Reflection

I've been back in the States for about two weeks now, and I'm starting to process and decompress the four months I spent in Tanzania. I'm figuring out everything I learned in the classroom and in the field, what I learned about the culture and about myself. I'm discovering why I loved Tanzania only now, after returning home. I don't think I realized how much I loved that place until I left it.

Of course I'm enjoying the more tangible things, like dependable electricity, running water, and fast internet. I'm really loving the change to cold weather, it's so nice to curl up under covers to go to sleep rather than sprawling out under the mosquito net with the fan on high. I'm not really sure what to say about what I've taken from my semester abroad. What I do know is that it was a fantastic experience that I wouldn't ever take back, and that I feel like a more confident, independent, and interesting person because of it. The semester wasn't easy, I'll admit that, but I think because of the things I was forced to struggle with (both Tanzanian and from home), I've become a lot stronger as well.

I love Tanzania. I love the country, the people, the culture, everything about it. There's something about that place that can't be captured in words or pictures, and just has to be experienced. I truly hope that someday I can go back to that country that I love so deeply, that has truly touched my heart and soul, and that will live with me for the rest of my life whether or not I return. Tanzania has become part of who I am, and I am so proud of that.

So for now I leave this blog.
Nitaonana baadae, Tanzania. Nakupenda.