Africa Journal: Part 2

7.06.08:

We just got back from the 3rd annual International Youth Camp at Bamba Beach on Friday. It is now Sunday and I have had a couple days to recover. I enjoyed getting to know kids from all over the world. Here’s the names of a few of the kids I got to know:

Valient – An Irish-American living in Dar es Salaam with two younger siblings: Janae and Benji
Alli – A Asian-Indian living in Dar es Salaam
Lucy – A British girl living in Dar es Salaam
Savanna – A British girl living in Dar
Josh – An Irish boy living with his missionary parents in Dar
Heung Muk – A Korean boy living with his parents in Dar.
Josiah – An Australian boy living in Dar
Robert – A half Massai warrior, half Austrian boy living in Dar es Salaam.
Merlin – A half Tanzanian, half American boy who happens to be Jane Goodall’s grandson.

These are just a few of the kids I got to know. It was an amazing experience to learn some Swahili, learn about African and European culture, and learn how to be patient. That is one thing that all of our team has learned. When the schedule was messed up or something didn’t happen on time, these kids were just fine with standing around doing nothing. They were comfortable talking with each other for hours without any structure. Our team knew that we must be flexible, but these kids changed our perspective. We were stressing out, but these kids were so understanding and helpful. Overall it was a successful week. By success, I mean that no one was severely injured and the permanent missionaries here furthered their reputation in the community. Beyond that, we also had great teaching, games, individual discussions, and great singing.

The facilities were interesting. I slowly learned to embrace our trickling shower and steady diet of rice, curry beef, and spinach; realizing that many people don’t have those things. By the end of the week, I didn’t want to leave. I found it difficult to part ways with these amazing kids. They opened my eyes to a larger world beyond with United States. I felt welcomed and comfortable with this diverse community.

PS - I will add pictures of our trip later. The internet connection is too slow.