Yesterday was my birthday. I didn't want or expect anything while I was here since Tanzanians don't celebrate birthdays' but I suspected wrong. At dinner, one of the travelers walks in with a cake and another walks in with to huge bowls of ice cream which are pretty rare here. A few minutes later, I was given a Tanzanian shirt that said Africa. Then I received two awesome necklaces and a flower to put on my shirt. Adding on, I was given an ebony carving of the word 'Karibu', which means welcome. I also received the best birthday card that I've ever seen. And lastly, I was given a a custom basket weave that said ' Happy Birthday Chris'. I was freaking out the entire time I was receiving these presents. The people have only known me for two weeks and the Tanzanians who don't even celebrate birthdays who have known me for even a less amount of time and threw me a party! I mean, I got a present from the assisstant to the bishop of Tanzania who didn't even know me. These are some of the kindest people that I have ever met and this has been the greatest birthday of my life and I will remember it forever. Asante Sana. Thank you all so much. Don't cry mom.
Chris Masad
So here we are only 6 days left:( It has been and amazing experince!! I can't believe how well we have all got along!! We have climbed moutains, rocks, traveled on dirty roads, moved bricks, put a roof on, painted the dinning hall, and played with kids!! Thank you for all your support!!
Megan Anliker<><
