a picture is worth 1000 words.

 Goodbye America!

 Dubai!!!

Makadi Beach aka Paradise

 Working on our fitness

 building the new orphanage

 my little!!!

my little after the accident

 some of our faves

 #1 muzungu

 Pratchi

 Mamas!

 some of the kids

 our poor car

But like I always say... "Its sorta like Angies, because we locals now."

TZ part 1

So basically I don't even know where to begin...
For starters, I'm in Tanzania, Africa until August 15 and basically having the time of my life.

Now when people ask what we were going to do in Africa the answer has been "work and stay in an orphanage with a little bit of travel". And although we have been doing mostly that, I guess I never got to mention how much rice and beans we get to eat, how much music we play, how much Swahili I would study, and how many times we can roll a car with 12 people in it.

So, the first day we got into TZ my little and I have been on our own. We got dropped off at a beach in Dar es Salaam.  We stayed in the cutest little huts and had so much fun swimming in the Indian Ocean! its like a bath tub! We did that for about 4 days before my paranoid mind began thinking "worst case scenario" and "what will happen if Duy doesn't show up?" (Duy is the guy we came over here for- started the Virtua Foundation). We were coming up with all these last resort ideas and by late afternoon, Duy rolled into town and we were back in business. 

On Sunday we got to Tuleeni Orphanage. There are 78 orphans there-- not open to adopt but more of a community and family.  Mama started the orphanage about 23 years about (when she wasn't much older than me).  The kids are so dang cute! They are so smart and really talented in music! They love playing Sorry! and Temple Run (who doesnt?) and of course taking pictures and videos of themselves daily!

Another thing we have really been working on here is building a new orphanage.  It is pretty far from town and we go there every other day (alternate teaching and building).  We had a huge group of CCS workers come and help us lay foundation and we got so much done! Basically my job was shoveling dirt and pumping water.  Although I feel completely insignificant building, I guess it all pays off coming home to the kids and knowing I am helping them build a home. 

Another thing that has really become a huge part of this trip I didn't expect was music!  Duy has recently become a singer/songwriter/guitarplayer.  He has written a lot of songs and is currently producing a CD at a local recording studio.  He and his friend Dialo get together regularly and have jam sessions and somehow I always become a part of it--- I just sing my little heart out.  I even am singing at the local "muzungu" hangout called Glaciers (muzungu=white person) Lean On Me; classic.

As for the car accident, that has definitely been the most eventful thing that has happened this trip.  Last Saturday we were leaving "the land" aka the place where we are building the new orphanage and dropping off cement. There were 7 kids, 2 workers and then my little, Duy and I.  We were heading back and some worker was driving (he looked pretty young and I didn't have a good feeling about it but I didnt say anything... lesson learned). We came to a really steep hill and there were dirt piles in the center of the street because it was under construction.  There was a curve down the hill and a big gully.  We started gaining speed down the hill (around 40 MPH) and we all knew it was coming.  All I remember is Duy yelling "HIT THE BREAK! SLOW DOWN!" but nothing happened.  I braced myself for the impact and the next thing I remember was dust and just pain. The car rolled three times but we landed right side up and me and my little were the only ones left in the car.  She was good at acting and said "get out!" and basically dragged me out.  There were two bodies outside the car covered in blood; I had no doubt at LEAST 1 person had died.  It took me a minute to realize what had happened and I heard kids crying. I looked at my leg and I had a deep nasty cut and my knees and back KILLED!!!!! I saw Duy and his face was covered in blood (he went through the windshield) and he was lifting the car trying to get two kids out.  I just cried and tried to help.  The 3 kids inside the car with us were basically okay except for being a little sore but the professor broke his arm and the kids in the bed of the truck were tore up.  A car picked us up and drove us to the hospital.  I got six stitches in my leg (it took them FOREVER to help us... welcome to TZ).  It was such a blessing though because the bill for all of us (besides the professor and his surgery) was only 100 dollars.  The car payment is a different story. All the windows were broken. There was blood ALL over it; and it was sooooooo SO smashed. 
It is seriously such a miracle we are all okay! The worst part (for me) is I had to get stitches in my leg.  I cried and cried; my little was so good though and held my hand and sang to me while I laid on a rusty hospital bed. Hopefully I don't get AIDS or something from the needle though or THAT will be annoying. 


Anyways since the accident we have just been taking it so easy... relaxing, watching movies, more music, and playing with the kids.  I feel MUCH better and can't wait to get back to work! 
Next week we are probably going to hit up Nairobi which will be SICK!

Anyways, overall Africa is a success! I absolutely love it here, and even though obviously I'm trying to help the children, I'm learning so much for myself!!! I love Africa!

But like I always say... "Mimi Rachelle.  Nina toca Americani.  Nina jenga nyumba watoto yatima."

Bon Iver.

If I had to choose my favorite Holiday, it would be my birthday. People argue that it isn't a real holiday, but I argue back "yes it is". 
For the past few years I have taken my birthday to full advantage and been celebrating what most college students recognize as "Birthday Week" which as it sounds is an entire week (or two) celebrating your birth.  Now this usually consists of going out to dinner every night, and doing whatever the birthday girl/boy wants.  This has always been a huge deal and my favorite week of the year, but something weird happened to me this year and I didn't even hardly get into it.  Needless to say, my 21 birthday was a good one, although nothing crazy in the slightest.
On my birthday I spent most of the day packing for Africa (I was way more excited for Africa and World Oceans Day [June 8] to focus on my birthday) and then went to Spaghetti Factory with my family for dinner which was quite delicious. 

My dad did make me an adorable Safari themed birthday cake in honor of Sunday-- it was even made from scratch!

I got some sweet Keens, a solar shower, a sun hat, a skirt and dress, a whale clip board and bag, and a cute shirt for my birthday... but most importantly, BON IVER CONCERT TICKETS!!!!

My friend Lou bought the tickets a month ago for my birthday and completely had me tricked that he was going with his friend.  I was so sad because the concert sold out the day they went on sale and I was too late and I couldn't go.  Now let me just start by saying that Bon Iver is my favorite artist of all time.  He is so amazing and i am OBSESSED. Anyways, I invited Lou to my funeral before the concert (he was coming down for it and I was going to kill myself since I wasnt going) and he surprised me only two hours before it started.
 

Tears of joy were shed.
 

It really was the best night of my life.  The concert was at Red Butte Garden and it was just so beautiful and Bon Iver did an amazing job (He sounds even better live!). I just have such a love for Bon Iver and I am so glad I got to go and have the best night of my life before taking off to Tanzania on Sunday!!!!

 

Listen gang, all I'm saying is if you don't know who Bon Iver is.. your life sucks.  If you only know him because of Skinny Love, you haven't even scratched the surface on how life changing his his.  Stop wasting your life and listen to him now!!!

But like I always say... "For all your lies, you're still very lovable" - Bon Iver

Wills & Stuff.

So...Turns out I'm going to Africa in 13 days, and still so much has to happen before I bail for 2 1/2 months!
One thing I have thought to do was write my wills... I'm making this public for a couple of reasons, 1 because I dont know who my lawyer is; but mostly I am because when I was home last weekend my so-called Best Friends said "so, when you die in Africa can I have....?" and listed off things of mine that they wanted.  Mostly I was offended, but then I guess it was a compliment because it means I have some cute things.

So, here it goes. 

My Body is going to science. So don't do anything creepy (Donate my organs... unless we can't because I left the country, dang.) Let's try to cure cancer with me. Oh also, one special part of my body goes to Lucy specifically (well, technically two... she knows what I'm referring to)

My beloved Saturn, Iphone, and laptop are going to my brother Matt.  He is driving this December. Welcome to the 21st Century little bro

My cat Stefani is going to my other brother Joe-- He is more of a cat lover than me.

My Trunk and floral blouse is going to Lexi.  That's all she asked for so that is all she is getting.  She is lucky though because that trunk is adorable and I get more compliments on that shirt than any.  Hit the jackpot there lex, you're welcome.

Krista gets to have my TV (Okay, sorry dad I know its not my TV and you let me borrow it but I feel so bad for them and little Lillie girl that I'm taking the privilege and willing it... trust me, its charity).  She also gets all the food in my cupboards, some pictures of myself, and my favorite whale blankey.

Lillie Girl-- You get all my boxes of old toys.  This includes my black barbie Diedra, barbie dream house, my doll Blinda, all my polly pockets, my puppets, dress ups (cinderella & pocahontas costume), my american girl doll Addy, and my My Twin Doll so you remember your aunty shelly in her prime.


Lucy-- after six years of being my best friend.. you get to have the beloved trundle-bed.  After so many sleep overs and late night pillow talks, it wouldn't be right to give it to anyone else. Also, you get the creepy life size doll (even though you're hardly worthy of it, but since you called it...). You also get the lamp by my bed, just because its way nice. And my scrapbooks for when you miss me.

Nicki gets my tassle purse

Heidi gets the fedora. Also, any letters that you want.

Sage gets all my books.

Chandell you can have my ipod in honor of all our matching music (Sorry I gave Lexi the floral shirt... you can pick out some of my other clothes.)

Melissa, you were hard because I feel like none of my stuff is cool enough for you (no cool cleaning rags or organizing things...) but you can have any of my decorations on my dresser... also, you can have my straightner or something if you want.... I dont know.  You can also have your iTrip back.  Also, you can give Canyon one of my mattresses if he is a good boy.  Oh, and you can have all my florence + the machine music.

Greyson-- you have always been the sweetest boy and this is going to really suck if I die in Africa so I never get to hear you say my name... Anyway, you get all my stuffed animals including the kissing Simba and Nala as well as my favorite stuffed animal dog. You also get my Tambourine, because it is my favorite instrument.

Canyon... still trying to think of what you get. We will see depending on how you treat me the next two weeks. At this rate, you might just end up getting my Harmonica (which is my second favorite instrument). 

Khristina gets all my notes in my notes drawer (they are all from you).  You also get my standing mirror if you want it because its really cute. Also, my really soft robe and my movies.

Little-- you get first pick of all my clothes and shoes.  You also get to have all my indian-eske things, my dream catcher necklaces, and all my jewelry.  Also, you get all my social work books and notes!

Jenna, you can go with my little and pick out clothes!

My precious parents can have all my money (oh wait....) and have their room downstairs back with all their furniture.  You guys get first dibbs on everything for raising me and giving me the best life any 20 year old (almost 21 year old) could ask for! ahh I love you guys.

So I think that this basically wraps it up.  I want to be buried in my whale dress and I want a lot of people to be at my funeral with lots of crying.  Holocene can be my funeral song just because it is so pretty and is kinda depressing anyway.  I don't know who gets my whale picture (my most prized possession).  Probably my parents will keep it until they get sick of it and then they can decide who is worthy of the honor of owning the whale picture.

Let me also just point out that I DONT PLAN ON DYING IN AFRICA. In fact, I REALLY hope that I dont. But like I said, I don't have a lawyer and I'd rather be safe than sorry.  If there are any more requests feel free to leave a comment, but don't get your hopes up-- I'm coming back! This is just a safety precaution.

But like I always say... "When in doubt, write a Will. Safety first then team work."

YOLO

So, thanks to facebook and twitter, the world has a new phrase "YOLO"-- aka You Only Live Once.

 Lets just say I made that my motto this semester and had a really good semester! I mean, even with 18 credits, with YOLO as my guide, school didn't stop me. Loved this semester! At the same time,
Love that its over!

but lets hit the highlights of Spring Semester 2012!

The most recent was Kappa Delta Mom's Day! It was a Tea Party theme and afterwards we went and got much needed pedicures. Like Mother, Like Daut. I love my mami

Just need to give a shout-out to this spring semester weather. Class>Play

And of course all the fun dance parties (Sigma Chi 80's and SigEp Jungle Fever)

KD Formal with my hot date, Joe Bourne

And SigEp Formal

Shout out to this semester getting so close with some of my best friends Jenna, my Little, and Heidi!

Here's to two weeks, six more credits,internship training, then Tanzania June 3! ahhh cant wait.

But like I always say: If I can't do it homie, it can't be done.

I Blessed the Rains Down in Africa

This whole semester I have been struggling trying to decide what I am going to do with my life this summer....
Originally my plan was to go to India for the whole summer for humanitarian trip, but nothing worked out :(
For a minute I thought I would do in Logan, try to get a job, do summer school, make friends....
Then I decided to go home for the summer, teach swimming lessons for the sixth summer, pick up a second job, and enjoy life with my BFF's before they all get married within the next year..

Then something awesome happened!!!!!! My sorority lil' sis Jordan (I only call her "Little")  told me about a trip she is doing to Tanzania, Africa for the whole summer (June 3-August 15)! After an afternoon of crying my eyes out trying to decide what to do, my mom got in my face and said "Rachelle, its not the end of the world it is just a decision! its either yes or no!" (keep in mind my mom NEVER makes decision for me.. she makes me make all of them so I don't know why I cant make a decision to save my life!!!!) But I really thought about it, and figured that there is no better time in my life than right now to go because in a year I will be graduated and who knows where I will be after that...
4 days after making a decision I had my flight book, my shots and immunization card, and my passport in the mail.  Now only 53 days! (aka 7 weeks 4 days, or 76000.89 minutes if you want to get technical).
In Tanzania we are working and staying in an orphanage, going on a safari, going to Zanzibar, and of course climbing MT KILIMANJARO!!!!! Ahhhhh I am so excited I can't even focus on school anymore.

So Zanzibar is a beautiful beach just on the coast of Tanzania.  The plan is to do some kayaking, snorkeling, and lounging around in our swim suits.  SOO EXCITED

Next is a close up of the safari. We are thinking something around 3 days. I went once in Kenya, but hey, how can I say no to this?

And my personal favorite life adventure is to climb Mt Kilimanjaro! Its a six day hike, so the training starts tomorrow!!!! CAN'T WAIT!

Of course I can't wait for the humanitarian part either! When I went in Kenya in 2007 and taught in the schools it changed my whole life.  I feel like at 15 I wasn't fully able to appreciate the trip though so I am so lucky to have a second chance.

 

I need to give my Little a personal shout out at this time, for convincing me to go on an adventure of a lifetime! We have gotten so close lately and she really is one of my best friends, and the #1 little. She spoiled me like crazy last week and I love her with my whole heart! I cant wait to spend the next 2.5 months being nasty but having the best time with you!

But like I always say..."It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had"