2013 - Here I come!

I certainly hope that 2012 isn't the end of the world... I've got work to do in 2013!

It's been decided that I will be coming back to Tanzania in January of next year. After weighing all my different options, from job offers in Portland, to MBA programs abroad, I have chosen to extend my volunteering commitment here at Sunrise Children's Home for at least a few months. So after spending a few weeks celebrating the holidays with my with my friends and family in December, I'll be back on a plane, or rather a series of planes and buses, making my way back to my tiny little Uhekule village in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

While it was a difficult choice to make, I am excited and relieved that I do not yet have to begin the process of preparing myself mentally and emotionally to leave these children and the place that I have called come to call my home. In addition, I know that by persisting in my work here, I will continue to grow both personally and professionally. I have already developed so much emotionally and spiritually, gaining incredible amounts of patience and peace as well as increased sensitivity and adaptability to new cultures. Although I originally came to Tanzania with the desire to bless others, I have received far more blessings in my own life than I could ever have imagined. I am so incredibly blessed to be living here. I just can’t stop exclaiming how much I love my life!

Of course life here isn’t without its share of difficulties. The past few months have ranged from tiring to excruciating. We have dealt with so many challenges recently, everything from turn-over in staff, creating a new committee, to behavioral problems with the children. Sometime I feel like I want to pull all of my hair out, or just go curl up and hide in my room. But through all of this I have learned so much. And I know that with determination, perseverance and a lot of prayer, we will be able to make it through these tough times!