tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-924081553851135702024-03-13T07:47:17.849-07:00CPSOA's Project: Tanzania IIPersonal commentaries by students and staff attending the trip as well as updated trip information.CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-20017299882158258232009-02-22T09:51:00.001-08:002009-02-22T09:51:46.985-08:00Back in America-sarahey everybody its Sara =],The welcome back party at the airport was speechless, thank you all for coming to the airport it meant alot to me and to the team. It felt so different to be back here, I'm so use to having nature surrounding me, and to have the clean air smell. I looked around me, and had one to many thoughts going on in my head. For instance, the noises that the cars were making, hardly anyone had cars in Arusha and no smog coming out of them, the US people, having to be so cautious and worrying about themselves and no one else, etc. I saw my mother and grandmother greeting me with compassion, it took me back to when I greeted the children with an open heart and mind with their stories, as well as my mom and granny did. Driving in the car felt very awkward, there was no bumps on the road, and no one honking and screaming at one another, but here there is so much of it. I was so use to having Cheyenne by my side with me always and to know she is not with me everyday is troubling, ha ha, but now I have my family. I talked about mine, the doctors, and the teams tales in Afrika. Their eyes all opened with excitement and joy for me and themselves. I told them how all of us were sick at one point, except Cheyenne, who would ever think that Cheyenne would be the only one who wouldn't get sick (lol). All the stories I have to tell are all unforgettable. I look at life so differently and so grateful for what I do and don't have, and to help anyone in need who will except it and learn from it. I hope all who read mine and the teams blogs will all see and receive a gift as have I from our experiences.Love,Sara(no "h" =])CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-3924025828278279142009-02-19T22:03:00.000-08:002009-02-19T22:08:47.464-08:00show day to safari - from julianthe show was awesome! i can't believe we did it! we were getting worried because we only taught the kids half the show (mainly a lot of songs, the ghanese Aids dance, and Lion King animals). we wanted to teach them more, but we didn't want to put too much pressure on them because they had never dance and put on a show before. also, we couldn't teach them on wednesday because we got ill. the actual show day was crazy! we went in a room and learned a quick, hour version of the show with formations and staging, all in one day!! then we did the show and it was AWESOME! it was so cool that we were able to put it together all in one day!<br /><br />after partying with the kids from the orphanage, we set out on safari. the first day was all about the giraffes. the second day was all about zebras. the third day was all about elephants! it was cool riding in the land rover because there were a lot of bumps which made us bounce around and fly in the air. i also learned that elephants are crazy and have a lot of attitude. don't be near them when they start going crazy. i have a lot of stories to tell you guys when we get back home. but you'll just have to wait to hear about the crazy elephants.<br /><br />love,<br />julianCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-7416383754058573472009-02-19T22:01:00.001-08:002009-02-19T22:03:46.963-08:00safari from celiawe just finished the show and left the orphanage. now it's time to take a vacation. we're going on a safari. we will have to stay at 3 different tent camps. we went to lake manyara where there were many monkeys and hippos. the second day we went to the crater. the crater is place where a mountain collapsed in and now it is heaven to the animals. i learned that the elephants have six layers to their teeth and when they are down to their last one they go to the crater to die. we then travelled to tarangire and saw a lot more amazing animals.<br /><br />be home soon!<br />love,<br />celiaCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-48099773988231994532009-02-19T21:58:00.000-08:002009-02-19T22:01:13.164-08:00safari - from cheyennenever will i forget the safaris!! the views were incredible and the animals magnificent. the roof went up and we were standing the entire time. the animals were so close to us, it was unreal! i could almost touch them. monkeys, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and elephants...oh my! then we went to the crater. it was so big and there was so much to see, it was magical!! we even saw a cheetah there! then we moved on to tarangire. WOW! the weather was beautiful and the animals came closer. i can't wait to see everyone and tell them my memories. i miss everyone, but we are coming home soon.<br /><br />love,<br />cheyenneCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-91733837431089903722009-02-19T21:55:00.000-08:002009-02-19T21:58:50.065-08:00safari - from ariannathe safari is one thing that i will remember forever! everywhere we travelled was beautiful in its own special way. seeing the animals so free was the best part! it's much different than seeing them in the zoo. they looked so graceful and free it was unbelieveable. we saw lots of zebras and when the flies land on them, their skin twitches. we decided that they looked like great "poppers!" the most graceful animal would have to be the giraffe. the most interesting animal to watch, though, would have to be the elephant. they're just so smart. and of course, in my opinion would have to be the cheetah! safari was just great over all and the views were to die for!!<br /><br />i'm sure going to miss this place.<br /><br />love,<br />ariannaCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-15971720751243482022009-02-19T21:51:00.000-08:002009-02-19T21:55:52.257-08:00show day - from celiawe had a wonderful show with the kids from the orphanage. they are really one of a kind. they showed us new ways to drum, sing their songs, and be grateful for what we have. the kids really know how to move. they have a lot of talent. we taught them the animal dance from the "lion king." my group was the tumbili's (monkeys). cheyenne and i were the teachers of this group. they were fast learners. when the show was over, we got to celebrate. they offered us food, but we didn't eat it. instead we decided to let the kids in the show eat it. they really liked it because it was a high class meal. it felt great to show them that we cared and make them a part of the cpsoa family!<br /><br />love,<br />celiaCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-5388751657603325392009-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:002009-02-19T21:51:10.102-08:00SAFARI - from sarawhen they mean safari, they meant SAFARI!!! we were on our way to lake manyara, you were surrounded by trees. it was lush. we saw babboons. it was sooo cool to see them in packs and to see the babies holding on to their mothers. all of us were standing in the car. you could see everything from up top. we saw giraffes eating. i believe there was a male and female with their baby with them. they were distant, but we still saw them. they are beautiful and graceful creatures when they walk. we saw blue monkeys as well. man, they are tiny. but their tails are long. we saw some of them fight. the way they talk is so high pitched. it kinda hurts your ears! we saw elephants. they were gi-normous! they were in herds. there were babies as well...oh, sooo cute! we saw skin of an animal, but we didn't know what kind of animal it was. the skeleton was scattered everywhere. the second safari we went to was at the ngorongoro crater. i almost we forgot to mention we got to stand in the land rover to see. we kept bumping into eachother. it was so much fun but i believe we have bruises. the crater was so beautiful as if it was a movie. on the way up to the crater, we saw a lot of trees with a thick layer of fog. we stopped at the top to look down into the crater, and the fog cleared. it made you want to cry it was that beautiful. you could see lakes and trees and grass forever! we saw a lot of zebras, wildebeats, hyeanas, flamingos, and a few lions. the next two days we went to tarangire natl. park. there were herds of elephants anywhere we went. we finally saw 2 full grown lions with manes. the next day we saw a herd of elephants scare 16 lions and cubs out of their hiding. it was like "animal planet."<br /><br />miss and love you all.<br />saraCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-7023279415416072932009-02-19T21:40:00.000-08:002009-02-19T21:42:44.524-08:00the show - from cheyenneholy cow! the show was a lot of fun, especially with those kids. even though, yes, it was stressful and hard, but also worth it- big time!! i love the fact that we kept on going, no matter what. yes, we had hard times, i'm not going to lie...but i appreciate that we had a chance to even work with the kids. it was a great success! i did have lessons to learn, but i am recognizing what those were. for sure i know that everyone including the doctors loved it. it was the last day to see the kids, but i will never forget their smiles.<br /><br />love,<br />cheyenne<br />p.s.<br />almost home - see you all soon.CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-49096187800931934692009-02-19T21:34:00.000-08:002009-02-19T21:40:24.220-08:00The Show - From Ariannawhat can i say, it was fantastic! i have to admit at first, i was a little uncertain about how the show was going to turn out. but of course, CP pulled it off. when we first got to the orphanage, the kids were all in church. there church was so astounding. they all looked like they were having so much fun! we all wanted to join, but of course, no time. we had to set up all the costumes, props, and have a little dress rehearsal. finally, it was time to give the other kids their costumes. they were so excited. when it came to showtime, i was so nervous. but once it started, i was fine. the kids did a phenomenal job! all the doctors told us how moved they were! after the show we packed up all the costumes and then went outside to talk to the children and doctors. then they called us into a separate room for a reception. but, instead of eating the food they had prepared for us, Mr. Billy came up with a better idea...he decided to get all the kids that were in the show and let THEM eat the food! they were so happy! and then we got sad because it was time to say our "goodbyes." it was so hard. i felt like i've grown so close to them in just those couple of hours we spent together. i know that each and every one of their smiles will always be remembered in my heart. and hopefully, they will always keep us in theirs. i will miss their smiles and never forget them.<br /><br />love,<br />ariCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-7547740401683241332009-02-19T10:16:00.001-08:002009-02-19T10:31:54.969-08:00Receiving a GiftWhat we came here to do in Afrika was to bring joy and love to a community of children who don't have a lot. We accomplished our goal. Sunday was the day of the show. We were all stressing over the fact that we didn't get to rehearse with the children as much as we wanted to on Saturday. But, when we got to the orphanage on Sunday, it all worked out! The Team rehearsed what we were going to do. The kids came into the room and started to warm up their voices while some of us started to set up the Church where we were all going to perform. We got into the dressing room and there was energy in the room. You could tell by the children's faces they were all nervous. We gave them their costumes and they all started to giggle (LOL). But they were all excited. The CPSOA Team performed the first half of the production and the orphanage students joined us for the second half. They did an amazing job! They had an enormous amount of energy. They put out everything they had into the smallest motions. And just like us, you could see them reviewing their choreography to themselves in their heads before going on stage!! It made a difference. They sang as well. The songs we sang together were happy songs and Mr. Billy tried to make them smile, but they were too nervous. When they opened their mouths, you could hear their hearts in the song, full of joy & spirit! The Team learned a song they taught us and we sang it in the show. It felt as if all of us knew eachother from a past life. The Church was packed full of children and adults. The group of doctors were all in tears!<br /><br />After the show we all had to say goodbye. The little ones were surrounding the Team. They were all smiling! To look at their faces with a huge smile was unreal! To think that we created this amazing event together was astounding!! We all started to go into our cars and we started to drive away. We waived our goodbyes! The drive back to the lodge was a silent drive. We all were thinking. We thought of all the work we had done and to know what we did, not any ordinary kids could accomplish in one week!<br /><br />To go through Joshua Tree, all the shots, the meetings, the extra hours we put in, led up to this amazing moment! We wouldn't take back any of the pain, cuts, bruises, time because we got a smile from the children who hardly have anything, and THAT is a REMARKABLE FEELING! Afrika gave us a gift in return - a smile from their children!!<br /><br />Love,<br />SaraCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-73171701382456546242009-02-15T21:20:00.000-08:002009-02-15T21:25:22.054-08:00...time for safari!!hey all-<br /><br />things are going great out in africa!! things have been crazy the past few days which explains why we haven't had any time to post new items on the blog. BUT, we did our collaborative performance yesterday and it was <span style="color:#3333ff;">INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL</span>!!! it was a truly awesome experience and we can't wait to share all the details with you all when we get back!! we will also post pictures after we return cuz the computer situation out here is, well let's just say, "not like ours!" so, please accept our apologies for that.<br /><br />today we leave for safari for a couple of days so we'll be out of touch. rest assured all are doing well and we can't wait to see all your smiling faces when we return!!<br /><br />with much love,<br />cpsoa's team tanzania!!CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-13785258239023917092009-02-14T10:12:00.000-08:002009-02-14T10:32:28.558-08:00Thursday, 12/02/09 - from saratoday was an extraordinary day - joyfulness, giving, communicating, and growing up. we did everything today including what we were supposed to do yesterday while we were sick. two days work all in one! visited two schools today. performed for them and gave them all a smile once again. there is so much discipline in the schools. so much respect. maybe we should take in all they do here and take it to practice in the u.s. maybe our schools and generations would not be so in trouble with our lack of acceptance of one another and see eachother as a threat, but as a friend. we did four home visits today!! all of them amazing people. one house was a maasai's house. he had a beautiful family. to be honest, i fear that if i smile they would think i'm making fun of them, which i'm not. i've just come to a point of not worrying about it anymore and will continue to smile for the kids. mr. billy told me to smile and now i understand why!<br /><br />today i held a baby named sara! she was so precious. she was the fourth born of the family. i tried to make her smile cuz i opened my arms and my heart to her. we had a moment and that moment was remarkable!<br /><br />we went to the orphanage and taught there. man, did i have fun!! we got there and set up and we had time to mingle...so cheyenne and i did. the girls there are so funny. i really didn't know what to expect, but hey, they are fun gals! soon after, it was time to teach. julian and i got the big girls. we taught the punda (zebra) dance from our "lion king" number. they learned it faster than expected. once the teaching was over, everyone did it. it was really unbelievable to see kids who haven't had any dance training to learn so quickly and to do all the steps so well...me and mr. billy both taught a dance. i could actually say with confidence i did a pretty darn good job!!! at times i couldn't breathe but he you gotta do what you gotta do :-) it was so funny cuz i couldn't hear them say "yes" in swahilli, so i would say "yes" in swahilli and we ended up yelling back and forth to eachother. we all screamed! we came back to the lodge and went swimming for a while and associated with the doctors and nurses. i found out tanzania has a gorgeous gem. one of the doctors bought one. it's a blue stone called tanzanite!!<br /><br />today we had a team cpsoa tanzania meeting. it was pretty intense. yes, i do have a lot of growing up to do. yes, i have a lot to take responsbility for. i was waiting for this trip to show me what i need to take responsibility in and what i need to do in life. mr. billy told us we have to grow up and be mature. this is the time and day i need to open my eyes and be an adult! i'm bringing back responsibility and maturity back to america!!!<br /><br />love, sara<br /><br />p.s. i miss every single one of you! x0x0x0CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-60694178289316403552009-02-13T10:05:00.000-08:002009-02-13T10:10:47.733-08:00FROM MARTIN!!!! = )HEY GUYS...HOW YOU DOIN?? IT SHOULD PROBABLY BE 9:05 OVER THERE BY NOW...WELL ITS FRIDAY OVER HERE AND WE GOT THE DAY OFF!!!! NOT ONLY THAT...WE ALSO GOT MONDAY OFF...HOW POA (COOL) IS THAT??!! I MISS YOU GUYS SOO MUCH!!! GOTS TO WRAP IT UP...I GOTTA RUN SOME ERRANDS.....I'M GONNA GOOOO SHOPPING!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA BYE BYE!!!!CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-44190468148315275532009-02-13T09:15:00.000-08:002009-02-13T09:30:04.499-08:00Team Tanzania -<strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">On this day of love and friendship, know that you are loved by</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">many family and friends who miss you.</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">You are all amazing! </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Elsa (Martin's mom)</span></em></strong>CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-34542540962140374732009-02-12T11:05:00.000-08:002009-02-12T11:14:02.172-08:00To the CP9Hi everyone,<br />I am so sorry you all got sick that is a bummer, bless your hearts. It sounds like you are all better now.<br />I read all of your blogs and they are so moving, they make me sit here and cry. I do my best not to, but of course that doesn't work. We are truly missing all of you. The kids and staff look forward to reading your blogs and responding to them. Your stories of what you are doing each day are amazing, touching and life changing. You all are blessing so many lives there and here.<br />All is going well. Don't worry about anything just keep up the good work over there. We love and pray for you all daily. With much love, and hugs, Liz (Mrs. Spencer)<br />P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-41867882243835273132009-02-12T10:15:00.000-08:002009-02-12T11:15:43.733-08:00MARTIN!!!!HEY GUYS ITS ME AGAIN...I HEARD YOU GUYS GOT SICK!!!! SORRY TO HEAR THAT...HOPE YOU GUYS ARE FEELING BETTER...HOWS EVERYTHING GOING OVER THERE?? I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE HAVING ALOT OF FUN...OH AND ANOTHER THING...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! I KNOW ITS NOT TIME YET BUT I'LL BE AT HOME WHEN IT IS AND MY COMPUTER ISN'T WORKING....UGH... ANYWAYS...I MISS YOU GUYS ALOT...I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS AGAIN!!! SOOO MANY KIDS ARE WAITING TO SEE WHAT YOU WRITE BACK!!! ITS SOO AMAZING TO KNOW THAT MY BEST FRIENDS ARE CHANGING LIVES IN JUST TWO WEEKS!!! I'M SOO PROUD OF YOU GUYS...WEEL GOTS TO WRAP IT UP...........FOR NOW...LOVE YOU GUYS SOO MUCH AND MISS YOU LOTS...PEACE!!!!CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-61455723122739117742009-02-12T09:51:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:09:53.425-08:00Jackie and Brittney.....<span style="color:#ff0000;">Hey!!! It sounds like you guys are having an amazing time. It's astonishing to hear your about your journeys and adventures. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mr. Billy-It's inspiring just to be able to say "our teacher took six of our friends to Tanzania,Africa!"</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Mishka. (the soon to be mrs.)-The other ballet teacher is good but we prefer you!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Santo- Even though we don't see you alot we still miss you. And we're thinking of you. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sara-We miss you sooooo much. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Cheyenne-It's cool to hear about you finding your finding your pen pal. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Arianna- Hey we miss you. and "Debbie from WCHS said hey and she misses you."</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Celia-We miss your foward text messages. And Jackie missses your help in algebra. And we miss your crazy hair.!!!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sascha-Yes,me and mario are driving Ashley crazy. We miss you. Bring us back something.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Julian-We miss you talking about Step up 2! And your "single ladies dance"</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">p.s- this is probable the last time were going to talk to you until next time. So happy valentines day!! And we're all praying for you. Love you!!</span>CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-48802760749726189152009-02-11T21:38:00.000-08:002009-02-11T21:42:28.806-08:00wednesday - the cpsoa team tanzania is benched!today was a crazy day because we all woke up sick (except cheyenne and sascha!). so, dr. shriner told us to stay back at the lodge to rest and sleep it off. she said that it would only last for 24hrs...it ended up that 17 people from the whole team of 34 got sick. even dr. shriner came down with it at the end of the day!! crazy!! any way, after lots of pepto bismal, bananas, ginger ale and toast, we managed to get over it!! more to come....CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-84252806529061403542009-02-11T21:31:00.000-08:002009-02-11T21:37:56.005-08:00from ariannatoday was just full of excitement!! after we ate breakfast, we went to a school. the teachers were very nice and the kids were all safi (great)! at first we sang mapambano and jambo for the teachers. then they informed us that the kids were also going to perform for us! when they sang, i wanted to start crying. they were amazing! they sang the tanzanian national anthem! the principal told us that we were a blessing and that we we were always welcome there. the kids wee great after we performed. all the kids smiles just warmed my heart because i know that i put that smile there. after we left the school we went to the orphange and performed our show. we received more blessings from god, beacuse it started pouring while we were performing!! when we were done with our show, we taught them some of our songs and they sang terrific!! well i think i can say that today was one day i will never forget!! love, arianna - ps. i miss everyone!CPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-10548912566135941252009-02-11T21:25:00.001-08:002009-02-11T21:31:25.790-08:00from sascha - we're the blessings from godwhen i first got picked for africa, i thought, "why me?" now i know why...because i feel like i have the most to learn from this experience...and i have! today we went to this school and we had all the kids come out and we performed for them...the crazy thing is that we performed outside in the dirt and it started to rain. we did the floor work and everything! it was crazy and fun at the same time. ezekiel, our guide, said that when it rains and you're doing something good, it's gods way of thanking you. and when we finished dancing it stopped raining. how weird is that?!? it was remarkable at our home visits, how magical it was! well, i gotta go, the headmaster (mr. billy) is calling me. ha ha! oh, and mario and brittney - hope you guys aren't driving ashley too crazy! oh and thanks to those for the letters!! love you and miss you A LOT! mom, how are you holding up there? love, saschaCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-65409100857134784482009-02-11T21:17:00.000-08:002009-02-11T21:24:49.786-08:00from sarado you ever have these days that you know things happen for a reason. today was one of those days. we started off a little earlier today to work. we have a meeting, everything is going according to plans, ready to practice and then boom, the stereo blows up! it had to happen today! so, mr. billy asked the drives to take us to stores. and so we did. we go to the stores to buy food and mosquito nets to take to the home visits. and we also found a new boom box that works in tanzania. while mr. billy was shopping, we were waiting in the car. i was looking down the streets looking how they lived. it was remarkable to see men after men working hard, and women caring for their children. the school we visited today was a bit of ways away, but we made it. we had to off-road it! all the watoto came out of there classes to watch us perform. we danced on the dirt. i know, crazy, right? when we finished performing, we started giving the kids high-5's! to see the smiles on their faces was priceless. worth so much more that anything else in the world. we tried to walk away, but the kids started grabbing our hands. then we went to a home visit to see one of the boys that we were going to teach. his family was tremendously gracious, invited us into their home and accepted our gifts of mosquito nets, beans and rice. outside was a group of watoto, their eyes full of sadness. we gave them all toys. it helped put a smile on all their faces! when we taught the kids mapambano and jambo, it was remarkable how they hit the pitch perfectly!! aftwards i met a little msichana(girl) her name was glina. we both put our hands under our chins and started to wave like the little rascals. me and some of the watoto started to dance and play drums. i felt like i was meant to be here. it rained when we performed. blessings were on us and among them. ~ saraCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-23501855882287306632009-02-11T21:13:00.000-08:002009-02-11T21:17:36.638-08:00from cheyennethe love that i have for tanzania grows bigger and bigger each day. i had a pen pal two years ago from the orphanage named erasto lazaro. he had sent me a letter and i kept it these two years. on it he had drawn an ndege (bird). i brought the letter with me hoping to actually meet him. today was that day. after visiting the school and going on house visits, which was a remarkable experience for me, mentally and emotionally, i finally met him. he was 16yrs old and we were both excited and speachless. it was an incredible moment in my life. later on that day we performed mini "malaika" outside in the dirt. it rained and when we hit the ground, dust came up like a smoke machine! they said we made it rain blessings on them. before we left to go back home, i saw my penpal at the orphanage. he had walked from his school to give me 3 paintings that he had created himself. they were amazing and my heart just dropped! i'm going to see him again tomorrow and i absolutely can't wait. i know was the day to recognize the wonders of tanzania!! p.s. love you mom, miss you everyone, but i'm ok and having a great time! ~cheyenneCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-26781457076765644542009-02-11T21:10:00.000-08:002009-02-11T21:12:58.311-08:00from juliantoday was fun. we were dancing hip-hop at a school - the massai warrior hip dance when it started to rain. it felt like we were in the movie, "step up 2 the streets." we were dancing in the dirt and mud. all of the africans were freaking out. then we went to an orphanage and performed the mini "malaika" show. after that we taught them two songs - "mapambano" and "jambo rafiki." it was surprising how fast they learned. ~ julianCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-73985461774137764702009-02-11T21:07:00.000-08:002009-02-11T21:10:45.463-08:00Feb 10th from CeliaShow and Teach<br />It is februay 10th 2009. we had two more home visits. one was a boy name wilson. he has 5 brothers and sisters. his mother is a massai. his sister puts her head in front of you to rub it. that is how she welcomes you. we went to a school and did the massai warrior dance outside. it started to rain as we bagan dancing. when we stopped dancing the rain stopped. we were told that if it rains when you do something, that the rain is blessings from the gods up above. ~celiaCPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92408155385113570.post-80230534972028943742009-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:002009-02-11T11:31:34.098-08:00ITS ME MARTIN.....AGAIN...HEY PEEPS...HOW ARE YOU DOING?? I MISS YOU GUYS SOOOO MUCH!!! SERIOUSLY I CANT STAND ANOTHER MINUTE WITHOUT YOU GUYS HERE.... MR.BILLY: THAT BALLET TEACHER YOU GOT US...IS SOOO AMAZING...SHE IS SOO MUCH FUN!!! MISHKA: CANT WAIT FOR YOU TO COME BACK AND TEACH AGAIN...MISS YOU LOTS!!! CELIA: ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT YOU HERE.....TO HELP ME WITH MY ALGEBRA!!!!!!! I'M JUST KIDDING...BUT STILL...I NEED YOU BACK!!! US EIGHTH GRADERS WANT YOU BACK SOO BADLY!!! I MISS YOU SOO MUCH!!! SASCHA: HEYYA!!! I MISS YOU SOO MUCH!!! I STILL DONT HAVE A HISTORY PARTNER....:[ ARIANNA: I MISS SEEING YOU DANCE YOUR HEART OUT NEXT TO JACKIE...BUT THEN AGAIN... YOUR DOING THAT IN AFRICA!!! CHEYEENE: WHATS UP WITH YOUR TALL SELF?? I MISS YOU SOO MUCH!!! JULIAN: HEY PEPIN THE SHORT!!!!! WHATS UP?? I MISS YOU SOO MUCH!!!! COME BACK!!!! WELL GOTTA GO ITS TIME FOR LUNCH AND YUM!!! I GOT PIZZA...HAHAHAHACPSOA's Project: Tanzaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10530915908544734876noreply@blogger.com0