We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on top of Mount Kilimanjaro which would shine beyond our borders giving hope where there was despair, love where there was hate, and dignity where before there was only humiliation. ~ Julius Nyerere, 1959 Returning from an adventure of a lifetime is difficult. I am so happy to be home again with my husband and pets. But my gypsy soul remains in the wilderness. This happens after a months long distance hike, but I did not expect this to happen on a trip that only lasted for sixteen days. This feeling explains the magnitude of what I was able to experience during my visit to Tanzania. I learned volumous information about a country that was unknown to me prior to my planning. With all the fighting that is going on around the world, I felt so at ease in a country that was 45% Muslim and 55% Christian ( according to a team member from Tanzania. ) Why cant we all just get along? How is it that the people of Tanzania can mingle in harmony? And how is it that the Maasai people are the only people in the world who can live in harmony with the wild beasts? My trip to the continent of Africa has my mind overwhelmed with new thought processes. I am only one person. And what I say or learn through experiences on a sixteen day trip do not affect anyone but myself and what I share with my family and friends. But the people of Tanzania are proud of their country. They are proud of their countrys historical sites and significance. And their smiles beam with HOPE. Hope is what keeps any human being alive. We all need to feel secure in hope for the future, our childrens future. In Tanzania, the people refer to the United States as OBamaland with a smile. There are three billboards with photos of President OBama, Hilary Clinton, and John Kerry prominently displayed. I purchased two decks of cards which have President OBamas photo on all of them. They are called, Yes We Can. They sold for $3.00 per deck. I have not turned on the news since I have returned. I am still in my own idealistic world. And I want to remain there. But my reality is that in order for me to move forward in my life, I need to set some new goals for myself. Do I need to tag the summit? No. My time on Mt. Kilimanjaro was significant enough for me to grasp the true essence of Kilis mountain topography and culture. I lived in the moment and soaked up everything. My heart was 100% full throughout my hike. I could not have asked for a more perfect trip. I feel so blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to experience Mount Kilimanjaro through my own eyes and footsteps. How is it that people with so little can set an example so powerful that the world should take notice? Thank goodness that Kili climbers come from around the world. Tanzanians have taught me how the world could live in peace. Now, what do I do with this knowledge? Perhaps the exact location of where humankind once began, the theory of evolution is the answer to all conflict in 2014 and beyond? Simple, yet profound. Ladybug
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 00:00:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015