Projects

So I have a few projects in the works...I may have talked about them before but here's more specifics: The boys over 5yrs of age stay at Pilgrim and currently they are overcrowded and unable to take any more boys. So, I am collaborating with the med students from the UK (New Castle) to build an additional dorm room with a staffroom and a shower/toilet house. The total cost will be approx US$2000 and I am paying for half. My Aunt Anne and her family (Uncle Chris, Emily, Becky, & Sam) have generously given and I will be putting their donation towards this project. I cannot wait to send you all pictures of the new places (including smiling faces of the boys I'm sure). Thanks again Montgomery's!!! I will also be taking on a continuing project of replacing the wooden bunk beds with metal ones (each are US $100) and the first 4 going to Malika and then more to go in the new Pilgrim dorm. I will no doubt be taking on more projects and will keep you updated...Thanks again for everyone's support! Love ya!

Difficult day

Yesterday Jess T. and I took the kids to KCMC. Eight children who are HIV+ for their checkups. Mama Dianna went with us who is Tanzanian and works with LIA and speaks a little English. The hospital was a little crazy but we managed ok. Mama Dianna would tell me to take a child to XRay and say go this way then that...and there are no signs, not even in Tanzanian so it would take a little bit to find the place and then you wait to go somewhere to wait some more. Everyone there was really nice though and people often like to practice their English. We did get some confused looks though, me and Jess with 8 children who are obviously not ours. Then we took the kids to lunch after around 230p. They ate so much! Afterwards, Mama D said they were calling "the Jessicas" their sisters and mothers and that they were sooo full! We got them sodas too--they have coke, sprite, and fanta here (no diet coke). Then we headed home-all 11 of us in a taxi and Jess and I were dropped off at Malisita with the baby and the others headed back to Malika. The other volunteers from Tennessee were back from Dar where they had taken some of the kids on vacation. So after catching up with them and enjoying dinner I headed to bed because Boma Kids Club was tomorrow and that's always really tiring.

Then I awoke this morning to Jess T's cell phone ringing nonstop in my room (she was charging it in my room). So i finally got out of bed to give her the phone down the hall. God forgive me for being a bit annoyed. It was 7a here and we would shortly head down to breakfast. Then a minute later I heard Jess T sobbing outside my room's window which faces the hallway. I said a short short prayer before I headed out to see what was going on. After a minute she told me that her Dad had passed away last night. (It was midnight in the US, 7a in tanzania). I didn't know what to say or do so I just stayed with her. It was her older brother on the phone having to tell her. He said that he had a heartattack in the shower and that her older sister was there and found him--even tried to give CPR. Her older bro and sis are twins and only a year or two older. So we've been going around today to say goodbye to all the kids at the different places and everyone has been really sweet. I know there really is nothing I can say or do so I've just been trying to be there and go wherever. She has a flight home tonight at 8p to Florida. Her and I have spent so much time together here and she was here last summer and so has been a wonderful guide showing me everything and such. She went to Univ of Richmond too for undergrad so it was nice to have someone from Richmond to talk about Carytown etc. Please send your prayers to her and her family as they go through this tough time.

I am still a bit in shock by it all. It makes me miss my family and friends even more. She has left me the last of her money (which is a lot) and would like me to complete some projects with it which is so very generous of her and I am happy to do that.

I will write again soon.

Taking the children home

Hey everyone! Thanks for the great comments! We are in Moshi again so I can write a bit more...Yesterday was quite a day when we took a few of the kids home. On Tues I was supposed to go with the new med student to take kids home but there wasn't enough room for all the kids so I volunteered to go the next day so more kids could go--none of the UK med students did though which is quite sad because then some had to wait til Weds to go home. So I stayed at Malika and played with the kids and helped hang out a lot of laundry--the staff have to do a LOT of laundry by hand. And they don't have disposable diapers here either. Then I helped take things to Boma Kids Kitchen where Mama Lynn has set up to feed street kids every day for dinner. We stayed there for a bit but had to head back bc its not safe to take the mutatu back late. So then I went on Weds and after picking up the kids and filling up with petrol we were off to the mountains. It had rained all day before so it was pretty muddy and we were slidding around some but thankfully we had mama lynn's car which is 4 wheel drive. So you are thinking these kids have homes?? That's what I wondered too. Most of the children have a relative-whether grandparent or aunt or big sister-that they can spend holiday with as the kids are off school for a month. They quite happy to go back and see their relatives though mama lynn tells me they are even happier to return to LIA. We gave the families sugar, rice and oil so the children won't be a burden on the family. On our way back down the mountain we stopped at a coffee farm which was amazing itselft and then we say the biggest turtle I have ever seen! It was about 3ft tall and 4ft long! Antony, Mama Lynn's right hand man, his dad works there and he always shows the volunteers the turtle. No one knows where he came from because there are only turtles about 1ft long around there! And one of the workers even cooks for him! He came right up to us-I was annoyed I hadn't brought my camera! The countryside here is beautiful and the people are much nicer. I think I am a country girl at heart after all =)! There are sunflowers lining every road here that they use to make oil. And when Kili comes out from the clouds its amazing. I really hope that I can come back with Kristin and Chris and climb it together! Last night after being in the mountains I had my first stomach ache but felt better this morning. I am surprised actually that I haven't been more sick here-but I am real careful not to drink anything but bottled and all our food is prepared at Malisita. Today we painted the girls room at Malika--we sponge painted pastel flowers on the walls and the girls seemed so excited about it. Tomorrow we will be taking about 7 children to KCMC (kilimanjaro christian medical center) who are HIV positive for their monthly checkup.
Dad, I think of you often and I have certainly gotten the traveling bug while I've been here. I am already thinking of all the places I would love to travel in the next few years. Maria, we are definately doing Italy sometime soon!! (Are you still going in Aug?). And Kristin and Chris, when I come out in Aug I would love to do some camping-I have realized I am not as high maintainence as I thought ;-)! And JRob, I miss you and wish you were here to share this adventure-you certainly helped inspire it. I would love to be able to come back here or elsewhere with ya! To my future roomies-hope all is going well with getting ready to move and sorry I can't be there for the official housewarming but we will definately BBQ as soon as I get back! Ma, thanks for letting my phone calls be brief and for being patient with wiring-I will send you an email now about what to do. Love you all and miss all my PT buds-hope clinicals are going well and hope you're holding it down in Richmond for me! (PS-Anne, have an amazing time in Europe, I will be thinking of you!). Love yall!

More time to write

Hi again! Well I didn't think I would be able to write so soon again but some girls were coming in to town (Moshi) so I thought I'd tag along and send some emails and write more details. I had my orientation yesterday with Mama Gemma (Mama Lynn's daughter). I think one of my biggest projects here will be figuring out what to do with our special needs children. Currently, there are eight special needs children (at least) that are assimilated with the other children at the 3 homes. There is a nursery for the infants and toddlers that is on the same grounds as where the volunteers stay, Malisita. Then at Malika, the headquarters for LIA, are the all the girls and the boys under 5yrs. After the boys turn 5yrs they go to Pilgrim House about a 40min walk from Malika. Mama Gemma and I talked about hiring an Occupational Therapist full-time--their salary is US $100/mo. The problem is that many other organization offer a lot more money and pay for their schooling. There is a 3yr program for OT here in Moshi and the tuition is US $800/yr. It really is amazing how little things cost here. And we also talked about building a separate facility for the special needs children. I think I may email some PTs back in the US for their thoughts on the matter...

I found out yesterday, too, that I the oldest volunteer here and that before I came they made a guy move out of my room because, "an elderly woman is coming who would like a single!" So they surprised to find me who is not elderly at all but I think being older has its benefits. Many of the other volunteers seem especially overwhelmed with everything--not that I am not but I think so far I am taking it all in stride. I think I am blessed that my parents always taught me that when you are in another country you are their guest and you must adapt to their culture rather than they adapting to you. I am actually quite uncomfortable with how they treat Westerners here--we are treated better than anyone else. They do not allow you to help with meals, etc unless you just tell them-you can't ask or they say no. The food they cook at Malisita is quite good and they give you large portions. The locals also know that "wazungas" (means "white people") have money and are always trying to charge you more or not give you change. But all you have to do is not give them big bills and remember to ask for change.

This week, I will be helping with the renovation of the girls' room at Malika. We will be painting, making curtains, and replacing the wooden bunk beds with steel frames and new mattresses (the wooden ones get cockroaches in them). Yesterday, I had some time before dinner so I went and helped out at the nursery. What an experience! There are 20 babies and only 4 staff! It was quite a task to keep track of about ten of them as they bathed them. The toddlers hit the infants who then start crying...but the ladies working there certainly appreciated the help and I enjoyed being able to help out a bit. I certainly admire the ladies who have to take care of them all day every day. In July, we pay for the staff to have a day off and run the orphanage ourselves-there are about 25 volunteers here. I think that will be quite a challenge but will give me an even better perspective of how hard everyone here works.

Well I am running out of time but will post again soon. Thanks for everything and hope all is well back in the US.

I am here!!!

Hey everyone! I made it here and there is lots to tell...i arrived here at 730pm and after getting my bags and not having to go through customs, don't know why, mama lynn picked me up with a 5yr girl, maria, and a massai tribesman to carry my bags. I almost sat on the wrong side as the driver's side is on the right. Maria sat in my lap on our way back to Malisita where I would be staying. When we arrived there I was greeted by many other volunteers from all over-Tennessee, Germany, U.K., and France. I have my own room and bathroom for now which is quite nice. The hardest part is taking cold showers, and I mean REALLY cold! THe next day we went to an all school celebration where they received their certificates for the past school year. I got to meet many of the children I would be working with and they are all very sweet. There are a few special needs children that I especially adore. On Saturday we went to Boma Kids club for street children. I thought it might look something like a YMCA but it was just a clearing in a field and we played games and sang songs. I am amazed at how well you can get along without being able to speak one another's language. Saturday night we went out to a bar and club to watch the US tie Italy! And the club was amazingly similar to those in the U.S...lots of grinding and guys asking if you have been there before! Today is my orientation where I will figure out what I will be doing with my time here. I will write more later...I hope everyone is doing well and I think of all my friends and family often! Chris and Kristin, you would love the views of Kili. Ma, keep your cell with ya so I can call. Yes they even have cell phones here! Love you all!!

Leaving on a jet plane...

I'll be on a plane in 6hrs!!! I've been doing so many errands that I will be glad to actually be on the plane & if I forget anything-ohwell=)! It's been so great though these last few days spending time with friends. I ran into Jessy Mack (formerly Hillard;-)) at the mall! Thank you for your sweet words & I can't wait to hang out when I get back! Then it was off to Arlington for the night to visit Kel (college buddy) & Sarah (current classmate). Kel-good luck with the move & have a great summer! Thanks Sarah for listening to my stresses--I felt much more sane when I left your house last night. Enjoy your last month with Patches ;-) & have a great time at your clinical!

Thanks again for everyone's support, prayers, & love. Thanks for all my classmates' emails! I will miss you all this summer & cannot wait to catch up when school starts up again!

So much to do..so little time..

Less than 2 days!! The last 4wks has been crazy busy & I cannot believe this week is here! I finished up my clinical last Friday--a great experience! I learned so much & my CI, Krista, & the rest of the rehab staff we so wonderful & welcoming! I will certainly keep in touch w/ them & visit when I get back...

So recap on the last 4wks:
Neeley's wedding was amazing...her & Andy are truly soulmates and I know that they will make it. It was great to see college buddies too--JRob, Abby, Sarah W, etc! Thanks, Neeley, for letting me such a special part of your day as a bridesmaid. It was great to see you truly happy! Hope you had a great honeymoon too...

The next weekend (Memorial Weekend) was Anne & Dave's wedding. Anne was gorgeous & the ceremony was beautiful! I was able to see even more college buddies--Brit, JRob again-yay!, Leigh, Carrie, Jess Cox, & all the AEPi guys! Hope you had a great honeymoon too...ya definately need to email me about that "swim out room."

The next weekend was Jenn's Bday (roommate)...Friday night at Europa in Richmond was great. It's a tapas bar & we had great food, great wine, & great company. Then off to Richbrau which use to be my fav club but I think I may be finally getting too old for clubs...I am turning 25 this summer :)!

This past weekend I was commissioned at my church in Richmond--Commonweath Chapel. I spoke a few words in front of the congregation & was prayed over by leaders of the church. I also met some members that had gone to Tanzania or volunteered in orphanages & their words were encourgaging. Maria & Lindsay (PT classmates & roomies) came to support me on Sunday which was so wonderful of them! I saw Jake (who has been to LIA) on Sunday too & he gave me a present for the ladies at LIA & spoek words of encouragement as well. I am truly blessed!

So now I am finishing up homework from my clinical, buying toys/supplies for the trip, & hoping they remember to pick me up at the airport! Thank you to everyone who donated for this trip--through your donations, $3850.00 has been raised, which is a large sum in Africa! (Jake said he once stayed in the hospital there for 3 days & the bill was $7!). I have been touched by the donations themselves & your generosity but also by everyone's support & love. Please keep my in your thoughts & prayers as I begin this adventure...

"In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (NRSV Acts 20:35)