1.  At 59, I see myself no longer as a young person, but one considered as a "mother"-even grandmother among some!  It's shocking to fit into the "young old" category!  One of the Nyota boys told me he likes to think of me as "Mom!"  I told him I would be honored to be his "American mom"  as his own mother died of AIDS two years ago.

2.  Poverty looks the same world wide-ugly and sad.  What can I do to fight poverty?  Empowerment through education and micro-economic projects are several ways.  When given the chance to learn, it is always a blessing to see the power of intelligence at work in those who are materially poor.     

3.  Teaching a workshop out in the bush on germs is necessary for promoting health, but the reality of "washing your hands" frequently in a community where water is a treasured commodity makes it a valued but distant goal. The well that we saw two years ago is progressing, and while in the bush this time, we saw the first signs of water!  With a bit more time and money, those living in the valley will soon be able to fight germs with better access to much needed water. 

4.  HIV/AIDS is making its mark on Africa .  Teaching the realities of abstinence or protection makes sense to the 15 women beaders connected with the Artisan Project. They know what changes they need to make, but how do they fight cultural traditions that have been passed on from one generation to another?  How do the women tell their husbands to stop the cultural practice of sharing wives among warriors or face wife beating? These practices make the healthy suggestions impractical, but to not stop them is deadly.  The ravages of HIV/AIDS continues to threaten lives.

5.  One of the reason why I went back to Africa is consistency.  One of the Nyota leaders made a public statement of how we had "kept our promise" to come back. That was a shock to all of us as none of us had made that statement! However, 6 out of  10 from the 2008 team returned, and this spoke volumes of love to the Nyota boys and missionaries who needed encouragement for their on-going work.  The heart connections were so beautiful to see unfold, but it always makes the farewells tearful and painful to both. The team has come home having been the receivers of what no money can buy. Wild Hope is enriched by the mutual on-going love and support.

6. "What did you eat for breakfast?" I asked Omari as we waited for the taxi.  "Porridge"

"What did you have yesterday for breakfast?"  "Tea."  "Is that all?"  "That is all when there is nothing else."  Oh...It began to sink in how very poor these Nyota soccer boys are. When teammate Cara heard the retelling of my conversation, she broke down in tears thinking of the suffering her student  Rishad would live through as there are days we are sure he has nothing to eat. 

7. Omari's mouth dropped open and his eyes showed shock and disbelief when he was presented  the gift of going on safari with the team to thank him for all his volunteer hours with the Nyota boys. It was an opportunity he never thought he'd ever have.  Sharing a two-day safari with four Nyota leaders-Agu, Omari, Rama, and Jackson-- was an opportunity to love these guys and watch them beam seeing the animals and land they have always heard about.  The trip will be a memory that will feed all our souls for years to come, like four lions sauntering down the road then plopping down under the shade of our safari van. Way cool!  Safi sana !

Well, I think you get the picture!  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to use my cross-cultural gifts and my loving-by-listening gift.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is smiling on the partnership you have participated in. 

If you didn't follow the blog during the trip, you can get a fuller picture by going to TZteam2010blogspot.com. The Wild Hope website is being worked on, but if you are interested to find out more, check out: Wild Hope International. Look at what Peter and Tammy Russell and Byron and Lisa Borden are envisioning!

I am ever so grateful for you. 

With love and gratitude,

Sally