Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Last day
This is Nic
Sitting in safari lodge waiting for lunch to be served. This is our last day, I wish we could stay longer but am glad to be going back the the States.
This is Erik
This amazing trip is sadly coming to a end. The safari was awesome and I think we all wish we could stay longer. I'm really sad to be leaving and I hope I can come back next summer.
This is Ali
It's just starting to sink in that we really do have to leave. I'm really sad that I have to go so soon. It was amazing to see the progress the Sinai School has made since my visit three years ago. The 7th year students are able to hold a conversation in English now, as before they only knew simple greetings. I can't wait to see how much more they will learn now that they have computers and the Rosetta Stone program along with the many teaching materials we brought the teachers. The teachers are just as enthusiastic about the new technology as the students are and have already started using Rosetta Stone in order to improve their own English. It is truly exciting to be part of this great project.
This trip has been even more amazing than the last and I am sad to leave this beautiful country full of amazing people.
This is Katherine!
I would like to use this opportunity to inform my parents of my intentions to not return home.
Kidding.
Sadly.
This trip has been full of amazing experiences that I will never forget. Not only the experiences, but the people that I have met and built relationships with are unforgettable. I want to say a huge Asante to Karen, John, and all the people who made this trip possible (you too, parents.) Lots of love to my entire (large) family and friends. As sad as i am to be leaving *cry*, I can't wait to see you all when I get home
This is Jeffrey
Today, we are sadly heading home. It's been an amazing trip for absolutely everyone and it's easy to say it would be great to come back again. Looking forward to one more dinner in Arusha and then hopping on the plane for a few to many hours. See you back in Albany!
Hi everyone, Karen here. Wow. What a group. I am so proud and honored to be with them.
Sitting in safari lodge waiting for lunch to be served. This is our last day, I wish we could stay longer but am glad to be going back the the States.
This is Erik
This amazing trip is sadly coming to a end. The safari was awesome and I think we all wish we could stay longer. I'm really sad to be leaving and I hope I can come back next summer.
This is Ali
It's just starting to sink in that we really do have to leave. I'm really sad that I have to go so soon. It was amazing to see the progress the Sinai School has made since my visit three years ago. The 7th year students are able to hold a conversation in English now, as before they only knew simple greetings. I can't wait to see how much more they will learn now that they have computers and the Rosetta Stone program along with the many teaching materials we brought the teachers. The teachers are just as enthusiastic about the new technology as the students are and have already started using Rosetta Stone in order to improve their own English. It is truly exciting to be part of this great project.
This trip has been even more amazing than the last and I am sad to leave this beautiful country full of amazing people.
This is Katherine!
I would like to use this opportunity to inform my parents of my intentions to not return home.
Kidding.
Sadly.
This trip has been full of amazing experiences that I will never forget. Not only the experiences, but the people that I have met and built relationships with are unforgettable. I want to say a huge Asante to Karen, John, and all the people who made this trip possible (you too, parents.) Lots of love to my entire (large) family and friends. As sad as i am to be leaving *cry*, I can't wait to see you all when I get home
This is Jeffrey
Today, we are sadly heading home. It's been an amazing trip for absolutely everyone and it's easy to say it would be great to come back again. Looking forward to one more dinner in Arusha and then hopping on the plane for a few to many hours. See you back in Albany!
Hi everyone, Karen here. Wow. What a group. I am so proud and honored to be with them.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday
We had birthday party last night for Lindsey! The staff turned out lights, the whole dining room clapped, sang happy birthday in Swahili then English. Then she got some presets, including a timbal leather purse and colorful boaboa tree
Monday, August 20, 2012
Sunday last day in Babati.
This is Chris Redmond
We are now on the way to the safari lodge. While I am grateful that I will get a hot shower and a cleaner room, I am sad that I will not be seeing the kids again. During my time at the school, I have noticed that the kids here are pretty much the same as back in the US. Most of the kids really wanted to learn, there were a few who didn't really care and there were one or two who were eager to help with helping possible.
This is nic
On the way to safari lodge looking forward to safari
This is Juliette
We started off the day by packing our belongings which proved to be twice as hard because of the worry of braking the precious wood carvings that we bought from Peter the wood carver.
At the moment we are driving to the safari lodge by bus. The driver gave us lunch boxes to eat, complete with brownies and lollipops. Although we were supposed to make it last for five hours, most of us finished it before we even left the guest house. Although nothing compares to Mrs. Kahembe's great cooking. Never-the-less it was still sad to say good bye to all of our friends there. Hopefully this won't be the last time I see them.
This is Jeffrey
We're now all leaving Babati and heading off to the safari lodge. Everyone's extremely excited for the safari but sad at the same time that we'll have to leave all the great people at Sinai and in Babati.
This is Delia.
Today we leave for the Safari Lodge. The ride has been entertaining, but I'm happy to be arriving, and getting a change in food and scenery. Saying goodbye to Julian, Naz,and the others. It anticipation for the lodge is huge, and we are all excited.
This is Ali.
It has been a truly amazing trip. Though it will be nice to get to the lodge and see some animals, we are all sad that we have to leave. The students have improved so much in the little time we've spent at the school and neither the students nor us will forget this experience anytime soon. This trip has been even more wonderful than the last and I can't wait to experience the trips to come.
We are now on the way to the safari lodge. While I am grateful that I will get a hot shower and a cleaner room, I am sad that I will not be seeing the kids again. During my time at the school, I have noticed that the kids here are pretty much the same as back in the US. Most of the kids really wanted to learn, there were a few who didn't really care and there were one or two who were eager to help with helping possible.
This is nic
On the way to safari lodge looking forward to safari
This is Juliette
We started off the day by packing our belongings which proved to be twice as hard because of the worry of braking the precious wood carvings that we bought from Peter the wood carver.
At the moment we are driving to the safari lodge by bus. The driver gave us lunch boxes to eat, complete with brownies and lollipops. Although we were supposed to make it last for five hours, most of us finished it before we even left the guest house. Although nothing compares to Mrs. Kahembe's great cooking. Never-the-less it was still sad to say good bye to all of our friends there. Hopefully this won't be the last time I see them.
This is Jeffrey
We're now all leaving Babati and heading off to the safari lodge. Everyone's extremely excited for the safari but sad at the same time that we'll have to leave all the great people at Sinai and in Babati.
This is Delia.
Today we leave for the Safari Lodge. The ride has been entertaining, but I'm happy to be arriving, and getting a change in food and scenery. Saying goodbye to Julian, Naz,and the others. It anticipation for the lodge is huge, and we are all excited.
This is Ali.
It has been a truly amazing trip. Though it will be nice to get to the lodge and see some animals, we are all sad that we have to leave. The students have improved so much in the little time we've spent at the school and neither the students nor us will forget this experience anytime soon. This trip has been even more wonderful than the last and I can't wait to experience the trips to come.
Sunday continued
This is Juliette,
Today was one of the first days to sleep in which made a lot of people happy except for the group of people who left early to look at churches.
After breakfast we went to the market. Even though it was a holy day the stores were still all open (yay). Mom if your reading this then worry not I found everything on the shopping list. Later on we were treated to sugarcane by our awesome translator Edward.
Once done we ate a late lunch and set off to see a crater. People told me that it was made from a meteorite so I was hoping to see aliens however later Julian told me it was a volcano. Although there was no mysterious power rock, It was still pretty cool to see what was left of a small lake(there was a drought) and many goats, cows, dogs and donkeys along with all their droppings.
Afterwards we went to a lake to look at hippos, we didn't find any but it was still cool.
Once we got back we had some time to kill. Most of us(the smart ones,I'm included)packed our bags. Tomorrow we are moving to a safari lodge!
Today was one of the first days to sleep in which made a lot of people happy except for the group of people who left early to look at churches.
After breakfast we went to the market. Even though it was a holy day the stores were still all open (yay). Mom if your reading this then worry not I found everything on the shopping list. Later on we were treated to sugarcane by our awesome translator Edward.
Once done we ate a late lunch and set off to see a crater. People told me that it was made from a meteorite so I was hoping to see aliens however later Julian told me it was a volcano. Although there was no mysterious power rock, It was still pretty cool to see what was left of a small lake(there was a drought) and many goats, cows, dogs and donkeys along with all their droppings.
Afterwards we went to a lake to look at hippos, we didn't find any but it was still cool.
Once we got back we had some time to kill. Most of us(the smart ones,I'm included)packed our bags. Tomorrow we are moving to a safari lodge!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Sunday, August 19
This is Katherine!
Yesterday was fantastic. After finishing work at the school, we headed back to Kehembe's to cleanup for the concert. We brought 5 of the sinai girls (who we have been singing with all week) back and gave them lunch. Since they were performing with us in the concert, we took them back to our rooms to clean up. Then we presented them with brand new school uniforms. They were so excited! It was very touching.
The concert was super. Everyone did a fantastic job. After, we said our goodbyes to the kids. We played our last hand games, gave our last hugs, and might have even shed a few tears.--Later,we went to the wedding. Highlights included a Michael Jackson dance medley,and, of course, a decorated cooked goat in its entirety.
Now it is 8 am here,and 9 of us are in a van, on our way to visit multiple churches. More on that later.
Lots of love to everyone!
This is grace
Yesterday was our last day with the kids.we went to the school and got to play with the groupof kids who came to school even though it was saturday. We were able to take the 5 girls who we sang with back with us. We gave them agood lunch, did their makeup, and presented them with brand new uniforms. Afterwards we headed to the concert where we sang,played instruments, and joined the sinai school in a special african dance. Then it was goodbyes. We gave the kids hugs and goodbyes,it was so sad--many people cried. You know, when you come to tanzania you are expecting to just help some children in need, but now its more than that. We are not just helping people, we are helping some of the greatest friends we will ever have. I will miss those kids so much and I can't wait to see them next year
-grace
This is Justin
Last day with the kids was sad. I've grown so close to so many of the students I was close to tears. I'm especially gunna miss leandre and adipi. They helped me out a lot and they where so much fun to hang with and I'm gunna miss them a lot. On the other hand it was a bad day for me I took a tuck tuck and it ran out of gas and then the driver ditched us so we had to get in another one that ended up breaking down. At the end of the day we went to a wedding. In tanzania Instead of a cake they have a goat and me john lori and lise were invited to the front to have the first piece. I almost puked. It was sooo bad words can not describe how just awful it was. Its 8:30 am and I still feel sick! I am going to play violin at masai churches today
Yesterday was fantastic. After finishing work at the school, we headed back to Kehembe's to cleanup for the concert. We brought 5 of the sinai girls (who we have been singing with all week) back and gave them lunch. Since they were performing with us in the concert, we took them back to our rooms to clean up. Then we presented them with brand new school uniforms. They were so excited! It was very touching.
The concert was super. Everyone did a fantastic job. After, we said our goodbyes to the kids. We played our last hand games, gave our last hugs, and might have even shed a few tears.--Later,we went to the wedding. Highlights included a Michael Jackson dance medley,and, of course, a decorated cooked goat in its entirety.
Now it is 8 am here,and 9 of us are in a van, on our way to visit multiple churches. More on that later.
Lots of love to everyone!
This is grace
Yesterday was our last day with the kids.we went to the school and got to play with the groupof kids who came to school even though it was saturday. We were able to take the 5 girls who we sang with back with us. We gave them agood lunch, did their makeup, and presented them with brand new uniforms. Afterwards we headed to the concert where we sang,played instruments, and joined the sinai school in a special african dance. Then it was goodbyes. We gave the kids hugs and goodbyes,it was so sad--many people cried. You know, when you come to tanzania you are expecting to just help some children in need, but now its more than that. We are not just helping people, we are helping some of the greatest friends we will ever have. I will miss those kids so much and I can't wait to see them next year
-grace
This is Justin
Last day with the kids was sad. I've grown so close to so many of the students I was close to tears. I'm especially gunna miss leandre and adipi. They helped me out a lot and they where so much fun to hang with and I'm gunna miss them a lot. On the other hand it was a bad day for me I took a tuck tuck and it ran out of gas and then the driver ditched us so we had to get in another one that ended up breaking down. At the end of the day we went to a wedding. In tanzania Instead of a cake they have a goat and me john lori and lise were invited to the front to have the first piece. I almost puked. It was sooo bad words can not describe how just awful it was. Its 8:30 am and I still feel sick! I am going to play violin at masai churches today
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, August 18
Today we finished our work at the school then changed and dressed for the concert. Many parents and kids came, the entire school and community board, all teachers and the head of education for the entire region - the kids sang together several songs including the tanzanian national anthem in swahili, and building bridges. Both Chris Redmond and Justin Bruck played violin together and solos, Nic White sang while Jeffrey Endler played guitar and I heard cheers of "safa" (cool!). We showed the water power peace movies and highlights from the week, when I saw Justin and my picture on the screen, smiling on the bench commissioned that sits in the center of school peace garden- was highlight of my trip. The bench says in loving memory of Christine Bruck, and next to it sits a rock with a footprint painted with happy toes, which matched my own - toenails painted different colors with polka dots. Christine started that and to think it will inspire thousands of kids here!
Justin told me he wants to come here every time we come and this has been echoed by all the kids. When I found one in tears at dinner being comforted by other kids at first I though they were sick. Instead I learned they were sad to say goodbye to kids and some true friends made Update
Had to pause the last blog entry because we were ata wedding and they brought out the Tanzanian traditional decorated (dead) goat- the one where the bride and groom cut togetherand feed each othera piece. Can't really describe the look on kids faces! But won't forget that soon
Then they made an exception and let us lead gift giving early as we were so tired, John carried the wrapped china set and I led all the kids up with Heidi and Cora in the rear - they had music on so we had to sortof dance are way up with a lot of cheering and laughter. Once we all shook hands with bridal party we lined up and sang the tanzania national anthemin swahili, first to bridal party but when the whole hall stood up cheering (250people or so), they wanted us to begin again! Grace Cavanagh did a great job sort of leading song along knowing all or most of words. I lip synced and hid behind kids as best I could. Now sleep
Tomorrow half of us are going to church services and into Masai village and other half to market then lunch at Mr Kahembe house then a hike down a volcanic crater. The 2 groups will meet at 5 for sunset over Lake Babati -our last night here.
During concert, every student introduced themselves. Without fail - each one thanked the community for giving them the most amazing experience of their lives or the best summer they ever had. They all want to come back! I think this is a special group - they have supported each other and a whole school halfway round the world. We definately need to find time to present the highlights movie we showed today, Chris Martin made one already! and I am dying to see Lise photographs of the week.
LalaSalama (good night)
Justin told me he wants to come here every time we come and this has been echoed by all the kids. When I found one in tears at dinner being comforted by other kids at first I though they were sick. Instead I learned they were sad to say goodbye to kids and some true friends made Update
Had to pause the last blog entry because we were ata wedding and they brought out the Tanzanian traditional decorated (dead) goat- the one where the bride and groom cut togetherand feed each othera piece. Can't really describe the look on kids faces! But won't forget that soon
Then they made an exception and let us lead gift giving early as we were so tired, John carried the wrapped china set and I led all the kids up with Heidi and Cora in the rear - they had music on so we had to sortof dance are way up with a lot of cheering and laughter. Once we all shook hands with bridal party we lined up and sang the tanzania national anthemin swahili, first to bridal party but when the whole hall stood up cheering (250people or so), they wanted us to begin again! Grace Cavanagh did a great job sort of leading song along knowing all or most of words. I lip synced and hid behind kids as best I could. Now sleep
Tomorrow half of us are going to church services and into Masai village and other half to market then lunch at Mr Kahembe house then a hike down a volcanic crater. The 2 groups will meet at 5 for sunset over Lake Babati -our last night here.
During concert, every student introduced themselves. Without fail - each one thanked the community for giving them the most amazing experience of their lives or the best summer they ever had. They all want to come back! I think this is a special group - they have supported each other and a whole school halfway round the world. We definately need to find time to present the highlights movie we showed today, Chris Martin made one already! and I am dying to see Lise photographs of the week.
LalaSalama (good night)
Friday, August 17, 2012
Friday, August 17
This is Delia.
Today we worked on our normal classes, and spent extra time studying for the spelling bee. The spelling bee went amazing, most all of the children participated, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the children who didn't win first place were glowing. It was easy to tell everyone was giving their full attention, and efforts. The day was long, and very eventful, and I believe we accomplished a lot.
Hi its justin. I'm tired so I'm just gunna do a small summary of today. A few people where almost pick-pocketed ms. Redmond swung on a pick-pocketer while yellin at him in swahili, witch was very impressive, and karen dropped a expensive mini projector in the toilet. Bye.
This is Lindsey. Today was our last day at the Sinai School teaching classes. It was a really great day packed with teaching, the spelling bee and just getting to know the kids.
Today we worked on our normal classes, and spent extra time studying for the spelling bee. The spelling bee went amazing, most all of the children participated, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the children who didn't win first place were glowing. It was easy to tell everyone was giving their full attention, and efforts. The day was long, and very eventful, and I believe we accomplished a lot.
Hi its justin. I'm tired so I'm just gunna do a small summary of today. A few people where almost pick-pocketed ms. Redmond swung on a pick-pocketer while yellin at him in swahili, witch was very impressive, and karen dropped a expensive mini projector in the toilet. Bye.
This is Lindsey. Today was our last day at the Sinai School teaching classes. It was a really great day packed with teaching, the spelling bee and just getting to know the kids.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Thursday, August 16
This is Jeffrey
Today was probably one of the most organized days yet. We managed to get a lot done, including working on teaching the kids their spelling for the spelling bee tomorrow, completeing multiple art projects throughout the different grade levels, and planted more trees and plants in the garden. We ended the day by going with some of the kids to visit their homes where and also complete work around the house.
This is Nic
Today went well it was more organized and we got a lot done
Hi everyone this is bella typing about a hard day that is ready to end. Today, the girls and I visited one of the 6 and 7th grade girls home, her name was anna she had 5 siblings that laughed on all the chores we had to do ask girl in her home. My job at her home was to cook by making a fire with 3 rocks, hay, sticks and 1 match.......that was challenging. You couldn't let the fire go out and especially make sure the food didn't get burnt. as the food was finally finished I found out that I had turned into a hair manican! Overall hearing and seeing something hard is much easier than actually doing and experiencing something,that is the lesson I have learned for today and also forever
Hi
Its Karen our days are so long and so full it is hard for the kids and impossible for adults to write home. We eat and share our experiences then crash- it is not unusual to have someone fall asleep at the table
We run four lesson hoursin the morning - reading,spelling art and movie with four teams working with more than 50 kids each. The projects are amazing and I can't wait to post pics
Big spelling bee tomorrow!!!!
Today was probably one of the most organized days yet. We managed to get a lot done, including working on teaching the kids their spelling for the spelling bee tomorrow, completeing multiple art projects throughout the different grade levels, and planted more trees and plants in the garden. We ended the day by going with some of the kids to visit their homes where and also complete work around the house.
This is Nic
Today went well it was more organized and we got a lot done
Hi everyone this is bella typing about a hard day that is ready to end. Today, the girls and I visited one of the 6 and 7th grade girls home, her name was anna she had 5 siblings that laughed on all the chores we had to do ask girl in her home. My job at her home was to cook by making a fire with 3 rocks, hay, sticks and 1 match.......that was challenging. You couldn't let the fire go out and especially make sure the food didn't get burnt. as the food was finally finished I found out that I had turned into a hair manican! Overall hearing and seeing something hard is much easier than actually doing and experiencing something,that is the lesson I have learned for today and also forever
Hi
Its Karen our days are so long and so full it is hard for the kids and impossible for adults to write home. We eat and share our experiences then crash- it is not unusual to have someone fall asleep at the table
We run four lesson hoursin the morning - reading,spelling art and movie with four teams working with more than 50 kids each. The projects are amazing and I can't wait to post pics
Big spelling bee tomorrow!!!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
August 15
This is Chris
Today, I worked with the 4th and 5th graders. They were a lot of fun, but I needed a lot of patience, and communication was difficult. Even though they do not go to the best school, they are all very intelligent and many have the urge to learn. Being in Africa has given me a new appreciation for everything I have at home.
This is Erik
Today was the first day introducing the older students to the laptops. We started them on a program that teaches you how to type. They seemed to be getting the hang of it and were excited to continue learning. Tomorrow we are hoping to teach them how to use rosseta stone which will help then learn english. We are still making adjustments to the movie room so that when we leave they can use it again. I really hope that even after this trip this technology is still used in the school.
Hi, its justin. Today our day had more structure to it. My team the 6-7s went great! We made a plan before the class started so we could start teaching right away. In almost all of my free time I was playing futball which is soccer. It was so great to see how enthusiastic they were with their soccer ball which was a plastic bag and string. When we finally pumped up a soccer ball, every kid chased me to their soccer field. today was a lot of fun and I am looking forward tomorrow.
Hi everyone its Lori! Words can't begin to explain how incredible this trip is! From arrival day to my very busy day with K-1 I have been amazed by the Sinai children as well as the Woodland Hill children. The children are eager to learn and play as well as teach! We are learning just as much as them and I look forward to the days to come!
Hi everyone - I have never seena group of 27 work harder and happier and feel honored just to witness the goings on every minute. The older students LOVED the art project - we are making a mosaic frame over the course of 3 days and when they saw I had five by seven glossy close ups of each of them - hundreds! They could not believe their eyes, and every child I asked said this would be a gift for their mother on Friday.
Word of the Friday spelling bee at 2 and concert at 3 is spreading through the town and we expect a huge crowd. The food has been great. We have to drink tons of water so we stay hydrated and sometimes get so tired have tohide for a cat nap, but then so much to see and do its impossible not to rejoin the fray! Plans are being made for visiting a Masai tribe village Sunday and Tuesday - Grace Katherine Lindsey Delia and Bella began work with 5 chosen girls from Sinai school. Within an hour of practice, the translator Jason (who visited New York in 2O1O and wil be back in November at Woodland Hill with 2 teachers!) Said the singing gave him goosebumps. It is For Good from Wicked and they will weave in Swahili and harmonies at concert
Our guitar got here and Jeffrey and Nic did amazing job to an adoring crowd. Tomorrow after the school day the kids will be going home with Sinai students and guide to help with chores and seehow they live.
Phew
Can't stay up one more minute - you can send an email to me and I will pass it on to your child, spouse or friend.
Karen
Today, I worked with the 4th and 5th graders. They were a lot of fun, but I needed a lot of patience, and communication was difficult. Even though they do not go to the best school, they are all very intelligent and many have the urge to learn. Being in Africa has given me a new appreciation for everything I have at home.
This is Erik
Today was the first day introducing the older students to the laptops. We started them on a program that teaches you how to type. They seemed to be getting the hang of it and were excited to continue learning. Tomorrow we are hoping to teach them how to use rosseta stone which will help then learn english. We are still making adjustments to the movie room so that when we leave they can use it again. I really hope that even after this trip this technology is still used in the school.
Hi, its justin. Today our day had more structure to it. My team the 6-7s went great! We made a plan before the class started so we could start teaching right away. In almost all of my free time I was playing futball which is soccer. It was so great to see how enthusiastic they were with their soccer ball which was a plastic bag and string. When we finally pumped up a soccer ball, every kid chased me to their soccer field. today was a lot of fun and I am looking forward tomorrow.
Hi everyone its Lori! Words can't begin to explain how incredible this trip is! From arrival day to my very busy day with K-1 I have been amazed by the Sinai children as well as the Woodland Hill children. The children are eager to learn and play as well as teach! We are learning just as much as them and I look forward to the days to come!
Hi everyone - I have never seena group of 27 work harder and happier and feel honored just to witness the goings on every minute. The older students LOVED the art project - we are making a mosaic frame over the course of 3 days and when they saw I had five by seven glossy close ups of each of them - hundreds! They could not believe their eyes, and every child I asked said this would be a gift for their mother on Friday.
Word of the Friday spelling bee at 2 and concert at 3 is spreading through the town and we expect a huge crowd. The food has been great. We have to drink tons of water so we stay hydrated and sometimes get so tired have tohide for a cat nap, but then so much to see and do its impossible not to rejoin the fray! Plans are being made for visiting a Masai tribe village Sunday and Tuesday - Grace Katherine Lindsey Delia and Bella began work with 5 chosen girls from Sinai school. Within an hour of practice, the translator Jason (who visited New York in 2O1O and wil be back in November at Woodland Hill with 2 teachers!) Said the singing gave him goosebumps. It is For Good from Wicked and they will weave in Swahili and harmonies at concert
Our guitar got here and Jeffrey and Nic did amazing job to an adoring crowd. Tomorrow after the school day the kids will be going home with Sinai students and guide to help with chores and seehow they live.
Phew
Can't stay up one more minute - you can send an email to me and I will pass it on to your child, spouse or friend.
Karen
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Day One in Babati
Wow. What an incredible day. - Karen
Hectic but kids at the school were wonderful to us. Our students did a great job teaching and interacting. No mosquitos at all!- Charlie
Hi, its Justin. Today was a very exciting day. Finally after a full 22 hours of travel we finally ended up at the sinai school in Babati. When we arrived at the school, all of the children rushed to the bus and were throwing flowers at the bus, that's when I finally realized that after 5 years of wanting to go on this trip that it was finally happening. When we got off the bus the kids were crowding us, giving us high fives and fist bumps, I felt like a celebrity. When we finally got out of the crowd, the kids got in lines and sang the Tanzanian national anthem to us which was great! Next we got to teaching. Lindsey, Lori, Penny and I were teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. The students were great! We made name tags and went through some ice breakers including making a paper chain with their names on it and head shoulders knees and toes. The kids seemed to be having a great time. They found it very funny when I messed up while talking in swahili. Today was a great day and I can't wait for tomorrow!
After a very long plane ride and and a stay at a beautiful hotel we finally arrived at Sinai. As we pulled in they all ran and surrounded us and gave us flowers. We gave fist bumps and high fives and lots of hellos. It was then that I realized that I am in Tanzania and that I was finally doing what I had been waiting for for years. Then they sang us the national anthem very well and afterwards we sang it back but not quite as well. From then we went on and broke into groups to teach. I had 6/7 and they were amazing. It is getting late but I had an amazing day, I can already tell that this will be one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. We miss you!! Bye - Grace
One of the adults told me at one point Nic came in the library room (our "office" and said "I'm just blown away" and she asked "in a good way or bad way" because I had warned them that it can be overwhelming and they could come to the library if they needed a break or adult, well he said good way, something to effect that this is most amazing things he has ever seen or done
I will do more project details tomorrow but for now need to get some kids to call home and sleep. -Karen
Hectic but kids at the school were wonderful to us. Our students did a great job teaching and interacting. No mosquitos at all!- Charlie
Hi, its Justin. Today was a very exciting day. Finally after a full 22 hours of travel we finally ended up at the sinai school in Babati. When we arrived at the school, all of the children rushed to the bus and were throwing flowers at the bus, that's when I finally realized that after 5 years of wanting to go on this trip that it was finally happening. When we got off the bus the kids were crowding us, giving us high fives and fist bumps, I felt like a celebrity. When we finally got out of the crowd, the kids got in lines and sang the Tanzanian national anthem to us which was great! Next we got to teaching. Lindsey, Lori, Penny and I were teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. The students were great! We made name tags and went through some ice breakers including making a paper chain with their names on it and head shoulders knees and toes. The kids seemed to be having a great time. They found it very funny when I messed up while talking in swahili. Today was a great day and I can't wait for tomorrow!
After a very long plane ride and and a stay at a beautiful hotel we finally arrived at Sinai. As we pulled in they all ran and surrounded us and gave us flowers. We gave fist bumps and high fives and lots of hellos. It was then that I realized that I am in Tanzania and that I was finally doing what I had been waiting for for years. Then they sang us the national anthem very well and afterwards we sang it back but not quite as well. From then we went on and broke into groups to teach. I had 6/7 and they were amazing. It is getting late but I had an amazing day, I can already tell that this will be one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. We miss you!! Bye - Grace
One of the adults told me at one point Nic came in the library room (our "office" and said "I'm just blown away" and she asked "in a good way or bad way" because I had warned them that it can be overwhelming and they could come to the library if they needed a break or adult, well he said good way, something to effect that this is most amazing things he has ever seen or done
I will do more project details tomorrow but for now need to get some kids to call home and sleep. -Karen
Hello - we are just about to board the bus for Babati!
Everyone looks so clean and excited
We had showers and a big breakfast a meeting
And all in a fancy hotel!
Now we are stocking up on water for 3 hour drive because we are going right to school ! Right to work and fun and warm welcome - I am using wifi at hotel for this email
It is still unclear whether my email or even John's will work in Babati so that would effect how many times we can report in BUT John's phone is on and works so call us if you need to. Tonight we will try and have all kids here without a parent call home and say hi - please though keep conversations short as they will be expensive
So exciting and we could not be more proud of this group and these kids
Karen
Monday, August 13, 2012
Previous preparations
Thank you to all who contributed to this effort!- Karen C Mason
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