I Laid Down My Heart In Bagamoyo

 

I wanted to bring lasting change to the world, but was forever changed by Africa. The horrific and ongoing genocide in Darfur inspired my trip halfway across the world and my desire to make a change. In the presence of ongoing hate, discrimination, destruction, and poverty, I found that our world can be a warm, caring, and extraordinary place.
 
For four weeks, the people of Bagamoyo, Tanzania welcomed me into their hearts. Cross Cultural Solutions was exceptional and created the experience I was looking for. They provided us with worthwhile volunteer placements, delicious food, and set up afternoons filled with learning opportunities. We were able to visit natural healers, orphanages, ruins, historical sites, while having weekends free to experience larger trips such as safaris and excursions to surrounding villages.
 
I was fortunate enough to volunteer in several schools, but my main placement was teaching children with special needs. I’m a special education teacher and wanted to share my knowledge and love of children with disabilities. Educating children in Africa has made me a better teacher. I will forever be indebted to Travelocity for making this trip possible. I could have never made this trip happen so soon in my life, but because of this opportunity I will make it a priority to go back to Africa throughout my life.
 
I hope that everyone who reads my story is inspired to do their part in making the world a better place and decides to volunteer in their own home town, country, or someplace as wonderful as Africa.