After the first week in Tanzania, I have many reflections swirling around in my head. Prehaps the most significant moment in the first week for me occurred when we learned about a phrase that Tanzanian children are taught in school, “Don’t go for the moon, it’s not possible.” In other words…don’t dare to dream…It floored me! This is exactly the opposite of the “Shoot for the moon” concept that American children are largely taught in school. What a difference. The realities that we create in our lives and the framework that Valpo EWB has brought to the Masaera village is one of “anything is possible,” something that largely stems from who we are as Americans. At the same time, the skepticism that the villagers sometimes have to grand ideas has frustrated our team. This and other differences in conceptual philosophy have framed a lot of the challenges we face in working together. Yet as we do, the ability for us to learn and grow as Americans or Tanzanians yield exceptional rewards. It is through these discoveries about ourselves as human beings that we reach closer to our full potential. At Valpo, we talk a lot about learning through service. This week has shown me that the learning component is most certainly a two-way street, and something to be treasured.
-S
