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
Start your New Year off on the right foot. Train with the Best! Brian Humphrey who was recently voted Hamilton’s Best Personal Trainer has proved to be a fantastic motivator and conditioning specialist. Please feel free to call or email us at any time to inquire about a free consultation and tour our upscale exercise loft. 
It never ceases to amaze us how being physically active can truly impact on one’s life and well being. Over the last 2 and a half years, it has been our mission to promote physical activity by eliminating barriers such as feeling uncomfortable, lack of time and motivation, in hopes that people can experience the “greatness” of being active. In changing the fitness paradigm, it is our goal that more people will get their move on.