Tembo Everywhere.

This past Saturday I went on a day safari to Lake Manyara, where we saw even more elephants. There weren't as many animals there as my other safari, but it was quite possibly one of the most peaceful places I have ever been - and I mean that. The morning of was a bit of a rough start for me, as was this morning. I didn't want to travel too far from a toilet, so I wound up staying home from placement. I am starting to feel a bit better, but am trying to avoid anything in excess. Yesterday a bunch of us helped out a fellow volunteer who works with White Orange Youth, an NGO that educates people on HIV/AIDS. We helped set up a few tents, and played with some of the cutest kids I have ever seen! I wanted to take them all home with me... Once the event got going, there was music, dancing, speakers, and tents set up where you can go to get tested - which I was very proud to do. I was almost 100% sure that my results would be negative, which they were, but I still thought it was important to know how it feels to get tested before telling so many people to do it themselves. It was a very personal test, and I was greatful to have shared it with a little girl who sat on my lap with me. I had the doctors tell her what they were doing (since my Swahili is still a bit non existant...), and thought it may help her better understand that all people should be tested. After that I took a nap that lasted a few hours - I needed it. I am starting to feel a bit sick, and hope it's not malaria - only time will tell (and a trip to the doctors if I don't feel better by tomorrow). But hey, hakuna matata, there is a very simple 3 day medicine to take if I do have it. After the long nap we helped set up the clandle light memoral that was held at one of the local roundabouts. It was very meaningful to the small number of people there. It is true that people still think you can contract HIV/AIDS from kissing! After a short educational film we had a group disscusian where we shared stories, ideas, questions, and answers. It was amazing how much people will open up if you just listen with an open heart and mind.

Now on to a new development. This morning one of the students at Jipe Moyo, Agustino, wrote Melissa and I a letter asking for help paying for his schooling. Just a re-cap, I don't work at a school - it's just a group of people of all different ages and genders that want to get help with English and other things. The cost is about 400 Tsh, which is about 370 USD. I'm not asking for donations, but rather putting it out there incase anybody would like to help. We alone won't be able to pay for it, but know with help from others we might be able to. Agustino is a very smart young man with a lot of potential - if you have any other questions about it just shoot me an e-mail, amberj4s@hotmail.com.

I am really wishing I could put photos up to share with you all, but you will just have to wait!

Hope everything is well with everybody - keep me posted!

Much love.