I am walking down a red dirt road through a remote village near Arusha, Tanzania with my fellow missionaries. Various sights and smells perk my interest as I see banana and papaya trees surrounding me. Abruptly we come to a stop but to my surprise I am standing in front of three beat-up wooden walls with a curtain as the door and metal plates as the ceiling. Soon after, a family of six, appears from behind the curtain and greets us all in a foreign language that we are unable to understand. Our interpreter steps forward and begins explaining our mission and our reason for being there. We then provide the family with numerous supplies (water, flour, milk) necessary for their survival. The grateful expression on their faces is unforgettable. Later that day, the family and others in the village teach us how to prepare and cook meals traditional to their culture, and do the laundry by hand. After staying in this foreign but warm place for a few hours, we then move on to other settlements to deliver more food.

Contemplating the hardships such as scarce resources or limited shelter that I had seen that day, I could finally understand and realize how deprived and impoverished some people are around the world. Throughout this Mission trip, I developed a love and passion for helping others in need. Simply because I was overcome by a feeling of joy knowing that I am enhancing someone’s life.
During my three weeks in Tanzania, I passionately cared for babies and children at orphanage called Upendo (meaning “Love” in Swahili). In the afternoon we volunteered at street home called Msamaria located in foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. We served as “big” brothers and sisters to the dozens of children who were abandoned in their childhood.

Despite our obvious differences I felt a connection with those kids. Most of the younger children were unable to speak English, which made it difficult to communicate. Nevertheless, we both found ways to communicate. I used my limited Swahili language which consisted of numbers and greeting. Not only was I able to form closer relationships with some children and adults, but I also adapted some of their beautiful culture and values. This was the most rewarding part because I learned appreciation and showed my love to these children by respecting and being a part of their culture.

This Mission Trip gave me an opportunity to experience the truths and wonders of the world through my own eyes and actions. I came back home knowing that not only was I able to help those in need in Tanzania, but also grow as a person. I saw and lived what most others never get to experience in real life. Some people asked me “Why would you ever want to go to Africa?” I can proudly answer that I did it because I simply wanted to spread my love and help others. I am already looking forward to my next mission trip to El Salvador this February. I will be assisting professionals who will be providing medical services to residents.

Sofia Fedoriouk, Branch 24