Through My Mama's Eyes

I am thrilled to share that this next post is not from me.  Rather, this entry has been written by my mama, Annie, about her time in Tanzania.  I figured it was only fair for me to share one of my family's perspectives about the trip as an attempt to balance my own.  In the spirit of authenticity, Mama wrote this before she read my post so that hers would not be influenced by my comments.  Thus, any and all commonalities that exist between our reflections further attest to the fact that I am indeed my mother's daughter - and blessed to be so much like her.  

"You'll come and visit, right Mama?"

I never thought I'd do it.  Airfare alone seemed astronomical.  But the more I thought about it, and realized the significance to Jessie of going or not going, the more I knew I just had to plan this.  There were several what could be called "bumps in the road" as we prepared to go ("Oh, snap, the airfare went up!"  or "Did you just say Nick's passport is EXPIRED?!?"), but finally May 4th arrived, and we were off.

Just getting there is quite an ordeal.  Getting to the airport in Detroit was a breeze, thanks to the family limo service, this time provided by my sister, Bean, who always provides entertainment at its finest.  Next, a quick layover in Boston, during which time we were distracted by three small children.  Then off to Amsterdam.  Yes, Mary Johnson, you were right, it's an airport that I will avoid in the future if I can.  I've never been patted down in security - very interesting.  Before you can approach any gate in Amsterdam, you and your bags have to pass through a second metal detector. Why in the world do I have to go through security again, when I haven't left the airport?  Kichaa (crazy in Swahili).  Finally, on to Kilimanjaro, and into the waiting arms of my first born child (after we convinced customs that the cardboard box we brought actually WAS full of donated school bags, and not other items worth thousands of dollars) - well worth the trip.

We arrived at 8:30pm local time, so the ride to the Stella Maris Lodge was filled with very little scenery, and lots of travel stories. When we got to the lodge, we were greeted by what seemed like the entire staff, all eager to meet the family about which they had heard so much (hoping we didn't disappoint).  We were immediately served some delicious passion fruit juice (freshly squeezed, as it was during our entire stay - delicious!), and a light dinner.  Then off to bed, hopefully to get a jump on overcoming jet lag.

Inno and Teddy enjoying their new phones from America!

Turns out we didn't have much time for jet lag, so it didn't have much impact.  We had a quick tour of the school where Jess is teaching Tuesday morning, and we caught a glimpse of the top of the illusive Mt. Kilimanjaro.  From the Lodge, there is a fabulous view of the mountain, when conditions are clear (which they mostly weren't, as we were there at the end of the rainy season - VERY disappointing). But what WASN'T very disappointing was the opportunity to meet and spend time with the people Jess has come to call her "family" in Tanzania, Teddy (the manager of the Stella Maris Lodge, who, during our very first introduction months ago via Skype, said "Hello, Mama! When are you coming?") and Inno (the chauffeur for guests of the lodge, who gave me the biggest hug when he picked us up at the airport). That afternoon we were treated to banana soup dinner, a local Tanzanian dish, at Teddy's home, and spent the evening visiting with her and her family, along with Inno.

Then Wednesday morning we were off for safari!  Our guide, Evarist (yes, quite ironic, we know), led us on a marvelous tour of Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.  The beauty!  The animals!  It was amazing.  Thanks, too, to Dickson, our chef, who prepared delicious meals for our four days on safari.  Our safari was a "camping" safari, as opposed to staying in a lodge each night.  I wasn't sure how I was gonna do with camping (having been raised by a man whose idea of camping was a hotel with black and white TVs), but this was just as nice.  I was terrifically impressed with how clean everything was kept ~ no easy feat, since nothing, and I mean NOTHING is paved or poured.  Including the pavilions at the camp sites, or the walkways, or ANYTHING.  Still, everything was clean and comfortable.  Even the night we spent sleeping on the ground (as opposed to the two nights we spent in wooden cots with small mattresses...!!!).

When we returned Saturday afternoon, after cleaning up for the first time since we left (as clean as the bathrooms were, there was no way I was showering in cold water) we headed out to do a little souvenir shopping (thank you, Madam, for your superior negotiation skills), and stopped at Inno's family home and met his mom.  Just a very short, but lovely, visit.  Sunday we attended the children's Mass (always a weird experience, when you can't understand a word or participate in the service in any way), and had a quick visit at the rectory.  Then we were off to experience the waterfall.  I think I STILL have mud around my toenails.  OMG.  The path was narrow, muddy and quite slippery, but we made it!!

Monday we headed to school with Jess, and met the staff of the Stella Maris Primary School, as well as the students about whom we have heard so much.  They didn't disappoint.  In only a couple of hours, I already had some favorites.

Jess, Inno, Nick and me getting ready
to go to the waterfalls. 

Although there is no doubt about the majesty of Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as the sights on safari, I think the best part about our trip was actually being able to share Jess's Tanzanian experience, rather than only hearing stories.  There's nothing like meeting and knowing people who have become so profoundly important in your child's life.  And no wonder.  From Teddy, to Inno, to the sweet little scholars Jess is guiding and teaching, to everywhere we went, we were warmly welcomed.  As I prepared for this trip, many people remarked that it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and they were so right.  Contrary to what I thought, however, a week was not nearly long enough.    I can only imagine the difficulty someone else will have saying                                                              goodbye. 

I am looking forward to the day that I can welcome them to our home, which according to Jess will be sooner rather than later - italics portion of this sentence added by Jess herself.