Pictures!

Jim Jack and Ryan

Writing is supposed to make you feel better so here it goes…

This morning I of learned of Jim Jack's death. I met Jim Jack through Ryan and the boys on the Freeski World Tour. Jim Jack was one of the judges, a hilarious person, and the only person…though he was kidding… to propose to me. I want to send my prayers to his family and friends.

I wrote the following down on my birthday a few days ago.

My last birthday was spent in Crested Butte, Colorado. I went to watch my friends compete in the Tour. The night of my birthday I went to a bar with some friends. We ordered food, a beer, and started playing pool and fuzz ball (something that Ryan definitely excelled in.) I looked behind me and there came Ryan, Lars and Silas. Ryan gave me a birthday hug and proceeded to buy me a shot of tequila, for dinner. I will never have a birthday without Ryan. I wish everyday that I could buy him the next shot.

In celebration of Lars and Silas's one-two finish that week we all went out to celebrate. All the skiers received free beer in the back of the bar. I walked back and there was Ryan with his new girlfriend Angel. As soon as I walked in he told me to step back and immediately I knew why…Ryan farted BAD. His new girlfriend was only laughing. She is a keeper. That night Ryan just danced as he always did with his arms out, moving his hips side to side. We all then got on a shuttle to go back up the hill. Ryan got off at the hotel and that was the last time I saw him before the hospital. He was so happy for his friends, happy for life, and happy in love.

It is really hard to understand why this happens. I think about Ryan everyday. I remember coming out of the ER one night in college after being really sick and there was Ryan waiting for me outside. He was the only one to come see me. I feel like I am still waiting to see him. What an amazing person. I miss you Ryan.

Valentines Day!

I came back from school this morning to find a lovely crown made just for me hahaha.

Meat Cake for a Vegetarian

What an amazing birthday weekend! I spent my whole weekend with 7 amazing girls. I laughed so hard I peed my pants on a few occasions....I don't think I can give this weekend justice with my own words so please click on the link to Louisa's page. Louisa is one of the new volunteers here (who happened to go to UVM and graduate with me in 2009) and is so funny! The blog post is entitled...

A Night in Mosquito River, A Dusty March in Banana Land

Wikiendi

Today I was able to have a day off so I went into Karatu with some of the teachers and students teachers. It was fun to see the 'real side' of this little town. Unfortunately, when the teachers tried to buy things for themselves, the stores would give them the 'mzungu' price....or white person price because they thought I was the one really buying it. Also, when I tried to buy something I had to convince the shop owners that I live in Tanzania. To do this you must first- only speak in Swahilli...which I am getting there and second...in Swahilli, I must say that I am married to a Tanzanian man...thus making me truly Tanzanian...its hard work to save a few shillings....

Yohanna, who is one of the student teachers took me everywhere trying to find fabric today. We finally agreed on a pattern and a woman is now hand making us matching skirts. Bright green and blue... super African but while in Africa...

Tonight all of the volunteers are taking me out to the next town called Mtuwambu. Seven white girls...we are going to stick out like a sore thumb tonight...as always. Tomorrow, Sam planned a waterfall/swimming hole hike right outside of Mtuwambu for all of us. What a great birthday weekend! I am so lucky!

Rats and Soccer

-Yesterday I played in my first official teachers vs students soccer game. The whole school stayed and watched as we played the boys and girls teams. All I can say is that I am sore, and we lost.

-Last night we found out that there has been a rat taking up residency in our volunteer kitchen so they set traps...old steel traps, and instead of cheese...banana bits. I love Africa.

-This Friday I am making treats and hosting a dance party for the boy houses for my birthday. On Saturday we are going to Mtowambu to do a waterfall hike and swimming hole dip! What a great birthday weekend. I think I have a few Valentines already...all under 10 years old. I told them about making Valentines cards so now they are all secretly drawing pictures of me running, me giving them hugs...its so cute.

Pictures!

Musa at the Pirate Party!

Class!

All the volunteers who went to the Ngorogoro Crater!

Rollin' in the Dirt!