Worthwhile...and truly you make a difference !

I was seeking a volunteer experience that blended helping and teaching Tanzanian children and learning about the culture and land near Mt. Kilimanjaro. I connected with the MAD-Now director, Theresa Grant, and sensed her personal commitment to her mission, the orphanage and MAD's other projects in Himo, Tanzania. MAD-Now is also involved with AID's awareness, Malaria Preventative work, and other projects to benefit the community. I spent 6 weeks with Theresa in Himo. During that time I climbed Kilimanjaro and also went to the Serengeti on a safari. I lived in Himo in a safe and comfortable guest house. We went to the local market to purchase food and made our own meals at home. I traveled daily with Theresa to visit the private school where the 22 orphan children are sent to school. For 2 weeks I worked designing a computer lab which recently received a gift of 20 computers for the children. After school we visited them at their Kid's Home to help with homework, play games and interact with the kids. One of the highlights was training for and running the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon with Theresa which was held in Himo. We trained running in the early morning on backroads at the base of the mountain...how cool is that? My departure date came too soon and I long to return. I continue to hear from the children in letters and often send them gifts. It's a hands-on program. You are connected directly to the children. You are immersed in the local culture and you have free time to climb the tallest mountain on the continent....or just hike the hills. Either way you grow spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. So go GROW with MAD-Now !