Tuesday, July 1, 2014

I traveled to Tanzania in the spring of 2012. I went to the United African Alliance Community Center just outside of Arusha. It was a school trip, focusing on art history. We stayed with Mama Charlotte and Mzee Pete, two founding members of the Black Panther Party, originally from Kansas City. We taught an English class, hung out with the kids in the Leaders of Tomorrow Children's Home, went on safari, hiked part of Kilimanjaro, saw rock art and went to Zanzibar. My favorite part was the kids. 

Two days ago, I heard that one of the little boys I spent my time with while in Tanzania passed away. I couldn't believe it. My heart felt broken and I didn't want to believe it. How could such a happy, energetic young child no longer be with us? My heart hurts for his family and friends. I cannot imagine the pain that they're experiencing. I only spent two and a half weeks with him and I am crushed.

His name is Crescious. I liked him cause he was smaller than the other kids, but made up for it in spunk. I don't speak Swahili and he didn't speak English, other than "yes" "no" and "up". The first day I hung out with him was after dinner. I saw him sitting by himself so I walked over to him. He looked up at me and just said "UP!" and threw himself into my arms. I gave him piggyback rides until it was time for bed.

Everyday after that he would come sit with me when we had down time. Sometimes he didn't want to play, but just sit in my lap and watch the other kids. Sometimes he wanted to dance. He was an energetic kid who loved to play and enjoyed the company of others. Maybe he was using me for my piggyback rides, or maybe he thought we were friends. I felt a connection to him. I'm not really sure why. We never really had a conversation. He held my hand when we walked places and he always stuck to my side. He was my little buddy and I've thought about him everyday since I left. The day I left, I told him I would see him again. He might have understood. He might not have. But I made a promise to him and I feel bad that I couldn't keep it.

You will always be in my heart, Crescious.




Contributors

My photo
I like to play in the mountains with my friends.
Powered by Blogger.
 
Twitter Facebook Dribbble Tumblr Last FM Flickr Behance