Last day in Moshi :(
First of all, I wanted to say a BIG thank you to Jo and Damian and Henry VIII Pub in Etobicoke!!! They volunteered to raise some money and send it here for a good cause. With the money that they raised, Kilimehewa school is going to get their first classroom set of textbooks for at least two subjects (subjects to be determined). The school will be having a one year anniversary party toward the middle of September and the books will be “unveiled” at the event. The students are going to freak out!!!! It will be great for them to have text books. THANKS GUYS!!!! I have been assured that you will receive a photo once the kids have the books in hand!
Yesterday was a happy and sad day. It was our last days of placement. My last day actually started on Thursday with a Kilimehewa community meeting. The village chairman had a short speech prepared that was really sweet, and the ladies gave me a beaded bracelet and ring before singing and dancing. It was really sweet. Another volunteer, Helen was also saying good bye to Kilimehewa after a three week placement with the Womens Group. They had us both up dancing with them. We had the Ladies for tutoring in the afternoon and it was really sad to say goodbye. One of my favorites, Lucy, started bawling… it was such an awkward moment!!! She started Teodora, who started Mama Hediya… it was quite the moment! Really unexpected, and so damn awkward that all I could do was giggle uncomfortably and pat them on the back saying “pole” - “sorry”. Mama Lucy gave me a beaded necklace and bracelet that she made and also a picture that she drew of her and I. Mama Tina made me a hot plate out of rolled up banana leaves and tied with kanga fabric. Not sure how that is going to travel as it is really fresh and damp… I’ll have to tie it to the outside of my bag!
On Friday I planned a fun day so we played “Jeopardy”, ate chocolate, and took some photos in each class. The classes had drawn pictures and wrote letters to me, which was awesome. They came up one by one and gave me their pictures and their hugs. Saying thank you and goodbye to them was tough. Managed to get through it ok with just a few tears, no waterworks. A couple of the kids were really sad too, but for the most part the chocolate and the camera was so appealing that they forgot about me! 
I feel that being a part of this community has changed me, but I’m not exactly sure how yet. I think that in returning to travelling and eventually in returning home those changes will become more obvious. It has given me a lot to think about in terms of the way that I want to live my life, the way that Chris and I will live our lives together, the things that I value, how to make changes at home and far away. It has been such a positive experience and I feel really fortunate to have been here and met the people that I have met. I won’t forget a moment, and in my heart I know that I’ll be back one day. I encourage anyone who is considering doing volunteering whether local or international to DO IT!!!!
Hoping that the power and internet will be operational tonight at the home base (the power has been out all day today and the internet has been painfully slow or non existent for 3 days)
so we can upload the rest of our volunteering pictures before moving on. Stay tuned for photos!!
On our way to South Africa tomorrow!! Can’t wait to get there now that the goodbyes are done!!
Anyhow, while having a great time here, I continue to be very homesick and miss everyone badly. Hope that all is well, and hope to hear from some of you soon.
xoxox
Paula
September 01 2007 12:12 pm | Tanzania
September 1st, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Paula, although I don’t think I can get to meet you in person until next year, I am very excited to *know* you because I am so inspired by all your volunteer work in Africa. I used to hold 3 to 4 different volunteer jobs when I lived in Victoria, but I feel like I haven’t been doing any volunteer work for eons… I’ve been thinking about starting to volunteer for a local support group for HIV and MS patients. I have been taking some mental health classes, so it should be a great opportunity for me. Anyways, good luck to you and Chris. Hope you guys have a safe trip to the next destination!
Y.
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:06 am
Hi to both of you .This post has to be the one most difficult for you both,as you both have left your heart’s in Moshi.And after liking the experience to the point of staying an extra two weeks.
I’m sure you will be missed by all.
You both are leading an extraordinary lifestyle,with more experiences than any other ten people .I am very proud of you both.A girl at work who looks at your site can’t believe everything that you’ve seen and done so far.
I’m sure a lot more think the same way,including myself.
Be safe on the rest of your journey.
Love to you both.–Saint John Dad.
January 9th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Mambo, Paula. I stumbled upon your photos and blog when I was looking for more info for a friend. I left CCS Rau the day you came in and I taught at Kilemehewa just before you. It was a real treat to see the pictures of the kids you posted. It made me miss Moshi more than I already do!