A Few of the Fam at Ralph's Surprise 40th + Lew's 46th. Clockwise: Me, Mick, Ralph, Teri(far right), Cory, Lew, Katie, Kate, and Meesh
Dear Friends and Family,
It's hard being away from home at the holidays. All the way on the other side of the world, far from the egg nog, the New England landscape glistening with snow/sleet/ice, my mom's chocolate covered oreos and homemade toffee, tear. Many of us here in Africa find ourselves reminiscing about family traditions, decadent meals, winter sweaters, and wine...yummy wine. When a group of us Njombe girls got together yesterday to start preparing for our holiday party (today-friday)we found ourselves talking about hot toddies, stuffed stockings, and christmas dinners of yore; however, more present than nostalgia was our typical teasing, laughing, and taste-testing of each others food (we found a new rice and beans place where the ugali is out of this world). We've made our own family out here in Tanzania. Our training class of 45 is still fairly close, there's lots of texting that goes on across the country while in village; but our district, Njombe, is even closer. Composed of mostly girls, we have an incredible kindred female-spirit that dissolves all village frustrations and most homesicknesses with a simple trip to the local chai joint. We laugh, we cry (usually during girls movies), we come to town when each other are sick, we share experiences that only other 1st year Njombe volunteers can relate to, and we know that the bonds we are forming will be life long--it's just the simple understanding between us.
For many of us this Thanksgiving and Christmas will be the first time we're away from family for the holidays-- of course we miss our home, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, dogs, cats, friends, and cozy bed that we grew up in, but I think it's also important for loved ones to know what an amazing group of friends/family we've developed here.
I hope everyone is having a warm and wonderful christmas, and that the New Year finds you healthy and maybe even planning a little trip to check out this Tanzania place for yourself : )
Love,
Greta
3 comments:
Merry Christmas! I miss you. Have a great party!
No one truly represents the holiday spirit more than you, my beautiful friend. I have no doubt that wherever you are in the world, the holiday will still be just as fun as if you were at home.
Christmas isn't the same without you, but while you're out there having an amazing experience and making new friends, your old ones, your family, cats, dogs and your cozy bed will all be waiting for you when you come home.
Love you Greta,
miss you very much
xo
Merry Christmas
Loved seeing the picture of you girls just hanging out. What a surprise to see my Kate looking so the same and yet changed forever. Enjoy your new family and all of you be well and stay safe. Looking forward to meeting this gang soon. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Carol Glantz...Please give Kate a big hug from her Momma
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