Home Sweet Home

Two weeks ago from today I got home from the LONGEST flight back to the USA.  It was basically the happiest moment of my life landing back on American soil.  Me and my little were running around like small children with the biggest grins on our faces and treated ourselves to some REAL diet coke immediately.  As I came down the escalator I saw my family, sister and her kids, lucy, michelle, khristina, c biggs, and brooke all standing at the bottom with a giant big sign saying "Welcome Home Shrub".  So, naturally I start crying from happiness (don't worry, the returning Sister Missionary behind us was completely fine with absolutely no tears shed.) Ugh. Although I will admit, it is basically nothing short of amazing being back in my own soft bed, having warm water, electricity, my family and wifi.... I'm really missing Africa.  I'm so lucky that my little went with me so that whenever we feel sad we can blast our African Jams and reminisce on the good old days.

It's been an eventful past 2 weeks since I've been back; including lounging by the pool, the Mumford & Sons concert, playing with Melissa every day, moving back up to Logan and enjoying a nice Kappa Delta Sorority Recruitment weekend full of workshops (aka Spirit weekend). But starting Monday morning, its back to the grind.

This semester is a little more stressful then I had originally intended, 17 credits + 16 hours at my internship a week. My classes include Walk/Jog, Crossfit, Social Stats, School Social Work, Social Work Policy, and of course my internship.  My internship is the SAAVI office on USU campus (located in the Health and Wellness Center).  I have been a SAAVI volunteer for the past year and knew that working with teenage/young adult women is something I would want to do in life, so SAAVI seemed like the perfect opportunity. Sexual assault and rape are clearly very serious and important topics and I was nervous when I got the internship, but was still so excited to get started.  In May I was required to go to a 40 hour training so I would be fully competent to help victims through giving them therapy/counseling, offering support, helping educate them on their options as well as promoting education for prevention rather than intervention.  Rape and sexual assault is much more common than thought and talked about. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men... just something to think about.  I know it's only been 2 days with my internship... but I can tell I'm really going to love it! I even have my own desk and computer. Yeah, its pretty official you could say.

(the buttons we hand out at Day on the Quad to promote awareness)

It's so crazy to me that this is my senior year.  I just see all these young freshman running around going crazy because they have all this newly found freedom and don't even know what to do with themselves. Creepy to think that I was one of them no more than a few mere year ago; and here I am today a senior in college with a short amount of time with my favorite people in the prime of my life.

In a year from now I will (hopefully) be starting my Masters program (if AIDS doesn't kill me by then). How is my life just going by so fast? Last year I thought the next two years were going to be the longest of my whole life and here I am wishing that I had more time. oh well... Bring on the year!!!!!!!!!

but like I always say... "living life like I only have 3 more months to live... because I do #AIDSsurvivor"

Missing Moshi

People always ask me if I liked my last trip to Africa more or this one.  I have thought about this a lot, but its truly too hard to compare the two trips.  In 2007 when I came with Reach the Children I had an amazing experience PACKED with service as well as adventure.  It was always go go go so I got a lot out of my trip as far as activities, but it is something completely different living here vs vacationing here for three weeks.

Although sometimes at first I felt like I was a bit of a waste of space here-- especially after things like the car accident and I was incapable of anything.  We haven't been able to work on the land near as much as we thought we would (Jordan's back is hurt and issues with not enough water to make the cement). We haven't taught at the schools as much as I thought we would but still help at every chance we get.  But when I think about it... that's kinda part of the experience.  Just living life-- sometimes we have busy days and sometimes we have lazy days just like anywhere else.

Here are just a list of things I'm going to miss about Moshi...

Going to Mamas.  Going to Mamas is the best! Especially watching her play games like Kill Zombies on our Ipods.  She is so sweet and has the biggest heart of anyone I know.  She has a teeny Kitten (aka Paka) that runs around her house-- when I asked her the name she just said "cat" so we decided to name it Shelly in my honor! YAY! (Jordan got the goat named after her, and our Roomie Mandy had the cow named after her). At night we often just go sit in there and chat and then sing songs and pray.  There is honestly nothing more precious in the world then hearing the Tuleeni kids pray.  Even though I can't understand a lick of what they are saying, I can tell that they are so sweet and heartfelt. That is something I am going to miss the very most!!!

The Hot Spring. We only went to the hotsprings once and it is basically a life regret.  It is the most beautiful spring of water basically in the middle of no where and although I wouldnt call it hot, it was so nice to swim in! Two of the older boys came with us (Felix 17, Imma 18) and I taught them swimming lessons! It was something so fun because I was definitely in my element and teaching swimming lessons is something that I have really missed this summer.  At first they were too scared to even really get in the water, but by the end of the day they swam across the spring! I felt like a proud mom!

Since we really were here for so long, we made a lot of lifelong friends I'm really going to miss! SHOUTOUT to: Neema, Paul Taxi, other Paul,  Henry, Security Gaurd at Nakumatt, Mark, Lil' Joe, Lletzer, Mike, Sigrid, Astrid, Marie, Gifty, Beth, and Big Mama.

Another learning experience has been the language.  Even though I basically gave up trying to speak it 3 weeks getting here, I'm surprised at how much I've been able to pick up and how well I understand.  I use simple phrases such as "pole dada" (aka sorry sister) and "labda badi" (maybe later) "una funya nini" (what are you doing) on such a regular basis that I'm afraid some might slip out in America-- pole se pole (sorry I'm not sorry).

Josephine. Josephine is Mamas oldest daughter and someone that I have grown to love and admire.  She has sorta been a replacement older sister while I've been missing mine at home.  She has the sweetest little boy Ericki and is a teacher at Akili pre-school.  Getting to know her has been one of my favorite things about Tanzania.  Josephine is always saying "Una pendeza" which means basically "i love your outfit!" so of course I couldn't leave without giving her my favorite skirt I brought to Africa (thanks for giving it to me Nicki).  When I gave it to her she fell to the ground in happiness.  She kissed the skirt, kissed me, picked me up, spun me around, kissed me and hugged me over and over.  It was an experience that is something money couldn't buy.  I hope that when she wears it she will always feel pretty and always remember me and how much I love her.

The Kids. When I first got here I told Jordan that I was worried I wasn't going to be able to love the kids as much as here-- only because she didn't have a niece or nephew so she can't even compare the amount of love your heart can hold for them.  However, as time has passed these past couple of months I realize that I am going to miss these kids like crazy.  I have been going through withdrawls for the past week and we still haven't even said goodbye.  There is nothing in this world that beats coming home and hearing Samson yelling "SHELLY" and running into my arms with the tightest squeeze and kissing my cheek, or having Bali & Irene drawing me pictures, or tickling Ericki, or having Ogan braid my hair, or scaring Derricki, or cuddling Smiley..... The list just goes on.  These kids are the sweetest and I'm dreading leaving tomorrow morning.

As a last Hoo-Rah in Moshi, Little and I decided to throw a party for the kids on Saturday.  It was a big-all-night-event but one of my favorite nights here!!!  We had to start the day early- we planned a movie night and cooking dinner for the kids.  We went to Nakumatt and bought TONS of popcorn, biscuits, juice and fruit for the kids to snack on.  We also bought 12 kgs of rice (that we had to sift through all of it), 3 whole chickens, pile pile (aka chili sauce), & tons of veggies. We had the help of all the older girls (luckily-- we didnt know how to cook rice... embarrassing I know) and they basically took over and cooked the whole meal for us while we cleaned out the Pre-school room, Akili and got ready for the movie night.  The food took longer then expected so we had the kids sing, play games and do acrobats while we waiting.  One girl, Jacki, asked me what the party was for... When I told her that it was for all the kids she seemed confused.  I told her we wanted to do something special for them (not for us) before we left.  Her face just got the biggest grin and she gave me the tightest squeeze.  We then started to watch Lion King on the projector (like a real movie theater!) and ate our delicious meal.  When Jordan and I brought out the treats their faces were PRICELESS! They were all screaming and running around.  The popcorn was a hit! It was my job to hand it out and they were all going crazy-- I was being swarmed! Since there were too many kids I couldn't enforce saying "please" and "thank you" so when I made them stand in a line I asked "Do you love me?" and they said "Yes!" or "YES I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!" and I would give them the popcorn and say "Good, because I love you too!".  Since they didn't have school the next day Mama let us watch 2 movies and all the older boys slept out there all night! It was such a experience and even though it cost over 120,000 shillings it was well worth it.



So which experience did I like better? It's not tough to say that hands-down this is the best experience of my life.  I loved my last trip but that's all it was-- a trip.  Living here in Africa has truly changed my life for the better.  I hope that the lifestyle of "Hamna Shida" and "No Rush in Tanzania" is something that I can remember to live my life by.  On the other hand, I hope that I have left a lasting impression on some of these kids.  I was talking to Helen (13) the other night and asked her if she would remember me if I came back in a year or two... she said she wouldn't forget me even in 100 years.  I hope that is something that is true because I know I could never forget them!!!

But like I always say... "Moshi... I'm missing you already." 

the Big 5.

Bucketlist life goal complete! I got to see the Big 5 in the flesh!
For those of you who dont know, the big 5 consist of the Leopard, Giraffe, Elephant, Lion, and Rhino
Back in 2007 I went to Kenya with my sisters, grandma and mom with an organization called Reach the Children. We went on a 3 day safari and saw 4 of the 5-- minus the rare Rhino. 
Let me break down how it all happened...

On the first day of safari we went to Tarangire-- the gang consisted of my little, Duy, and our 3 friends from Denmark-- Astrid, Marie & Sigrid.
Of course-obviously- I had to start with the classic game "whoever sees the first animal wins!" (my dad always made us play that on our way to our cabin to make us all shut up). And guess who saw the first animal? THIS GIRL! yeah it might have only been a Zebra-- but everyone was stoked!!!

At first all the animals were pretty far away.  The girls were stoked to see them though and used their zoom to maximum capacity.  Since I aint no rook and it wasn't my first rodeo I knew that it would be only a matter of time before we would see the animals up close and personal.  We saw SO MANY ELEPHANTS that day.  It almost got to the point where it was like, "oh there's another elephant...not a big deal" but really-- it kinda wasnt a big deal.

The second day is when all the action happened.  We stopped at the Ngorongoro park entrance (you drive through it to get to Serengeti) and were waiting to use the bathroom and whatnot. The place was flooded with baboons so we were snapping pics while I was educating the girls not to look the baboons in the eye or they will take is as a threat (learned that on my last safari)  We stop, park, and the boys get out while all the girls sit in the car and just chat.  Our friend Georgie (who took us on the tour) made a rookie mistake and left a door open. Next thing I know there are not 1, not 2, but 4 GIANT BABOONS IN OUR CAR!!!!!!! I literally basically tried to jump out of the window (head first--- I was expecting it to bite my leg off but not my face) and yelled for help.  The rest of the time was a blur but somehow they got out and I was just screaming basically embracing myself for a bite.  Luckily we survived. It was basially the scariest moment of my life, but something we can look back and laugh at now.

Serengeti was truly amazing.  We saw so many Lions!!! Its mating season and they mate every 5-10 minutes for 6 days straight! Can you believe that? So yes-- we did see the procreation in real life!
That night we slept LITERALLY in the middle of the safari! No electrical fence, not even a Masai guard to protect us.  We were cautioned not to go use the bathroom late at night (which was a pretty far walk) and to just go pee outside of our tent. Well, naturally since my little and I are BA we decided to use the toilet.  On the way there she said "do a quick scan". There were some scary green animal eyes just lurking near the bathroom so we decided to just run back to our tent and wait until the morning. Not gonna lie, I was pretty scared all night hearing so many animals calls and whatnot-- not to mention our driver and guide has seen lions there before!!! I didn't feel safe but I survived, luckily!  
this picture says it all...

We woke up at 5 am the next morning and with a good reason-- to see all the lions in action! We saw this really incredible basically fight between the huge water buffalo and 9 lions.  They were basically fighting over this rock-- the buffalo all charged the lions but the lions stood their ground and eventually won as the buffalo walked off to other land.  It went on for about 30 minutes and was seriously so sweet to see! We saw so many lions in Serengeti it was TOO COOL. We saw a total of 46 lions that trip.

We also saw the Leopard.  It was up in a tree-- but with binoculars it was crystal clear to see how beautiful it was with all of its spots. I even got educated on the difference between cheetahs and leopards-- you would be surprised at the difference.

The 2 days we spent in Serengeti were amazing and my favorite part of the safari-- but then it was off to the next spot: Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro is a truly amazing and beautiful place.  It is in a giant crater where yes-- a giant meteor hit the earth.  It was different because unlike the Serengeti with tall grass everywhere it was basically wide open except where the river was-- it was so lush and so green. That's where I saw the blessed Rhino!!!!
So a bunch of cars were parked over by the river and said they saw a Rhino. Our driver said they were making it up because it was too far away and we were wasting our time.  Lets just say I was DETERMINED to see this Rhino and I wouldn't let him leave until I saw it.  I looked all over until I saw it! And basically, it was one of the happiest moments of my life.  It sorta sucked because it just looked like a rock, but literally 1 minute before we left it got up and walked away and I was the only one that got to see it's horn! 5 out of the 5! Bucket-list-life-goal COMPLETE!!!!

All I'm saying is... I am so glad that we took time to do the safari even though it is such the tourist thing to do (and I basically consider myself a local now).  But without it, you don't realize how amazing and beautiful the world is in all parts of the world.  Listen, if you are planning your trip to Africa: DONT SKIP THE SAFARI! Worth it!

2 more days until Zanzibar, then 9 more days and I'm back to the land of the free-- the home of the brave. 

But like I always say... "We live in a beautiful world... yeah we do, yeah we do"

is this real life?

So basically the theme of this whole trip with my little is us just looking at each other and saying "Remember how this is our life?" Basically every day we take some time to say what average-every-day-African-thing we have adopted to become "normal".  Here are just a few things that first come to my mind...
#1 Seeking Kilimanjaro Every Day
Okay so obviously I love Utah (so much Utah Pride its not real) and I love my parents house in Holladay because basically right up our street is Mt. Olympus-- basically the prettiest mountain in my opinion.  I thought that until I came to Moshi and realize that I get to see how beautiful Kili is every single day (well when the clouds aren't in the way).  That is something that I will admit I have taken for granted and have considered it "normal" but I keep having to remind myself... seeing the best mountain in Africa every single day really isn't that normal!
#2. Riding the Dola Dola (Dolla Dolla$$$)
Okay so there is this thing called a Dola Dola. Basically it is a mid-sized van that sits 12 people comfortably. Only, the catch to riding the dola dola (like literally 5 cents to get home rather than a 2 mile walk) is it ISN'T comfortable and it's actually pretty freakin' sketchy.  They stuff NO LESS then 30 people in a dola dola.. i'm not joking.  They smack the side of the bus while the last 2 people are still trying to get in to tell the driver to take off and they start hauling down the road... the door is still wide open and some guy jumps in and just makes sure no one falls out.  Everyone is basically laying and sitting on top of everyone! One time I held someones bag, but better yet one time I held someones CHILD on my lap.  Not a big deal at the time because, hey, its normal... right?
#3.  "Can I get your contact information?"
Never in my life have I had so many people ask me for my "contact information".  I mean I wish I could say it was flattering and they were being so forward because I'm quite the catch but this is absolutely not the case... turns out everyone is friends with everyone apparently and you get EVERYONES phone number, email, and FB name.  On my average-everyday-african life I would say I am walking into town and someone tries to start a conversation with me. Sometimes I'm in the mood- but when I'm not I pretend I'm fluent in spanish or don't speak a single word of English or Swahili.  However, they still always pull a phone out and INSIST I put in my contact information.  It's real cool and I at least have a lot of contacts in my TZ cell phone...
#4. The Concept of Love
Okay so this is something that I hope I never consider to be normal, but the concept of love in Africa is literally something that blows my mind.  I have talked to both boys and girls on the topic and they both seem to always be going back at each other.  So all my local friends I have made are total "muzungu chasers" aka they only like/date white girls.  I thought it was weird, but after having conversations they seem to have a good point when they say that the boys do it for love where African women only do it for the money and financial security.  Both sides say that the other sex always cheats on them. However-- the real problem I have noticed is that all these young guys are hooking up with these old-lady-white-women.  These poor old white ladies think that their 21 year old fiance really does love them but it turns out all he wants is to get to America-get your money-and dump you! how messed up is that? All I want to do is make sure that the girls aren't gold diggers and the boys aren't muzungu chasers and put my match making skills to the test-- because as much as I like being proposed to one second and then the next saying its because I'm white, I don't like it.  Sounds pretty messed up if you ask me.
#5. Not having electricity
So in our house we are actually really lucky and have electricity about 80% of the time.  It just so happens its when I let people borrow my head lamp the electricity is out for 3 days straight.  In Africa there isn't daylight savings therefore its pitch dark around 7 pm-- this puts me in a bedtime mood and I'm in bed by 10. Kinda nice, except for the fact I have to eat and brush my teeth by candle light and all my electronics (i.e. cell phone/ipod) are dead for days on days on days. It's always a hit and miss to see when our power will be on or when it will come on again.  But it's whatever I suppose and it could be much worse.

Here is just a short list I like to call "I think you get the idea why I cant believe this is my life"

-Wild dogs-ducks-cats-chickens-animals everywhere
-Riding in the bed of pick up trucks for 2 hours
-Hugging total stranger-children and becoming their BFF
-Holding hands with kids whenever we walk anywhere
-Pedestrians never have the right of way-- aka running from speeding buses comin' at ya!!!
-Hearing dog fights ALL NIGHT LONG aka the Twilight Bark
-Giving out the wanted "contact info" and getting 100+ text messages from "Benny Bus"
-Having people use the phrases "You look smart"-- aka you look nice and "You are lovely"-- too cute, right?
-Always having a pencil/pencil sharpener shortage and sharpening pencils with a piece of plastic because "its works" aka it doesn't.
-Having babies just roam the land
-Feeling like a celebrity and getting pictures taken of you always
-Having "singing time" with the little girls and trading KD songs for Swahili songs
-Talking to LITERALLY all white people you see anywhere to learn everyone's story
-Waking up every morning with a sore neck from not sleeping with a pillow -- ever
-Rice & Beans have become a delicacy
-Being able to understand enough Swahili I know when they are talking about us
-Watching kids race tires
-Having corn instead of grass is considered "lawn"
-Having ducks and cats run through the house like its not a big deal

But like I always say... "This really is my life, and I'm pretty freakin' lucky, so basically I gotta take full advantage of it."

Becoming a "Kid Person"

So I have this confession...Over the past seven weeks I have learned so much about myself and life (hand washing laundry, swahili, how to ride a dola dola, etc.) But of all these necessary and important things I've learned is about the kids. 
I will admit I feel a little guilty because I have told several people that after this trip I have learned I'm not really a "kid person"... kinda the wrong trip to realize this, right? I knew that I liked kids considering that Child Welfare is the best class I have taken in my life, after 6 years of being a swimming instructor, a summer of being a Nursery teacher and being completely 100% being obsessed with my niece and nephews.  These past week though I have completely had a shift in "not being a kid person" and I have realized that I am more of an "organized-activity-kid-person". Although the first few weeks on being in TZ I definitely had anxiety about how I was going to survive because I thought I learned I WASN'T a kid person, but over the past few weeks I realized I am better at it then I thought I was.  Kind of a sad realization I'm having with only 3 short weeks left (Only 2 more at Tuleeni).   I DO love these kids so much! However, I've just learned I'm only good at organized activities with little kids, but hey... you learn something new about yourself every day.

I have told people before, I get my baby fix from these twins, Cele and Hilda.  They are somewhere between 18 mo-2 years old and have developed slower than your average American baby.  Hilda is quite the character and "mean mugs" anyone who looks at her-- except for me! (most of the time). One thing I've learned from this little one is to not be (at least try my hardest) disgusted at naked baby bums and pee everywhere.  Since diapers are so expensive, I guess they have fallen to the bottom of the necessity list and let the babies either wear no pants or layers of bottoms so they all get soaked through.  These babies roam the land and seem happy for having little supervision (hey, its hard to put all your attention to 1 of the 78 kids here). The other night my little, Neema and I came home from grabbing some food in town.  It was pitch black and I thought I heard some whimpering from the bushes.  I walk over and see baby Hilda just playing all by herself in the sand having a good old time. I picked her up with my arms straight in front of me (no diaper...) and carried her back into the house. (Okay so the straight arm- obviously I was grossed out but I'm still learning).

Little Hilda

I have gotten to know some of these kids the past 7 weeks and learned their stories.  I have heard what they want to be when they grow up and what kind of food they want to try when they get to America. I have formed bonds and friendships with them.  There is nothing in this world I suck at more than goodbyes (biggest cry baby ever) and I am dreading the day that comes.

This past weekend has been amazing with the Tuleeni kids (thanks to some organized activities). I have felt such a new and strong bond with them-- especially after they have learned my name and I always hear them yelling "SHELLY!!!" On Saturday nights we have recently started a movie night tradition.  My dad (shout out!) donated a projector that we use to project classic movies like 101 Dalmations and Brother Bear.  This is something I know I have always taken for granted, but it was so fun to set it up like a little movie theater for the kids. Sunday is always a Funday after we have our church service-- we go to a giant field not too far from our house and watch the kids play soccer, blow bubbles, jump rope, race tires (classic Africa, right?), and play Red Rover (or as the kids say... Land Rover).  Needless to say, Red Rover always ends up getting quite intense and although most of the kids fall on their butts we always have a good time and laugh it off.

Another thing we have been doing more is study hour (Sweets & Treats) with the kids to help them study for their exams.  The big exam is 4 months away, but with a nice boarding school on the line, they need to study every single day.  We have made fun games to teach them English and even taught the #9 trick when doing times tables.  It is the most rewarding feeling when they get something right and they look up to make sure that I'm proud of them and then they get the biggest grins on their face.  That is something I have found to be priceless and makes the trip worth it. I mean it.

I love America!!! I miss it so much--- but I'm starting to freak out with only a few more weeks left. I have learned so much about myself and life on this trip I wouldn't change it for the world. 

But like I always say..."Quit your job, buy a ticket, get a tan, fall in love, and never return."

ps . some pics in case your missing my face

Me and a fellow Mormon, Mike

Celebrating the 24th of July in our Utah gear!

A KD Alum (Beta Delta Chapter) we met while shopping!!!

I've also become a dog and sprite person

I know I've heard about AIDS, have you?

Our Roomie, Neema aka Mandy

Roomie bonding night (plus Paul taxi)

Life is Beautiful

As of lately I know that all my posts have been making light of Africa, filled with inside jokes and my sarcastic humor. I do feel it appropriate to mention that this is truly an amazing experience Im having.

For starters, I'm currently in a city called Arusha; a two hour bus ride from our hometown Moshi. We came as a little getaway after recently deciding climbing Kilimanjaro is no longer an option (after the car accident my littles back is still not healing). Here in Arusha we came with our roommate Neema on a little business trip to see the schools some of the Tuleeni boys will be coming to for secondary school. This little trip has been nothing short of pure luxury for us.
Hospitality is definitely something Africans are not lacking. Let me back up and start from the first week we were here. We stayed with a woman (aunty) who literally gave up her bed for us to stay in for two nights while she made sure we always had enough to eat and drink and a fan in case we got hot. Not only did she not mind our staying, she never wanted us to leave and begged us to stay another night. Although I was truly touched I thought we had met a one of a kind woman.
We have had these experiences countless times this trip. Yesterday, yet again, we were invited to Duys-friends-brothers birthday party. Not thinking it was a huge deal we decided to go (mostly for the free food if we are being honest). This birthday party reminded me so much of being home and having a Sunday afternoon lounging with the fam in slc. They not only made us lunch, served us tea and cake, watched a movie, then had dinner before leaving. Too good too good.our friend Sheila definitely spoiled us and I fell in love with her daughter Nicole.
So that brings me to today... In Arusha. Like I said, a nice get away. A nice break from the cycle of bucket showers and cabbage salad for dinner. Besides the drama bus ride, I've been living like a queen today. Not only does our friend Davy have a toilet, but clean water, tile, cheese, and wifi!!!!

I can't believe how much I've grown to appreciate the little things (and even gone crazy for them). But I never thought a person could miss tile so much; My feet haven't been this clean since I got here!!!
It makes me so nervous to go back home and immediately fall back into the normal routine in life and not stop to appreciate the fact that we are blessed with so much and have things that seem simple but are truly a blessing such as grass, a garage, spice racks, laundry soap, doors that shut, smooth roads, dish washer, cleaning supplies, the list goes on and on. All I'm saying is, take some time today to appreciate the little things. Do it for me and know I'm missing that thing so much from the other side of the world.

But like I always say... "Stop and smell the roses."

Life Mottos: Africa Edition

It's been 5 weeks and I feel like I can officially say "I've lived in Africa". Easier said then done I'll have you know.. I've learned a lot of life lessons along the way. Here are just some of my many new mottos that you should keep in mind next time you plan on coming to Tanzania!

-Write a list of Goals/Bucket list on the airplane ride there
-Always sleep with the bug net
-Remember: Coke Light is NOT Diet Coke
-How to wash my laundry with a bar of soap... and always remembering to double rinse!!!
-To make friends with all the Muzungus you see... because you will definitely see them again, most likely at Glacier
-Nakumatt is a home away from home. An African Walmart if you will.
-You really can make soup with just a little bit of chick broth and some cut veggies
-How to kill a cockroach and spider with almost no fear
-To share a bed with your little and have the most ridiculous conversations to the point where you are waking up the whole house from crying with laughter
-Hide yo candy, hide yo granola bars and hide yo trail mix because they are snatchin' all the food up in here
-Drink Chai in the morning and savor every morsel of mondazis.
-Don't hang your clothes on the line or they will get rust all over them
-Talk to muzungus outside of Unique (clothing shop) just so you can find out that it is your LONG LOST SORORITY SISTER who graduated from USU years ago
-Don't walk to the ocean or you will step on a sea urchin!!! let the tide come to you!
-Have as many tickle wars with the kids as possible
-Teach the kids how to deny high-5s like its their job
-Eat cabbage, rice, then repeat.
-Take some fighting lessons before you decide to wrestle your little on the beach
-Take the Dola Dola (aka Dolla Dolla $$$$)
-When adding numbers in your phone... put something else significant next to their name (i.e. Glacier, Nairobi, Chrisburger, etc.)
-Have fun with the kids... but be the one to when they come to when they are tired so they fall asleep in your arms
-Guard your headlamp with your life!!!!
-Let the dogs follow you into town... somehow they always find their way back (2 mile walk every day one way)
-Wear keens... even though you look like a fool.
-Bring clothes you actually LIKE because you will go out more than you think!
-Dance with the old ladies at celebrations ("2 more minutes" turns into 20)
-Sometimes... you just gotta sneak away and have roomie bonding time under a rusty shack
-If the power is out (which is always basically)... light a candle! (NOT ON YOUR BED!)
-Print pictures of your favorite people before you go on an extended vaca so you don't need to stalk them on FB 3 days a week
-Pay a little extra money to take a nice bus
-Order beef in Africa... not chicken.
-Don't lay in bed talking about what you want to eat from America for more than an hour with your bff or nothing will ever suffice
-Keep a quote book and an African Proverbs: aka things we learn in Africa section in the journal
-ALWAYS journal Thursday/Friday/Saturday nights
-Cuddle the kids during movies... its the most action you will get in months
-Stick to the "Rules" list you hopefully made before you got here.
-Document everything
-Make sure you go with basically your favorite person and someone you know you wont get sick of
-Make sure you have Bejewled downloaded on your phone (and your friend does too so they dont always steal it)
-When your not in the mood to socialize... act like you speak Spanish!
-Live by "YOLO"
-Hang out in Tree Houses sometimes
-Act like you care about the World Cup even if you don't
-Don't litter (OBVIOUSLY) or you will get fined (aka your friend)
-Remember... even though you THINK that this is normal life, it's really not. so don't take it for granted.

But like I always say... "That's Africa, Baby!"