"Will you remember me? Will you remember me? Oh yes, yes I will remember you".
(Exerpt from a song that my girls sang on my last day of placement.)


It has been 3 weeks since my return from Tanzania, and there hasn't been a single day that I haven't thought about my girls and Silvano. Readjusting to my familiar surroundings has had its pros and cons. Having such a wonderful support system has made things much easier, but there have been many sleepless nights spent wondering how I ended up to be so fortunate. It's amazing to think that in only 18 short hours things can change so much, yet still the lives of those in Tanzania go on - without me. It's strange because I remember back to when I was young, and thought that when I went to sleep, time stood still, when I was sick from school - there was no school that day, and if I was hiding and couldn't see my "chaser", then they definitely couldn't see me. It's difficult growing up, and realizing that yes, life does go on.

I have been in contact with Emmanuel from WAMATA. Unfortunately, the government has cut power in Arusha yet again. Now everyday during daylight, power is shut off, and to access any form of electricity, a generator must be used... Unfortunately most of the citizens have no access to this type of expensive accommodation.

I have placed an order to Silvano for WRAP pants, that I will be selling back home. With communications being so poor, this venture is in the trial stages. If it is a success, the money will go towards helping Silvano start his own tailoring shop. The start-up cost is $1000US, but with this initiative, Silvano and his employees, "my girls", will become self-sufficient.

Many people have asked me if I have changed through this experience. The short answer is yes, as it is impossible to experience such a different world and not be changed. During the first few showers I had back home - believe it or not- I turned off the water as I washed. I couldn't believe the amount of water I was wasting. I haven't quite adopted their slogan - "If it's yellow let it mellow, and if it's brown, flush it down", but who knows... maybe in time!! I find myself almost becoming annoying as I continually remind myself aloud how incredibly lucky I am. I must say it and think it a hundred times a day. I hope this is something that I will never stop doing.

Back at Western Secondary things are going really well. Western is a wonderful place, and working with the students really does fulfill me. It's funny though, everytime a student complains about something trivial, all I have to do is show them a picture of my girls back in Tengeru, and explain that everyday they walk 2hrs to school without food for a brief English lesson... The complaints are usually halted pretty quickly and replaced with inquiries.

Since my return, I have had many requests to speak about my trip. I am honoured. The Windsor AIDS Awareness Committee is hosting a youth conference Nov. 30th and has asked to show a powerpoint presentation of my volunteer experience and have me as a guest speaker. My union has asked me to do a piece in the provincial newspaper. Jack Barnes, who hosts "Drummatiks" out of London Ontario, has been keeping his group informed of my work in Tengeru, and together they have raised money that will be sent to my girls. They will be having a raffle of a painting of African elephants, created by one of the group members. The proceeds from the raffle will also go to the Tengeru endeavour. I hope to visit them in London within the next few months. I have been asked by many of my own colleagues to be a guest speaker in their classrooms. I welcome any offer, because as many of you know, I love talking about Africa, and the wonderful experience I had this past August.

Alex (from CCS) has been e-mailing me. He is doing very well, and leaves today for university. I am so proud of him, and all that he has done to get this far. After our return, he sent me a story about his life. The fact that he has overcome so many obstacles to get to where he is today is very inspiring. He will be a lifelong friend, and hopefully one day come to Canada for a visit.

That is all for now. I will keep you posted as new events pop up. Thank you for reading.
Signing off~
Annie B.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Ghandi

This will be my last official post from Tanzania. I apologize for not having written in the past few days. I have been trying to tie up all loose ends, and spend time saying proper goodbyes to the wonderful people who have touched my life here in Tanzania.

As I reflect back to a month ago, I remember the anxiety I felt on my way... a true fear of the unknown. As the weeks passed, and time went on, this anxiety was replaced with many new, invigorating, strong emotions. Although I left Canada only a month ago, the many wonderful experiences, hardships and joys have made the trip feel much much longer, in a very positive way. Canada now feels like a lifetime away.

I have done my absolute best to capture in words my experiences, the people who have touched my life, and the many emotions I have encountered along the way, however I don't think I will ever be able to fully express how blessed my time has been. The life lessons have been incredible. The kindness, generosity, friendliness and love I have been shown by the people of Tengeru, who have so little, have left an eternal imprint to be stored forever in my heart. Tanzania has definitely changed my life, and left me forever inspired for whatever should come next. I don't believe my work here is finished... and really look forward to the next chapter. I also am so thankful to have learned so much about teaching. The last days with my girls were very difficult. We exchanged many tears, and it was so difficult to see the pain in their eyes, knowing we may never see each other again. These girls have taught me the meaning of loss, pain, perseverance, strength and joy. During our last few minutes, I asked the director to translate a message to the girls. I told them that to me... they exemplified honour, and that their parents although passed on, would be so very proud of them. I told them that they have each been dealt a very difficult card in life, and the fact that they continue to press on, continue to have hope, continue to smile... is absolutely amazing. I encouraged them to continue to be brave, reminded them that they are all so very special and that they will never, ever be forgotten. With tears in my eyes and love in my heart, I took each girl's face into my hands and silently said a little prayer, that she would be watched over and protected. I know the prayer was reciprocated. I hope so much that one day we will cross paths again - and thankfully the pen pal project will allow me to hold on a little longer.

Sylvano took me to see a beautiful waterfall. It was his way of thanking me for the many changes he believes I have given him. When I took him to the bank to try to set him up with a bank account, we were denied. In this area, you have to earn at least $200 per month. It pained me to learn that he made only $10. I have worked intensively with Silvano towards starting his own tailoring shop, and we have come up with an idea which I hope to share with you very soon. He told me that God would repay me for all the things I am doing... I told him that "God" already has.

I wish everyone at least once in their lives could experience at least a fraction of the joy the past month has brought to me. There is no measure to this joy, no real explanation. I think though, that it can only be experienced through the act of giving and service to others who need it most.

Many of you have written to ask if my blog will continue upon my return. I have absolutely loved this online journal, and would love to continue. There will be a follow-up journal on the progress of various projects that have been initiated over the past month. There will be follow-ups as well on the people I have met. I have passed along the blog to all of my new friends and contacts in Tanzania, and they too look forward to updates. Although the posts will be more sporadic, I look forward to keeping the blog alive - so let's just say the blog will be left with a To Be Continued... project tanzania part II:)

I can't thank you enough for reading, and really experiencing this journey with me. We have laughed together, and your supportive comments have helped me cope along the way when times have gotten tough. I continue to be amazed at how blessed I am - surrounded by such an amazing family and group of friends. I hope to have made you proud, and have done my best to let as many people here as possible know that they have the support of a wonderful group of people back in North America.

Goodbye for now... I leave at 9pm Tanzanian time and should be home around 2pm Sunday. Can't wait to talk and see you all very soon.
With gratitude and love,
Annie B.

~forever inspired~

PS Here are some pictures of my finals here in Tengeru

A picture of my girls picking out their fabrics.














A picture of Silvano and his family




We surprised Alex before he left for University.
Kara bought him an English/Swahili dictionary,
and I gave him my backpack filled with supplies.