DAY #1

Jambo Rafikis! Translation: Hello friends. After 17 hours on a plane, a hour stop over in Rome, some interesting experiences with Ambien on the plane, and a hour bus ride from the airport to the hostel, we have finally arrived. We were met at the airport by Alexis and Gina- two Young Life staff members here in Africa. We had two buses and all of our luggage had to go on the roof so that was an experience getting the bags up there. We made our way to the hostel and unloaded our things. Our hostel has far surpassed any expectations that I had for African hostel standards! I guess I just remember some of those hostels in Europe. We had a snack in the dining room (crackers, peanuts, and popcorn, juice and water- so far so good) and then we got back on the buses and went took a little drive to one of the villages in town. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. This particular village is very poverty stricken – the poorest neighborhood in Tanzania. As we made our way down the bumpy dirt streets in these buses, probably a hundred little kids came running after the bus screaming Muzungus! They were screaming with joy and followed us all the way until the bus stopped. I have been on mission trips before and have seen the beautiful smiles of little children on these trips, but something about this was different. I was amazed at how they so freely jumped in our arms-complete strangers- just wanting to be loved. I was overcome with emotion, realizing that almost half of these children were orphans. I had one little guy that would not let go of my hand the whole time we were there in the village. It was pretty funny. He loved having his picture taken and then getting to see it on the digital camera. He would laugh and laugh upon seeing his picture! We came back to the hostel and had dinner and then by 8:30 most of our crew has hit the sack. Thank you for your prayers and for sharing this special time with us. Quesho! (Translation: Tomorrow!) - by ASHTON THURMOND