Back in Arusha

I’m now in Arusha, and settling back into Tanzania. It’s crazy to think that it’s already been 9 months since I left this place, and crazier to think how easy it is to adjust back. The journey here was long; I left California on Monday afternoon, and got into Arusha at 2 pm Thursday, but it was great to be greeted by the familiar face of Dan, my old and new VPM, and my new partner coordinator, Becky. It was such a relief to click so fast with Becky, and find that our goals for the program are on the same page. Together we want to build a team that is united, one that is able to work together and to support each other as a family, and is working towards a common cause of teaching all they can while they can. While both of us had little time to settle into our new positions as coordinators before volunteers started arriving, we’re already excited for the program, and can see great strengths in the volunteers thus far.

Within the same day that I arrived to Arusha, our job as coordinator began. We picked up our first volunteer from Dar es Saalm, and introduced her to Arusha. Since then, we have been busy picking up volunteers and helping them get settled into this new place, putting together packets for the volunteers, discussing with Dan the next steps we are to take, while also thinking of ways to united our volunteers. From here on out, Becky and I will be constantly on our toes, welcoming our 27 volunteers, along with 14 Tanzanian teaching partners, familiarizing ourselves with Mamire, the village we will work in, preparing for orientation, while also welcoming our volunteers and helping them feel as welcomed as possible. I’m excited to work with the Babati staff again, especially Dan as he was an excellent VPM during my program, with Becky, who has been great thus far, and all the volunteers. I hope this time to be better at keeping up this blog, but please e-mail me, ask questions and update me on life at home! It’s always great hearing from everyone, as I miss you all very much! Tomorrow will be a busy day for us, as we will welcome the remaining 19 volunteers, and will be preparing for the introduction of the program, but the waterfall hike at the base of Mt. Meru is here to come, and a new beginning to VP2!

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