Friday I took Irene and Gustaf to the park to teach them how to play ultimate frisbee. We tossed the frisbee around for a while, I taught them the basics of the game, and many times we found ourselves trying to get the frisbee out of a tree. After a while they decided to walk around and see what else was going on. The first place we stopped was at the skateboarding ramps. Gustaf was very interested in all their tricks, but kept repeating, "That is very dangerous. They will fall and break their heads." Then for about ten mintutes we stood at the fence watching everyone in the pool. Mostly they liked watching everyone jump off the diving boards. Then we went to play on the playground. Irene enjoyed sitting on the merry-go-round, but was off of it after about five minutes of endless spinning. Gustaf enjoyed swinging on the swingset, and then jumping off when he got as high as he could. They were both a little apprehensive about going down the slide, and I don't think in the end they really liked it all that much. One thing they did love was some device out there that you turn some knob, speak into it, then turn the knob again, and it repeats everything back to you. They sat yelling both English and Swahili words into, and were so happy every time their voice came back through the speaker.
On the way home we talked about the differences between America and Tanzania. They said all the houses here are new, and nothing in them is broken. Also, there are so many cars. It seems to them that every person old enough to drive owns a car. All the talk about cars got Gustaf intrested in how they work, so when we got into the neighborhood, I pulled over and let him sit in the driver's seat and showed him what everything was. "It is simple then," he said. "Do you think that I could drive home?" I looked back at Irene who's eyes were big, and she was shaking her head, "Hapana, hapana. No, don't let him." "Maybe some other time."

Wow! After a month of travels I am finally back in America. It is taking some time to adjust back to America's very different way of life but I am slowly getting there! I want to thank you so much for supporting me with money and prayers as I took this adventure that I have dreamed of for so long. This incredible opportunity could not have been reality if it wasn't for you helping me. I got to be a part of the most amazing organization I have ever seen. I know it meant a lot to the children and even more to me!


While in Tanzania working at the Hananasif Orphanage Center (HOCET), I taught English classes, helped two students fill out visa applications for study in America, interviewed them for their website, held babies, drew water, and planted trees.

I went with the intent and desire to help these children but came back realizing they helped and taught me more than I could have ever taught them. I saw a glimpse into their lives, as I visited their old villages and interviewed each child for more material for the new website. I saw the pain and suffering each child had endured -- losing parents, living in extreme poverty, and having a life with no hope.

Despite all that, each one I met was the happiest most beautiful child. They each had a heart of gold. It was almost as though their struggles never wore them down or hardened their hearts. It inspired me to help people like them in need. Never have I felt so welcomed, so loved, and yet so ashamed for the way I act and treat people in my life. They took me in as one of their own, never resenting the fact that I was a "rich white girl". Even though they had literally nothing they would give me the best of what they had. It really made me examine my own life, where money and material things are so idolized that it is hard to share. I started to be disgusted at how much I had taken for granted. After everything is said and done I can only pray that I will be half as amazing as each of those children were to me.

I saw Jesus in every one of these children. I saw a kind of love that made me speechless. I know now that these are the role models. Jesus was in every one of these kids and I saw it. It gave me such a wonderful sense of hope again.


The organization itself (HOCET) is run by a man with a business mind and a loving heart. He said something to me I will never forget "Jessica, the Christians here sit at home and come to church on Sundays and they pray for us. Praying is a wonderful and powerful thing, but Jessica it's not enough. God has called us to stand up and help his people. Hiding behind prayers is just not good enough. That is why I am here. I want to help God's children."

The leader is named Hezekia. He is definitely a visionary. He has a vision that captivated me because it wasn't just about getting enough food to keep the kids full and some clothes to cover them. He wants so much more. He wants to educate them, counsel them, restore their hope, and teach them how to be self sufficient. He does not want them forever dependent on outside money. He calls money that is donated seed money. He has recently started a school called Hananasif Academy, and has bought 300 acres of land to grow fruits and vegetables. The sale of these will support the orphanage. Hezekia also has vision for other self-sustaining enterprises. That is why right now they continue to need donations.

He purposely chose to take in orphans from all around Tanzania so when they are done with schooling and the program they will go back to their villages and help the orphans there. This will take many years but I am confidant that they could change the face of Africa.

If you would like to donate to this work please feel free. My cousin Sydney is in the process of making it a tax deductible organization. And if you are curious to find out more the website will be updated in about a month. I encourage you to visit it and read the stories of these children.

Again thank you so much. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. Please keep the children in your prayers. They are so precious to me.

Jessica Love

Syd -
I met Gustaf and Irene yesterday at the Nelson's house. We had a talk about the things
that I wanted to do with them over the year that they are here. I am sure
that list will expand over some time. Then I helped them with their ESL
homework, which I found out they are going to at Faith. Afterwards we sat
and talked and they pulled out a dictionary and asked me words. Also, Gustaf
had a book of words he heard people use and asked me about them. Irene was
telling me how she liked music, but she pretty much only had stuff in
Kiswahili, so I gave a copy of Bethany Dillon's first cd so she could listen
to some English stuff, that is also amazing. They both really loved it, and
kept saying "This is Sydney. This is Sydney. It sounds like here." On Friday
we are off to play some Ultimate Frisbee down at the park.
-Hannah

I arrived yesterday afternoon at Orlando International Airport, along with their host family John and Lisa Nelson, to greet Gustaf and Irene. Although their flight landed around 3p.m., it took Gustaf and Irene nearly two hours to go through customs, due to long lines and a slight paperwork mix-up. Fortunately, a British Airways official with a walkie talkie realized we were waiting for the kids, and gave us constant updates as to their progress in customs.

Gustaf and Irene finally came through the 'arriving passengers' tunnel and looked remarkably upbeat after such a long flight! Their eyes widened in excitement as they saw us waiting for them. They both kept saying, "I can't believe I am here!" I was thankful that I had the chance to greet them, and at least give them one familiar face in what must seem like a strange and overwhelming country.

Some funny differences between the kids: Gustaf said that Irene slept a lot on the airplane, and she said he watched too many movies!:) Gustaf is excited because the Nelsons have a dog and a cat, although Irene isn't too thrilled about the dog. She said, "It will eat me!" However, Irene does like cats, so she is looking forward to having a new pet for awhile.

I was glad to have a chance to talk with them a bit before they left with the Nelsons for Gainesville. We ate some Chik Fila in the food court at the airport, and spent a lot of time looking at the aquarium in the middle of the rotunda. Even though he claimed not to be that hungry, Gustaf ate plenty of Chik Fila;)

Gustaf and Chik Fila

Gustaf and Irene with the Nelsons, looking at the aquarium.

Irene fascinated by the fish

I was pleased at how much Gustaf in particular seems to have progressed in English. And Irene was taking great care to make sure their baggage was in order and neatly packed--I had forgotten how organized she is!:)

My time with them was too short, but I hope to travel up to Gainesville sometime in the next few weeks to visit them.

I just spoke with Gustaf and Irene several hours ago! They have arrived safely in London and are in the care of my cousin until their direct flight to Orlando, Florida tomorrow morning, where they will be greeted by their host family and by Melissa Reyes, a summer volunteer from last year and the familiar face they are anxious to see.

The kids were both excited and chatty on the phone, telling me about the airplane, the different food, the hotel, and the movie they were watching - everything was "so nice!" I'm excited to watch their language develop, alongside the story they tell of their adventures in the US this coming year. Lisa Nelson, their host "mom," told me yesterday on the phone that her first gift to the children will be a journal for each of them to write briefly in every day. "These are days and experiences they won't want to forget."

The kids also told me about their last night in Dar-es-Salaam, when friends, relatives, and the entire church (where the HOCET city center is located) gathered for a celebration to see them off, tell them how happy they were for them, and encourage them to "study hard every day."

We spoke for over 40 minutes before I told them they needed a good nights rest for their last big day of traveling tomorrow. Sweet Gustaf told me before we got off the phone, "It is so good to hear your voice."

Many thanks to Kaleen Love and Eian Schnoor for ensuring their safety during this first international travel experience for the kids...

Taking off....

Just minutes ago I spoke with Hezekia and Joan. They were standing outside the airport, waving to Gustaf and Irene as they walked toward security escorted by Eian.



I can hardly believe this day has come - it has been over a year and a half in the making. I'm nervous...excited...scared. My cousin Kaleen, who is finishing her PhD at Oxford this month, will be greeting them at London Heathrow in just over nine hours. Gustaf and Irene will stay the night with her in London, and she will see them off tomorrow morning from London Gatwick for their direct flight to Orlando, Florida. Lisa and John Nelson, as well as Melissa Reyes, will be there to greet them and take them home to Gainesville.

I'll post again to let you all know when they've arrived safely.

Syd,
Departure is hours away and Gustaf and Ireene are ready as ever. We have given them all of thier necc. documents and will lecture them tonight again on what they are about to embark on. Please find comfort in knowing that Hezekia and the gang are being as thourough as possible with the care of the future heros.

ejs

TICKETS BOOKED!!

I am thrilled to announce that Irene and Gustaf's travel arrangements to the US have been made. Many, many thanks to those of you who have contributed to their airfare and additional travel expenses. You have made this small miracle possible and I know many of us are so exciteid to watch it unfold over the course of this year.
And so it begins. On July 18th Irene and Gustaf will land in Orlando, FL, greeted by Lisa and John Nelson, their host family, as well as Melissa Reyes, a friend to both of the kids and a summer volunteer from last year. They will settle in over the next few weeks, and begin classes at Cornerstone Academy of Gainesville, FL on August 6th. We will keep you posted on their experience in the US!

This just came in from Hezekia...
Dada Joan is his personal assistant who has been working with the children since the very first day. This picture of Dada ("sister") Joan and me was taken last month on my last night in Tanzania.

Hezekia.

This came in from Eian last week- our fifth US volunteer this summer- who arrived in Tanzania on June30th...

Syd,
the trip was sooo long but I met some really cool people in transit and the greeting from Hezekia and the teachers at Dar Es Salaam made it much more than worth it. Syd, I am having a blast and am so soso happy to be here. the kids are even more amazing than i imagined and are sponges for information. The bag witht the books, shoes, and tools did not come with the rest of the bags but i got it today. the teachers are overjoyed at the sight of the books. they went through each one...page by page. their hearts to teach are so sincere as you already know. i have been trying to keep up with things that could be useful to you and your website....we will see how it happens, but regaurdless- the relentlesness of the staff promises sure success in whatever form that ends up to be. I start building on monday and will be at the shamba alone with Evans for about a week....then the kids come back to the shamba. I am having the big talk with Gustaf and Ireene tonight about the journey and also about America in general. Oh, thanks to you and letting me borrow your djembe, jovini stephen, and i have been making music all day long and the girls sing and dance while the other boys dance and learn also. this is how i speak swahili to them!
I have met all of the group that is also here for five weeks too. they are a group of 18, 19, and 20, year old that all go to this international high school called Atlantic College in Whales. they heard about the center because one of the girls' dad's co- worker heard about the center and the group was looking for a project. i went out with them last night and stayed at their place...amenities even nicer than what I am used to in the states....but i def prefer to stay at the center with what have quickly become my brothers.
I hope you are doing well and the kids often ask about you and all that you have come with.

Badai,

ejs