Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Day 16
7/5:
It is my last full day here and it is pretty overcast. Some how I have managed to keep my emotions together and have kept myself from crying too bad for the kids here. I walked down to town in the morning for the internet but of course it was closed. I went next door and got something to drink and sat down at a table outside. I watched as buses and taxis rolled in and witnessed all of the local sellers storming up to the windows trying to make a sale. I really do not know how to tell you the things that they sell since it is the most random junk that you can imagine. From camping flash lights to cheap knives (kee-so) to leather phone cases to nail polish to dolce and gabbana hats.
-Chip
It is my last full day here and it is pretty overcast. Some how I have managed to keep my emotions together and have kept myself from crying too bad for the kids here. I walked down to town in the morning for the internet but of course it was closed. I went next door and got something to drink and sat down at a table outside. I watched as buses and taxis rolled in and witnessed all of the local sellers storming up to the windows trying to make a sale. I really do not know how to tell you the things that they sell since it is the most random junk that you can imagine. From camping flash lights to cheap knives (kee-so) to leather phone cases to nail polish to dolce and gabbana hats.
-Chip
Day 15
7/4:
I took the hour walk down into town today and picked up a few supplies for the kids and some for the girls. Then once I got back I helped with some laundry over at the big room where they have a few big sinks and a bunch of drying lines set up outside. Later on I ended up just running random errands around the place like fetching hot water, carrying bags, and helping find the two older boys.
-Chip
I took the hour walk down into town today and picked up a few supplies for the kids and some for the girls. Then once I got back I helped with some laundry over at the big room where they have a few big sinks and a bunch of drying lines set up outside. Later on I ended up just running random errands around the place like fetching hot water, carrying bags, and helping find the two older boys.
-Chip
Day 14
7/3:
This morning I woke up and ended up helping cook over in the kitchen in the back! It was fun helping the girls out back there cause they just cook and mess around all day. I helped move the kids from the room where they sleep to their play room after we fed them. I stayed for a little while playing with them and chasing them around until I walked back to the room in the rain, it was raining for the better part of the day.
-Chip
This morning I woke up and ended up helping cook over in the kitchen in the back! It was fun helping the girls out back there cause they just cook and mess around all day. I helped move the kids from the room where they sleep to their play room after we fed them. I stayed for a little while playing with them and chasing them around until I walked back to the room in the rain, it was raining for the better part of the day.
-Chip
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Day 13
7/2:
So today I walked over and helped with washing and hanging the kids dirty clothes. Then later I helped and did some dishes in the house I am staying in. Later that evening after walking into town, I sorted through the gifts people have donated which consist of tooth brushes & toothpaste, pencils, baseball caps, knitted hats and a soccer ball and gave them to the Ma-ma there. When I sat down to eat dinner they had wrote me a really nice thank you note and left it on my plate for me to read.
-Chip
So today I walked over and helped with washing and hanging the kids dirty clothes. Then later I helped and did some dishes in the house I am staying in. Later that evening after walking into town, I sorted through the gifts people have donated which consist of tooth brushes & toothpaste, pencils, baseball caps, knitted hats and a soccer ball and gave them to the Ma-ma there. When I sat down to eat dinner they had wrote me a really nice thank you note and left it on my plate for me to read.
-Chip
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Day 12
7/1:
It is a simple life here. I woke up and made some coffee and ate a little mini breakfast they gave me. I went outside and was greeted with smiles from everyone outside. I walked to where the older kids are (~9 to 12 months) and sat with them and fed them. Once the girls who work there and I finished, I went back to my house and did my laundry overlooking a beautiful little valley. Then I went back out and found the two older twin boys, one of which St. Matthews is now sponsoring to go to school, and played soccer with the ball I just gave them. Later on I ahd an opportunity to sit outside with all of the kids and I took pictures and played with them.
-Chip
It is a simple life here. I woke up and made some coffee and ate a little mini breakfast they gave me. I went outside and was greeted with smiles from everyone outside. I walked to where the older kids are (~9 to 12 months) and sat with them and fed them. Once the girls who work there and I finished, I went back to my house and did my laundry overlooking a beautiful little valley. Then I went back out and found the two older twin boys, one of which St. Matthews is now sponsoring to go to school, and played soccer with the ball I just gave them. Later on I ahd an opportunity to sit outside with all of the kids and I took pictures and played with them.
-Chip
Day 12- Goodbye group and hello new beginning.
6/30:
So today is the day I start what I am here to do. We came this morning and got the overview of how the place works then the group said their goodbyes and left for Moshi to catch their plane tomorrow.
I have been here for about half the day now and the guest house is right next to the orphange and I am becoming more comfortable. They don't have anything planned for me to do today so I have just walked around and played with a few of the older kids outside.
-Chip
So today is the day I start what I am here to do. We came this morning and got the overview of how the place works then the group said their goodbyes and left for Moshi to catch their plane tomorrow.
I have been here for about half the day now and the guest house is right next to the orphange and I am becoming more comfortable. They don't have anything planned for me to do today so I have just walked around and played with a few of the older kids outside.
-Chip
Day 11- Lushoto
6/29:
We drove 4 hours and finally arrived in Lushoto and ate lunch with Annett and her husband, the bishop of the North Eastern Diocese. Then we went on to see where I will be staying and my nerves killed off a little bit. Tonight I will be spending my last night with the group at a lodge up at the top of the mountain. I am then staying in the guest house at the orphanage for the remainder of my trip.
-Chip
We drove 4 hours and finally arrived in Lushoto and ate lunch with Annett and her husband, the bishop of the North Eastern Diocese. Then we went on to see where I will be staying and my nerves killed off a little bit. Tonight I will be spending my last night with the group at a lodge up at the top of the mountain. I am then staying in the guest house at the orphanage for the remainder of my trip.
-Chip
Day 10- One more day
Finally I got some internet! I wrote blogs in a note book each day so I will just date them and type them out.
6/28:
Today was a pretty laid back day in preperation for going to Lushoto where I will be staying. I am trying not to be so nervous and it is kind of working but we'll see. Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible! It means so much to me and the people that I am here to help.
-Chip
6/28:
Today was a pretty laid back day in preperation for going to Lushoto where I will be staying. I am trying not to be so nervous and it is kind of working but we'll see. Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible! It means so much to me and the people that I am here to help.
-Chip
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Day 9- 2 days before Lushoto
6/27:
We left Moshi for the long haul to Tanga, which is on the coast of the Indian Ocean. We drove for hours on good road until we had to take the back roads, which any one who has been knows how bad they are. Driving through the small villages we passed kids that were playing with dirt and sticks and plastic bags. So we got out three soccer balls and inflated them and gave one out each time we stopped and made sure that they understood to share it. Finally we got to the coast and arrived at the little resort very close to the beach to relax before we go to Lushoto up in the mountains on the 29th. We swam in the time we had and the water is incredibly warm! We hung around after dinner with some kids that we had met and talked and played cards for hours. It is fun to talk and relate to such various people and learn about different cultures from our own generation. There were 9 of us in total: a 26 year old girl from the south island of New Zealand, two 22 year old guys from California, a 19 year old girl from Missouri, a 21 year old guy with a 22 year old girl from Manchester, England, a 20 year old girl from northeast England, and Adam and I from PA. One more day until Lushoto and I am starting to get nervous but I know I will be fine because I am doing a good thing and it is in God's hands.
-Chip
We left Moshi for the long haul to Tanga, which is on the coast of the Indian Ocean. We drove for hours on good road until we had to take the back roads, which any one who has been knows how bad they are. Driving through the small villages we passed kids that were playing with dirt and sticks and plastic bags. So we got out three soccer balls and inflated them and gave one out each time we stopped and made sure that they understood to share it. Finally we got to the coast and arrived at the little resort very close to the beach to relax before we go to Lushoto up in the mountains on the 29th. We swam in the time we had and the water is incredibly warm! We hung around after dinner with some kids that we had met and talked and played cards for hours. It is fun to talk and relate to such various people and learn about different cultures from our own generation. There were 9 of us in total: a 26 year old girl from the south island of New Zealand, two 22 year old guys from California, a 19 year old girl from Missouri, a 21 year old guy with a 22 year old girl from Manchester, England, a 20 year old girl from northeast England, and Adam and I from PA. One more day until Lushoto and I am starting to get nervous but I know I will be fine because I am doing a good thing and it is in God's hands.
-Chip
Day 8- Headin back to Moshi
6/26:
We had a fairly uneventful day on our way back to Moshi. We played hardball at a local market trying to get a bracelets, ate luch at Peter's with his newest son and his two boys, Elton and Anthony, visited Kakasii's mother, and stopped at a school for the handicapped. At the school we met the new principle which is a really outgoing and nice German missionary who is staying there with his family. The school is a boarding school where handicapped kids can go and learn certain trades like tailoring, welding, carpentry, and shoe making. They can then take those skills and get a job to make a life for themselves and hopefully provide for their family.
-Chip
We had a fairly uneventful day on our way back to Moshi. We played hardball at a local market trying to get a bracelets, ate luch at Peter's with his newest son and his two boys, Elton and Anthony, visited Kakasii's mother, and stopped at a school for the handicapped. At the school we met the new principle which is a really outgoing and nice German missionary who is staying there with his family. The school is a boarding school where handicapped kids can go and learn certain trades like tailoring, welding, carpentry, and shoe making. They can then take those skills and get a job to make a life for themselves and hopefully provide for their family.
-Chip
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Day 7- Back to Karatu
6/25:
Entering back into the Serengeti there was about 30 rangers surrounding two guys in handcuffs. The men that they had turned out to be the two robbers from the day before which surprised that the justice didn't take place right in the bush when they found them. Instead they wanted to hear about a reason why they did it then that is all she wrote. The rest of the way was just driving which was passing a pregnant lion and stopping at a Masai boma which was fun until they try too hard and put on the show they have for tourists.
-Chip
Entering back into the Serengeti there was about 30 rangers surrounding two guys in handcuffs. The men that they had turned out to be the two robbers from the day before which surprised that the justice didn't take place right in the bush when they found them. Instead they wanted to hear about a reason why they did it then that is all she wrote. The rest of the way was just driving which was passing a pregnant lion and stopping at a Masai boma which was fun until they try too hard and put on the show they have for tourists.
-Chip
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day 6- Serengeti
6/24:
We left Ndutu in the morning and drove for about 10 minutes before getting to a beautiful lake. No picture can capture the beauty you find in a place like this, only from a viewers eye can one see the true majesty of a place like this. Going around the small lake you notice the untouched, unparalleled calmness of the water. There was flamingos in the water and a few eagles flying around above. After that we had a long ride through plain flat land as far as the eye can see. Passing through thompson gazelle, ostriches, zebra, and grant gazelles. By the end of the road we were just a few minutes away from the Serengeti border. We got cold drinks and went for a short walk to the top of a big rock and looked out to the horizon across the plains. Once we were cleared we passed through the gate and down another rough and dusty road into the Serengeti. A little ways down the road with no other cars around, we spotted a female lion! We stopped and got some good pictures then before we even noticed 3 cubs came running out from their den and rolled and played around by their mom! By the time another car came all four of them disappeared back into the den which shows how fortunate we were to have been there right when they were outside of their den.
Later on we came across some vehicles grouped up around a tree waiting for the leopard that was there to come back out so we waited for a little then gave up and left. About 30 minutes later we came up to a group of lions sitting in the shade. There was 1 male lion surrounded by 8 females with 1 older cub. Then 3 more cubs came running up, thus waking the male and causing him to growl a bit which gave us a little laugh. After that we saw a leopard from a far, completing our quest for seeing the big five (the most desirable things to see on safari). With more driving we saw more wildebeests, zebras, thompson gazelle, grant gazelle, giraffes, dik diks, baboons, hippos, and even 3 crocodiles that got a baby hippo.
On our way to the choo (ch-oh)(bathroom) we were passed by two cars that were in a big rush. Once we got to the bathroom we found out that two women from Australia had been robbed by two guys with machetes on foot that took off into the trees. After that drama we finally made our way to our raised tent resort.
-Chip
We left Ndutu in the morning and drove for about 10 minutes before getting to a beautiful lake. No picture can capture the beauty you find in a place like this, only from a viewers eye can one see the true majesty of a place like this. Going around the small lake you notice the untouched, unparalleled calmness of the water. There was flamingos in the water and a few eagles flying around above. After that we had a long ride through plain flat land as far as the eye can see. Passing through thompson gazelle, ostriches, zebra, and grant gazelles. By the end of the road we were just a few minutes away from the Serengeti border. We got cold drinks and went for a short walk to the top of a big rock and looked out to the horizon across the plains. Once we were cleared we passed through the gate and down another rough and dusty road into the Serengeti. A little ways down the road with no other cars around, we spotted a female lion! We stopped and got some good pictures then before we even noticed 3 cubs came running out from their den and rolled and played around by their mom! By the time another car came all four of them disappeared back into the den which shows how fortunate we were to have been there right when they were outside of their den.
Later on we came across some vehicles grouped up around a tree waiting for the leopard that was there to come back out so we waited for a little then gave up and left. About 30 minutes later we came up to a group of lions sitting in the shade. There was 1 male lion surrounded by 8 females with 1 older cub. Then 3 more cubs came running up, thus waking the male and causing him to growl a bit which gave us a little laugh. After that we saw a leopard from a far, completing our quest for seeing the big five (the most desirable things to see on safari). With more driving we saw more wildebeests, zebras, thompson gazelle, grant gazelle, giraffes, dik diks, baboons, hippos, and even 3 crocodiles that got a baby hippo.
On our way to the choo (ch-oh)(bathroom) we were passed by two cars that were in a big rush. Once we got to the bathroom we found out that two women from Australia had been robbed by two guys with machetes on foot that took off into the trees. After that drama we finally made our way to our raised tent resort.
-Chip
Day 5- Into the crater
6/23:
Today we got up and left Karatu and drove to the Ngorogoro Crater. Upon entering the park that is not even fenced in, we were surrounded by baboons (yahne in Swahili). We went on to drive a good distance through umbrella acacia trees and down into the crater right into a big herd of elephants with massive tusks and got some amazing pictures to start the day off right. In the crater we saw 3 lions, a few water buffalo, 2 of the 13 black rhino, zebra, wildabeasts, and some hyennas. Then we departed for Ndutu and drove for hours to get there. Once there we watched one of the most beautiful sunsets on planet earth and we sat around a camp fire with acacia trees all around us.
-Chip
Today we got up and left Karatu and drove to the Ngorogoro Crater. Upon entering the park that is not even fenced in, we were surrounded by baboons (yahne in Swahili). We went on to drive a good distance through umbrella acacia trees and down into the crater right into a big herd of elephants with massive tusks and got some amazing pictures to start the day off right. In the crater we saw 3 lions, a few water buffalo, 2 of the 13 black rhino, zebra, wildabeasts, and some hyennas. Then we departed for Ndutu and drove for hours to get there. Once there we watched one of the most beautiful sunsets on planet earth and we sat around a camp fire with acacia trees all around us.
-Chip
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day 4- 6/22
Sorry, I am finally getting back on and typing up the blogs that I wrote each day.
Today (6/22), we drove through Arusha and stopped and ate lunch, visited Kakasii's daughter's school and answered their questions about America, and went to Kakasii's new house and watched the video of his visit to America while we were there.
Then on our way out to Crater Rim Inn we stopped and got red bananas! Even further down the road we stopped for the bathroom and were swarmed by people trying to sell us things like bracelets, necklaces, fabrics, slingshots, and earrings and they even wanted the shirts off our backs and were asking to trade for them.
Finally we made it to where we were staying and sat down outside once we arrived. Soon after the sun went down and the stars came out, the entire place experienced a power outage for 30 minutes which left us with an amazingly clear dark sky.
-Chip
Today (6/22), we drove through Arusha and stopped and ate lunch, visited Kakasii's daughter's school and answered their questions about America, and went to Kakasii's new house and watched the video of his visit to America while we were there.
Then on our way out to Crater Rim Inn we stopped and got red bananas! Even further down the road we stopped for the bathroom and were swarmed by people trying to sell us things like bracelets, necklaces, fabrics, slingshots, and earrings and they even wanted the shirts off our backs and were asking to trade for them.
Finally we made it to where we were staying and sat down outside once we arrived. Soon after the sun went down and the stars came out, the entire place experienced a power outage for 30 minutes which left us with an amazingly clear dark sky.
-Chip
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day 3- Church
This morning was kind of slow since the sleep caught up to us. We went to Kusheyeny for service in the morning and had lunch there. Once we had finished eating and thought it was over we heard trumpets which followed a cooked goat on a really big tray. They served us little pieces with fur still on them! I didn't mind the meat, it kind of tasted like lamb. On our way home we passed by a few kids and slowed down and tossed them a brand new soccer ball. I can not even begin to describe the joy they had running for the ball. Later on we went to Indo Italiano to meet up with Bob Kasworm and his two helpers from Holland for a meal. I may not be able to access a computer tomorrow because we are heading through Arusha out to Safari.
-Chip
To my father:
Happy Fathers Day.
-Chip
To my father:
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The beauty of a snowy morning in winter,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad
I love you Dad and thanks for letting me travel like a have and always being there for me.The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The beauty of a snowy morning in winter,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad
Happy Fathers Day.
Day 2-St. Matthews house
I apologize for the late post, I could not get to a computer yesterday (Saturday). Yesterday started off with Adam and I not knowing the local time, waking up an hour early and sitting at breakfast confused for an hour until Pastor Chad came and laughed at us. Once we all were straightened out the 5 of us departed for Neema orphanage which includes the St. Matthews house. We had tea then went over to spend time with the younger kids which were about 1 to 2. Every one of us grew attached to one kid by the end after picking up on each kids developing personality. We fitted all of them with the perfect hat made and donated from the Charity Knitters! Thank you Charity Knitters!! Then we walked down the hill to the school that they are working on and got a tour of it, learning of the big dreams that they are accomplishing there. It really shows how far every penny goes. Next we visited the sisters at Ushirika Wa Neema Deaconess Centre for a tour and some lunch. The food there is always so amazing because they make everything themselves and all are incredible at cooking. The entire place is self sufficent with solar panels, gardens, and energy from animal waste! I am amazed by everything the sisters do there from the operation they have there to them reaching out even beyond that with helping other and recruiting youth into the church. After a tiring day we headed back to the hostel then met up again and went to EL RANCHO!!!!! Which is a mexican name but only serves italian, indian, and greek food and offers mini golf made of concrete and includes frequent full restaurant power outages!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Day 1- Arrival
Well its night time here, around 12:25 and I am finally here!! Well the traveling all went well, the weather was fine and no one drove me crazy on the flights. We made it to every gate okay and our luggage made it all the way through till the security (a guy standing there waving people that don't look shady by) in the Kilimanjaro airport. I guess I didn't get the memo that deflated soccer balls were a threat to the country! But after around 30 minutes and some arguing they let us through. I did have notes on what I should write about but it's back at the room, if it's important I will include it tomorrow. Thanks for checking in! and I will make an effort to write tomorrow!
-Chip
-Chip
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