The Beginnings

Where, oh where, to start... 

This summer, from June 28th through August 3rd, 2013, I will be spending my summer in the beautiful east African country of Tanzania. Specifically, I will be in the city of Arusha, in northern Tanzania near Mt. Kilimanjaro. I am going there to teach English and work with children who've been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. What exactly my role and responsibilities will be I have yet to find out, but I know that whatever they are I am going to learn so much from this experience. 

Many of you may wonder why it is that I am choosing to do this. Well, let me tell you a little bit about my life so that you can understand my motivations. I know the feeling of loss all too well. When I was just a babe my mother passed away in a tragic car accident. I grew up in a single parent family where my father worked hard day and night to provide for me and my siblings. However, no matter how hard he worked, it never seemed to be enough. We were always short on money, and sacrifices had to be made. We visited the local food bank as often as we were allowed, relied heavily on government assistance, and the charity of others. These experiences as a child taught me all to well that there is no greater deed in this world than to give back to those who need it the most. That is what I am trying to do with this trip to Tanzania this summer, give back to those less fortunate that me. 

The rush of adrenaline, of excitement, of nervousness, of doubt, about what I am doing is still pulsing through me. I found out just over a week ago that I got accepted into the program and I am so thrilled at this opportunity. I think that this is going to be one of the "game changers" that will completely change me. What has been the most astounding is response that I've gotten with regards to this trip. I started a fundraising page to help cover the costs of this trip, and within a week I hit my initial goal. I couldn't be more humbled by the outpouring of support. If there is one thing I hope that people know, is how truly thankful I am by their support. I couldn't do this without the support of my community!