I came across this fact first in Maji ya Chai, home to Pete and Charlotte O'Neal. Pete is an ex-Black Panther who was exiled in 1969 and hasn't been able to go back to America since. He and Charlotte found their way to Tanzania shortly after his exile took effect and worked odd jobs here and there till they were able to settle down and start their own organization, the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC). The UAACC helps better the community as a whole by providing classes focusing on whatever people can teach and and by providing an orphanage and primary school for this kids there to help boost the area from the bottom up. On separate occasions they each told us that you just have to lead life with a purpose–believe in yourself and what you’re doing–and the doors will eventually open for you. I had always heard this growing up but it was more inspiring to actually see living proof that it works.
The second time the power of positive thought struck me and the first time I was exposed to and entirely new area of Tanzania was in the Mufindi region with Jenny Peck and Geoff Knight. Jenny was placed in this area when she worked in the Peace Corps, fell in love with the people and the communities, so she and Geoff have dedicated this stage of their life to improving the lives of others. They’ve been there for around five years building up their children’s village, garden, and clinic trying to ameliorate the situation for all. Their village gives orphans in the community a home. Chances are their parents died from HIV/AIDS and they might be infected as well. Whatever the case, they live with other children with two house mothers taking care of them. The garden is more like a small farm. It's so beautiful to see strawberries, broccoli, and everything we see all the time at the grocery, being made available to people who don't typically have access to such foods. It dramatically increases the health rate in that they get far more nutrients than before. And not only that, anyone who wants and needs a job can work in the garden. Gardening is something thats very natural to the people there so it's a great way to promote productivity in exchange for goods. The clinic is currently being used mainly for HIV/AIDS patients–testing, treatment, and education–but they're trying to expand it so it's like any clinic in the states; It will be a safe place for women to have children, it will take care of any dentistry needs people have, people will be able to get vaccinations; it will truly make a huge difference. Yes, most people will have to walk a minimum of two hours to get there; East African people see this short walk as a privilege rater than a burden. Not everything has gone smoothly for Jenny and Geoff, though. They have had their fair share of challenges, but they’ve kept working and are clearly successful now. The lives of so many people have been made better by the perpetual positivity they pour into their work.
Further south we met Curry and Chev Anton in Njombe. They are a sister duo who moved here two years ago and are in the beginning stages of starting something like Jenny and Geoff. They plan on being really education based which will be an amazing addition to the town. All kinds of volunteers are accepted and classes will be held whenever someone is willing to teach. Locals and foreigners are all welcome which will really boost the empowerment factor. Many people feel like Africans are "helpless." They feel we have to provide everything for them. I'm here to tell you that that is not that case. Africa is made up of strong individuals fully capable of taking care of themselves especially if they are given access to education. Something Curry and Chev feel very passionate about is sustainability. Because much of Eastern Africa's economy revolves around agriculture it's important that they are aware of eco-friendly options. If these women take part in what they teach, which they do, then the ideas will spread even faster. Like I said, they’re still getting started, but just from our brief encounter with them I know they’ll succeed. They have such faith and confidence in themselves and in what they’re doing it would be impossible for them to fail. They're relaxed, yet focussed at the same time. Positive yet realistic.
Again, I've always been told that I will succeed if I only believe in myself. Positive thoughts in all aspects of life are truly life changing. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished with a little happiness. Life is tough, sure. Each day everyone is presented with challenges. It’s easy and far more dramatic to complain about all of the problems. But negativity accomplishes nothing. Granted, no one can be happy all of the time, but what is happiness without something to compare it to? That’s the beauty of it. Nothing is perfect all the time. You have to accept the good and the bad equally. Then, with a little positivity, you will be happy.
(The blog was inspired by a post I wrote in country. I felt I needed to expand a bit more.)
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