While for most people this back-to-school extravaganza at Usa River Academy marked little more than the beginning of the third term, for me it actually marked a change in my life—or at least alerted me of a change that had already taken place. You may remember that I had been in Tanzania for a whopping 3 days when we took the kids back to school in April for their second term. At that time I rode in the passenger seat, with very little knowledge of my whereabouts, as Daniel drove up-hill and down-hill and all over the Arusha area. Man, I had no idea what I was in for, and it wasn’t until this past weekend when we gathered the kids for third term that it struck me how much my life has changed in these short months.

Beginning the second term, I knew none of the students.  As we piled them into the truck, I tried to grab the name of at least one student, but inevitably it escaped my mind only moments later.  I tried to pass the time by asking the kids about their favorite subjects in school, career goals, favorite animals, or anything else I could think of— details I meant to file away for future reference… oh, but apparently that file was quickly misplaced!  Anyway, it became very evident that the kids were just as happy to catch up with their classmates that they hadn’t seen in a month.

Fast-forward four months… now I was driving up-hill and down-hill and all over town.  Our first stop was to pick up Helena, Matayo, and Yusuf.  As we opened the gate, I was engulfed in a hug from Yusuf. I didn’t have to ask them their favorite subject or career goal on the drive to school because I already know those things, not from quizzing the kids, but from knowing the kids.  The best part of TFFT and my job with Full Circle is the opportunity to get to know our students, form a relationship with them, mentor them, help them, encourage them, and grow with them.

(Some of the back-to-school action)

When I hopped in the truck four months ago, I had no idea what TFFT and our kids had in store for me, and the best part is that, as I arrived home on Sunday, totally exhausted, I realized that I was looking forward to getting to do it all over again in a few months!  As much as the past four months have shaped me, I will continue to grow and to strengthen my relationship with each child in the coming months.

I know you have all heard again and again that TFFT is a unique organization. Four months ago I really had no idea how true that is. I can see it now, though, and I can’t believe I get to spend my days at this amazing job, with these awesome kids (not to mention my fantastic co-workers and our wonderful supporters).  As I prepare to teach about the environment and agriculture in the third term of Full Circle, I can’t help but get excited about what this term will hold (check back in a few days to get an in-depth look at the Full Circle program).

So in closing, I just want to say a quick thank you!  Thank you to all you readers out there for providing TFFT with the support that we need to do what we love.  TFFT really is a family (as Kaitlin said, we are like a really extreme version of the Brady Bunch).  Thank you for being a part of our wonderful, growing family!