2017 Trip – 31 July

Olivia Sharrocks

Heyy sorry I didn’t do a diary yesterday as I went to bed early as I was very tired. Yesterday we went to the market for the final time to do the rest of the shopping. After that we came back to the campsite and sorted our bags out so that we had stuff to give out to people then we had the rest of the day to relax. Today we went to the last primary school called Losingira and the children there were beautiful and so polite. One girl from form one held my hand and wouldn’t let go the whole time we were there. The smile on her face made my day she was smiling so much and just loved holding my hand. Then I went to give out a prize came back outside and she ran over to give me a hug which was the cutest thing ever. Then I was with some boys who loved to play with my camera and take photos of everyone which was amusing for them. I loved spending time with the kids just to see them laugh which then made me laugh.

Love you all so much miss you all and see you in two and a bit days.

Liv xxx

 

Abigail Pentney

Hi!

Today we went to our final school, Losingira which is the one that Chandlers Ridge raised the money for. We saw the foundations of two classrooms that the money was used for. Another £12,000 is needed to finish the classrooms off (I’m sure between your schools we can raise some). They were so cute and we gave children who had troublesome backgrounds some maize for working hard in school. I can’t believe it’s our last day at snake park and tomorrow we are setting off early back to Kenya. I’m still loving it and hoping that crossing the border tomorrow is quick and easy. Hope you’re still having a good time on holiday. I’m just about to go and pack ready for tomorrow. Love you all lots,

Abi xxx

 

Jack Beckley

Today we went to Losingira primary school and gave out prizes to the top 3 in each class and gave a bag of maize to 19 students who were facing extremely difficult circumstances at home. Then we played games with the children and gave out pencils to each class. Now we’re just chilling for the rest of the day. Talk to you all soon, love Jack

 

Joe Carter

So I was busy yesterday and didn’t have time to write one so I am very sorry. I hope everyone is great and ready to see me. I’ll start with yesterday, we went to the market for the last time to spend all our money and I sure did that. We then came back and relaxed for the full afternoon which was very nice. That’s about it so ill move on to today. We woke up and went and had a drink with ma and Bj who are the most amazing people and I can’t wait to tell you about them. After that we had breakfast and then went to our final school which was incredible and the welcome we got was the best ever. Since arriving back at camp we’ve relaxed and got our bags sorted as this was our final full day at snake park. Today has probably been the toughest day for me as I have had to say goodbye to two special people who have made my time here so much more amazing. The first was the most amazing little girl ever whos sister was in the clinic and im going to tell you about them both. Since the start of our time here I formed a unbelievable bond with one little girl who hasn’t stopped smiling since day one. I said my goodbyes and put her down and started walking away and as soon as I turned around she ran at me and hugged my legs and wouldn’t leave go which was the hardest part. i really do think you would of loved her (mam and dad). The second person was Amos, he has an incredible story that I will share once I’m home with you all, he has been to every school visit with us and he has just been such a massive part of this trip and also the full project. He hasn’t stopped smiling and I really am going to miss him. So that’s me done today and Ill write tomorrow for my final diary. I love and miss you all.

Joe xx

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

Hi everyone sorry I didn’t have time to write a diary yesterday but I will still tell you about it. First of all we went to the market and we were even there before it opened. I just kept buying stuff!!! Then the rest of the day was just trying to get sorted like washing clothes and starting to pack. Today was hard as we had to start saying our goodbyes. We started the day going to the last primary school and all the kids were amazing and so grateful for everything. This afternoon was sorting clothes for the crew and their families, Amos and the slum which unfortunately we are not able to go to. Our first goodbyes was with the kids from the clinic which they cried so I cried!! Then we had to say goodbye to Amos who is such an amazing person I will tell you all about it when I come home. Then Lottie who runs the charity when Peter isn’t here. We have a special bond as he tried his hardest to help me meet Happy which I am grateful for. When we had the goat I went over to say hello and he just hugged me and held my hand for ages and it was the cutest thing ever. Today has been so hard with lots of tears but I am so grateful for everything. Goodnight, we have a long day of travelling back to Nairobi tomorrow. I love you all so much and cannot wait to see you all.

Lots of love,

Izzy xxxx

 

Ellie Coulton

Today we went to Losingira primary school. We had to walk there- I find it amazing how Amos knows where to go when everything looks the same in the fields. We did the usual: hand out pens, pencils, rulers, yoyos, etc.. and played with the kids; It was great. But the best part for me was handing out the maze I bought to the kids who need ed it the most. Once we handed them out I had a group photo with them and had a big handshake with them all- iv never felt so proud of something I have done all my life and it’s put me in a happy mood for the rest of the day. Tonight im gong to pay of my bar bill and chill for the rest of the night and also get lots of sleep for the full day of traveling tomorrow.

Goodbye, only 3 days left, love you lots x Ellie

 

Polly Dowdle

This morning we woke up half an hour earlier than planned to welcome Peter as it is the last proper morning at Meserani Snake Park and his last trip, and we all dressed in our Maasai blankets. We visited Losingera school today which was the most fun as the children were open to interaction a lot more. It’s the newest school and was only set up recently so that children didn’t have to cross the main road into Arusha, so it has little equipment and needs more help. Ellie used her remaining money to buy 19 bags of maize for the neediest children which I thought was very selfless and we brought a lot of classroom equipment for the teachers and children. This afternoon we will be packing for Nairobi as we will leave early in the morning.

 

Ameer Ali

Hey guys! Im back. So this morning the full group woke up half an hour ealier than planned so that we can welcome Peter to a human tunnel as it is his last Meserani trip, we got all dressed up in mesai blankets. Later we all got a photo with the staff and the staff in Snake Park; BJ, Ma and Dione. Ma nicknamed me “MR HAIRDO” the staff at Snake Park has been truly wonderful and to spend 3 weeks with them has made my trip complete. There is one inpiticular person who made it wonderful and it is Anji she is like my second mam, makes me laugh and all sorts. Including the KUPENDA AFRICA on instagram and facebook GO followas she will be posting many pictures.

Today we visited a school called loisgra primary school, and the children were so amazing and one of them was shy when we gave him his maize. After we gave the awards out me and others went into a class room for a good hour and I was interacting with them which was amazing, it included; moon walk, frog jumping. Piloets, and head shoulders knees and toes.

Goodbye for now! I love you guys and ill see you soon.

 

Daniel Jones

Today we woke up early than planned to greet Peter and then went to take a picture with BJ, Ma and Deon who run the snake park we then went to Losingera primary school where we gave out pens and pencils and prizes for the best students we also gave 19 bags of maize to the hardest working students that also had trouble at home later we got to go around what ever room we chose and the room I went into was chaotic but amazing to see as the kids in it were so energetic and full of life. I’ve really enjoyed my stay at Snake Park as it felt like home and I will miss everyone here.

 

Georgia linton

Hello,

Today we won’t up at 6:45 as we planned a little surprise for Peter. We all were in our Massai blankets and were made a arch way for him to walk through. We then went to see the owners of the park Maa, Bj and Dion which are amazing people.

After breakfast we walked to a school called Losingre which was a great school with a lovely head teacher and we gave a lot to that school as in stationary, balls, football kits etc. The kids loved it and we sang nursery rhymes to them and danced.

We’re now back at camp packing as it is our last day at Snake Park and were staying for our last night at Wilderbeast camp which was a nice camp with nice showers.

Can’t believe I see you all in less than 3 days! Can’t express how much I’ve missed you and how much this trip has been the most amazing experience of my life so far.

Lots of love G xxx

 

Rachel Smith

This morning we went to Losingira Primary School which was so fun. All the kids were so enthusiastic joining in with singing and games and they loved the pens, pencils and prizes. I knelt down for 2 seconds and I had a group of kids all playing with my hair it was so funny bless them. I got a few good hugs and a thousand high fives. Oh and on the way home we bumped into a few of them so we were walking home with them. They were all adorable and such good kids. The head teacher was so cool, she was going round taking pictures of us haha. The only sad part of today was saying goodbye to Amos L. Hopefully he’ll join us for tea though for a proper farewell. And we’re leaving the Snakepark and Tanzania tomorrow which is so sad and its crazy to think about like the time here has just absolutely flown by! I’m off to start packing my stuff up… choreeeee, but I guess I’ll see you in a few days. Xx

 

Anna Waddington

Jambo! This morning we got up at 6:45 so we could surprise Peter. We all wore our maasai blankets and made an archway for him to walk through and Lisa had made him a cup of tea and the end of the archway. This is his last trip with Acklam Grange. Then we went and had a drink with Ma and BJ at the garage who run the Snake Park- they are the nicest people in the world. Then we walked to Losingira Primary School which was about a 20 minute walk from the snake park. I think this was my favourite school that we have visited. The kids were amazing! First, we gave out prizes to the top three in each standard and then a bag of maize to the nineteen who give the most effort. I made friends with the most beautiful little girl who wouldn’t let go of my hand, and then she taught me a sort of clapping routine which I caught on video so I can’t wait to show you. Next we handed out pens, pencil, rulers and rubbers to all the classes. I went to play with a group of kids who loved my watch so about ten of them started pulling on my arm while I tried to hold in the air. It was hilarious! It was really hard to say goodbye to them they were amazing! When we got back we had dinner and then we basically chilled for the rest of the night. We started to pack stuff so I only need to do my sleeping bag and mat in the morning. I can’t believe I’ll be home soon. I’m a bit nervous about going on a plane again because I’m not 100% sure I like them lol. Love you all X

 

Sam Matthewman

Jambo! Today is our last day at Snake Park and it feels odd as we have been here for so long. As it is Peter’s last trip we woke up early and wore our maasai blankets to welcome him to camp. He seemed to like it. After French toast for breakfast we walked to Losingira Primary School which is quite close to camp and is one of the less fortunate schools. It was an amazing school with energetic and friendly students. They started off singing traditional cultural songs and then we handed out prizes. The pens and pencils were handed out to every student and then we got some time to get to know the children better. I was in Standard 6 and the students were great at speaking English and made us feel welcome. We did some activities with them and they loved us trying to pronounce English and Kiswahili words. Amos walked us back to Snake Park and we said goodbye as it was the last time we would see him. He has been with us throughout our time at Tanzania, guiding us to schools and places whilst working as a mechanic on site. This afternoon we are packing our holdalls as we are up early and travelling tomorrow morning. It is a relaxed afternoon so I may go on a camel ride and go back to visit the bomas. Tonight’s meal is African-themed so I will try it and see what their food tastes like.

It is a shame our time has come to an end in Tanzania. I have really enjoyed helping the community and seeing how much it means to the local people. We are nearly finished our expedition and then on our way home so I am feeling good to be home soon but sad that this experience is nearly over. It will be exciting to see how I have been impacted by this experience. I hope you are all doing well.

Love Sam x

 

Erin Williams

I’ve had a reasonably good night’s sleep last night which was good as we got up early this morning to great Peter as he came down and we all made a tunnel in our Maasai blankets which was a really nice thing for people to organise for him as it’s his last trip that he’s leading himself. It’s amazing to think about everything he’s done for people over the years and how much work must go into each trip. We then went down to see BJ and Ma which was really nice as we’re leaving tomorrow so it’s our last chance to see them. This morning we were visiting Losingira Primary school which was just incredible as it is one of the schools that is more in need of help. At first they were so organised and they sang to us – one of the songs in English which was completely adorable. We gave out all the pries and the Maize and then we were given time to speak to them all and they very quickly got more full on. At one point all of the kids in standard 6 were pulling on my hair and touching it which was rather strange. It always amazes me how good their English is but when they were speaking in Swahili I couldn’t understand but Amos was always quick to help and translate. It was definitely my favourite school to go to so it was heartbreaking to think about the fact that the standard 6 kids might not be able to proceed to standard 7 because there isn’t enough classrooms.

We’re leaving the snake park tomorrow morning which I’m a little bit devastated about but it means I’m closer to seeing you all again so I can’t complain too much. Love you, Erin x

 

Lauren Dalton

Today’s our last day in Tanzania! Can’t believe how quickly time’s gone. We started off this morning surprising Peter with his cup of tea as it’s his last trip. Then, we all took our drinks to see BJ, Ma and Dion (who run the snake park), and it was nice to thank them as they are such lovely people ands the snake park is an amazing place. We went to Losingira Primary School, our last school visit, and it was probably my favourite school- the kids were lovely and the teachers a re so enthusiastic and seem to genuinely care about the kids. I even got the head teacher involved in the hokey cokey and she loved it! This afternoon, we’ve just been getting our bags sorted and relaxing and enjoying our final night in the snake park. I’m sad to be leaving as I’ve had an amazing experience here and met some amazing people, but I also can’t wait to come home and see you all as I’ve missed you terribly.

Love, Lauren xxx

 

Rebecca Henderson

Today is our last day at the snake park and I am very sad to be leaving, even though I can’t wait to come home and see everyone. The people here are so lovely and welcoming and I will miss them all. Today we went to our last primary school, and the children were absolutely gorgeous. They were so sweet and we had so much fun with the. Me, Lauren, Elodie and Izzy played the hokey cokie with them, and “Joe”, twinkle twinkle little star, grand old duke of york and if you’re happy and you know it. The rest of the day has been quite relaxed but I did feel sick at lunchtime. Sending all my love xxxx

 

Elodie saha

Today is our last day at Snakepark and it’s been emotional. We finally seen BJ the partner of Ma, they are such a lovely couple. We had tea with all of them and Dion and the dog. This morning we woke up Peter to a surprise, a cup of tea and us leading an archway because it’s his last trip. After that we went to Losingira Primary School, our last school visit, my favourite- best till last. The children were adorable and the school was in the best condition. Sadly standard 7 classroom hasn’t been finished due to lack of funding of £12,000. Me, Becca, Lauren and Izzy played the hokey cokie with them, and “hey my name is Joe”, twinkle twinkle little star, grand old duke of york and if you’re happy and you know it. The head teacher even got involved, taking photos on her Ipad. This afternoon, I had a lovely 1 hour nap with so much time to relax and soak up the last of Tanzanian sun. I’m so upset to leave as the camp it was starting to feel like home but then again I miss you all so much and can’t wait to show you photos. Elodie xxxxxx

 

James Proud

The last day at Snake Park has arrived and left. Emotions are high and I must admit mine are too.

The school today was just as exciting and as action packed as the others. However, there was one girl, who was scared of me at first, who I made a real connection with. I got an amazing feeling after I gave her a pack of cards and her face lit up and she held my hand as we walked back. It’s the small human connections that I’ll definitely miss the most. The safaris are amazing and unforgettable but to just make someone’s day like that is beyond words.

As I’ve been reflecting back on my time, one thing has occurred to me: black or white, Maasai or Mzungu,HH we are all human. That’s what surprised me the most, despite such different conditions and upbringing there is never a shortage of humanity. It’s that one spark of something kind and unbound by prejudice that will always find its way though even when the language is different.

In a way I’m glad the trip is ending because I have gained new perspectives and I want to apply them to my life at home but in other ways I’m so sad that it’s over. We said goodbye to Amos tonight and it was so emotional because most of us will never see him and he has done so much for us. He will never be forgotten by anyone!

The people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve mended and made will always stay with me. When I’m low and need a cheer up, I’ll always remember my Africa trip 2017.

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