Tanz 2016

This was my most recent trip with GIVE. Again, it was nothing short of amazing. Truly the people on this trip have impacted my life on ways I cannot describe. I had peers from every part of the world. I was a little worried before this trip, not knowing their language and if I'd be able to bond/communicate with the locals, but some of them are fluent in English, and we even had the opportunity to take Swahili lessons directly from our students (which was SO beneficial).

I actually had the fortunate opportunity of having the opening ceremony for Skuli Ya Kairo GIVE (which is the school we've been working on for over 4 years). It was pretty touching to see the community involvement and support throughout the process of this. Everyone gathered for the opening day ceremony, speeches and ribbon cutting. And to actually see how excited students were to be in a classroom for the first time, to pick up a book, to learn English, count numbers...I can't really put into words the satisfaction their smiles bring to someone like me. It really makes all the sweaty work days worth it.
I also participated in the Mount Kilimanjaro add-on. Definitely worth the money and the time. You climb and summit with THE MOST supportive team I've ever met (these porters are literally super heroes without capes). I really don't know if I could have done it with any other group or friends beside me. An experience of a lifetime and very, very glad I chose to spend the extra dollar to take part in this.

Thankful for the friends I've made on this trip, the relationships that came through it, and the memories I've created. Forever grateful.