WHERE I'll be living/ volunteering

"She ran ahead where there were no paths." -Dorthy Parker

The biggest questions I've had have been about where I'm living and where I'll be volunteering. I know I felt a lot better when I saw pictures to answer these questions myself so here's a glimpse of what my life will be like for the next month.

1. Living- my home for the month of July:
Part of the program fee to volunteer for Cross Cultural Solutions goes towards making sure all volunteers are safe while at the home base. The sixteen other volunteers and I will be staying in this home base where bottled water is provided and essential mosquito nets to sleep under!

2. Volunteering- my volunteer placement:
I will be volunteering at Mwasama Primary School. Here is the detailed information provided to me by Cross Cultural Solutions. I am greatly looking forward to working with the faculty at Mwasama and helping to educate the children of Bagamoyo!

Mwasama Primary School

School: Teaching Children and Assisting Teachers

General Information

Mission and Needs of the Partner Program

The mission of this primary school is to prepare the children of the Bagamoyo region with basic knowledge and skills they will need to attend secondary school.

Because of the low economic standards of this town, the quality of education has fallen tremendously beyond limits. The owner of Mwasama Primary School is a teacher by profession and a parent; she felt a duty to join the government in the effort to eradicate ignorance (illiteracy) and thus reduce poverty. After a trial period of one and a half years, starting in 1998, she discovered that orphans and children from poor families are capable of schooling, but lack funds to help them beyond Secondary Education.

This is a private school. It is situated one kilometer outside the historical town of Bagamoyo. All subjects are taught in English (except Swahili) as this is an English medium school. There are 22 staff members, 10 of which are non-teaching staff, and 389 students. Out of 389 registered pupils, 17 are parentless children (street children or orphans whose parents died of HIV/AIDS).

Volunteer Activities/Duties 

-Teach English, mathematics, reading, and writing

-Teach sports, games and songs, arts and crafts

-Help assess the development and progress of students (help create testing procedures)

-Organize projects and activities for the children

-Work with the teacher to develop primary school activities and materials that can be used for years to come(using creativity to create things with little supplies and modern equipment)

-Participate in cultural exchange with the children and teachers.

Packing: a.k.a. "You'll be fine"

"The overdressed traveler betrays more interest in being seen than in seeing, while the true traveler knows that the novel world about her serves as the most appropriate accessory." -Gregory Maguire, Wicked

No make up. No jewelry. One would think packing to volunteer in a third world country is quite simple. In fact I've always prided myself in being a low maintenance traveler. I usually pack hours before getting on a plane. I never check bags. I flew to NYC for two weeks with just a carry on. I backpacked through five countries of Europe sans anything fancy with just what fit on my back three years ago.

In the past week, I've learned quick traveling to Africa certainly isn't comparable to traveling anywhere in America or Europe. So how does one begin to pack for a whole month in Africa? I started with the following packing list from Cross Cultural Solutions, which I have carried around like Linus and his blanket. 

Secondly, while packing you consult friends, lots of them. Anyone who knows me knows I avoid malls like the plague. Kath coaxed me to the outlets by saying we'd go for biking supplies and made it her goal to get me prepared for Africa. My mom also deserves kudos for exploring stores such as Gander Mountain in search of the strongest bug spray and a safari hat of course! My parents being the wonderful parents they are helped make sure that the bathroom cabinet of medical supplies accompanies me to Africa!

My CCS Program Director Katie along with my friends Erin, Kim C, Kim D, Hannah, and Jessie have been my Africa consultants since they've all been there themselves. Every little tidbit helped such as avoid wearing blue which attracts more bugs! Kristin lent me her awesome backpack again. My friend Melanie, let me go "borrowing" in her house where she taught me all the secret wonders for long flights such as a blow up pillow to help with my 21 hour flight. She also stressed how vital compression bags are which do work wonders!

Lastly, while I'm excited to try the local cuisine in Bagamoyo I needed to pack some comfort foods!

I think this blog makes packing look a lot easier than it has been. I admit it's scary to think that in just a few days I'm traveling alone far away from home to sleep under a mosquito net for a month. However, in my running/biking group we have a simple motto that is, "You'll be fine." It's what I was told before I ran my first 26.2 miles. I was told it again while frustrated during the final miles of an 84 mile bike ride. While it doesn't always feel like it, I always am "fine." In fact, I know I'll be better than fine for great adventure takes great risk.

So my bags are packed and I'm focusing on the words of Edward Abbey, an environmental activist who said, "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view."

6/18/11 FL-> PA = 1,034 miles!

The feel of wind blowing through the windows, the sight of sunsets spread across mountains, the sound of classic songs and new radio stations, among other reasons are why I adore the open road. Not many people voluntarily drive over a thousand miles, but I've come to love the annual summer drive home to Pittsburgh!  My love of the open road started when my best friend and I took a road trip of 8,177 miles exploring America's National Parks! During that trip my friend and I made the rule to never stop at the same restaurant twice and also decided that some sights seen from the dashboard are just so beautiful they require pulling over to take in. Part of the fun of driving across states is that you get to see so many sights that you would never see if you just flew into a city. While I'm anxious to fly to Africa, I couldn't head so far away without heading home first.  Luckily, all of my immunizations went well on Thursday so I was ready to pack up my car and get the summer travels started! Before driving off, my running/ biking club planned a sendoff off for me! I cannot thank all of my friends and family enough for their support of this volunteer trip!

Friday 6/17/11- Sendoff dinner with my amazing running/ biking club! Such inspiring people!

Early Saturday morning 6/18/11- Driving begins! Before leaving the Sunshine State I decided I wanted to see the beach one last time so planned to meet friends in Jacksonville for lunch on the beach, where there happened to be a random parade.

After a delicious lunch with friends and an enjoyed driving break on the beach I headed back in my car to continue north. Sticking with my rule of finding unique rest stops, I decided to get off for gas at the exit that advertised free apple cider and a tour of Frampton Plantation in South Carolina.

Saturday evening 6/18/11-  Day one of driving concludes in North Carolina after 639 miles! I was greeted in NC with hugs from a best friend I've known since sixth grade, her husband, and beautiful baby! It is always so wonderful to see old friends! We spent the weekend catching up sharing many laughs!

Monday morning 6/20/11- On the road again!  West Virginia mountains took me home!

Monday evening 6/20/11- I instantly smiled as I turned the corner onto the familiar street my parents have lived on for over thirty-five years. Pittsburgh is ranked one of the top ten places to raise a family in America and there's no question why. My same neighbors that were living in the adjacent houses to my parents when I was born still live here and greeted me with hugs and well wishes for Africa. I have been having the most wonderful time with the best parents and friends while back in Pennsylvania. There's truly no place like home.

6/16/11- Immunizations

Traveling out of country certainly is extremely exciting but it also has its dangers. Upon committing to volunteer with Cross Cultural Solutions, I received a vital booklet of information about Tanzania and how to prepare for my volunteer trip. Research (such as the questions I asked on the last blog) is critical in order to be prepared. In addition to learning about the country I'll be traveling to, I needed to learn about how to stay safe while away from home. 

While I frequently read over the handbook, I prolonged the big day of getting all of my immunizations for fear the shots may make me sick and I didn't want to miss work due to that. Thus, exactly one week after the last day of school I headed into the travel clinic at 8:00AM to get my immunizations. The reminder that "Foreign disease is not dazzling" stared me in the face as the nurse closed the door and I glanced around at inspirational photos and informative posters.

The travel nurse returned and was extremely helpful in talking me through all of the safety precautions needed to travel to a third world country. I was given a folder with a traveler health report prepared for me which listed country-specific recommendations. Since Tanzania is a developing nation in the lowest 25% of the world's economies, there are concerns which are not an issue in the United States. After going through my past medical history, it was recommended I receive five vaccinations in addition to the required Yellow Fever Vaccination. Thus it was time to put on my brave face...

I survived all six shots, three in each arm!

Most importantly, I was given proof of my immunizations which I will be required to show in order to enter Tanzania.

While the shots were quick and painless, they certainly did some damage to my wallet. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover immunizations required for out of country travel nor is the required medicine to prevent Malaria covered.

6 shots + 3 required medications = $967.78!  Volunteering isn't cheap! I am happy to report I didn't have any negative reactions to the vaccines and got ready to meet my biking group Thursday evening as usual. Six shots(two in the front of each arm and one in the back) didn't keep me from my favorite exercise. I couldn't have been more thankful for my health as I headed off on that bike ride!

WHAT...? Students' research :)

Dear stellar students,

I can't believe it is the last week of school already! I love that you are as excited for my volunteer trip as I am. Before going anywhere it is always vital to learn about the place you're going so I'd like you to help me research! Please use the following links to research Tanzania on your home computers and tell me what you'd like me to see and/or do while I'm exploring Africa! We learned that when Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida in 1513 he named it  "La Florida" meaning Land of Flowers. I will be volunteering in Bagamoyo. What does the name Bagamoyo mean? Here are some other questions to guide your research.

-What animals are found in Tanzania?
-What language is spoken in Tanzania?
-What is the climate like?
-What ocean borders Tanzania?
-What countries border Tanzania?
-What percentage of children 5-14 attend school?
-What sport is popular in Tanzania?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanzania

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagamoyo

http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/

Animal Images

Based on your research, what advice or suggestions do you have for me? Do you think I should pack anything in particular? What was the most interesting or surprising thing you learned? I look forward to reading your research, opinions, and suggestions.

Your teacher,
Ms. Barr

WHY am I going to Africa?

Two of my favorite quotes from two beloved books come to mind when I think about why I'm flying 9,304 miles across the world. First, I am going to Africa...

Secondly...

While I share Jack Kerouac's love of traveling, the last lines of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss have always stuck with me. It takes a lot of caring people to make the world a better place and I’m just trying to do my small part. I wanted to volunteer for Peace Corps as soon as I graduated from Penn State but decided it would be too hard to be away from family on the other side of the world for two years. Instead of moving across the globe, I accepted a teaching job in Florida. Yet, before moving from PA to FL, I followed Jack Kerouac’s advice and hit the road. Over the course of thirty-three days one of my best friends and I drove 8,177 miles across America the Beautiful! We camped and hiked in our nation’s breathtaking national parks. A few favorites were the Badlands, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. 

After teaching for a few years, it was time for a new travel adventure so I ventured abroad for the first time during the summer of 2008. I backpacked from London through Eastern Europe and loved the history of Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Hungary.  It was hard to pick just one picture from all the historic sites I saw in five countries but Stonehenge truly stands on its own.

The summer after I traveled to Europe, I was the one sitting in classrooms earning my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University.  

Last summer, I was busy teaching summer school to help pay those grad school loans. I also increased my running training as I began coaching the girls’ high school cross country team while training for my fifth marathon. Similarly to how I relate my travels when teaching, my joy of running is integrated in my classroom.

To come full circle, the “WHY” is never a simple answer but following your heart is simple. It’s always been a dream of mine to help children in Africa and I’m making that dream happen. I’m combining two of my passions. As Kerouac said, "There's nowhere to go but everywhere." There’s a whole world out there I haven’t seen yet and lots of children to be cared for. So this summer, I'm looking to really make a difference by being a volunteer with Cross Cultural Solutions and help those in Africa who are not as fortunate as those of us in America.  I’m setting out to put my heart into this volunteer trip!

HOW I'm getting to Africa!

1. I am driving from Florida to my home state Pennsylvania and then over to New York where I will get ready for my next mode of transportation!
Approximate driving distance= 1,392 miles!

2. On July 1st I will be flying out of JFK Airport in NYC.

3. I will fly from NYC across the Atlantic Ocean to Dubai International Airport. Dubai is a city in the country of United Arab Emirates.

4. I will then change planes in Dubai and board my final plane to Dar Es Saleem Airport in Tanzania!

5. Finally, after flying 9,304 miles I will be picked up at Dar es Salaam Airport by someone with Cross Cultural Solutions and we will drive to Bagamoyo where my volunteer trip will begin!