"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.