I’ve been home for a couple days with time for rest, jet lag acclimation-somewhat-and ponderings of our trip. I am struck by the difference between my first trip to Tanzania and this one. Four years ago, I was sort of in shock when I arrived. I had never been to a third world country and could not stop thinking about the dichotomy of our cultures and lifestyles. We spent the majority of our time in meetings and talking with officials about their water situation, researching various ideas and developing relationships with local village and government leaders. When I returned home, I was tired to the bones, and deeply saddened by the vast differences in our everyday living – clean running water to drink, shower and cook with, ovens to bake in, electricity that always works, and all those amenities that we take for granted. It was a difficult trip that I could barely talk about to friends; my eyes had been opened and I would never be the same person.
This time, I returned home in a different state of mind. Yes, there is still extreme separation of the “have and have nots” by our definition of success and material possessions, but I now see clearly what they do have. A deep sense of community tied by their long standing culture and the close physicality in which they live on the mountain, a moral obligation to take care of each other and one another’s children no matter the work or the cost, an understanding of how to get things done together, a strong grasp and belief in God, and a warmth and hospitality I have never encountered anywhere else. I am reminded of my favorite story of the Eagle and Condor – they are definitely the Condors and the prophesy has come alive for me. This time my eyes have been opened in a much different way. As I make my way back into everyday living, very slowly and mindfully much like our village friends, I realize I am truly inspired by them and my heart is filled with joy. I still have so much to learn…