The Guest Blogger

This is Elena. I thought I would give Sarah a little blogging break. Jake, Aleks and I arrived in Kilimanjaro last night around 9p - a mere 22 hours after leaving our house on Crystal St in Chicago. We were greeted by a really long visa line, but luckily people took pity on us and moved us up to the front (I think the fact that the boys were in their pajamas helped). The trip was definitely long and exhausting, but I don't think the boys could've handled it any better.


Sarah, Nell and Pearl met us at the airport with an awesome welcome sign and the Happy People bus (interior black lights and all). A mere 30 minutes or so later, we got to their house - big, beautiful, open and very airy. After a quick tour, the girls took the boys to see all of the animals out back - 4 chickens (Grayland, Bon Voyage, Little Grey Girl, Odette) and 4 rabbits (Speckle, Pure, Scarlett, Snowy). Nell has quite a way with animals! At one point, she was walking around with one of the chickens on her head (not sure which one - still learning their names), and her way of introducing us to the animals was to pick each up to about chest-level, then drop it. In fact, Nell just now walked in to tell me and Sarah that she just threw Odette at Jake. I'm starting to understand how Snowy lost her tail a few weeks back....


We all went to bed around midnight. The beds have mosquito netting around them, which Jake says makes him feel safe. If only there was some cool contraption to keep the crickets out of the room. I'm not sure how many there were, but it was so loud! If I had had more energy (and a head lamp), I would have gone on a hunt. As I was tucking the boys in, I asked what they thought of Tanzania so far. Aleks said it didn't feel like Chicago, but it did feel like home. AWWHHHH!

Puntctures

This morning i woke up to two flat tires....ahhhh Africa.

Highest of Highs

Yesterday was the most amazing day I think I have had in a long time. I think it was the highest of the highs I have had here in Tanzania. Setty and I drove to Arusha for the graduation of our porters. He has been training these kids for free, they recieved First Aid training from the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and Shawna collected them tons of gear. Everyone has had a hand in the project...I am sending 25 of them up the mountain on the 26th of Nov. for their first attempt and training. There were 52 students in Setty's class....these are kids that are vulnerable in some way...they are either orphans or have lost one parent to AIDS. They are between the ages of 16 and 26...most would never dream of the chance to see Kili let alone climb it with proper gear and food. Most have never left the major responsibilities of their homes, families, school....for 7 days. So the idea of this chance for them was almost overwhelming...Setty based his choice on who would go by exam performance and class attendance.
When we got to Tumaini yesterday the place was filled with excited dressed up kids....and the kids vary so much. There was a group of about 8 Masaai guys in full garb....next to the kid who thought his black Reba McIntyre shirt was super fly. But they were beyond excited....flocking around Setty like he was Bono. I had a lump in my throat the ENTIRE time....tears in my eyes...just to see the appreciation and happiness and determination of these kids...really moving. Tanzanians are very formal in their presentations and celebrations. There were balloons, and podium, special guests (regional commisioners to Arusha,who pulled up to the door in their fancy cars). Lots of speeches...expressions of gratitude, skits, songs...just glorious.
The day culminated with Setty announcing who would be climbing on the 26th. When these kids names were announced you would have thought they won 5 million dollars...screaming hugging kissing falling down....my tears started in earnest. I have never felt so happy for a group of kids in my life....for them to see the most beautiful sight in their own country with their friends...and safely guided by my friends.....I just can't get over the idea of all of them at Uhuru peak....looking out at the beauty of their country and relishing in their strength....
Today I feel so blessed to be here and to be a part of all this and to know the people I do here....
The small things we do for each other matter....
Peace and thanks!
Sarah

Longtime no blog

Hey...been quite busy the last few weeks...also gotten to a place where everything in this country is starting to feel much more commonplace. Not the everyday humorous chuckles anymore...now more a depth of understanding of the culture. Tom Derdak ,the executive director of Global Alliance, has been here this week and will be here for a few more days. We have had meetings defining the Travel Initiative of which I am the director. We are crunching numbers to present to the Board and hiring staff so that when I return to the States....the momentum can continue. As of now, we have 30 people climbing between Dec. and Feb. With each of these brave folks raising 5000 dollars that really enables GAA to do some serious work here...a hospitality program is in the works which continues to reflect the growing tourism rate. It's all very exciting and my mind is going constantly with the possibilities of it all....
Shawna and I took the girls to Arusha this weekend and stayed at the hotel where my climbing group is staying in Feb. The girls had fun....chasing cows,cats,dogs,lizards,frogs,monkeys.....and swimming...Tanzania is an animal loving child's paradise. Today is elle's last day at ISM....she and Shawna are doing a little jaunt to Zanzibar....then Elena and her boys arrive on Thurs. Once they get settled we will take them on a brief Masaai tour and safari...think those boys and girls would enjoy some spear throwing! we will camp in tents which will be a first for me and the girls...they have only done it with their Dad right next to a house. This will prove a bit different. The way they play and sleep here it should be great!!!
The following week is the porter's first training trip up the mountain....i am watching Setty's 3 kids....time is FLYING!!!! We'll be into Dec. by then and soon home for xmas....shawna and I and the girls did a bit of Xmas shopping at the Masaai Market in Arusha....funny to try to teach Nell and Pearl the art of negotiation...Nell was dying for a spear and shield...i gave her a price and told her if she could negotiate it she could get it....she proudly came back with her puchases....that's the Maltby gene. Then of course Pearl wanted one too....so off they went...and back Pearl came with hers....pretty funny watching them running around our garden threatening the gardener. Can't really believe I bought them a weapon....but...when in Africa I guess.
Love to you all!!!
Peace,
Sarah