ASSANTE TANZANIA
At first, I was reluctant to make this blog post. I am, by my own admission, a private person and very rarely do I discuss my personal life outside of the studio. But after many of our fellow clients and followers mentioned their interest in my travels, I thought that this posting may perhaps motivate someone to do what I did; to experience the wonderful country that is Tanzania. In doing so, maybe they’ll meet the many great people I did. Perhaps, they’ll enjoy the amazing culture. With that, I also write this post to help generate more interest and knowledge about the incredibly inspiring project that is growing in a place called Kimundo-Mfulony (the village I lived in). So, please feel free to read more about my adventure and view some of the pictures I was fortunate enough to capture.
I think at some point in our lives we all question our existence and purpose here on earth. Without getting to philosophical or spiritual on you, I certainly was at that point for most of 2007. Business was going well; we were literally changing peoples lives everyday. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, my life had no balance. I was working 60+ hours a week, leaving little time for other endeavors and social life. I was beginning to contemplate the intensity of my approach as an entrepreneur. Certainly I was still driven and loving working with all of the great clients we have, but at the same time I was unhappy. I needed a change. Then one day I read an email about an opportunity to visit Tanzania and volunteer as a teacher.
Without thinking, I decided to go. I booked my ticket, got my vaccinations and two months later I was on my way to Kilimanjaro Airport. Almost 32 hours in transit, I had a lot of time to internalize my decision. To an extent I had doubts. What was the food going to be like? How would people treat me? Where was I staying? All of these questions filled my head. Ironically enough, I was reading a book called the Alchemist and a quote jumped off the pages and put my mind at complete ease:
“He still had some doubts about the decision he had made. But he was able to understand one thing; making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision ” Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist
From that point on I realized that all of my experiences would be positive, even life changing. I decided to live in the moment and not stress. Call it being open minded; call it the greatness that is Tanzania, my mindset became reality. I stepped off the plane and met Unambwe Kaaya, his wife Joyce, and his little boy Corfiled, my hosts during my 4 week long stay. I cannot begin to explain what great people they are. Polite, friendly, and welcoming, I have never felt so comfortable in my life. Over the next few weeks I would learn of Kaaya’s orphanage and school that he has been constructing over the past 2 years. I would learn how his efforts have helped provide food, housing, health care and an education for over 50 children in his village, many of whom have been abandoned or orphaned by their natural parents. I would learn how his vision is to add more classrooms and houses to help even more children in his village. All the while, Kaaya continues to work as Safari Guide in order to sustain the projects future. At the same time, the more people that visit him , the closer he gets to realizing that dream. He is truly an unbelievable human being and one I hope to help as much as I can.
The same can be said for all of the children of Peace Orphanage and Children’s Center (the official name of Kaaya’s project). Eager to learn and so energetic, they made my teaching experience one that I will never forget. Each morning from 8:30 to 12:30 we would sing and dance, learn english, kiswahili and math. In the afternoon, I would assume my role as Tanzania’s newest amusement park ride giving airplane spin and piggie back rides. 10 minutes into the afternoon I would be exhausted. So much for being in shape. During my stay, I would learn just how benevolent and innocent children really are. I was their “Teacha” and that’s all that mattered. Certainly the hardest part about leaving Africa was the fact that I wouldn’t see their smiling faces for quite some time (I plan to go back someday soon).
During my stay, I was so fortunate to experience the culture, the markets, the tribes, the urban center along with the rural surround. I visited Zanzibar (a gorgeous island made up of brilliant beaches and history). I joined Kaaya and Joyce on safari to Ngorongoro crater, Tangire, and Lake Manyara to view the most diverse wildlife and ecosystems on our planet. With these experiences, perhaps the ones I will cherish most are the ones I couldn’t capture with a camera. Sipping on a coke while discussing with Kaaya our goals in life (he too is 27 and has his own vision). Trading with an elder man the intricacies of our respective homelands. Or watching how the children would play with my hair, laughing at how I managed to spike it up. Best of all, how I was accepted as any other and greeted by all of the locals while traveling into town. Jambo. Habari ya leo? Poa! Nzuri. Karibo! Assante. Thank you Tanzania! Thank you Kaaya and Joyce! Thank you Children!
If you have ever wanted to travel to Africa or needed a life changing experience, but didn’t know where to start, please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Kwaheri,
Craig Spear
February 16th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Craig,
Thank you for sharing your amazing story with us!
February 16th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Absolutely incredible post bro! We are all so proud of you and yet very Happy to have you home.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Your story was so touching Craig.
I am so happy for you to experience something so wonderful.
As well, I have a feeling that you touched as many lives, that touched you!
February 18th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Thanks Cristina, Matt and Heather! Thanks Laszlo for all of your help getting the post up.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:01 am
You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing. I’m sure Kaaya and Joyce would love to have a copy of this to share with the children and people of their village. Your pictures capture the heart of the people. They speak all on their own.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Wow, what an amazing, life-changing experience Craig! Much thanks for taking the time to share it with us…such a reality check in contrast to the superficial rat race we tend to live in here…
I would be interested in learning more about your experience and how myself and others might be able to do something similar. Any information you can forward would be appreciated. Thanks again!
February 19th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Hey Dana and Tracey,
Your comments are greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for posting. In terms of information, the process really is quite simple. You don’t have to go through an organization at all. In fact, doing so takes away from potential donations that can be used by the orphanage and school. Anyone looking to go over needs to get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in Ottawa (takes about 5 business days and costs $75). Obviously you need to get certain vaccinations and that cost about $150. Flights are reasonable and all accommodation is set up through Kaaya and Joyce who I can put you in contact with. I am currently in the process of setting up a charitable organization to help people travel to Africa to volunteer with Kaaya while also getting to experience the culture of Tanzania. This organization is going to be completely non-profit and in rder to generate funds for Kaaya’s project. Thanks again.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Craig,
What an amazing summary of your experience! I would love to be part of any fundraising that happens for this project. I truly wish I could be on a plane tomorrow to meet these happy people! The love from a community can bring such joy to everyone involved, even from half a world away! What can we do to help Kaaya in the short term?
February 21st, 2008 at 9:58 am
Craig: As your mom and dad we of course worried about this new adventure however, it was the best experience for you. You went to Tanzania to give but received so much more in return. The memories will remain but the love and hope of the children will be etched in your heart forever. We are given many gifts in life and you as our son are one of them. Thank you again for our beautiful book it will be cherished always. Your mom.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Truly inspiring Craig! One more way you have made a difference and left your mark on the world. The smiles on the children’s faces show the great value of your time there.
Your acheivements and enthusiasm for life continue to be a motivator for both Mark and myself!
Put us down as well for any fundrasing you may do in the short term towards this cause!
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
Dear Craig,
I am very moved by your story and so very happy for you. I feel also very proud that you took that step and did something so out of the ordinary for yourself and others, which proved to be so incredibly rewarding and beautiful. You are an inspiration to many people. Keep us informed about any progress in this area. I would like to help out. I would also like to promote this site with our children’s school . Do you think this adventure would be approperiate for a parent/teenager expedition?
Agatha
February 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Craig,
I appreciate the decision to share your experience. The photographs are beautiful, warm and peaceful. I am moved equally by your sincerely written message and the kind responses of those you’ve shared it with. Who knows what great things can come from four short weeks?!
Perhaps your experience is a good reminder to us all to find more joy in the present. As a traveler we are gifted with a welcome place void of personal past and future obligations, a present filled with children’s levity and the freedom of discovery. Your support of their home and school has touched their lives, changed yours and inspired ours.
Best and thanks,
Kara
“There is only one way to learn,” the alchemist answered. “It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey. (Paulo Coelho)
February 29th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Kaaya Matunda Cultural Tourism Director
Thank you Graig for taking your time and share with your friends good exerience you had whilst in Tanzania. We are so proud of you as your up coming to my project has helped a lot. We managed to put the roof on for the orphanage building, Window and doors though your personal contributions and donations you raised back home. This is realy DEDICATION TO YOU!! God bless you.
February 29th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Craig
For your age you are so wonderfully gifted and mature. You truly are an inspiration to many people young and old. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience I was was very much captivated in reading your story. It is true for we all have our doubts and the decisions we make are life defining and I can honestly say that meeting you and your staff at IAL has been inspirational to me. What beautiful and heartwarming pictures you have shared with us all. Thank you Craig, and I hope your back recovers soon from all the piggy back rides you shared with all the charming children.
Joanne Gamble
March 11th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Hi Craig,
Just wanted to say that Kaaya showed us your website - great story and pictures! I had a good time and was pleased to have been able to meet you and Lindsay. It was hard to leave but I’m glad to be back in Canada and hope that I can continue to find ways to help out the orphanage. Prior to leaving we were able to use one of the new class rooms even though it wasn’t fully finished. They still need to pour the concrete floor which they started in the second classroom the day before I departed. It was great for the younger kids to have their own class but the older kids were a bit jealous as the younger ones were doing more fun activities (crafts etc.) based on their age group while the older ones had to do the math and english. Anyway I won’t take up any more space but had to say hello and comment on your website. Take care!
Heather
April 17th, 2008 at 6:56 am
I am in Peace Matunda at the moment, and I can only go along with everything said, everything mentioned…I am having the time of my life, and I will myself do everything to help these great people. Please inquire about it and join us, this is worth every effort you will put in….Landry, France