The last two weeks!

Archive East Africa- KIFARU

Apologies for the lack of blog updates we have been having some internet issues. Almost two weeks ago now we arrived in Mufindi after multiple long yet enjoyable bus rides to start our week working at the children’s village. To begin with we were divided into three groups with each group alternating between working in daycare, kindergarten and the sowing school during the week. On Saturday, we had the surprisingly enjoyable opportunity to help the older kids in the orphanage do their chores by lifting bricks and moving rocks all morning. In the afternoon, we treated ourselves and the kids with an afternoon of games. Followed by a jam session with Jeff and Jenny; the amazing people running the N.G.O. On Sunday, we spent the day helping out in the Children’s village wherever it was needed. On Tuesday March 12th we had the unique opportunity to accompany Stacy, a Peace Corps volunteer to CTC and shadow her for a day. We got a tour of the clinic and got to help out for a morning. In the afternoon, we got the humbling opportunity to make four home stay visits with each family facing different problems. Tuesday was definitely a difficult and eye opening day for all of us but I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all very grateful to have had such an experience. The next day was far more uplifting as we spent the day learning how to weave baskets. Wednesday night was unfortunately our last night at the orphanage. We were all sad to go but wow did we have a send off. We made cookies for all the kids and decided we would have a little get together. However, they quickly turned it around on us and threw quite the party for us. We sang and danced until the power went off. The next day we headed to Iringa for some free time. We caught up on some shopping and a few of us went on a bike ride around Iringa which was amazing. Saturday night we celebrated a 19th birthday with an awesome dinner and even better presents. Thanks again guys! Sunday we headed out to Ruaha National Park for Safari. We came unbelievably close to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and many more. Safari is definitely one of the highpoints on the trip so far. That pretty much sums up our last two weeks. We are back in Iringa for tonight and then head to Dar es Salem tomorrow. Our time in Tanzania is coming to an end. We have loved it but are super exited for Rwanda on Thursday!