the practice of mutilating the children by cutting off the arms or legs for use in witchcraft.  The orphanage provides a safe haven for them.

When we arrived, the children assembled and greeted us with songs.  The sweet sounds of their voices was absolutely beautiful.  We brought with us several large duffle bags of toys and school supplies to distribute to the children.  It was like Christmas time!  The children each received several toys or books and bartered between themselves to make trades!

One thing that was apparent to al of us was how well the children behaved.  The older children watched out for the younger children, helping them with their toys.  A particularly touching scene was watching an interaction between two of the girls, one who was blind.  Her friend described for her the stuffed animal she had received as her gift.  The kindness was overwheliming.  

The older children enjoyed playing a game of soccer (for over two hours) with Jeremiah and our drivers.  The younger children delighted in playing games with us, jumping rope, reading books and teaching us Swahili.  

What we recognized today is that we are all more alike than we are different.  Where we come from, the color of our skin or the language that we speak doesn't really matter when you realize that we are all interconnected by our humanness.  The children played clapping games, soccer, jumped rope, sang songs and even did the chicken dance -- we could have been watching children on a playground in the U.S.  And, despite the languge barrier, everyone understands a smile, gentle touch and loving kindness - that is a universal language!

The children sang a goodbye song to us as we were getting ready to leave.  As we drove down the driveway, the children ran to the fence to wave a final good bye.  We will never forget the children of St. Francis and will forever be changed by our interactions with them.  In the end, it is they who gave us a wonderful gift.

Laura Grover

Medical Camp Day

Jambo Everyone!!

Finally it's our first day in Tanzania!! Everyone woke up to the sounds of a rooster and were greeted by monkeys at breakfast.  We are a little tired but excited to do medical care today. We hopped on the land rovers and went up the side of a mountain-which had steep drop offs...yikes!  On the way up we saw Mt Kilimanjaro. It was so beautiful and so is the rest of the landscape. It's got a tropical feeling here. 

When we got there, there were people waiting for us. They found out we were coming from the local church and started walking from many miles away. We set up camp with a triage center, ENT area, medical assessment area, supply area and pharmacy.  I think everyone was nervous and didn't know what to expect, especially with the language barrier but we got to meet some amazing people.  The people came in with all different kinds of illnesses, some more serious than others. Though this was a rewarding experience, It was hard for many of us because we couldn't refer them to specialist or get X-rays and labs like we are used to. Though we did a few procedures as well. We rotated areas so we can experience everything. We treated over 220 people today, mainly giving out ibuprofen and Tylenol. Everyone was so very thankful (asanti san) and kept letting us know.  We had a great time learning some of the local language and meeting the people.  The kids were so beautiful and well behaved too. They really liked the candy we gave out too :)

I think I speak for everyone when I say this was a very memorable and life changing experience and no matter how tired we were, we had a great time, learned a lot and helped a lot of people.  

Tomorrow we are off to the Orphanage to do a little medical care but mainly spend time with the kids so Until then, most of us are going to sit down, enjoy a local beer and relax!

Girls rule! :)

Tracie Timm

Arrived safely at Honey Badger

After 7 hours of driving, and a rigorous visa process, we arrived at Honey Badger Lodge, in Tanzania. Everyone is tired and ready for bed but unfortunately we still have a long night of separating the medical supplies for the Kisao medical camp tomorrow. We ate some sort of pumpkin spice soup with a main corse of rice, carrots, and eggplant sauce. We are expected to see a little less than 500 people at the camp. Tomorrow I'll have one of the students blog so we can get a new perspective.

Lukenya and beyond

We finally made it to Kenya, after 16 hours of flying. Lukenya is an oasis in the serengeti, and the staff was warm and welcoming as they always are. Everyone was awoken today to the many birds and animal sounds that accompanied the sunrise. Most were not happy with the natural alarm clocks because of the 2-3 hours of sleep everyone had, in addition to the jet lag. As the sun rises over head the weather is becoming warm, almost 80 degrees, and everyone is in shock. While the sun is envirgorating it quickly becomes intolerable because of the close proximity to the equator. In the next couple of hours we will be making our trek to Tanzania and seeing the many faces of Kilimanjaro. I will post more pictures and blogs as we determine the availability of wifi services, which can often be flakey since everything is solar powered and we come during the rainy season.

Team Arrived safety

The team made it safely after 24 hours of travel. They arrived at 2 am and are awaiting  room assignments and going to bed. It is about 60 degrees and perfect for sleeping.

Off we go!

On the plane ready to take off. Everyone is excited, as well as sleepy. We spent most of the day checking and triple checking our travel bags. I'm sure we'll be sore tomorrow given how many bags we moved. We have a long flight ahead of us, and long drive once we arrive. If wifi is available we will continue to post daily blogs. Thank you to all of the families of our students and supporters. Time to go into airplane mode.

Our bags are packed, we're ready to go....

Our packing party was a success. Thanks to everyone who helped

 pack and to everyone who donated items.

Welcome

Welcome to our adventure. We look forward to sharing it with all of you in the next few weeks. There are always days when we have difficulty getting online, so don't panic if we don't blog for a day. We will try our best. Thank you to everyone who has supported each team member. Without all of you this would not be possible. The people of Tanzania also thank you!!

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