Welcome to Tanzania, Mama Hackett!

Why Mama Hackett? It is the nickname I have taken on by all the guys.

So I just tried to post this and it failed and erased everything. I'm annoyed. Anyways...

After two long plane rides, and one painfully long layover in London, we finally made it to TZ on Friday, Jan. 20! We all felt quite gross from travelling for two days, but were excited for this new adventure.

We hit the road during rush hour. It felt like I was in Dominican with all the crazy driving! I'm beginning to think America has the abnormal driving. We drove down the coast to our resort. We were told to get out, get our suitcase and repack for two nights in to a backpack. We then took two small boats over to the peninsula the resort was on. It was beautiful. You were surrounded by the ocean. We stayed three people to a little house. The windows were screens so you even fell asleep to the sound of crashing waves. We spent two nights here.


We then hopped back on the boats to get to the mainland again. When I got out and was standing in the water, a small jellyfish stung my ankle! Rude. It was pretty red and nasty for a few days, but I'm alive. No worries :) We headed over to a more tropical resort in the same town, Bagamoyo. We stayed there for one night.

Next, we took the long drive to Mikumi National Park. Here we experienced our first game drives! I saw elephants, zebra, wildabeasts, impalas, warthogs, buffalo and many beautiful birds. Oh we also saw the eyes of hippos peeking out of the water at us. It was amazing how close we got to some animals. I had an elephant about 15 feet in front of my window! We stayed one night here.

Finally we got on our way to campus in Masumbo. It took us about five hours. It is absolutely beautiful. So green and with perfect weather. Living simply is refreshing. We have had two days of classes so far. Classes are in the morning with Swahili on and off in the afternoon. I'm excited to call this home for three months.

I won't tell you all my stories because a.) What would I share when I return?! and b.) I want to go explore town. So there's a brief overview of what has gone on so far. I am doing well and everyday standing in awe of our wonderful Creator. Love and miss you all.

Bethany