Surprise Surprise

I distinctly remember having one conversation with a few individuals before we left for Tanzania back in September.

"Why do you think the other volunteers want to go?"

"I think some have intentions to help others, others to help themselves. I'm most afraid that some people will go with the only intention to return to brag about the 'hard life' they endured."

Let's just say, it was a telling conversation.

the worst thing that has happened

On a car ride to find the aunt of one of our street kids, we asked him: "what was the worst thing that has happened to you on the street?"

He replied:

"One day I was riding a bike and I fell. As I fell on my bike, one of the bike spikes on the gears pierced my penis. There was blood everywhere and, for the next month, each time I had to go to the bathroom, urine would painfully come out of the wound."

Dear Ebeneza,

I miss you.

It's been three weeks since I left Tanzania and I miss you so much. Looking at pictures of mine and everyone else's trip, I know you'd be so happy. Your picture is everywhere. I've been talking to many of my friends and family about my trip to Tanzania - I think you would be proud. You would be proud of your country, of your people, and mostly, I think, you should be proud of yourself. It's strange for me to discuss you and the other boys with other people. You guys were my best friends in my time there and helped me learn so much. I feel that no matter how hard I try, my descriptions and stories will not suffice. I hope you and your family are doing well. I hope you've been playing a lot with the kids in the house too! They're a lot of fun. I miss them too. Hug them all for me.

Love,

Dada Sue