ANNE & VIVIANE
We are Anne and Viviane from Germany. We have been studying Geography for two years and have always dreamt of going to Africa.
We knew about the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and we thought that to be volunteers for this organization could be a chance to get to Africa. Fortunately we got the e-mail address of Max Church, the director of ADRA Tanzania, from a friend in Germany called Stefan Hoeschele. After writing some e-mails to Max Church it was clear that we would come to Tanzania. It was amazing how uncomplicated he handled our wish to come as volunteers to ADRA Tanzania, even though we had some problems writing in English. In December 2004 we booked our fly for the 22nd of February 2005. We stayed there for six weeks till the 6th of April 2005. Raymond, a driver for ADRA, picked us up from the Kilimanjaro Airport.
ADRA Campus in Arusha
Like many people planning to go to Africa for some time we were a little bit afraid of our security and health. Where shall we sleep? What shall we drink? How can we be safe from mosquitoes, who might bring malaria?
We lived in the guesthouse with two other women and together we had a lot of fun! The Church family also lives at the campus in a separate house. They even have a swimming pool and we were very thankful to be able to use it as we stayed here during the hottest time of the year. The average temperature was 40 degrees (Celsius) during the day. We had a good time with the twins Sabrina and Brianna, the eleven-year-old daughters of the Church’s. In the evening we often played many interesting games like Scrabble (although Max thinks that he is the best scrabble player in the world, we won two times!) or watched the videos with the family. What’s more, we could eat lunch and dinner with them. We felt very welcomed and became a part of their family.
During the day approximately 30 workers are working at the campus. Most of them knew our names by the time we left and everyone was very kind to us.
Work
In the morning at eight o’clock there is worship with the workers. At 8:30 everyone starts to work. During our six weeks here we were involved in several projects. One of them is called the "Masai education program."
ADRA Tanzania started a project in an area called "Longido" near the border with Kenya and, once the funds are available, except to pipe water down from the mountain to the village. It also wants to build and open three pre-primary schools for approximately 100 pupils. ADRA had already received some donations for the primary school program and we were asked to buy the school materials for these schools, which would last for two years. After making a list of necessary things, comparing this list with the budget and finally buying the materials in Arusha, we brought them with an ADRA vehicle to Longido. ADRA also made three blackboards for these schools. This was a very exciting and interesting experience. The Masai live only in mud houses and don’t have any water. They often have to walk more than 10km to get water. As for the schools there are no tables or chairs and lessons take place under trees and the pupils sit on the ground. Although the Masai live in very hard living conditions they are very kind and polite. When we arrived there first they invited us for a cup of tea.
Another project in which we were involved is the ABY project. This big program started this year in Kenya and Tanzania and the aim is to teach the youth about how to protect against HIV and Aids. We went to Morogoro to the opening ceremony for this project. Two women were in charge for ADRA to organize this ceremony and we helped them.
Max Church’s wife, Davona, is the director of the Cradle of Love Baby Home. This is a program for orphaned and abandoned babies between the ages 0 and 2. When we arrived here they had 12 babies, who were living in the Church’s house. During the day three nannies took care of them. It was the best time for us to be with the babies. To see them smiling and laughing even when they have no family was wonderful! The whole Church family helps to take care for the babies with all their hearts and gives each of them the love they need.
ADRA, along with other donors, is helping to build a new house for the babies. After the construction of the house they will be able to accommodate up to 40 babies at one time. But it will take some time until the house is finished and that’s why the babies were moved to a bungalow, which is actually supposed to be for volunteers. We helped them to paint this bungalow and to move the baby stuff. It was nice to see that they have their own house now!
Country
Tanzania is a wonderful country! You can find here not only beautiful mountains but also large deserts, clean lakes, and green forests. Tanzania is home for many different kinds of animals - zebras, lions, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, snakes, hippos, gazelles, ostriches and more.
On top of everything Arusha is situated between two mountains called Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Sometimes when the weather was fine and the sky was clear we could see the amazing peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro covered with snow all throughout the year. That’s why this town is visited by hundreds of tourists every day, which came here to climb them. We didn’t do this, because it is expensive and we didn’t have enough time.
As for the people they are so nice. Tanzanians are famous for their politeness and hospitality. They like shaking the hands and greeting “muzungus” (foreigners) on the street.
We quickly learned some of the basic phrases here:. “jambo” (hello), “habari” (how are you), “asante sana” (thank you very much), “karibu” (welcome).
We are very sad that time is over now and we have to leave this wonderful country and our new friends, but we would like to encourage other volunteers, who are still not sure about coming here. Don’t hesitate and don’t be afraid. Make your dreams come true. You will never forget the time and experiences here.
Our stay was very blessed and we are sure that yours will be, too.
We definitely want to come back.
Yours,
Anne and Viviane
