August 16th, 2010

I will never forget my first morning in Tanzania.  I walked outside of the hostel, the team was living in, and before me was this great mountain. I stood in complete awe at the magnificent sight before me. If there was ever any evidence that there is a God, that mountain, the trees, the beautiful flowers, the vast, bright blue sky, and the monkeys playing in the trees all proved it. I was completely overwhelmed and the only word that I could utter was…WOW.

***

Class began two days after our arrival. I was nervous, but the students received us so warmly and were open to what we had to teach them; that calmed some of my anxiety. The team was divided into two groups and we worked with two different classes.  Some of the team worked with Form V and the other half worked with Form VI. These were the oldest students at Bigwa; I had the privilege of working with Form VI.

One the first day of class we gave the students an English pre-test so we could see the strengths and weaknesses of the students, and see how we could best help them. I was anticipating the worse in what they knew about written English; however, these students exceeded my expectations and they knew much more than I thought (That shows me to never underestimate people).  After the pre-test we handed the students out work books we brought with us from the states, and gave them notebooks that we collected as well.

We focused most of our attention on English grammar like run on sentences, fragments, commas, and past and present tenses. Also, at the end of each class the students wrote an essay, so that we could go over proper essay structure with them. We also read some African literature and had discussions about the images, symbols, and the overall theme of the works.

I had the privilege of directly working with four students named Helen, Gift, Nancy, and Flivanna. They were so sweet and eager to learn. At the end of the first class we all became best friends and exchanged e-mail addresses.

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Tagged As: Bigwa, service-learning, Tanzania, teaching English
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July 26th, 2010

For the last two weeks of May I had the incredible opportunity to go to Tanzania for a service learning trip with Chestnut Hill College, Rosemont College, and Marywood University. Going into this experience I had no expectations. I had no idea what the two weeks would hold and the adventures that it would bring. I entered into this experience with an open heart and mind, and was excited to receive from this trip whatever God had for me. Little did I know that I would be receiving more than any words can describe.

To actually get onto African soil it would take twenty-four hours of travel. The team would take a fourteen hour flight from New York to Dubai, and then another five hour flight from Dubai to Dar es Salam, Tanzania. In addition, we would have to endure a five hour van ride to Morogoro, the region that we would be working in.  I was a little apprehensive to take a fourteen hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean. I have never flow for that long, heck I have never left the continent before. To endure the long hours of travel I made sure my carryon bag was filled with Tylenol PM (a sleeping aid and my life saver on the flight) my iPod, and a book. However, my iPod and book were not really needed on the flight. I was able to entertain myself by watching a selection of films on my own personal TV that was attached to the seat in front of me.  A fourteen hour flight goes by fast when you have films like Lovely Bones, When in Rome, Invictus, and Leap Year to occupy you.

Before I knew it we were in Dubai. Though I was exhausted from the flight I was ecstatic that I was safely out of North America, and in another part of the world. My eyes were overwhelmed at what I saw in the Dubai airport. People from India, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and European were scattered about checking for flight times, shopping for souvenirs, and claiming their luggage. I had never heard so many different languages spoken, in one place, in my entire life. Plus, Dubai was known as one of the wealthiest countries in the world; it showed! The airport was filled with glamorous stores and palm trees. The airport also had rooms just for prayer, smoking, and had a quiet lounge. It was one of the most interesting airports I had ever been in my life!

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Tagged As: Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Service, Tanzania, Travel
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May 14th, 2010

In a few weeks I’ll be on a plain flying above the Atlantic Ocean and heading to Tanzania. But before I leave for the airport I have to make sure I have all my belongings packed, organized, and ready to go which, for me, will be a very a difficult task.  You see, I am not good at packing, especially when it comes to packing for long trips. I always over pack; however, I am learning that for this trip and for trips in the future, less is always more.

What to Pack?

Before I begin shoving miscellaneous things in my suitcase and make yet another packing fopa, I did a little research on the internet and came cross some great packing tips. I know these tips will be helpful as I prepare for my trip, but perhaps they will help you as you travel this summer too.

TIP 1

Make a list all the things you think you might need or want to bring. Planning out what you want to pack before you pack it will help you cut down on some of the unnecessary items that often creep into your suitcase.

TIP 2

Before you pack your clothes, plan out the outfits for each day of your trip. This will help you know what clothes you need to pack, oppose to the ones you want to pack. Also, always pack one extra outfit and put in your carry on. You never know what can happen with your luggage, especially if you are doing long distance traveling with multiple layovers.

TIP 3

When packing, roll your clothing to minimize space in your suite case, as well as prevent clothes from creasing or wrinkling.

TIP 4

Pack Medications, ID, passport, toiletries, glasses, and any other personal items you may need in your carry on. If you are traveling abroad it is a good idea to keep the things you often use close to you as you travel.

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Tagged As: packing tips, Tanzania, Travel
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April 29th, 2010

Monet once said that “the richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.” Well, like Monet I have taken the time to be inspired by nature. Once in a while I just have to allow myself time away from it all and allow myself time to escape into nature to get reenergized and get inspired. I had the opportunity to do just that on two trips that I recently took.

The Beach

Over spring break, I took my own advice and had some fun in the sun at my favorite beach on the east coast Belmar beach in Belmar, New Jersey http://belmar.com/.  My best friend and I packed up my 1999 Toyota Camry and hit the road for a minnie road trip. With the happy sounds of Jason Marz in the background, we embraced the fact that we were taking a break from school work, family obligations, and all the other stresses of life to just enjoy the nature that God put on this planet for us to enjoy.

We did nothing special or out of the ordinary when we got to Belmar. We just grab our towels, laid on the beach, and watched the waves go to and fro. We also enjoyed Sub-Way sandwiches and good conversation. The day was a much needed break from everything.

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Tagged As: Belmar Beach, Belmar New Jersey, marshes, Nature, Pond and Streams, relaxation, wetlands
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April 11th, 2010

Spring semester can be tough, especially with summer just around the corner; however, spring break is the bright stop in the midst of the dark clouds of term papers, exams, and group projects. During my week long sabbatical from academic stresses, I always make sure I hit the sale racks, the book store, the movie theatre, and the great outdoors for some much needed R&R. I hope you will join me in doing the same.

Shop until you Drop: Spring break is the perfect opportunity to begin to revive my wardrobe from drab winter appeal, such as heavy hoodies, boots, and sweats to more fabulous spring attire. My goal for spring break is to hit my favorite stores for some good deals and cute clothes. Skirts, dresses, and board shorts or my spring must have items. What are yours? Shopping at the mall can be a blast, but crowds and the hassle of finding a parking space is something that can turn anyone’s smile into frown.  Sometimes I check out my favorite stores online, where I actually discover some terrific deals, and what’s great is that I can stay in my PJ’s while doing my shopping.
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Tagged As: movies, reading\, relaxation, shopping, Spring Break
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March 26th, 2010

After a month long winter break it is always difficult to get back into my academic routine. Spring semester at CHC has been in session for almost three months, and I still find myself struggling to get to class on time, and to make time for homework.  All I want to do is sleep in, go to Barns and Noble with the girl’s, or hit South Street for some bubble tea. And what makes spring semester even more difficult is that the weather is so nice.  Nature is calling and I’m stuck in the dorms writing a ten page term paper. Life is just not fair.

This week’s post will hopefully be an encouragement for you as well as for me.  I have created a list… a survival guide, if you well, as to how you and I are going to make it through the spring semester. My goal is to illustrate how we can balance our academic stresses with fun and relaxation. So below are some helpful tips that I think will help us preserve.

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Tagged As: relaxation, smoothie, spring semester, stress
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March 2nd, 2010

CHC is an institution where you don’t have to suppress your creative side, and where self-expression is greatly encouraged. Rather it’s on the basketball court making a layup or playing the piano in the annual Christmas concert, CHC is a place where you can truly find your niche, be yourself, and express your individuality.

If sports and instruments aren’t your forte, CHC has lots of other great things that you can engage in that can help keep your creative juices flowing!

“All the World’s a Stage.”Rather you landed the lead in your High School’s musical three years in a row, or just like creating sets, CHC’s drama club might be the place for you. Mask and Foil has put on some of the best productions that CHC has ever seen, some of which include Rumors and A Street Car Named Desire. All that’s missing form CHC’s drama club is you! So if the theater is what you dream of let Mask and Foil be the place that makes your acting dreams come true.

“Just Dance.” If you like to move and groove to hip tunes, then the CHC dance team or Salsa club is the place that may capture your interest. Dancing has never been more fun that at CHC. Rather you’re ripping the floor boards to a classic MJ jam or shaking those hips to a hot Latin number, the dance team and Salsa club are a great way for you to release some stress, relax, have fun, and allow the music to move you.

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Tagged As: art classes, chorus, dance team, drama club, gospel choir, Salsa club, The Grackel, The Griffin, The Luminous Review
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February 14th, 2010

What’s great about going to Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is that it’s easy to be kept in the know about what’s happening on campus. CHC prides itself on being able to constantly communicate with its students about campus affairs. Though students can easily check out the many flyers that are posted around campus to find out when the Spring Formal is, or read the decorated bulletin boards that line the main hallway in Fournier to see what the ALD honors society is up too, many students on campus are connecting with CHC clubs through Facebook.

Almost every major club on campus and department has a Facebook page. It’s easy to be kept informed with all the happenings on campus when students become fans of their favorite campus groups, clubs, and organizations.

There are several CHC Facebook pages that students join, but I wanted to offer my top Facebook picks to YOU future Griffins.

Chestnut Hill College: CHC has its very own Facebook page where you can access pictures, great informational resources, contact information, access to a CHC calendar, and get the low down on past events and traditions that the college has. Also, through this page you are able to get updates on other departments such as CHC athletics and Logue Library. To become a fan of this page click the following link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/ChestnutHillCollege?v=wall.

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Tagged As: Campus Ministry, Chestnut Hill College, Clubs, groups, Student Activities
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