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 "How was Africa?" is a question I get almost everyday. If you've asked me I'm sure my answer was a short and simple, "Good." I learned so much during my three weeks in Tanzania that I haven't quite figured out how to put it all into words. What I did do to help portray my story as correctly as possible was make a video compilation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3wVwGU4JBI) and a list of the lessons that I have been able to unscramble thus far. Here are my words of wisdom:
1. Be thankful for the small luxuries in life, like clean tap water, cement trucks, and the ability to choose (even if it's as simple as having an entire menu in your hands).
2. "If you give me rice, I will eat today. If you teach me how to grow rice, I will eat everyday." -Mahatma Ghandi. Helping others doesn't mean dropping off money and shaking hands. It means going the whole nine yards, picking up the hammer yourself, getting your hands a little dirty, breaking a sweat, planting a seed, watching it grow, teaching what you know, learning what others know, and building relationships.
3. America may not be paved with gold and over-flowing with cash, but we have extraordinary hospitals, doctors, nurses, police, scholarships, grocery stores, health care and free education. In the eyes of poverty, that's gold. Cherish all of it. Everyday.
4. A neighbor is more than just a person living next door. Personal relationships go a long way. Say "hi", smile back, be genuine, and know that when everything falls apart, you'll always have your neighbors.
5. "People are people. They are not mountains; they move around. This is how I know I will see you again." -My amazing friend Godfry from Tanzania. Never say goodbye.
6. It's amazing how well two people can communicate without even speaking the same language. Be open, aware, and observant. Your heart will grow ten times bigger.
7. Try to speak another language. It may not come out perfectly but it will be perfectly appreciated.
8. Respect your elders. Always.
9. Hug, holds hands, and make eye contact. The simplest forms of affection go a long way to somebody who didn't get it from their parents.
10. Be kind and never make assumptions--everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
11. So your internet is too slow and your cell reception stinks? Go outside, take a good look around. There is so. much. more.
12. Listen to children, they know more than we think.
13. Education is the root to every solution. Absorb it, spread it, value it. Some people would die to have the education that we get for free.
14. Okay, so our government is a bit corrupt. And there's a constant tiff between the Dems and Repubs. But try to see the positive, because the corruption here is heaven compared to the corruption elsewhere.
15. Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a flower in a mason jar.
16. Be patient. Clock time as we know it is completely artificial, don't become a slave of it. Relaxing and going with the flow will make you a happier person. I promise.
...that's all for now. I'll be sure to post again if I can reflect some more.
And for everyone that gave me love, support and donations for this trip, THANK YOU! This was an experience of a lifetime. Absolutely irreplaceable.
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