Without Borders...

Abby and Sara have been best friends since they met in the dorms at Colorado State University in 2002. Each year since then, they have been on at least one trip together, with the last few years consisting of backpacking travels through Europe.

In 2010, they decided to put their desire to see the world towards a more constructive cause. Instead of taking an adventurous vacation, they chose to visit Tanzania and volunteer with Light in Africa for five weeks.

This winter, they are going back to Light in Africa to volunteer for another five weeks, and can't wait to see how much "their" kids have grown!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Whew – Merry Christmas Eve


It’s Christmas Eve, 9:22 p.m. in East Africa. It’s long been dark and Sara and I are just getting ready for bed, scrubbing off the dirt of the day in shower. Just another day here, but definitely not the Christmas Eve I’m used to.

Today, we finished getting ready for Christmas – a job we have had since we got here and it really has been an undertaking. We have made our lists and checked them way more than twice, hoping every kid is accounted for and putting a lot of thought into each of the 200+ gift bags.

Part of our soccer crew
Together, with Tony ( a volunteer from California, who had spent the past couple Christmas’ here) and Arlene (a volunteer from New York), we finished decorating the room we will hosting the kids in and it looks great! We even had time to play soccer with the older boys at Pilgrams. I say “play” very loosely, as they don’t trust enough to pass to us – might be all the screaming we do when balls come near our faces.
Tony and Sara - expert decorators of African Christmas 

It’s hard to believe our time here again is nearly to an end and that we actually are ready for Christmas. Everyone tells us that this is the most ready they have ever been – so we’re excited. All the Zawadis (gifts) are ready and we are anxious – like kids waiting for Santa! But we’re waiting to play Santa.

Mostly, we’re excited to see the kids’ faces and just spend time with them tomorrow. Christmas like we Westerners know it, is not the tradition in Tanzania, but we hope they will think it’s very special.


We’ll let you know tomorrow. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas from East Africa! Abby and Sara

1 comment:

  1. Sounds like you are making it very special for a bunch of very special kids. You two are awesome! Love you both, Merry Christmas!

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