One Love

You would think that it wouldn't be that hard to have world peace... Why is their fighting, and why do people treat other people so horrible? 
We are all the same, same anatomy, same world, and we all have the capability of getting along, but of course people can't find a way to treat others with respect. 

Looking back and learning about history, makes these horrible incidents seam so barbaric. 

The African Slave Trade and The Holocaust, are two of the most frowned upon events that happened because of humans. Many even refer to the African Slave Trade as "The African Holocaust." 

For instance Haaretz, Marcus Rediker, author of 'The Slave Ship: A Human History,' talks about "floating concentration camps" and why the Black community should never forget.Haaretz discusses the fact that, in contrast to The Holocaust, the point of the slave trade was not to kill people, the point of the slave trade was to get as many living bodies as possible to America in order to use them to make money. However, millions and millions o deaths of Africans did occur, but that was not the objective. 

Unlike the Slave Trade, the one and only purpose of The Holocaust was to kill people so there would only be one type of human (like there wasn't already?) 

In 1921 Adolf Hitler became leader of the Nazi party. The Nazis were racists and believed that their Aryan race was superior to others. In 1934 Hitler became Germany's head of state. He introduced anti-Semitic laws which discriminated against Jewish people living in the areas he controlled. Some of these laws meant that Jewish children could no longer go to school, keep pets or have a bicycle.The Nazis believed that Jews were a problem that needed to be removed. The mass killings of the Holocaust were what Hitler called "The Final Solution". The Final Solution is what most people think of when they hear about The Holocaust. 

These two awful, disgusting, and barbaric times in history will never be forgotten. 

“We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.” 

-J.K. Rowling 

The Massai Tribe

The Massai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The population of the Massai is approximately one half million people. 

The Massai are known as tall and fierce warriors; they live completely different lives than what we do today. Massai people are nomadic so they are constantly moving place to place to find food, and a place for shelter for a short period of time.

The Massai reply on their animals for food, and get all of the necessities they need by trading and swapping items with other Massai people. 

The gender roles for Massai people are very different than what we are used to; Massai women are given as much respect as someone would give a cow. This seams so awful to me, because women are a vital part of society, they birth all of the children, and cook all of the food, and even build the entire home when they move locations.

The homes that the Massai live in are called manyatta, which are built from branches and grass. Manyattas do not have windows or chimneys so it is very smoky and dark inside. Animal skins are laid on the floor for warmth and some type of insulation. When all the food and water is gone, the Massai will simply pack up their house and move across the land to find somewhere where there is.

I couldn’t imagine having to live like the Massai; they are such strong, motivated people that do not rely on materialistic items.

Mnyama

Animal is Swahili is "mnyama"...

If I had to choose an animal that best represents me, it would be a dolphin.

I have taken a lot of personality tests online (I don't know why) and they tell you what animal you are. Every time I am a dolphin!

Dolphins are very social; I would much rather be with a group of friends, than sitting at home alone. I am also very friendly like a dolphin, it is very easy for me to be put into a awkward position with no one I know, and come out with a whole group of friends. Dolphins are also very family oriented. They have feelings just like humans do, and like to stay with their family and friends for life. Family is the most important thing in my life, my family has been there for me since the beginning and no matter what, will be there until the end.

I feel like my personality will help me in Africa, because I am very social and love to have fun. I didn't know many people on my trip in the beginning, but I have already made great friends. My outgoing, social personality will make it east for me to teach the kids during school and make new friends with all of the wonderful people I will meet.

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."

-Dalai Lama

Inspiration...

My blog assignment this week was to write about three people that inspire me. This is extremely difficult because I am blessed with so many inspiring people in my life!

However, the first person that popped into my head was my dad.
My dad is by far the most amazing man I have ever met. He is a phenomenal dad for my sister and I, husband for my mom, and role model for anyone that has the chance to meet him. My dad is always up for something fun, he hates seeing others sad or mad and will do anything to liven up the mood. He is THE MOST hilarious person I have ever met. He is also someone that I know I can talk to about anything. He doesn't judge or make people feel like they have done something wrong. I love my dad very much, and am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life, and I aspire to be like him everyday.

Another role model in my life, hand down, would be my sister. My sister is almost 2 years older than me, she is 18 years old, and my best friend. Whenever I am with my sister, we are laughing so hard our abs hurt! I don't know what I will do with out her next year when she leaves for college. Nicole is the smartest, funniest, and most down to earth person I know. She amazes me everyday by how smart she is.. really though, its freaky! Nicole and I are, and will be, best friends for ever. I am so incredibly blessed to have a sister like her. Nicole inspires me everyday, she makes me want to do better in school, work out and eat healthier (she's crazy healthy and fit) and most of all she teaches me not to care what others think about you. Do what you want, and be who you want to be.
I love you Colie :)

Last, but certainly not least, is my mother. My mom is like Superwoman, I know many people say that about their mom, but it's true... Mom's can do things that no one else can!! My mom, is amazing, she is always there for me, and keeps me on track. Some people are embarrassed about their moms, especially at our age, but not me!! My mom is cool, funny, beautiful and very fashionable (so I never have to tell her what she can and can't wear... she aways knows).
A couple days ago I had a bad ski accident while training for my high school ski team. I hit a race gate and had a bad fall. I broke some bones in my knee and had to have surgery the next day. My mom was there with my every second of it. She was there waiting for me when I came down with ski patrol, she slept in the very uncomfortable hospital chair to be with me and hasn't left my side . I cant walk right now, so she is having to do everything for me. God bless her!!!
Now you can all see why my mom is like Superwoman in disguise.

These people are very dear to me, and will always have a special place in my heart.

Thanks for reading!!!


~Sophia

Questions...

When talking about summer plans, going to a village in Tanzania to work in an orphanage and a school doesn't exactly come up very often. It's not the ordinary conversation starter!

However, through that comes LOADS of questions. 

What is my biggest fear?

My biggest fear is growing too close of  a bond with the kids and then having to leave. I know it will be hard for me but I am more worried for the kids. Half of them are orphans, so they don't need anyone else walking out of their life. 

What will be the most difficult thing for me?

The most difficult thing for me, besides the fact that I will have to come home without putting all of the children in my suitcase to come home with me.... is the language. I am used to being able to say what is on my mind, and talk freely. This will be a reality change for me. It will be hard not to be able to tell the kids all that I want.

How will I change?

It's hard to say at this point in time... but I would have to say I will be much more appreciative. Coming from a very close family, with many opportunities, I will learn to appreciate things more. I will not take time with my mom, dad, sister, or any family members for granted because a lot of the children we will be working with will never see their families again. 

This AMAZING trip is and will be a very frightening trip... leaving your home, your family, and just the familiarness that surrounds you in your daily lives will be a reality change. Going to a country halfway across the world that you have never been there before will also be scary. 

Dalai Lama once said... 

“If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then also there is no need to worry.”

We shouldn't keep focusing and stressing over the things that scare us, because there is really no need to worry about it. 

Asante sana!

~Sophia