A Volunteer Reflects on Her Visit

We love hearing from our volunteers about their experience visiting Your Sisters in Tanzania. This especially heart-felt message really highlights the impact a visit can make.

Hi Libby and Frank,
Wow, it's strange to be back in America. We have soooooo many luxuries and modern conveniences that are taken for granted here. Well, where to begin?

To say that my experience in Africa was life changing would be a massive understatement. I didn't realize until I came back home just how much my trip had affected my perspectives, outlooks and overall goals in life. Africa has become a lens through which I now see the world. While living there, I encountered the good and the bad, profound joy and overwhelming sorrow.

To become completely enveloped in a foreign culture is something too unique to fully describe. Every day, it seemed that something wild and exciting was thrust into my path, whether it be a new food, speaking swahili, a crazy dala dala ride, or a Maasai tribal ceremony! However, more than any adrenaline rush, the amazing people I met made the most lasting impact on me.

Working with Your Sister's Orphanage filled my days with love and learning. Those little girls taught me so much about compassion, tenderness, and joy. I looked forward to seeing them every day and left the Orphanage feeling enriched and fulfilled. The beautiful, rural location and the wonderful staff turned Your Sister's into my home away from home. The dynamic scenery as well as the people give the whole area a certain feeling of enchantment. I know that beautiful Africa and her people will forever be in my heart. So, be warned: Anyone who travels to Africa and Your Sisters cannot help but fall in love.

Love you guys!! Please give the girls my love.

Tess Huntington

Sometimes saying good-bye is hard to do.

Building Project

Our building is on the way up....Thanks to all of you for your help in making ALL that we do possible. Little by little, with each of you, we can move mountains! We love you!

Recent Volunteers

We are so grateful for the support and help from our recent volunteers! Sam from South Africa, Clare from Australia, and Victoria from Australia. Thank you, Thank you!!!

Creative Community Program

Your Sisters Creative Community Program sure has been busy the last few months! Our focus is helping women in the areas of textile design and taking local jewelry making to the next level. Here are a few recent pictures with the women and volunteers!

In Memory of Our Beloved Brother, Todd Miller (April 1972 - August 2012)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Todd Miller, whose kindness, love, and joyful spirit was shared with all of us here at Your Sisters.

On June 2, 2012, Todd Miller landed on Tanzanian soil to embark on a three-week adventure of a lifetime that would ultimately lead to the roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Bright-eyed, fit, and ready, he united with his dear friends, Bellamy and Kelly, here in Arusha.  

As the coordinators of his trip, we came to love Todd instantly. After the first night of staying up late sharing life stories with friends, we came to see the depth of Todd’s big-hearted, open, and adventuresome spirit.  Not more than 12 hours into knowing him, we felt such a kinship to this incredibly special man. 

We were thrilled to arrange the group’s climb, and upon their return, Todd was beaming! Joy radiated from his eyes and infectious smile. He was on top of the world—he successfully met one of his life goals:  summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Although Todd and his group were eager to go on safari, they insisted on spending a few days with the young girls at Your Sisters Orphanage & School.  Todd wasn’t so much focused on bringing the girls lots of stuff, he simply wanted to interact with the girls, witnessing and absorbing their daily lives.  He enjoyed seeing and experiencing what goes on at this special place, what spirit fills the air, as well as the spirit that fills the hearts of all who are involved. Todd bonded quickly with the girls and all came to love him as a big brother.  

During Todd’s time with us, we shared incredible memories together, playing, learning, singing, and laughing.  In such a short time, Todd really became an extended family member.  We felt a strong bond with this first group of travelers.  Todd, Bellamy, and Kelly greatly impacted all of our lives here at Your Sisters.

We felt strongly that Todd would be a close brother for life and very much hoped he would find a way to come back to visit again, to see how the girls’ lives were unfolding as well as witness just how much our reach had expanded.   We knew Todd would continue to be proud of all that our YourSisters.org was doing to improve the lives of women and girls in Tanzania, a land that had become so dear to him.  By the time Todd was preparing to head back to the US, he was already planning his return.

Todd Miller will be dearly missed by all of us, yet we know his spirit endures brightly—like a brilliant comet in the sky.  

To our generous, kind, patient, loving, and wonderful friend and brother. Your Sisters thanks you for everything.

With love and heartfelt appreciation from your Tanzanian family,  
Your Sisters Girls & Staff.

A Letter from a Summer Volunteer

 

To say that my experience in Africa was life changing would be a massive understatement. I didn't realize until I came back home just how much my trip had affected my perspectives, outlooks, and overall goals in life. Africa has become a lens through which I now see the world. While living there, I encountered the good and the bad, profound joy, and overwhelming sorrow. 

 

To become completely enveloped in a foreign culture is something too unique to fully describe. Every day, it seemed that something wild and exciting was thrust into my path, whether it be a new food, speaking Swahili, a crazy "dala-dala" ride, or a Maasai tribal ceremony! However, more than any adrenaline rush, the amazing people I met made the most lasting impact on me. Working with Your Sister's Orphanage filled my days with love and learning. Those little girls taught me so much about compassion, tenderness, and joy. I looked forward to seeing them every day and left the Orphanage feeling enriched and fulfilled. The beautiful, rural location and the wonderful staff turned Your Sister's into my home away from home. The dynamic scenery and people give the whole area a certain feeling of enchantment. I know that beautiful Africa and her people will forever be in my heart. So, be warned: Anyone who travels to Africa cannot help but fall in love.

-Tess H. (Summer 2012 Volunteer)

Volunteers Bring Children's Books

We are so grateful for the donations and efforts made by our volunteers and their families and friends to bring down a whole suitcase full of children's books this month. The moment the books were delivered was priceless. The girls were so excited to have books of their very own for the first time. These books will help empower, educate, encourage, and teach each of them. Thank you for the fabulous books!