Whoops- Promise to be more efficient with updates!!

Hello friends, I realize it’s been way too long since I’ve done any sort of update and I’m very sorry.  It won’t happen again! I’ll be sure to stay on top of these this time and let you all know what’s going on with the project, with the kids and with me! 

Leaving the US this time was a bit more difficult than prior trips.  I’ve finally figured out what can make me happy there and now I know I can be happy there.  I’m glad to have realized this, but it also made saying goodbye very hard. I got back to Arusha on September 30th and my first day at school, I was greeted with big smiles, warm hugs and a few overly excited kids who very well almost lost their heads when they saw me.  Hill Crest has grown so much since my first time here last August and it’s amazing to see the way these kids are also growing as a result.  

While most of my days are full of heartwarming moments, now there are some heartbreaking ones as well.  One student, Njayo, comes from a wealthy family.  She has always been a “contributor” to Hill Crest, meaning her parents have paid for her to be there because they could comfortably afford it. Unfortunately, my Njayo, who used to come to school with smiles and snacks, now comes to school sad and hungry.  Her parents lost work and are struggling just like the others now.  It’s hard to see any child hungry, but there’s something different about seeing a child go from wealth to poverty in the short seven weeks I was home.  She’s still my spunky, brilliant, tender hearted dictating Njayo, just with a little less sparkle in her eye.  She’s joined the chorus of “teacher more!” when we come around with a bit of extra lunch. 

The volunteers we have now are amazing.  We have two girls from Australia, a grandma from the US and another girl from France.  Their contributions to Hill Crest have been amazing.  It’s so nice to walk into the school full of volunteers who trust Isaac and Elizabeth so whole heartedly and want to do as much good as they can.  It reminds me of Lilian and Celia, the girls from Mexico who came for two weeks but managed to set up the entire kitchen and a bank account to provide Isaac and Elizabeth money every month to feed the kids (and anything else they want!) 

Now for Isaac and Elizabeth.  What incredible people they are.  I’m amazed every day by how strong and healthy Elizabeth is.  When I came in August she was pregnant and just out of the hospital with Malaria.  She was skin and bones and couldn’t last the school day without napping.  Losing their second child was incredibly difficult for them (and for me) but they pushed through the pain and continue to live the only way they know how; by helping others. Some burdens that were holding Isaac down during my last trip have been released and he’s back to the cheerful, excited and enthusiastic guy that I so adore.  I’m so lucky to be able to work with and trust Isaac and Elizabeth so much.  They’re the most amazing people.  

Isaac took me out to the building site on Monday and before we even left Hill Crest he was apologizing for making a big decision without me.  After probably 20 minutes of apologizing he finally told me that he’d started the project while I was gone because the rains were coming and he got scared because once the rains started it would be very difficult to dig, transport materials, etc.  Anyways, the digging of the foundation is done! How fun to show up on site and see where the school is going to be and know that it is actually happening. I’m really doing this!  It also gives me the motivation I need to keep fundraising and keep working hard to make this school the best it can be. The kids need it.  I can’t wait until this is real and done and our dreams have come true.  

And if you’re interested in my life here outside of Hill Crest, know that it’s amazing.  While most of my life does revolve around the school, my social life is great. I’ve got amazing friends here and was just interrupted by two of them as they walked into the cafe to eat with me while I wrote this. Again, I’m so lucky.  Saturday was my 22nd birthday and while I was kind of nervous it wouldn’t be fun because I wasn’t home to celebrate with my old friends, rest assured, it was great.  If anything, it gave me confidence in my life here.  I’ve established amazing friendships with great people who make me feel safe and happy and loved.  That’s all I could ever ask for! I’m “alone” in Arusha but not lonely.  Asante sana, rafikis!  

I hope that I’ve provided you all with a solid and fulfilling update on things.  I can’t get over how lucky I am.  I get to live in this incredible country, be loved by 70 amazing kids, and have friendships I will cherish forever.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  

Thanks for reading, check back in a couple days for another update!

Lots of love from Tanzania

PS: Follow the project page on Facebook.. www.facebook.com/hopeforhillcrest (you don't have to be a member to see it!)
And if you'd like to donate.... :)

https://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/hope-for-hill-crest/54933