A Bittersweet Return

We're back. Although it's great to be home, it's definitely bittersweet. It's like I left one home for another. Before I had even placed one foot on the plane, I had already begun to miss Tanzania. I miss the food, the scenery...but, most of all, I miss the people. I miss the way people didn't care about the namebrands you wore or the way you styled your hair. I miss how everyone worked together as the perfect unit, and I miss joking with friends on the UAACC campus. I miss walking outside and petting Blackie. I miss palying flashlight tag at night with no street lamps. Heck, I even miss dodging avocado trees during earthquakes, taking cold showers, and riding on bumpy roads. Well, let me put a stop to all the "I miss..." because I'll be here all day. I miss too much to possibly express it all in one blog post. So, I'll just stop. Needless to say, I can't wait to go back. I'm already counting down the days...err, months:(

-Lauren R.

Now That We're Back

Africa was amazing!!! Although I am glad to be back in a place fraught with amenities, Africa is still on my mind. Tanzania was a completely different life. A place where there was no time. A place where as long as you had the basic necessities (food, clothes) you were happy to be alive. Tanzania was a life changing experience for me. I learned so much about the the indigenous cultures, and way of life and also what they thought of the typical American. Going to the overpopulated school in Arusha made me appreciate my education and all the resources available to me. The look on the each students face when we handed them just one pencil made me feel as though I gave them all that they desired and more. The visit to the elder in the village made one appreciate life and help realize that being diligent and respectful now will definitely pay off in the long run. And the most memorable part of Africa, to me, was when our vehicle had a flat tire while on our way to the Ngorogoro Crater. The area where we stopped was just savanna for miles and miles. We were able to get out and just run in the forever fields. It made me realize that peace within oneself cannot be achieved through the modern technologies that we all crave to have, or through the busy city lives. Peace is achieved through allowing oneself to see the world around you and appreciate all that you have. Peace is sought when one is truly content.

Unforgettable Memory

Its so hard to say GOODBYE! Our long journey is slowly coming to a end. Just the other day we went to a school house. The students were so eager to learn. When we entered the class rooms to pass out pencils and pencil sharpeners, the kids looked at us with amazement. They stared at us as if we were celebrities! Each student stood when we entered and waved. Seeing there work ethics really made me have a different mind set about education. The students at the school have to take an end of the course test to see if they can go on to secondary school( high school). The principal said they will have a pass rate of 50%. This was very stunning to me! This is a very high passing rate. Many schools in Georgia passing rate for the graduation test is only like 30% in some parts. And our resources are much better. This adventure to the school house is definitely my most unforgettable memory!!!
* Jasmine Freeman*

Exchanging For Progress

It has been a few days since my last blog and there is so much to talk about. I'll start with the youth forum which took place a few nights ago. There was a great deal of information passed back and forth centered around the topics of: HIV/AIDS epidemic, globalization, global warming and cultural exchange. We discussed many of the different stories about the "origin of AIDS" and ways to inform others of, and potentially prevent the transmission of the AIDS virus. Of course we had the monkey theory, but there were other hypotheses discussed that really made me think. One even lead me to watch a documentary that Mzee Pete allowed me to borrow. I will not go into detail for sake of keeping it positive. But what really stunned me was our discussion of globalization. Many of my Tanzanian brothers and sisters actually opposed globalization because they feel it destroys their culture and makes them less unique as a people. After hearing what they had to say, I understood how they could feel that way and I now see how globalization can have a negative effect on some societies. But in the end you just have to take the good with the bad I guess. Anyhow, we round out the evening with some of the Tanzanian youth rapping for us. Though I could not understand most of what they were saying I could tee it was powerful due to some of the peoples reactions. I recited a poem that I prepared for them and our group presented them with an interactive dancing lesson so to speak. The next day we went out on Safari! It had to be one of the most fulfilling experiences ever. To see how these animals related to one another and there environment in there natural habitat, it's just an exhilarating feeling. I can't wait to go again and bring my mother. Then today we went down to the orphanage that Baba Nya is building so we could help build and plant trees. That was exciting, especially when I got to go down in the watering hole to fill the bucket. We are planning on working on a solar powered LED lighting system for the orphanage. And if all goes well we will be able to do the same for the orphanage that Dr. Rahman wants to establish over here as well. In just a minute I'm going to go help make some bricks that will be used to make the orphanage. This probably being my last blog before we return home, I would just like to send peace and blessings to everyone, and thank you all that took the time to follow along.

An Eye-Opener

Hey, it's me again (Lauren)! I know my blog posts in the past haven't been super serious, but I'm going to change the script a little bit for this one. Yesterday, our group visited a local primary school in Arusha (ages 5-14), and it was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. When we first entered the school yard, we sat down with one of the teachers so he could tell us about the school's situation. This is what he told us: There are 920 students in the first session, but there are only 22 teachers and 11 classrooms. They are in dire need of at least seven more classrooms and a heck of a lot more teachers. After learning this little tidbit, all I could do was reflect on the many times I have complained because there were more than 25 students in a classroom and not enough one-on-one time with a teacher. Here, they have over 40 students in one class. Not only is there a lack of staff and classrooms, but there is also a lack of materials. Seeing the joy on the student's faces when we passed out pencils (pencils, for God's sake) helped me realize this. Students have to share utensils and purchase their own books. However, a lot of students can't even afford books, so they go without. Yet, they are still driven to learn, and that is something I can't help but to admire. After visiting the school, our group decided that we want to fund raise to add at least 7 classrooms to the school and we want to donate textbooks. We don't quite know how we are going to do it, but somehow, someway it's going to get done. You can bet your life on it. It's our time to give back, and that's exactly what we are going to do.

Signed,
Determined to Make a Difference

The Beauty of Africa

Aww man if you saw what I saw you would've cried! Not like that, but tears of joy because of how beautiful the Ngorongoro Crater is. As my friend, Maurice, and I rode in the back of the Land Cruiser. We saw a wide range of animals, from the enormous Elephant to the short and stompy Wort Hog. My favorite animal was the Lion, but you don't really see many of them because of natural instincts of other animals. All of the animals are very nice, but I enjoyed the ride back up the mountains because the views would take your breath away. They're nothing compared to what you would see on a postcard, in a magazine or on television. Oh Yea! and the Baboons are very humorous, but that is another story for another day.

**Miguel C.**

The Safari

The Safari was by far the most exciting experience that I have ever experienced. When we were on the way to the safari, we saw three giraffe...after seeing that, I knew we were going to see some amazing animals. The safari was in the Ngorongoro Crater. Before we entered the safari site, there were baboons everywhere. We got pretty close to them (about 10 feet). Our guide told use that no matter what happens don,t run away from the baboons because they'll run we down and jump on you. When we got close to them I noticed that they play very aggressively. It was cold on the way to the Crater because we were so high up. Once we got into the Crater, the first thing we saw was the ostrich, then came the Buffalo. My favorite animals on the safari was the zebra and the hyena.

~M. Dukes~

It's Not Over Yet !

I am still having an excellent time in Arusha, Tanzania. Just the other day I went to see an elder in the village. The elder is 110 years old! This was such a great experience. I was truly moved to be in the presence of a man this old. I had many questions to ask him. He spoke only Swahili so we had a translator to translate what all he said. The elder's family fed us hot homemade bread, cream tea, and some chicken and lamb rice.
The people at the UAACC are so friendly. They feed us three superb meals a day and play a movie on a big screen every night. Just right outside of our village you can see a beautiful mountain. My trip to Tanzania still hasn't stopped to amaze me!!
* Jasmine Freeman*

Spidey Friends

When I left Atlanta, I had a spider phobia, but know I have a spider friend. I see Petey (yes, I gave him a name) every morning when I come out for breakfast. He's always chilling in the same spot on the same web everyday; he's completely dependable. I love that! Don't get me wrong, at first I was afraid of him. However, over a period of time, we have managed to bond. I can now add Petey to the long list of friends I have made in Tanzania. With the exception of Petey and Blackie (the coolest dog ever), all my other new friends are human. I've met Migere the coolest musician ever, Nancy the super bubbly art teacher, Jake the Jake Gyllenhal (hope that's spelled right) look-a-like, Mama Charlotte the wise, Mama Sylvia the most lovable person ever, and Kadasa the one-man wonder. Don't forget Mzee Pete; he is the true definition of cool. I love the people of Tanzania. They are all just so... so awesome! I think i might be a little home sick when I get back to Atlanta because, in Tanzania, I have found another home. Like Mama Charlotte said when I first met her, "I have come home."

-LAUREN RUSSELL

The Elder

Usually when there is some type of quarrel, the two adversing sides go before a judge and let the individual determine what is right. In Arusha, things work a bit differently, the quarrelsome individuals ask the village elder for advice.. Today we were given the privilege go see the village elder, called Emzai MaKentti. Emzai is approximately 110 and has children that range from 12 to 72. He is well respected and is quite active among the community in respect to politics. When one is to go see the elder in Arusha, the person usually provides the elder with a gift. Ladies must wear modest clothes, which must include a skirt and gentlemen wear casual dress. Emzai greeted us in front of his home, and welcomed us inside with open arms. When inside, we first all stood and Emzai gave a prayer. We were then given tea with bread as an appetizer and later on rice with lamb in it. It was quite delicious. After that everyone was given the opportunity to ask the Elder any questions they wished. When the discussion came to an end the Elder gave another prayer for us and we were fortunate enough to take pictures with him and his family. Emzai Makentti is an inspiration to all in Arusha.

Awakening

Each morning is an awakening to something new in Tanzania. There is so much to learn, and there are so many to teach that the moment is never dull. As we talked last night, I began to see the big picture as to our purpose. I am becoming more and more aware of the fact that building a solar cooker is not my only reason for being here. I am here to learn and be able to soak up enough information that when I return home I can share the wealth. Hearing Baba Pete's and Mama Charlotte's story of how they arrived in Tanzania, and how they continued their original work from the black panther party really shed some light on them as individuals, as well as the party, in a manner that we in America aren't used to seeing them portrayed. That amongst other things has made this trip very eye-opening and inspirational. Hopefully we will proceed with our first day of testing today, and we will get the results we need to continue.

C. Peets

Part 1: Stationary Project

Yes! Today my dream felt like a reality. I say this because our group has completed the first part, the outside structure, of the stationary solar cooker. Well we initially started the stationary project yesterday, by first building the foundation, but today we've completed it. The labor was very vigorous and tiring, but in the end the achievement was worth it! On top of that, I can say that the process was a learning experience to me, in two ways, because for one I really understand the meaning of "It takes a family to build a foundation" and also that was my first time mixing cement and laying down blocks! Also the day wasn't over because after today's building we bonded with some of the local village people, by playing a game of basketball, and that was pretty ecstatic to me! I just can't wait until tomorrow!



**Miguel Copeland**

The Tanzania Experience

The experience I've had so far has been a great one. From the first day we arrived, we've been treated with the utmost respect. We were given a grand welcome by the people in the compound, which included torches, singing and dancing... it was a big surprise. The people within the compound in which we stay has gone out of their way to make sure that we are safe and comfortable at all times. The compound itself is amazing! All the buildings in the compound were built by the people that live there and they have expert building skills, which surprised me. What surprised me the most was how fast they work to get stuff done. We had a fun time in the "town" of Tanzania. In town there are many different places to shop from family stands on the side of the road to stores... all having top quality goods. Most of the suppliers worked by the bargaining system. So for example, I saw some items that I wanted, but I didn't want to spend any money, so I traded my sunglasses for the item I wanted. It was a fun experience.

*Maurice Dukes*

thank you

Asanti ( thank you). I would like to thank Mrs. Ervin for all she has done to make it possible for us to come to Arusha, Tanzania. Before we left on Thursday, she supplied an awesome dinner at The Pecan--a superb restaurant with great food.
My experience in Africa has been great. The first night we got to Tanzania, we had a festive celebration. There was a plethora of singing and dancing! It was truly a night to remember. My favorite experience so far was the trip to the market. I saw tons of great deals on excellent jewelry. Until next time, kwahari ( good bye for now)!

* Jasmine Freeman*

Day 2 in Tanzania

"Karibu. Welcome to Tanzania!" We have reached our destination. It's the second day in Tanzania, and I am loving it. Tanzania is one of the friendliest countries on Earth. The people have opened their homes and their hearts to us. Plus, the food is absolutely fabulous!!! So far, we have begun to work on our stationary brick solar cooker (we are building two types: stationary and portable). As of today, we have laid the concrete base and purchased materials from the market in Arusha. However, building isn't the only thing we have been doing. We are managing to soak up lots of the Tanzanian culture. It is now second nature for me to turn around and say, "Asanti" when Afshan passes me water at the dinner table, and I don't even bat an eye when she replies, "Karibu." I love it here, and I'm dreading the day I have to go home.
Signed,
Addicted to Tanzania (Lauren)

IN TANZANIA!!!!!

HU JAMBO!! (hello) Finally, after a journey that seemed to be forever, we are officially in Tanzania!! We are having a good time from the DELICIOUS food to the bartering in the market. After careful planning, there are a lot of events that we are going to be involved in. Of course, the solar cooker is underway, and we are working diligently to achieve our goal. After finishing our main task, we are also planning on helping Baba Nia (our U.A.A.C.C. representative in Atlanta) with an orphanage that is being built close to the U.A.A.C.C. campus. Also, later on, we are going to visit a primary school. Another planned event during our journey is a 2-day safari with the U.A.A.C.C. staff. So we do have many things on our plate during our stay here in the wonderful country of Tanzania, but anticipating every moment!

Chelsey Jacobs

Hey everyone out there reading, I'd like to start off by saying thanks for your support. I'm a really looking forward to tomorrow and I can't even think about sleeping even at this hour. I hope I haven't forgotten anything in my procrastination of packing. Today has been great, we had a fantastic dinner as a group and I can see that everyone is just as anxious as I am about the trip. I'm just overwhelmed knowing that this is a once and a lifetime oppurtunity, and its all the more special knowing that what we do while in Tanzania will have a direct impact on the lives of others. I'm looking forward to broadening my horizons and learning as much as I can form the people and the culture. And I'm just glad that everyone has been so supportive thus far and that this is really going to happen. I can't wait to see you guys tomorrow and begin our journey!

I'm Going to Tanzania

I, Afshan Shaikh, am so excited to begin my journey to Tanzania, Africa. Our 18 hour adventure begins with a group of six innocent high school students meeting at the airport in front of Pascals in the North Terminal. From there we catch our first of three planes to Detroit, that is approximately two hours long. From Detroit we travel another eight hours to the Netherlands in a place known to mankind as Amsterdam. From Amsterdam we travel another eight long hours to Nairobi, Kenya. At Kenya we ride into Arusha, Tanzania by vehicle. Does that sound adventurous or what? This trip means so much to me and I cannot wait to arrive in Tanzania and get started. I am definetly anticipating to leave learning about Tanzanian culture, way of life and improvements of health that the solar cooker is going to have. I plan on this trip to be fun, educational and an experience I can share with others. I can't wait!!

Before the Trip

Preparing for a field trip to Africa has been a great learning experience. Everything from passports to shots to getting all the funds needed has provided us with more education than we bargained for.