Hodi! Tanzania

Journal Entry - Chelsie

June 25, 2007
Chelsie Moore

So we are home. Not only have I already eaten the beloved velveeta and hot dogs, but I also just slept in a bed with no bug net and no constantly growing valley in the center of the mattress, I am about to take a shower with hot, dirt-free water that flows strongly from a shower head mounted on the wall, and later on today, after visiting most of my family, I will cook myself a steak and corn (notice…no rice or mystery crunchies there). Although I am excited to be home for many different reasons, I am definitely feeling sad to be finished with our trip and mostly to be away from the group. We spent a long time planning and creating expectations; some of which were interrupted or changed, but we adapted better and better with each “surprise,” not to be confused with a “disaster.”

I went on this trip expecting to learn a lot. Mostly my expectations were in learning about a culture very different from my own and then in learning about myself. I did learn about the culture of the people we lived with in Tanzania; however, I learned that a lot of their culture parallels our own yet is still obviously very different. I am not sure if I took full advantage of the opportunity for cultural exchange, but I was most certainly overwhelmed, if not with the seemingly “slow motion” rate of flow in every day life in Pommern, then definitely by the language barrier and shocked and yelling faces staring as mzungus walked by. Even still, I learned, probably mostly about myself. Before this trip, I was hardly nervous about jumping into a community of people with limited communication and very different ways of life. I was mostly nervous about traveling with a huge group and constantly being with almost twenty other people for more than three weeks. Let me just say, it was not easy, for any of us. Now, however, I can say that I would go any where with most of the people in our group and do pretty much anything for them as we came a long way together, learning with each step and “surprise.” I’ve learned that I can put up with things, but once I get hungry or hot, watch out because you will probably hear about it. After a snack to revive blood sugar levels, it is important to realize that I may have over reacted and make amends with the person who was on the receiving end of my flare-up. I have learned that if I am having a rough day, I can always find someone who is having a worse day, and putting my problems aside to help them feel better is more effective than moping. I have learned that patience is indeed a very important aspect of working in a group of peers, also in a culturally new and diverse experience, and in life in general. I have learned what sort of communication within the group is effective and what is definitely not. I have learned that, although eating rice and potato eggs everyday for three weeks is not the most appealing thing, it can be done (thank you, immodium and pepto).

So, with all of the “surprises” we faced along the way and with all of the “short” speeches we endured, I may have taken more out of this trip that I anticipated and in a very different way. When I look back on this trip and wear my Maasai earrings and my $7 custom made skirt, I will remember the fun I had with my friends acquiring these souvenirs and the way we overcame the differences and new experiences we faced as a group and as individuals. We will forever have reminders of this trip, the things we learned, and the friendships we made, and hopefully, as Rob says, they will last a lifetime because I just know the next time I lose my luggage, am within half an hour of the destination and find out my room has been double booked, question a doctor’s treatment of a baby boy who clearly has meningitis, or wait two hours for a half of a cheeseburger, I am going to be looking around for the people on this trip to do it with me again. Of course, the next time I sing “Build Me Up Buttercup,” sit at a waterfall for hours even though I am not allowed to touch the water for fear of parasites, or haggle with (aka yell at) street vendors, I will be looking for the group too. Whether they are really there or not, I know I will handle things with more ease just in memory of what we went through together, because in the end we are all stronger, and we have all learned.

So, thanks to our leaders and my fellow team members for bringing yourselves on this trip. You may have made a difference to people in Pommern, but I think it is safe to say that you have somehow made a difference in each and every member of our team. I am forever grateful for out time spent together, the memories we made, and the friendships we created.

Asante sana wote. Nina kupenda.

Journal Entry - Rob

Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Rob

"Be prepared for an experience that will last a lifetime"

I have read these words for more than 15 years countless times. They come from a sign at the entrance of a camp that has been a very important part of my life. These words have been ingrained in my head and exemplify how I live.

When I am asked to describe my experience in Pommern I will use this phrase: It has been an experience that will last a lifetime. The next question is obvious — why? “Why” is a little harder to answer.

Everyone here knows I have openly complained about this trip. I have complained about team members, the town, food, and especially writing in this journal. Secretly though I have been touched by this trip. Working in the clinic has given me a chance to see healthcare in a form I would never see in the US. Being a spectacle to kids because I am white is something that would never happen in Vermont. The greatest thing though is hanging with people I would never chill with at school. This is what causes the most distress, and my sometimes outward personality. For most people this is a summer trip between school years. Come August they will be back in the rustic mountains of Vermont enjoying the college life at Norwich. For me and other it's our last Hoorah — our last college experience before taking on the world. Come August I will be serving my country in the Army. No more college for more or at least for some time. Knowing how life leads us all on different paths, I wonder if mine will ever intersect again with one of my team members. My biggest fear is leaving Boston and never seeing anyone on this trip again.

Then I realize I probably won't ever see any of these people in Pommern again either. Regardless of how good my intention is for that not to happen.

When I leave Pommern tomorrow I will look back knowing I have left a small fingerprint on this community. What Pommern won't realize is the big one it has left on me.

-Rob

Journal Entry - John

Friday, June 14, 2007
It has been a long time since I wrote in this journal and so much has happened. We arrived in Pommern as people described and got to work on our assigned projects. Evan, Josh and I have been working hard on improving the sporting grounds and getting them ready for use in inter-town and school athletic competitions to begin in July. We have almost fully completed a 400-meter track built from scratch and have made a soccer net for one of their goals.

Since their projects are nearing completion and time is running out, we have turned our focus to the issue that we chose to take on and try to come up with a sustainable solution to waste management. Evan being in the environmental group and I in the economic sustainability group have chosen a project that that addresses both areas.

A major problem in Pommern is waste management: the system they use right now is to build a building over a hole in the ground and use it as a toilet until it fills. They then cement over it and build a new one. This is not only gross but very bad for the soil and water supply near by. Another problem they have is with the use of fertilizers. Not only are they expensive but the rain washes a lot of the chemicals into the water supply making it unsafe to drink.

Our solution: COMPOSTING

Before the trip I did some research on composting and specifically the composting of human waste. I brought with me all of that information and instructions on how to implement it. Not only will this give an alternative to burying the waste in the ground but it will create an inexpensive and all-organic fertilizer for the town to use along with the rest of the environment group. Nicole, Margaret (our local environmental expert), Evan and I met with the upendo women's group today to present our materials and get their suggestions on how it might be best to implement something like this. The meeting was very successful and the women all agreed that composting is a great idea. There was a little snag through when using human waste was suggested. I guess people didn’t like the idea of carrying their poop out back in a bucket and dumping it in a big pile, go figure.

As weird as that may sound, it is a common practice in many third world countries and when done correctly really isn’t all that gross. We have scheduled another larger scale town wide meeting for Sunday after church and hope to gain more support there.

In other news Chris, Josh, ay and I taught 6-8 of the local students how to play American football last night. It was a great time and they were surprisingly good although they had some issues with throwing form and not throwing it again once they caught it. They were all very good at kicking though.

Now it's really late and everyone else in sleeping so lala salama and tutaoonoana Boadai.

-John

Journal Entry - Kate

June 12, 2007
Wednesday
The only way that I can describe today is peaceful and eerily quiet. After living in a house with 20 people for over a week, some alone time is something to be yearned for. This house may be large, but sharing 1 ½ semi-functional bathrooms and a dining room table which always seems to be missing one chair, we have all gotten a little close for comfort at times. Most of the group made a voyage to Iringa today to write emails and do research, and buy more essential supplies like Pringles and Nutella. Meanwhile, Mo, Quinn, Chris, Moriah and I stayed, along with Susan and Lewis. Chris and I unintentionally slept in for most of the morning, because there was no ruckus in the house to wake us up like usual. Mo and Quinn went on an adventurous walk past the Roman catholic church and saw some newborn puppies along the way.

We all met up for lunch, and this time I actually got some watermelon, which is usually long gone before I get to the table. After lunch Chris and I went down to the school to track down our Tanzanian painting compadres and we painted one classroom. At 2:30 all of us headed to the library for a discussion on the seven laws of teaching headed by none other then mama Susan. The local teachers and students joined in the discussion enthusiastically and described to us the national disease that is mathematics. After the class we went back up to the mission house to enjoy our last moments in a quiet house. Once the crew returned it would be dinner, and time for our nightly meeting, and of course back to fighting over the limited fruit and working toilets.

-Kate

Journal Entry - Stacey

June 11, 2007
Monday
It’s Monday and we are beginning another service week. Today I woke up sick and not feeling so great, still I woke up and headed off to continue painting the classrooms with Karen, Maureen, and Bianca, who joined us after she was done at the clinic. Kate, Rob, Jess, and Chelse also went to the clinic for the baby-weighing day. Chris and Nicole continued to replace windows. Moriah and Kim went to the new dispensary to continue with the construction. Evan, John, and Josh were at the playground working on the track. By the end of the morning we completed the two classrooms we began on Wednesday, but we soon learned that we had a few more classrooms to go. After a very needed nap, Nicole, Bianca, Kim and I headed to meet with Mr.Wilbert (headmaster) to discuss education needs at the secondary school. I am really excited about the projects that we discussed and I am looking forward to begin working on them.

After our meeting we went to the soccer field to watch the guys, Haran, and the villagers play soccer, and I am sad to say that the mzungus lost. Tonight we had a real good discussion after dinner. Many people had thoughts and feelings to share with the group. I am very happy that we are able to express how we feel in a civil, mature and positive way. So the lights will be out soon, and I guess I should go to bed. Tomorrow some of us will be going to Iringa, and the rest will continue doing their service projects.

-Stacey.

Journal Entry - Kim

Kim’s reflection 6-15-07
The last two days were incredible and I hope I justify their happenings with my story. Yesterday, I began my day at the clinic where I received not only a warm welcome from the staff, but an intense realization of the need for healthcare providers in Africa. Following check-ups of patients in the ward, Rob, Chelsie, and I sat in the exam room with the doctor to discuss diagnosis and treatments. Later that morning after observing two tooth extractions I “ran” into a women the Dr. said had HIV. And although I have worked in an HIV baby Clinic in Haiti, I’ve never stared deeply enough into the eyes of a dying soul. This experience reminded me again of my purpose for applying to medical school, and my successfulness depending solely on my willingness to be selfless in all that matters.

Today was my home visit, where numerous volunteers from the group decide to split up and go to different homes in order to spend a day in the life of an African family. As Freedon, my 18-year-old escort from the mission hour who brought me to his home, he greeted me with a plethora of tender hugs and a charismatic smile. Already I knew today was going to be different. We began the day with miles of walking to the bean fields where we were going to water the crops! While walking along with Freedon and his 21-year-old sister Astane I was confronted with minimal talking yet it was comfortable enough for me to reflect on not only the breathtaking landscape, but also life in general. I pondered the simplicity of this culture, of the souls of its people, and most importantly the smiles that can be seen inside and out. It is here where I began to slow my life down, after returning to Freedon’s home. I embarked on a journey of de-feathering and carving a chicken, cutting up vegetables, watering beans, weeding sweet potatoes, and harvesting crops.

Everyone always says that taking risks is the best thing someone in need of purpose can do for themselves, well today I took that advice and broke my fast-paced life in order to, for the first time in my life, enjoy the present time. I realize now that is there is any selfish reason for traveling to Africa; it was to be forced to slow down and not hurry through life any longer. The loving compassion of the family of six with whom I spent today actually made me feel at home and I discovered that they were a portion of my life that helped me to find purpose. Long story short… I realized that no longer could I worry about tomorrow, just try and enjoy today!

- Why not go out on a limb… isn’t that where the fruit is?
A new friend

- IN DEDICATION TO MY FAMILY:
If people concentrated on really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.

Journal Entry - Rob

June 15th
Thousands of miles from home, deep in the interior of Tanzania, within a small room within a small clinic, I learned a very strong lesson in nursing. Today started like any other day thus far. We (Kate, Chelsie, and myself) walked into the clinic and greeted Dr. G and the other staff and started our morning. Patients had already started lining up outside, some who had traveled far to come to the clinic in Pommern.

It was about mid morning when a father and son came into the clinic. The child about two years of age was obviously sick. We had seen the child the previous day for an injured knee and the father and son had returned for a check up. Immediately, my clinical impression was that something else was going on much more serious than the previous day's knee injury.

As we went through the check-up, there were clinical signs that started to confirm my impression. The child was lethargic, not acting age appropriate. There were signs of fever, which was confirmed by touch and a temp close to 103F. Lastly, they child carried himself in a manner that would make you think he had a stiff neck. I was thinking meningitis.

I was reassured though that it was clearly something else. We gave the standard treatment for a child with a fever (some antibiotics and Tylenol), decided to have them stay a while in the clinic, and sent them to the nurse in the next room. Kate and I looked at each other with unconvincing eyes.

I soon left with Dr. G to help pull some teeth while Kate and Chelsie stayed with the other Doc to see more patients. Unbeknownst to me, Kate decided to do some detective work; she was obviously not convinced with the prognosis of this patient.

About twenty minutes later Kate interrupted Dr. G and me and proclaimed, “that baby has meningitis.” She was holding an emergency pediatric book in her hand that was clearly older than our nursing education. Dr. G decided to reexamine the child after we extracted a few molars.

While examining the child for a second time I pointed out to the Doc why I thought the child had meningitis. I especially pointed out the stiff neck with a high temperature. “This is very interesting. I have never seen this in Pommern before” Dr. G stated. “This is surely diagnostic of meningitis.”

With those words the child’s treatment changed, and referral to a hospital in Inringa (about two hours away), a course of action that saved the child’s life.

Anyone who has been in medicine and nursing long enough knows that practitioners are only human. People make mistakes, tunnel vision occurs, and sometimes we don’t come to the right conclusions. There is a reason why it is called a practice instead of a science.

What I learned is that I need to trust my education and my experience. I also learned that I should always advocate for the patient, especially when my gut feeling tells me I am right. Kate did a great thing today advocating for that child. A lesson I will not forget anytime soon.

Journal Entry - Moriah

June 14, 2007
Friday

Today was a very "sustainable" day. A lot of people's project that they planned for are underway. I stayed in the mission house after breakfast to work on my inventory and analysis for the school that will soon progress to my master planning suggestions. I also worked on preparing for my thesis presentation on Sunday. Then Nicole and I went down to the school for tea, followed by Nicole's transferable skills workshop. The workshop was well received by 29 teachers and students. After lunch I returned to school for an amazing discussion with Pommern's student government. The first half of the discussion was focused on comparing the student government to SGA at Norwich. Let me just say, they have an office, and we don’t. They have 86 members and seem to be very organized and well structured. I encouraged the students to ask me about anything, and somehow by 4:30pm we have covered what they thought of Americans, and how not all Americans are rich.

We had a great discussion about sexual orientation, race, HIV/AIDS, rape, and global warming. After exchanging contact information with the students, I walked with Quinn to the fields. Despite all of Chris's efforts the volleyball match didn't happen, but Frisbee and football filled the time before dinner. My day was not the only "sustainable" one. Bianca and Stacey continued their work on building a student records filing system. The running track was completed in the morning and Evan, John, Quinn, and Maureen embarked on their composting meeting with the Upendo women's group. The composting presentation was followed by Nicole meeting with the women's group to discuss grant writing. Right before dinner the health group met with Dr. Godlove to discuss some of their projects. Although a lot of these sustainable projects were a bit hidden by painting and hoe-ing. With still a week left our projects are well underway.

-Moriah

Journal Entry - Jessica

The top 10 ailments in this area:
1) Malaria
2) Acute respiratory infections (like the common cold)
3) Pneumonia
4) Intestinal worms
5) Eye infections
6) Ear infections
7) Asthma
8) AIDS
9) Burns
10) Emergency oral care

In the few mornings that I have spent observing at the clinic, I have seen many of these problems. I’ve seen one small child with malaria, one child with hookworm, one with pneumonia. I’ve seen many people with colds, and I’ve seen two tooth extractions. I saw a young girl with a skin infection on her chin secondary to AIDS, and one woman, presently in end-stage AIDS, trying to care for a 2 month old baby.

Patients believe that anytime they go to the doctor, there is some kind of medication that should heal them.
Doctors believe that any ailment patients have can be fixed with some kind of medication, and very little effort is made to use other treatments instead of, or in conjunction with, medication.

It’s very hard to provide help to the clinic in a sustainable way, because very few things in healthcare can be reused. We have brought some donations, and hope to purchase more, but that will all run out. The one sustainable thing that we can leave behind is knowledge. I hope that I, along with the 3 other members of the health group, can leave behind some of the knowledge that we have, and can help to improve the care that is given to these patients by suggesting treatments that do not include medications (such as stress relief and good hygiene), and by giving the information necessary so that the right medications are prescribed for the right reasons, in the right amounts.

~Jessica

Journal Entry - Quinn

June 13, 3007
Thursday

So I was supposed to write in this last night, but I got caught up in a book I was trying to finish, and completely forgot. So yesterday I set off with Chris, Chelsea, and Jess to repair windows, and my brilliant self decided to carry the first pain we cut with no gloves. Needless to say I ended up with little cuts all over my hands. After my trip back to the mission house to clean then up, I made it back in time to see the last pain go in before tea time. Between tea time and lunch we put a few more windows in, but again my participation was limited because of all the Pommern students that were volunteering to help. After lunch I was finally afflicted with the sickness that we've all been passing around, and I spent a few hours in bed. I still have no explanation for the strange tingling sensation in my knees, but luckily that appears to have been temporary. After dinner we had our nightly meeting, and were unfortunately informed that the Greenstein's would be leaving us, and that it was mama Susan's birthday tomorrow so we all signed a t-shirt, and our NU visions choir came together one last time to sing her happy birthday. At last it was time to retire to our room where Bianca, Maureen, and I are subjected to at least 45 minutes annoyance before Karen lets us go to sleep

-Quinn

Journal Entry - Rob

June 11th, 2007

Chairs went flying, voices were raised, and seven arms darted for six spoons neatly placed in the middle of the table. When the red dust settled, John was left without a spoon and a little flustered over what just occurred. With that ended the first round of the most intense card game I have ever played.

A half hour into the game, I looked across the table, studying the eyes of my companions trying to figure out who was going to start a chain reaction of chaos. I began to think to myself how great it was that I was sitting at a table with seven people I would probably have talked to very little at Norwich. I thought how great it is that trips like these bring people together from all walks of life and how glad I am of the new lifelong friends I have made. Just as that thought crossed my mind chaos broke loose, I looked down and I was now spoonless. With that ended our Sunday of relaxation.

Monday brought with it a beautiful sunny sky, a warm breeze, and a chance to spend the day working in the clinic. Our healthcare team was split up and went to work on different projects. While Kate and Chelsie weighed babies, Jess and myself saw patients with the clinic doctors. I have never felt luckier to have the amenities of modern medicine. Here in the middle of Africa I was practicing my education yet not able to rely on anything except the knowledge I have acquired, my colleges, and a few dusty medical books that are clearly outdated.

As Jess and I flipped through scrap pieces of paper that were used as patient files, I was amazed with how different our healthcare practices are from the providers that run this little clinic. OSHA would be appalled and I am sure JAHCO would flip a lid. Yet here where healthcare providers have little to nothing they are seeing more patients than several docs could see in a large ER, and treating them fairly well and accurately. It is nothing less than amazing.

I look forward to working in the clinic again as well as learning what I can and teaching what I know. If today’s experience has done anything, it surely made me a better nurse and opened my eyes to a new world of healthcare.

Journal Entry - Karen

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Its been another beautiful day today. I woke up as usual, had breakfast together with the volunteer group and later attended mass at the Lutheran church. As the pews filled to capacity, I enjoyed the choir singing in Kiswahili which brought many memories of when I was in choir at my school in Narobi Kenya. After a few church announcements the priest invited us to introduce ourselves and greet the people. I was very nervous because we had to sing afterwards and I didn’t know the words to the song. After the church service we headed back to the mission house where Maureen, Bianca and I tried washing clothes but we were distracted by bees and wasps which chased us everywhere. Unfortunately my friend Bianca got stung by a bee on her lip, but thank God she was alright.

Later in the afternoon we went to the big rock, which was amazing with a spectacular view of the landscape. I also had a great time hiking/trekking all the way back to the mission house which was about 5-7 km. Its about 9:50 p.m. now and I’m sitting on my bed waiting for the last 10 minutes of light before the generator shuts off. I’ll be looking forward for another awesome day tomorrow with my pals.

- Karen

Journal Entry - Lewis

Saturday, June 9, 2007

The day began with preparations for an advanced party to be launched on a daring daytime assault on Iringa. Objectives included Jay’s uploading photographs to the blog, Chris’s urgently exploring alchemy on the web and Kate kindly securing yogurt for the dairy deprived. Current newspapers were also secured for one last look at Maria Sharapova upon her exit from the French open.

Meanwhile back in Pommern, work contined on the running track. Some 100 meters is now free of grass and awaiting the appearance of the next world-class Tanzanian miler. The glaziers were all in the Iringa party so work was suspended until Monday. Painters applied the first coat to both classrooms. The foundation, under Moriah’s direction, came close to completion for the new dispensary. Volunteers appeared visibly disappointed as the morning completed, meaning the downing of tools till Monday morning. A scouting party was dispatched in the late morning to the “big rock”, the region's closet approximation to a tourist attraction. The scouts returned with a 100 heads of cabbage for the secondary school. “ Beans are only beans without cabbage”. The anticipated invasion of watoto materialized in the afternoon, yoyo’s, football, soccer ball, and hacky sack were deployed as usual.

Today's innovation was crayons and coloring books. Results were as expected. The evening's highlights were two Evan's graphs ( as we have come to expect), which made sure no one took him/herself too seriously. Rehearsal for tomorrow's performance for Evan and the Evanettes rendering “build me up, butter cup” to the Lutheran congregation went smoothly. Do Lutherans have a process of excommunication?

Quote: Old Swahili proverb,
- Haraka, haraka haina baraka pole, pole utafika

Rough translation,
- If you so fast you’ll get no blessing. If you so slow you will arrive.

Journal Entry - Josh

Friday, June 8, 2007

I woke up today after surviving Evans 24-hour death. I was excited to actually go and get work done. I started the morning taking pictures and soon realized that whatever I took a picture of, Jay already had one just like it or better. Then I took a bunch of pictures of kids, and worked on the track with Evan and John.

-Josh Barnick

Journal Entry - Bianca

June 8, 2007

One week to the day, and almost to the exact time in America. It is 8:50 p.m. here, and the generators are going off around 10, and another day is over. It does not seem like a week so far, it actually seems a lot longer. We are all on a schedule and we all seem to be getting pretty used to it. We have already got a lot of things done, or we at least have a lot of plans that we want to get done, and it has only been a week. I can't wait to see what we have accomplished at the end of the trip. I as well as many others came here with plans for the community, but in actuality we are assisting the community with existing projects, instead of introducing new things. I feel that this is for the best, we are here to help in any way in hopes to make things a little easier in any way we can. Doing this is fine with me. Little things count, and at this rate all the little things will make a huge impact.

-Bianca

Journal Entry - Maureen

June 7, 2007
Maureen

Although a lot has happened today, let me speak to Evan's quote. Working at last in Pommern, Stacy, Ouinn ( After she assembled her Bio-Belt), Chelsie, Bianca and I got the task of painting. Let me just say this: between our volunteer work in New Orleans and Quinn's and my apartment, I have recently felt that a majority of my life has been spent painting, so why I volunteered for this job, I don’t know. Maybe painting sounds like a fun job at first, I really can't tell you. In any case, if painting sounds fun at first, it definitely gets tiring after a while. So now to go back to Evan's quote “never put off till tomorrow what you can do today”, actually, do put it off. After putting on 2 coats of (unnecessary) primer, we began applying oil paint. Not just your average oil paint either. Oil paint thinned with straight up kerosene! Yummy!

So, after finishing half of the room with a lovely ‘summer blue’ we opted to put off the second coat or starting the other half. When your stomach hurts and your head is spinning and you fear you might become infertile from the fumes, ALWAYS put off till tomorrow what you can do today. But anyways, besides becoming infertile it was fun. We learned some new Swahili from the matron and Mr. Painter, as well as the fact that oil paint does in fact work over water-based paint. All in all a fun and learning experience. Yay painter.

-Maureen

Quote: “All the things that are possible in the US are not possible here.”
-Haran

Journal Entry - Rob

Thursday, June 7, 2007
Pommern

I tried to sit down yesterday and write in the blog but ran into the worse case of writer's block ever. I’m not sure why. I usually have a lot to say. People that know me can attest to this. I decided to put down the computer and give it another shot tonight, so here I am with a lot to say and no writer's block.

I really don’t know where to start so I guess I will start with the beginning of my day, which started at 4 a.m. when I had the sudden urge that I was going to be sick. After a fast run down the stairs of the mission house and out the door, I knew it was going to be a long day. Somewhere during our travels to Africa and here I caught the plague (not the real plague but it still wasn’t fun). I went back to bed and woke up to Kimberley asking me to go on a run with her. I obviously said no.

After the small amount of breakfast I was able to hold down and a little bit of Chai (tea) the group headed down to the school for our volunteer jobs of the day. Karen, Kathleen, and myself were all sent to the clinic to meet Dr. Godlove.

To be honest I knew what I was going to see when I went into clinic and what kind of conditions to expect, even still I was taken back with how rudimentary it was. I really don’t know how to describe how I was feeling but I do know it gave me a sense of need to help.

We saw some patients with Dr. Godlove until 11:30, when we went back to the mission house for lunch. After a few bites to eat I laid down on our single couch in the house and went to sleep. Darn Plague.

I awoke several hours later feeling a little better, but still not up to par. I went outside and walked to one of the village stores for a soda (to which I am now completely addicted) and then came back and played a little with some of the kids that had congregated outside the mission house.

Not really one of the most exciting days but I have learned a lot since I have been here. The first is our team is amazing. I love being with every one of my peers and smile knowing that they all feel the same way. Two, not knowing the local language really bites. It’s so hard to communicate (I’m working on it) and I hope I learn a lot more so I can talk. Lastly, it’s no fun being sick in Africa, but as I write this I am feeling better.

POMMERN!

We have arrived...

Journal Entry - Evan

June 6, 2007
Iringa, Tanzania

You wont believe my luck, but today I met “Mr. Clothes”, Iringa’s premier hip-hop artist. He called him self Nguo in private life. ( Tanzania’s paparazzi are relentless) he supports his blossoming music career by selling things street side with his friend whose name I can not remember. I was promised a recording upon returning to Iringa, so that will be interesting. We mostly chatted amiably in American slang about America and rap. In all seriousness the people here are fantastic, good humored and friendly. I am glad I got to meet Mr. Clothes, maybe one day I will say I knew him when.

Quote: Never put off til tomorrow what you can do today, just say they’ll be done in 10 minutes.
Evan Spalding

Journal Entry - John

June 6, 2007
9:45, Iringa

Finally on the way to Pommern we just stopped back one last time to update the blog. I had an amazing time last night playing with the kids from the school near the church we stayed at in Iringa. Me and Rob and some others brought out the Frisbee and hacky sack and we showed the kids how to play. Then most of our group went into town and it was just me, Rob and some kids playing. One girl named Lucy knew very good English and she asked our names and introduced us to her friends, Lulu, Annette, Sophia, and Sabrina. They then taught us their own games with the hacky sack.

They began calling us brother John and brother Rob. When more kids came over and called us Mzungu, Lucy told them “no Mzungu, brother John”. That was really cool. A lot of their games involved throwing the ball (impira) at each other and dodging in (chogo-dodge). In one game there were sticks on the ground and a person in the middle tried to pick up all the sticks while two others (one on each side) tried to hit them with the ball. A hit was called babua. We learned a lot from them about language and just about their culture in general. I can’t wait to interact with more kids once we get to Pommern

Tutaonana Bedai !- Brother John

Journal Entry - Nicole

Ah…nima sheeba. We just finished dinner from Hasty Tasty Too – a must-eat for any mzungu traveling through Iringa looking for a little “Tanzania meets India” cuisine.

It’s been a fairly productive yet restful day for the team as many of us took care of many matters, emailed family and friends, and picked up some post cards and other necessities all while Haran – God love him – stayed back in Dar to retrieve all but one of the 23 missing bags!

It was also probably our first real introduction to “Tanzanian life” – since yesterday was a full day of travel, and the Slipway was often referred to as the Epcot Center of East Africa – with its hundreds of tourists from every corner of the globe, with cotton candy, dance, music, and a seemingly endless number of vendors selling everything from picture frames to jewelry to mzungu t-shirts.

This morning, many of us woke to the yelling and laughter of children at a nearby kindergarten or the singing from the attached church. A few of us couldn’t help but to follow the sounds and interact with the children, who seemed just as excited to see us as we were to see them.

Though Evan was sick most of the day, and Chris realized he lost his I-pod, people’s tensions seemed to have eased by nightfall. Apparently a day in Iringa and an opportunity to play with the kids or rest was exactly what we needed…of course Evan’s newly unveiled charts, which he shared with us at dinner, also seemed to hit the spot.

Other highlights, which include both my personal witnessing or stories heard second-hand include us getting caught up with our blog, viewing all the great pictures that Jay has shot so far, another round of hot showers, and Chelsie’s encounter with a drug dealer to whom she replied, “Ew, no, get away from me!” according to Quinn. (Good job for just saying “no,” Chelsie.)

But now, at least for me, it is time to get to bed…Haran is coming late tonight with our bags, and we’re hoping to get an early start tomorrow so that we can make it to Pommern tomorrow by lunchtime!

I can not wait to see all my friends again in Pommern, and so I’m half-hoping that the earlier I get to bed, the sooner tomorrow will come! Usiku mwema!

-Nicolina

Journal Entry - Jess and Chelsie, Part 3

Travel Chronicles: Part 3
Last night, we arrived in Iringa after a nine-hour drive. We received a genuinely warm welcome and comfortable accommodations. Today we awoke, had breakfast, met some of the most beautiful and friendly school children, and toured Iringa. We are awaiting Haran’s arrival along with our 23 pieces of missing but recovered luggage. Luckily we have a great group. This whole luggage hang up is merely considered a part of the adventure. We are happy to be here and excited about what is in store for us as we continue.

Tomorrow – Pommern, finally!

To keep in mind… “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” (A borrowed quote)

Cheers!
Chelsie and Jessica

Journal Entry - Jess and Chelsie, Part 2

Travel Chronicles: Part 2

So, here we are, our third day in Africa still wearing our travel clothes, hopeful that our luggage will be catching up with us today. After a lovely stay at the Slipway Hotel in Dar, Kim, Moriah, and Jay went to battle with BA on our behalf. Upon their return from the airport, we learned just how crazy the situation had become. Of course the bags didn’t make it on the next BA flight, because that would be too easy. Ten bags were delivered this morning via BA; six last night and ten this morning via Kenya Air, who deserves our most sincere thanks for fixing a problem they had no part in creating.

Journal Entry - Jess and Chelsie, Part 1

Travel Chronicles: Part 1

So, there we were, Heathrow Airport. A twelve-hour layover taught us well the purpose of the “quiet seating area.” In between sleeping, we were fairly productive with all of the Toblerone buying, lunch eating, and email sending. Around 8 p.m. (3 p.m. ET) we boarded the plane for the last airplane-bound leg of our journey to Africa and landed 10 hours later.

To our surprise, immigration procedures were easy. With Quinn and Rob eagerly watching for our baggage to be unloaded onto the conveyor belt, we all waited. Once the empty conveyor belt circled a few times, we finally had to face the fact that, just maybe, our bags didn’t make it to Tanzania. Out of 34 bags we received a whopping 11 before leaving Dar’s airport. Yes, it’s true. More than 67% of our bags were M.I.A.; thank you, British Airways! May we just point out that after a measly 36 hours of travel, the reality of not having luggage for a three week trip in Tanzania did not overpower most of our delirious minds. After a three-hour nap, the severity of the situation (having no clean clothes, not all of our meds, or really anything for that matter) hit us!

Journal Entry - Kim

June 2nd, Heathrow Airport, London, England
Hey everyone, not sure what day it is, but I do know the time is 15:24 according to the BBC News and that we are in London during what seems like a 3-day layover. So I thought to myself earlier today I got the shaft, “Who can write a journal entry about layovers and airports?” Oh well, here is my mere attempt. No one panic, I do promise to try and capture all the action-packed, fun-filled adventures of the NU Visions Abroad group during our travels to Africa. Our travels started yesterday, which I’m sure was June 1, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts; with a profound group of Norwich students and two advisors.

At first glance, what would seem to be a cranky, bored, whiny group of college kids standing, sitting, and sleeping in the Boston airport would prove to be much different. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I think our entire group was wishing we would just get to the plane, but there was a mild attempt at group cohesion. I found myself and others sharing conversation with many people. I feel this conversation/game playing or getting a bite to eat was important to our group before we truly embarked on our adventure to Africa.

Once on the plane I was lucky enough to sit next to two other students which made the trip more comfortable. Shortly after take-off and a scrumptious diet coke, I was off to bed for the remainder of the trip. Six hours later we arrived in London where we were set free for the remainder of our layover.

It was during this time that I slept, read the journal back to front, and bought some craptastic fruit with a bottle of water for a small amount of only $9.78. Oh well, no more food for this kid. Everyone else has either been sleeping, on the Internet, eating, shopping, and people watching.

That’s all for now; my prayers for safety are with this group and that we may all get out of this trip what we have hoped for.

Kimmie

Journal Entry - Rob

London, England
I’m sitting in Heathrow International Airport in London watching our team sleep in really uncomfortable chairs. One great thing about being a Norwich Alum is I have learned to sleep just about anywhere, however I am unable to sleep right now. I love traveling too much and enjoy every moment I am able to talk to someone new. Traveling is great.

It is crazy to think that soon we will be in Africa. We have all worked so hard for this trip from raising donations to working on our class projects. I’m excited that soon we will be there.

While we where still in Boston we met up with the Greenstiens, who will joining us in Tanzania. Their flight plans take them through Switzerland then Africa. I look forward to seeing them again.

I must admit I am a little homesick. Ok, not really homesick, more Camp sick. I already miss everyone at camp and can’t wait to see them all again. Megs, if you read this just think I am in your home country as I write this :-P. I will try to remember to bring you back some chocolate. I also want to thank Rick and Matt for their last-minute donations.

I also have some big news for those of you that have not heard. Both Kathleen Boylan and myself passed our NLCEX and are now Registered Nurses. It was a wicked big relief for both of us! I personally want to thank everyone that had more confidence than me that I would pass. Just in case you are curious, that was just about everyone I know.

Well, I am going to sit back and enjoy book, do a little people watching, and wait for our flight at 1900 tonight (its currently 1100 as I write this). My next blog will be from Africa.

Cheers,
~Robert

Journal Entry - Jessica

We began our group journal in February, 2007. One team member contributes an entry each week.

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May 2, 2007

I'm sitting in the library right now, and I know that I should be working on my final English essay. But like most students at this point in the year, my motivation is lacking. We just had our "send off" for the Tanzania trip yesterday. That was the most excited I've been about going. Probably because all the work is done, and now we're down to the final nitty-gritty preparations such as packing, collecting donations, and other logistical details.

The trip is just around the corner, and I really never thought it would come. The year flew by so fast, and here it is, already less than a month away. A question was asked at the send-off yesterday about any apprehensions that we are having as members of the team. Of course I'm nervous, but since then I've really taken time to consider why. There are the obvious reasons; like I really really don't want to get sick. And I've been on an airplane many times before, but for some reason, I'm a little nervous about flying over the entire Ocean. And I'm just hoping I'll adjust well to the time change and the food we'll be eating. So much of that is psychological, and underneath it all I know I'll be fine. But I've realized that there is a much bigger thing that I'm nervous about.

Two summers ago I spent 10 weeks in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic doing service projects, and it was the best summer of my whole life. My perspective changed so greatly that when I came back, I almost didn't recognize myself at times. I built strong bonds with many of the Dominicans that I worked with, and a number of the children. I loved everything about it; the food, the music, the dancing, the language (even though I spoke nada Spanish before going), but especially the people. It was so hard for me to leave. I came back and experienced reverse culture shock at its finest. I was depressed for quite a while before I got back into school and back into my old routine. I had a hard time reconnecting with my friends in the same way. But even now, when I look at pictures, I remember every experience so vividly. And it hurts. I love the culture and the country; it's like a second home to me. I experience the heartbreak of leaving all over again when I remember it.

I'm incredibly passionate about different cultures, so I want to soak it all in and experience the authenticity of Tanzanian culture. I'm looking forward to being surprised and shocked, and having my perspective changed even more. I do realize, though, that the more I allow myself to become connected, the harder it's going to be to leave. The more I learn from and experience with the Tanzanians, the more of myself will be left behind there. And if a part of me is left behind in Pommern, my heart will ache for it after we get back. Part of me is anxious about the return, and the inevitable heartbreak to follow. But I hope I still allow myself the full experience, and don't hold back out of fear. I know it will all be worth it! Less than a month away! I have to figure out where in the world I'm going to buy a mosquito net? I can honestly say that I've never shopped around for that kind of thing before.

~Jessica

Journal Entry - Rob; UPDATE!

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April 13, 2007
I woke up today EXCITED that I am going to Tanzania. Something clicked that in less than two months I will be in Africa with an amazing team doing stuff that few people my age will ever get to do. How lucky am I that I will be going to another country a doing what I love doing the most, helping people. That’s awesome!

I am thrilled that I will be able to represent Norwich as an Alum half way across the world and extend a tradition of being a Citizen Soldier. It is cool stuff!

Our team has a short time until we go but a lot of hard work ahead of us. I’m glad I found some motivation. This trip should be an experience that will last a lifetime!

Lazima niende sasa,
Robert

Journal Entry - Rob

We began our group journal in February, 2007. One team member contributes an entry each week.

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April 3rd, 2007
I want to start out by saying how much I dislike public journals. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is simple. I am horrible with spelling and grammar and feel like everyone is judging my entry when I read it. The second reason being that I can never think of anything profound, so my entries always turn into pointless rants. I ‘m sorry but guess what. This is the first of my rants to come. I just looked at the date and can’t believe we have only two months before out trip. It seems like only yesterday I was in NOLA (2006) talking about how I wanted to go on this trip. Now I sit in a class with some of the faces from my first trip. I feel bad as we sit in the class together. My thoughts are currently so far from Tanzinia it’s crazy. I mean with graduation and commissioning, and my problem with my leg, of course it’s going to be the last thing on my mind. I must apologize. Its not that I don’t care, my head is just playing a different game right now. Time is short! I know once am thinking more about the trip I will be more excited. First I need to graduate and get my RN. This has been my five year project. The one I need to finish first.
Cheers-
Rob

Journal Entry - Chris

We began our group journal in February, 2007. One team member contributes an entry each week.

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March 20th, 2007
Well, I hate to be the “gloomy Gus” of the group, but it’s important to remember that there are multiple perspectives on any given venture. Unlike the two previous journalists, I’ve never been abroad and I really don’t know what to expect. Its tough for me to imagine what we’re getting ourselves into. Are we going to be able to actually follow through with helping Pommern as well as we plan to? I really hope so, but sometimes there lingers a shadow of doubt in the recess of my mind. Beyond my own personal doubts I do have great faith in the group. It’s realistic to be nervous and concerned that we may not be able to follow through with our goals, but when I think about my “teammates” I am eternally optimistic. The group that we have gathered together is very capable and experienced. I believe that most of us, if not all, have done many service projects before. These cumulative experiences are all combined to create a wide field of knowledge. I think that we’re prepared enough for the trip and that all we’re missing now is the actual execution of it. Time is quickly running out before our trip. It’s hard to imagine… but we are so close to going. Spring break is already over and before we know it, it will already be time to go. In any case, I don’t know what else there is to say without sounding like a broken record; so here is to our trip: may we all hold together to ensure success in our mutually mysterious future.
-Chris Pauze

Journal Entry - Moriah

We began our group journal in February, 2007. One team member contributes an entry each week.

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March 6th, 2007

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like this semester is just flying by. Before I know it, it’s Tuesday night again and time for our History of East Africa class. As someone who has been at Norwich for five years, it is amazing to see how the NU Visions Abroad program has grown. It is such an in-depth program with so many pieces to it. From the course and service-learning projects to fund raising and group-bonding activities. It’s such a great program and I hope it only continues momentum among the students and the university. I can't wait for the group to arrive in Pommern and experience what I got to experience with Nicole and Kate this December. We can talk about it and share picture/video, but nothing compares to being there. As the group videographer, I can’t wait to capture all of our experiences and special moments from the trip. We’ve all been doing a lot of work for this trip and we have more to do before we step off that plane into humid Dar Es Salaam, but it will all be worth it in the end. Yes, we are just a group of college students going on a global volunteers service trip, with a Didomenico twist to it, but once you see one of the kids in Pommern laugh and smile you understand the value and impact of our work. They wont forget us and we’ll never forget them.

-Moriah

Journal Entry - Stacey

We began our group journal in February, 2007. One team member contributes an entry each week.

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February 27th, 2007
So, here I am writing another journal and getting ready to go to Tanzania, yet so excited as if it were my first time. I think this trip is going to be very interesting, unique and a lot of fun. I have never really traveled with so many people. In the past we haven’t had nearly as many people as we do. I am really looking forward to seeing all the friends I left in Pommern and leave with even more, but I am especially looking forward to seeing musa. After being involved in volunteer work it becomes more than just service, but part of my life. Tanzania is still a long way away but I still get excited at the thought of being there again. However I still have a lot going on at Norwich - academics, extracurricular and simply planning and the organization of this trip. What I hope for this trip is that we all have a good time, learn about the Tanzanian culture, volunteer and help as much as we can, but most importantly that we leave with lifetime friendships among each other and the Tanzanians, and leave the country with a sense of accomplishment.

With love: Stacey Pichardo