Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Beauty of Angel House

One of the most exciting part of Angel House and Angel Secondary School are the visitors who become ambassadors. With volunteers coming in and out, the project now has friends from Kansas, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Montana, just to name a few. That is a big part of the United States though, getting to know the kids and students, wanting them to succeed, wishing the best for them, and providing the means that they can have a better future.

Visitors come in and see the potential, either in one child or student, or in a whole group of them. That the students have a chance to attend school, with a quality of education, means a better future for Tanzania as a whole. Visitors, long term and short term, can't help but fall in love with the kind people and beautiful landscape that is home to those they support.

Tarime, and many of the towns surrounding it, can be a little rough when they are first seen. The driving can be nerve-wracking for visitors, and not just because cars drive on the British side of the road. Once they figure out the system, it is fine. Especially when they ride with someone who knows the system. The town has no Wal-Mart (obviously), and looks run down. But when they step back, it is impossible not to see the beauty. The country-side, the fruit trees, the colorfully painted buildings are all a part of life. The African sunsets that grace Tarime nightly are a sight to see and a sight to come for. As is the sky full of new stars. Perhaps no one who has visited has failed to see the beauty.

The thing that makes this place beautiful is the people. The towns' people, who go out of their way to be hospitiable. The people who work hard and long to provide for their family. The people who a simple wave and smile can make their day a little less rough. The people know that life is not fair, and have learned it well and completely, but they still smile and go about their lives.


By far, the best way to see the countryside: on the back of a pikipiki
An example of Tanzanian arcitecture


Invidiual Volunteer Rachel Tremis, along with family Becky, Sheryl and Bob Tremis, William, Grace and Bhoke, on the shore of Lake Victoria, before venturing into Serengeti National Park

One of the beautiful African sunsets.
The Angel House kids show this the best of all. Their entire day can be made good by a piece of candy or a a new pencil. They are quick to love new visitors and will give their heats completely. They fight and laugh and play and work together, and if anyone tries to hurt one of them, that child is quickly discouraged. They work hard for what they have and have a sense of pride that they helped grow the food they are eating. They  love completely and without asking anything in return. It is because of them that the visitors choose to help, to spread the word, to give. Anyone who has met them is immeasurably blessed.

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