We would like to share the highlights of our recent mission trip to Shalom.
Click here to see a video of our Mission trip 2024.
The trip started out with meeting the college students studying in Arusha. It is beautiful to see how they are growing in their personalities, confidence and skills. We have high hopes in this young generation, they are some incredible people!
The next and final destination was Karatu, where the days were filled with following up on how Shalom is doing and activities with the children.
Food
Thanks to generous donations we were able to fill up Shalom´s food storage for the holidays (more food is needed when all children are home from school) and buy a bull for meat. We had special meals together and celebrated Mama Warra´s Birthday. A shout out to the cooks, it is truely a job to cook for almost 100 kids!
Uniforms and school supplies
One of the biggest jobs is checking all the children´s uniforms, shoes and school supplies to make sure they are ready for the new school year in january. This involves a lot of fixing and sewing, washing, ordering new, trying shoes, etc. We are grateful for our many helpers! In the meantime Baba Klaus did some computer work and teaching with the college students and talked to our secondary graduates about their future plans and desires. Guidance and councelling is something we are realizing the children really need as they get older, to find their path.
Swimming
Swimming is still the favourite and most anticipated activity for the kids! Although they only swim once a year, we are seeing progress and they have such fun playing and learning.
Chirstmas cards and activities
The children crafted and wrote their personal christmas letters to their sponsors. Other crafts and activities involved beading bracelets, making christmas decorations, sensory activities for the toddlers. building christmas cookie houses and acrobatics.
Christmas Party
On the last day we celebrated Christmas with all the children. It was a special afternoon with popcorn, food, dancing and christmas gifts for all. Their smiles say it all!
Despite the daily challenges and their difficult pasts, these children bring and shine so much joy and love. They teach us to enjoy every moment, be creative and find ways to have fun with little. We always experience how much love, attention and even a simple hug mean, these are the greatest gifts for all!
Our team
Thank you to all the volunteers who joined us this year (Inma, Joana and Sara) and helped create beautiful and memorable experiences. We also thank our amazing tanzanian team, who dedicate their time and work to the children year round and are our greatest support during our missiontrips!! We love our tanzanian team and family!
Finally, thank you to everyone supporting this project, your support makes a huge difference in the lives of these children!!