I REFUSE to believe that I am leaving here in 36 hours. I know I should be off soaking up my last bit of time here, but I have all day today tomorrow for doing that! It's sad to be leaving. I thought I would be glad to be going home, and I am, but I am really gonna miss this place. I guess I knew that all along but it's hitting me now.

Yesterday, so many people left, there are currently only 6 of us in the house, down from 30 people who were here 2 weeks ago! 3 are in Zanzibar and come back tonight, so then there will be 9, and I leave Monday night, then there will be only 8 for a week until new people come, and even then it will be a small group. Yesterday and this morning all the people who'd been here for 12 weeks left. It was really sad to see them go cause to me they "came with the house" they were here when we got here, and now they're gone, it just doesn't feel the same now. Plus the 4 weekers and other 8 weekers left. It's crazy how being in Africa can make complete strangers really close - but who knows if I'll ever see most of them again. I guess there's always the possibility.

I'm planning a big party/play day for my kids tomorrow, I am gonna be so sad to leave them, I'm sure I'll cry the whole walk home. I'll really miss them, they are some of my favourite people here, them and some of the staff here. I think saying goodbye to them will be the hardest, because who knows if I'll ever see them again. Anyways, my kids are gonna play outside, we're gonna sing, have snacks, they all get new pencils with their names on them and erasers (this is a big deal, since 10 kids usually share 1 eraser and each has a pencil nub about 3 inches long- so I know they'll be overjoyed!) We're making "goo" to play with too. It's gonna be picture mania, Nick said he would take pics for me so I don't have to worry about that. You all will know my kids so well by the time you're through with my photos and videos!!!

Later today we are gonna go walking to the river and on an african adventure with locals to soak in Africa plus I have to get supplies for my kids!

When I signed up for this, 8 weeks seemed crazy long to be off in an unknown country on a continent I'd never been to, living with people I didn't know and teaching in a foreign language- but now that it's come to an end, I feel like it was just yesterday I arrived. I remember the van ride to ccs the day I arrived, it was pitch black because there were no lights, and all I could think was "I'm in AFRICA", I strained my eyes to try and see, but all I made out were the odd trees. It was hot and it smelled different. I couldn't explain what it smelled like, but it was African. Now I know it's burning garbage, and people and dirt and animals, and it sounds gross but it's become wonderfully familiar. (When we got back from Zanzibar, and were driving down the dirt road, I breathed in and it smelled and felt like home). Who would have thought!? I don't want to leave, but I do, I just don't know when I'll ever be back. This was an incredible trip, and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything!

There really is something special about Africa, I know understand all the stories that people who have been have told me- you just can't explain it enough! The people the colours, the smells, the heat, the dirt it all rolls into one amazing African package that I can't leave behind. It's gonna be really hard to adjust to going home. People aren't gonna talk to you as you walk down the road, I'll have to walk at a mzungu pace (that's right Nii, I've learned to walk slowly), people will look at me strangly when I don't match my clothes, I won't need to shower 2 times a day (maybe that's ok actually), and my kids won't be there. I'm gonna end it here, and go pack, so when people get up we can go on our last adventure, plus I've managed to cry my was through most of this entry so perhaps tomorrow it will be all out of my system, I doubt it, but maybe. Either way, hakunda shida, I'll miss this place- but I'll come back with anyone of you guys, just let me save up kidogo pesa first.

Love to you all, Salama.
-Laura

written by  Laura Collins on November 15, 2008 from Moshi, Tanzania
from the travel blog: My Adventure in Tanzania
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We are going to miss reading about your experiences but what memories you will have! Really looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday, hearing more and seeing all your photos x

written by  Gill Laver on November 16, 2008

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that was an amazingly written last (?) entry in africa! even though i've never been there, i feel like through your words i've caught a small glimpse of the smells, colours and places of what you've experienced. it's not much, but it's still a tiny window into an entirely different world that you've let me seen!

can't wait till ur back home, we have so much to catch up on! im done school in less than 2 weeks...it'll be the toughest time of my school life to this date but after that i'll have all of dec to hang out w/ u ;)

miss u!!! XOXO

written by  shannon on November 16, 2008

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I hear ya...and understand.

It will be very different and of course you'll miss it but the memories and experiences are going to be with you always...locked up in your heart (as cheesy as that may sound). Love ya, have fun tonight and tomorrow, and have a safe trip to England and Canada!

Hugs! Sandra

written by  Sandra B on November 16, 2008

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Really nice; well written. Hah, that came out as if I was a TA marking a paper. Well, you really let your feelings for this place and its people through. I could imagine looking through the windows on the bus...

I'm looking forward to seeing you and hearing you talk about all this. Take care on your way back to the UK.

Geoff

written by  Geoff Martin on November 16, 2008

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