Lisa G. graduated from The Family School in December 2003. This letter is a continuation from the last issue, where she talks about her journey of service and charity. Her trip is coming to an end and she shares her thoughts and feelings.
Hujambo!
Please forgive the briefness of this update, but I am currently very strapped for time. So, I’ve completed six weeks now in Tanzania and there were many changes in the last two weeks. First, we got in a fresh group of four-week volunteers, and our last “four weekers” have gone. I have a new roommate. His name is Chris and he’s an amazing person. I feel incredibly lucky to have what I feel is the best living situation of anyone, but my opinion is probably a bit biased. We also started our community teaching these last two weeks. We go to bomas (or groups of houses belonging to one family) and if they have time and the inclination, we teach them about any health topic they’re interested in. So far, the main topic of interest has been family planning, and I’m glad since many families have upwards of eleven children. One very interesting boma we visit has one Babu (grandfather) who is 91 years old, with his 8 wives (plus three more in another region). He has 55 children, 300 grandchildren, and his youngest wife is only 19. It seems so strange, but it is very interesting to talk with them and to learn about their beliefs as this is a very traditional Maasai family. The children do not go to school, so sometimes we teach them English if we have time.
Anyway, I think we’re making a really big difference, and all the participants seem very eager to learn about everything. We’ve also been doing several community improvement projects including filling a started but never completed latrine hole, fixing more desks, and conducting after-school activities with the children, during which we’ve been teaching them about different cultures all over the world. We’ve also painted educational canvases to hang in the classrooms. Our days are busy and completely full, and I fall in bed exhausted every day, but I am also extremely fulfilled and satisfied with the work we are doing here.
I’m coming into my last two weeks here, and I’m extremely sad. I don’t know how I’ll say goodbye to this place, and maybe sometime I’ll tell you more about the personal changes I’ve been going through. Suffice it to say, I am a very different person from who I was when I left, and I struggle with the idea of returning to my old life. Anyway, I hope this update finds you well. -Lisa.
