Thank You Africa

When asked to reflect on my time here in Tanzania, the feeling of gratitude comes to mind. The service trip has been, by far, the most rewarding and empowering experience of my life. I am overwhelming grateful for the community of LOAMO, Children's Global Alliance, and the role my sister has played on this trip.

LOAMO staff and students welcomed us into their school, granting us with love and compassion. With a drive to learn, students acted with authenticity and respect in the classroom. The teachers, kitchen staff, and workmen all were dedicated to their jobs and were filled with joy when I assisted them in what they were doing. Being asked to teach was an incredible privilege, one that I will hold in my heart forever. Through teaching children through interactive lessons, which enabled every student to understand the lesson, I realized how much love I feel towards working with children. I was made for volunteering and teaching. And it is was LOAMO that empowered me to stand up and teach with confidence and grace. I will never forget the laughter, love, and joy I have experienced when speaking with both staff and students at LOAMO.

I feel as though it is very important to express my gratitude towards Children’s Global Alliance chaperones, Lisa-Marie, Karlie, and Fiona for granting me the opportunity to volunteer in the developing country of Tanzania. Whether it was bringing us to a Maasai village, taking us to a baby orphanage, or providing us with crucial feedback to our lesson plans, these women have invested every part of themselves to inspiring American student volunteers, while changing the lives of Tanzanian students. Not once did I feel unsafe of uncomfortable, thanks to the CGA chaperones. I am truly blessed to have been a part of this organization.

My sister, Eleanor, and I knew we were lucky to receive the privilege of traveling together, but never imagined to bond and come together like we have in our short time here Africa. Having had a broken relationship due to unfortunate situations in the past year and a half, Eleanor and I have been able to bandage our wounds and talk about subjects that have been silenced for quite some time. For this, I am grateful. Both myself and Eleanor received student of the week and she has had the most positive attitude on this trip. I am beyond proud of her. Eleanor connected and ignited hope in many of the students, leaving a mark on their hearts forever. Eleanor pushed me to stay positive and provided me with insight when teaching children who struggle with reading comprehension. Eleanor and I have come a long way in three weeks. This trip has honestly been the best thing to ever happen to us.

I am full of gratitude and love, because I know that Tanzania will affect me forever. Everybody has a destiny; everybody feels called to do something, mine is service. I was made for this and know that I will carry LOAMO and CGA with me for the rest of my life, allowing my to continue my volunteering career. This trip has taught me an immense amount and the lessons I have learned here will be a part of my character forever. For this, I am humbly grateful.