Overwhelming. That is how I would describe Tanzania. All the smells, foods, and emotions that have been felt in this short period of time is immensely overpowering, but I love all of them. Flying in we see the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro protruding through the clouds which formed a breathtaking sight. Once we land and walk out of the airport we are greeted by Lisa Marie, Krissy, and some of the staff of the KATZ Guest House where we are residing. The KATZ staff greeted us with what seemed to be more smiles and handshakes than I have received in the past year. We had been in Tanzania for less than an hour and I already have felt such a tremendous amount of love and joy by these wonderful people.
On the 30th we went to a museum, the Maasai and African Markets, and the Cultural Heritage Gallery. My favorite location of the four was the Maasai Market. The market was incredible. The vendors would do everything they could to get you to buy their products. As I was walking through the stalls I am constantly saying,”Hapana, asante,” meaning no thank you. When I said this to one vendor he said, “Hapana, asante. That is my name, so you must come into my booth.” My most memorable part of our tour day was when I was looking to purchase a bracelet. As I was looking through them trying to find the perfect one, the lady who was running the booth put one of the bracelets on my wrist. I ended up buying a different one, and as I went to take the first one off she said, “No you keep because you are my rafiki (friend).” This gesture opened me up to how even though the majority of the people in Tanzania have close to nothing, yet they are still willing to give what they have for simply being a friend.
Today was our first day at the LAOMO School. As we got out of the van all the kids were looking at us, waving, and smiling. Makena, Camryn and I were walking to our classrooms, when we ran into a group of girls. They all welcomed us with open arms. The girls asked for our names and when I said, “Sarah.” One of girls shrieked. She ran up to me and said, “Me, my name Sarah too.” The morning assembly was one of the most adorable things that I have ever seen. They all stomped, clapped, turned, and danced in unison. They sang songs and prayed to God thanking him for everything they had received. Then off they went, one by one, marching in sync to their classrooms until all 268 of them were gone. As soon as I stepped into the class I was greeted by the kids smiling faces. There was not a teacher in the class, so I was left in charge. I gradually grew more comfortable around the kids and by tea time I felt like I had already known the kids for weeks. One of my favorite things about Class 6 was how when I said, “Class 6 take a seat!” They would all in harmony sing, “Take a seat, take a seat, take a load off your feet, what, what!” I loved it. Out of all the activities and games they did; their absolute favorite game was Wax Museum. They would all go crazy when the guard’s back was turned, but the second he went to face them they would all freeze. The student and teacher interactions that I experienced at the school were like no other I had seen. The students would be constantly questioning and correcting the teacher, however the students had an undeniable amount of respect for him.
I love how in Tanzania they have an unending supply of love built inside their soul, and no matter who you are or where you have come from they will share their love with you. This has been so eye-opening to me because it is so different. Here you are brother or sister, son or daughter, or mama or papa no matter who you are. To me, Tanzania has the best sense of love. They love first and get to know you second, and I can only wish that America could start to evolve into a similar culture.
