Hamjambo!

Hamjambo! ("Hello everyone" in Swahili),

Following a full day of flying the group arrived safely in Arusha on Sunday evening. We have settled nicely into village life. On Monday we were welcomed with a ceremony at the Mlangarini primary school. Many were in attendance, including teachers and students from the school. The festivities included dancing, drumming, and an afternoon feast prepared by a local women's group (freshly roasted goat was a popular menu item!).

On Tuesday we began our primary service project. The students learned how to mix cement and how to use it for constructing walls on two teacher houses which we are readying for an August move-in. For the rest of this week we will continue with work on the teacher houses and will begin painting the interior and exterior of two classrooms. Everyone in the group is very excited for the days of work ahead. And, the students are using Swahili greetings to communicate with their new friends in the village.

Stay tuned for more news!

- John & Jessie

Below are some quick messages from each of the students. Enjoy!

Hey Mom & Dad, Miss you so much, but know that I'm having a great time! Tanzania's amazing! Give my love to Emma and Dylan. It's all good here! Love, Sarah

Jambo Mommy & Daddy, Mimi mzima ndani ya Mlangarini. Kukosa nyie! Kupenda nyie! - Sarah (belle)

Mum & Dad, Having fun here. The village kids are all so cute! See you in four weeks. Love you, Maddy C.

Hi Mom, Dad, & Jack, Having an amazing time! Love you. Peace. Ky

Mom & Gary, Hi fam. I miss you all, but I am having the best time and seeing things I've never dreamed of. Thanks for sending me here. Give Dylan a kiss. Love, Hills

Mom, Dad, & Sami, JAMBO! I'm having the most amazing time and love everyone in the group. Kwaheri, Chelsie.

Jambo Family! I love it here in Tanzania and love everyone in the group. Don't worry! (smile). Love, Emily

Jambo Mommy, Papa, & Anna! Tanzania is amazing so far and I'm having so much fun. Miss you! Love, Zoe. p.s. Happy early birthday!

Hi Mom & Dad, Tanzania is a lot of fun and is an amazing place. Love, Ben

Habari Diane & Laurence, Everything is great! Kwaheri, Jess. p.s. Happy belated anniversary.

Jambo Mom & Dad, I miss you so much, but I'm having an amazing time. Tell everyone hi and give Molly a kiss for me. Love, Elizabeth

Hi Mama & Papa, Tanzania is beautiful and I'm having a great time so far. Everyone in the group is really friendly. I hope that all is well at home. Love, Mary Katherine

Dear Mom, Leah, & Stormy, Hey! I'm having a great time! Love you so much! Miss you, Sophie

Dear Familia, Africa is super awesome and a lot of fun! - Alex

Dear Family, Africa is amazing and I'm having such a great time. I love playing and talking with all the village kids. Miss you, David.