Happy NeW YeaR!!!!

Wow! So its been a while since I’ve written a blog update and yes it’s because I have been busy with work and more Peace Corps training! Since the last time I wrote you I have traveled to Morogoro which is about 9 hours from my village in the Mbeya Region. It’s sorta like traveling from Virginia to New York. My World Aids Day Project was a great success, my Peace Corps Boss and Village boss were more than happy and I was super proud of villagers and how hard they worked to make the day a great success!
I’ve started teaching English in the primary and secondary schools and I have also started teaching life skills at the village clinic. I use a wooden penis model to demonstrate how to properly wear and remove a male condom. Which also doubles as a toilet paper holder in my bathroom, visitors love it! Oh, I didn’t forget about the ladies, I use a water bottle cut in half to demonstrate how to properly wear a female condom. The villagers think it’s hilarious and that I’m crazy for even having a wooden penis but they get the point of my demonstration and they actually use the information provided. My future plans include women’s health seminars and young men’s open discussion sessions.

On another note I’ve noticed that this will be the last blog for the 2009 year and feel compelled to say something sappy or heart wrenching about my life and experiences in 2009. OK, so yes I actually joined the freakin Peace Corps…OMG! I cant believe it either. There are times when I still don’t believe that I am living, not visiting, in Tanzania. I have no regrets about my decision, even up til today I think it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life except have fun! Oh, and let me tell you I was having fun in a city where Shani was the capital and instead of paying taxes you danced the night away….ok so that hasn’t changed much since I’ve been in Tanzania but I have learned the meaning of moderation and patience. I’ve also learned who my real friends are, that sometimes relationships aren’t what you hyped them up to be, I’m stronger than I gave myself credit for and we are given the opportunity to live to do it all another day! I want to thank any and everyone that has supported me in any way up until this time in my life. Some have provided emotional support, some have provided educational and career related advice. Others have listened to me cry while they were shedding a few tears of their own, Many of you have sat through your share of Shani hissy-fits, a special thanks to those who knew me at my lowest point and still thought highly of me. Thanks to those who laughed at me during my slip and falls, without you I would have not been able to get up and brush myself off. For those broken hearts and egos that I leave behind, I truly never meant it and hope you can find happiness in everything you do even if you don’t wish the same for me. I am still growing as a person and I have no idea where 2010 will take me but, if you’re willing join me for the ride there’s plenty of room! I am and always have been a free spirit, I love life and all that it has to offer me, I take chances that may leave permanent scars and great memories! I encourage you to do the same it’s never too late and you are the only one standing in your way! I have no regrets, for the year 2009, I think I did the damn thing and cant wait to write the same blog post for 2010!

I LOVE YOU!!

SUNSHINE & RAINBOWS !!!!

HappY New YeaR!!!!!