Goodbye

As we end our travels in Tanzania, we say the inevitable goodbyes.  At LOAMO on Thursday and Friday, every student in the school was taking exams for the end of the second term.   In the breaks between tests, we CGA members had to say our goodbyes to the beautiful LOAMO family.

On Thursday during lunch, the teachers from LOAMO put together a wonderful meal for the volunteers.  During this break, the chaperones of the trip were gifted with Maasai clothing and flowers, and the group was asked to sing our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”.  After we sang ours, the teachers sang their national anthem for us, beautifully.  Then, the headmaster, Nicodemus, and co-founder of the school, Loserian, each gave a speech to thank us for the work we had done.  During the entire break, everyone was smiling and incredibly happy to be there with each other.   It was phenomenal to see how much work they put in to that lunch, and how much they gave when they have so little, just to thank us for what we did.

On Friday, the real goodbyes began.  This was the last time we would ever see most of the kids. (Classes Six and Seven had a dance that we were hosting for them that night.)  Although most goodbyes are bitter, we were overwhelmed by all of the kids.  They were all hugging us and giving us sweet notes.  At one point, as I tried to write down my Facebook and phone number for students, others started to just unzip my bag, put in their note, and zip my bag back up.  All of the goodbyes were so chaotic that we had no time to cry and only time to say goodbye.  I wish that we had more sincere goodbyes; we had to say goodbye to about 200 people in about forty minutes.

We left right after lunch on Friday and went straight back to the guesthouse.  There, we all rushed to get ready for the dance that evening.  We cut fruit of all sorts, made pixie bread, and put up beautiful decorations to show how much we loved their school, staff, and students.  When we finished the decorations and putting out the food, all the running around and stressing to finish was well worth it.

The students arrived at the Maasai camp at about 4:45.  Every student had nice clothes on, and most of the girls did their makeup and hair.  It was so nice to see them in what they liked to wear rather than their bland, navy uniforms.  Everyone’s smile was huge and it made me so happy to see all of them so excited to be at the dance.  This also made me realize how happy they were to have us at their school and in their classroom.  I realized they weren’t just happy to get a break from their usual teachers and lighten their workload, they were happy to make new friends and grow close to us.  I wish I knew the kids better, but from how I do know them, I can tell that they are outstanding people.

At about 6:15, the power went out at the Maasai camp.  During this time, we went outside and a few LOAMO pupils gifted the CGA students with a bracelet and two roses.  At 6:30, it was time for the students to go home, so we said our goodbyes.  Nicodemus, though, was very adamant that the kids got on the bus and left at 6:30, because if they were not home on time, the school would never be able to throw a party like this again.  We held the kids’ hands through the windows, and as the bus pulled away, they slipped through our fingers.  This was our last glimpse of LOAMO, most likely ever. Although goodbyes were less sour than expected, knowing that we will most likely never see them again really is terrible. I hope I stay in touch with them because some of their stories really inspired me. 

Saturday, we got the privilege of going to a Maasai village. The parts of Tanzania we have been to have had a very wet climate, and not what I pictured Africa to be like. However, when we got to the village, it was the picture of Africa.  It was dry with a bumpy road, and as we were driving you could see animals along the side of the road.  Everywhere you looked, there were trees you never see in America and cacti of all sorts. At the camp, we learned about the Maasai culture.  Upon arrival, we heard a welcome song from the Maasai people.  Throughout the day, we learned how to make a fire (from elephant dung and a stick), went out in the bush, and got the opportunity to meet and bond with members of the Maasai.  We also had the chance to buy handmade jewelry from the some of the Maasai.  It was an amazing day.  All of their clothing is brightly colored, and every person has such a bright personality.

In my notebook for the trip, there is a quote that says, “The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”  I think this quote properly summarizes what I took out of the trip.  Now that I have seen what I have seen, I have a new outlook on life and the world.  Going home, everything is going to be different and that’s why I applied to come here.  I wanted to help people and see the world in a different way, and I think that is what I have done. 

The Three C's

Yesterday was a great day because of how much closer I became with many of the LOAMO staff and students in the classroom.  I never had anything less than a smile on my face.

In between subjects, Class 3 and I had the opportunity to play the game ‘Simon Says.’

Every person in the room, including Madam Juliet the teacher, was completely into every move.  Everyone was laughing at me, and smiling together.  I have never seen so much love and happiness in any room.  Seeing how happy the kids were learning a game I played when I was their age made my day.

Yesterday, Gitte and I got the opportunity to give a girl in Class 3, Noela, clothing that was donated.  After pulling out a dress and a pair of socks, that would be common in the US, she already had her hands over her mouth as if she was about to cry.  We continued to give her clothes, and she became even more grateful.  When we finished giving her clothes, I could tell she was close to tears.  I couldn’t blame her though, because I was as well.  She hugged both of us and her satchel was so filled with her new clothes it wouldn’t even close.

Today, at the school, I told the pupils of Class 3 that our group would be leaving on Friday. They asked me if we really had to leave.  I explained that although the school has been fantastic, we missed our friends and family back home.  Some of the students pleaded for me to bring my family back and stay there forever.  I told them if I could I would.  (Transition)  It is amazing to see how much we have impacted them and their education after only a few days of being in their classrooms.

After school today, I got the opportunity to go on a second home visit.  This was the home of two students at LOAMO, a boy in Kinder, Miguel, and a boy in Class 4, Meejooly.  Last year in late June, the boys’ father passed away after being sick with Meningitis for two days.  Their mother, Rachel, is a very strong, kind lady.

Unlike many of the other home visits, Rachel makes 250,000 shillings a month, equivalent to 156 American dollars.  She pays for both of the boys’ schooling, the house rent, food and a house girl. 

On their wall is a picture of her deceased husband.  From the picture, the way she welcomed us, and how she treats her children, you can tell how much love and care is in their household. You could feel it as soon as you walked in and it was inspiring to see.

Without the income of Salaman, the husband, they had to move and completely change their style of life although that is inevitable. She told us they struggled before, but now they have a different kind of hardship.

The three C’s:  Charming, Cheery, and Charismatic.  These are three traits my mom wants me to have because she finds them so valuable.  I see these traits in everyone here.  It is amazing to see that because it is so rare at home, to have all three.  It is inspiring because it is not only changing my perspective on how people live and treat others, but it is changing my perspective on the world around me.

Family Love

Most people in America would be frustrated to go to work on a Saturday after working incredibly hard all week.  At LOAMO the teachers were more than happy to come back for a team-building seminar.  Miss Gutmann, Krissy, and Lisa Marie were asked to join the seminar while the students from CGA cleaned the school. 

We took out every chair from the classrooms and mopped the floor with old sweaters.  We cleaned the windows, blackboards, and floors.  We even cleaned all of the dirt and pencil off every wall.  They went from a brownish color to almost the white they were meant to be.  Through the six-hour day, nobody ever wanted to quit.  Each of us have seen how hard everyone works at that school, and thought it would be right to pay back their work with a cleaner school.  It always feels wonderful to give back to deserving people and this was proven true. 

At the end of the day, every teacher went in to their room to see what had been done in their classrooms.  When they walked out each had a smile on their face and thanked us for our hard work.  Loserian, one of the founders of the school, approached the group with a smile, a mile wide.  He told us he did not expect us to be able to clean so well and overwhelmed us with gratitude.

On Sunday, we got the pleasure of visiting Save Africa, an orphanage in Arusha.  At this orphanage their were thirty kids who share a total of twelve beds and it was heartbreaking.  Our spirits were lifted as we saw how happy every kid was; their happiness made it appear like they each had more that what they needed rather than just enough. 

Before we said goodbye, we laughed, played and danced together.  We met a puppy named Ziggy, who lacked water, nutrition and care.  He was covered in ticks and had scabs behind his ears.  We cared for him as much as we could in the four hours we were there.  Two kids I bonded with the most were Freddy and Rose.  They were both six and I wish I could take them home with me.  When they first met us, they were scared to talk to us.  Before we left, they were scared to say goodbye. 

Today at the school, we switched classes.  I was moved from kinder to Class Three.  The teacher, Madam Juliet, calls me her daughter, already on the second day. 

After lunch today, the kids from Kinder tried to pull me back into their classroom.  “Come back and teach us,” they insisted.  I told them I had to go to my new class.  Even after telling them this they still pulled me toward the class.  When I finally was able to get to my class, I almost broke down in tears.  After just a week in their classroom I already meant so much to them, even Ms. Mariom and Ms. Suzy asked me to come to their class.  I fought the tears and happily walked into Class Three. 

At the end of the day I was ecstatic.  I had such an incredible time with such welcoming people.  The kids understood what I was saying, made jokes with me, and laughed with me.  They were confident when they spoke to me and made me feel welcome.  Although I miss the kids in Kinder, I can’t wait to see what awaits me this week in Class Three.

Success

The past two days, I have grown immensely more confident in the classroom.  The most influential reasons are two wonderful women whom I have grown to think of as mothers.  All day, they make me feel wanted and appreciated, even when all I am doing are goofy things to put a smile on the kids’ faces.

Yesterday, due to seasonal allergies, I had a stuffy nose during class.  While I was sniffling and consistently blowing my nose, one of the teachers, Ms. Mariam, became very concerned.  “Are you sick?” she asked.  At the time, I did not comprehend what she said because of her thick accent.  I asked her what she said.  “You are sick with flu.  Go home my dear,” she said.  I assured her I was not sick, and we continued to grade notebooks together.  Even thinking about it a day later, I still am not sure why this comment warmed my heart so much.

After school yesterday, I was privileged enough to go on a home visit.  The home belonged to a student in Class IV named Benard.  Although most causes for home visits are poor living conditions or little money, this reason was different.  Benard has a wonderful story.  When he was young, his father died and his mother was unable to care for him.  This lack of care was the reason he was brought to live with his aunt.  While he was living with his aunt, Benard did many small tasks for money.  All of the money he earned went to his aunt.  He, of course, went to school, but it was the public school in his village.  This school had very poor education, especially compared to LOAMO.

While Benard was working one day, a man named Richard noticed his strong work ethic and poor schooling.  He thought that Benard should have the same opportunity to learn as some of the other kids with more money.  With that idea in mind, and the permission of Benard’s mother and aunt, Richard took him and continued to raise him as his own.

Richard and his wife have two other sons, who have now graduated secondary school.  At one time there are usually ten to fifteen people living in their household.  Every morning Benard wakes up early to milk the cows.  He cooks every meal in the house and does a lot of the cleaning.

As we were talking to Richard about Benard’s life he said, “Success is not based on what you gain, but what you give.”  This quote inspires me so much because a lot of Benard’s story is what people have given him without the expectation of receiving anything.

Benard started the rigorous schooling at LOAMO in Class III, which is the equivalent to about fifth grade in the United States.  With very little prior education, he is now at the top of Class IV and the best at math.  Every night, after he cleans, he studies hard.  I wish I could be more like him.  Benard has gone through so much, and whenever I see him he is smiling.  That’s what continues to amaze me about the LOAMO staff and students.  They always seem to have a smile on their face.  Although I know the attitudes of the people I meet here are starting to rub off on me, I wish there was more of this, not only in the world in general, but especially in America.  People here are consistently putting others before themselves.  At home people are selfish, and it disgusts me to see the difference from here to the United States.  I know I will bring home a better attitude, I just hope I can influence others.

Today was by far the best day at the school.  I was so happy the entire day, and I, too, always had a smile on my face.  I was always making weird faces towards the kids and goofing off just enough to keep smiles on their faces.

Every Friday afternoon, the entire school plays sports. Today, many CGA students, LOAMO staff, and the older LOAMO students played a game of football together.  During this time, the rest of the school gets to know each other better.  My favorite part of the day was when I taught many students the Macarena and a line dance that I learned from friends back home.  As they all failed and succeeded in learning the dances together, we all grew closer.  A girl in Class IV, named Fanta, finally was able to do the line dance, and her face lit up like a Christmas tree.  I have never been so happy to know that I was the cause of a smile that large.  You can’t help but smile at the school.  I know that I have succeeded so far in the short time I have been there, 

Ohana

Within the few days we have been working in the school I have already begun to feel like part of the LOAMO family.  At the school the second day, things were going even better than the first.   We got to the school, and the children were even more welcoming than they were the first day.  “Hello Teacher Evan,” they said as they hugged me.  It warmed my heart to know in one day they managed to remember my name when I was struggling to remember even a few of theirs.

Both the second and third day, I continued helping in the Kinder classroom.  Throughout the day, I talked more with the kids and got a little bit more comfortable with the staff.   With Miss Gutmann’s encouragement I stood up and had the confidence to teach in the class.

In the classroom, I was having a rough day and was not giving all my effort.  As an added responsibility, due to the lack of effort, I was asked to pick up all of the trash in the field behind the school.  In the beginning I walked slowly and without a purpose, dreading what was in store for me for the next hour and a half.  When I was reminded that I had only forty five minutes to finish the task, I began to pick up my pace.  When the preparatory class came outside for their afternoon break, they insisted on helping me pick up the trash.  This really inspired me, because I know that people back home would not have so automatically offered to help.  It also really touched my heart because I could tell pulling the trash off the fence took every ounce of strength in their body and they were still so willing to help.  I know even people in my family or close friends would be hesitant to put so much work into a job, I was instructed on doing.

Throughout the day, I had shed a few tears because I knew I let not only the organization down but also myself.  At the end of the day my eyes were still puffy from the tears.  Many of the kids in classes’ three to six wanted to make sure I was alright.  I told them I was fine and that I would gladly see them tomorrow.  Each of them gave me a hug and patted me on the back.  Their smile warmed my soul and I knew this was a place that, no matter what, there would be people to welcome me.

Looking back on my actions I feel very remorseful and know that in the next week and a half that we are at the school I will give more than my all to ensure I do as much as I can for the kids.

The third day at the school I strived to do as much as I could in the classroom.  I was able to teach the first lesson, math.  Then I graded papers and got to know the teachers a little better.   Ms. Mariom offered me a biscuit and I felt very bad taking it from her.  She said, “My dear I love you too much for you not to eat it.” She smiled at me and I felt as though she was a second mother to me.  Whenever I was the only member of CGA in the classroom she would sit with me and we would talk.  Although they had all of the lessons planned out, I was still able to stand up and teach.

At the end of the day, during break, the preparatory teachers along with Kinder teachers sat in the sun as Tate and I played with the kids.  I went over to them at the very end and offered to clean their chalk board.  Ms. Susy told me I was doing too much work for them and told me to sit down and take a break.  I told her I would be sure to take a break when I got back to the guest house and went to clean the board.

Ohana means family; family means nobody gets left behind.  In all of my life I have never known this more than within the past few days at the school.

Peace and Love

There is no way to explain all of the feelings and emotions that go through my mind in the matter of one day. 

                Although the plane rides and layovers were not very fun, arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport was unbelievable.  Right before we landed, we could see the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Seeing people from all around the world with different accents and speaking different languages crowd onto one side of the plane just to stand and admire just to see the tip of this mountain was incredible.  When we touched ground in Tanzania you understand, it is not just what I expected to see in Africa.  It is lush and full of trees and life.  The people and culture you admire just from inside of the car are overwhelming.  The colors in their clothes and how their houses are built are one hundred times better than what you could see in any movie. 

                On Saturday and Sunday we did amazing things.  On Saturday we met Rasta John.  He is so happy and funny and just an exceptional person.  He took us to two museums, a market and to exchange our money.  Every time he saw someone on the street he knew, he would smile and say “Peace and Love.”  On Sunday we got the pleasure of going to Cradle of Love.  Cradle of Love is an orphanage for children under the age of three.  They ran to us as soon as they woke up from their naps.  I had one kid who clung to me the entire time.  He loved to be held, as did all of the children because they were scared they wouldn’t be held again.  The best part of Cradle of Love was when I swung with him on my lap and he would hum a tune.

                Nobody is ever excited to wake up at six in the morning, though last night I couldn’t wait to get up.  We got to the school and as the kids trickled in they all had smiles on their faces.  In the assembly before school starts, you hear the national anthem of Tanzania, and hear all of the children pray.  Then they rhythmically march to their classrooms.

                In Kinder, there are two teachers, Susie and Mariam.  Both are slightly intimidating and very loud, but they are both so kind.  Both are very tough on the kids but it is to help them learn.  All of the kids in Kinder were quiet at first but gradually grew more comfortable as I got to know them better.  Glory Joan and Rehema were two girls who sat in the seat in front of me.  Each chance they got, they would turn around and play with my notebook on my desk. 

 Throughout each break in the day, they played with me.  One of their favorite games was “Chase you.”  They would ask one of the volunteers of CGA to run and they would all try to catch you.  When I got caught the younger kids who were straggling behind would grab on as well and walk behind me.  At times ten kids would be either holding my hands or grabbing my jacket.  The smiles spread to everyone’s faces.  It filled me with joy to see the smiles on every one’s faces as we all came closer.

 At lunch, I got the privilege of tasting their phenomenal food.  During the lunch break I met two wonderful girls.  I did not catch their names but they were each 10.  They reminded me of my sister in a way of loving to talk.  They seemed very interested to know about me and where our group came from. 

Everywhere we went we were completely welcomed.  The place I felt most welcomed was when Miss Susie asked me to take the kids and play during the break before school ended.  With Ms. Gutmann’s help we taught them leapfrog.  They continued to play the way they did at lunch after leapfrog and at one point many kids were pulling on my hair and playing with it.  Gitte, Tate and I were out with the kids and they took turns swarming each of us.  “Go get teacher Gitte,” I would say and they would run to Gitte.

At the end of the day, coming home really made me think.  The people going on trips with CGA are incredibly lucky and will remember them for the rest of our lives.  I can’t wait to share more stories with people at home.