Best experience of my life

This was a life-changing trip. My only regret is not doing it sooner. BUT even at 41 years old with two kids you can still not only do this but have the time of your life. I want to go back ASAP and take my family with me.

Tanzania is the most welcoming country I've ever been to. Volunteering and really getting to learn and immerse myself in their culture was an experience a regular vacation can not give you. Staying with Mama Alice was so special. She takes you in like one of her own and spending time with other volunteers from other countries adds to the depth of the experience. We were all "brothers" and "sisters" when we met for our family dinners at night or into town together.

I volunteered at a hospital but also go to spend 2 days at an orphanage. They all made me feel welcome in a way that I have never felt before. Just showing up and lending a hand or giving 25 cents so a mom could mix clean water with her medicine made such a big difference to them. Everywhere I went I looked so different but was welcomed with "Karibu Sana."

The contrast between how little they have and how much love they give is mind-blowing and a contrast to the US.

I took a break for a 5 day safari which exceeded all my expectations. I didn't know I would be "camping" but it ended up being the part I was most proud of myself for and witnessed things in nature I can't get anywhere else like making new international friends, sunrise over the Serengeti, lions sleeping right next to our jeep, millions of stars at night, and elephants and buffalo at our campsite.

The land is gorgeous but hands down it is the people you meet, both other volunteers, Mama Alice, and other Tanzanians that will make this trip open your heart and mind to places you never thought it would go. I could talk to Mama Alice for hours as she is so knowledgeable, kind, and makes you feel very safe. You will be in good hands and she will be forever in my heart.

Don't think twice about going to this country.