Help Me, Help Africa

Im not sure I can pin point the exact moment that Africa captivated me. I can remember seeing commercials for African children in need of food, shelter, and medicine... I can remember watching Oprah and seeing three young men who had documented children being forced to be soldiers in Africa... I can remember sitting at the lunch table in high school discussing my dream to go to Africa one day and try to make a difference...

This dream was not only mine, but of another girl at my lunch table, Andrea. She is the one who finally said now or never, and we have never looked back. This dream has been 10 years in the making. We will be embarking on a journey to Tanzania together to volunteer with International Volunteer Headquarters for 6 weeks beginning July 15, 2014.

While in Tanzania, I will be staying in the city of Arusha with a host family who will be getting part of the money from the program fee. I will begin each day with work in an orphanage teaching lessons to children of different ages, cleaning, cooking, or doing farm work. At night I will be immersing myself in the culture, learning the ways of the Arusha people and practicing Swahili. The weekends will allow me to sight see around Tanzania (at my own expense), taking part on expeditions such as a safari or to the eastern island Zanzibar.

While this trip IS to volunteer, it does come with a cost. Any contributions whether it be money or simply words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated! Any extra money raised will go towards items to give to the children in the orphanage (toys, school supplies, coloring books, etc). I have already paid the registration fee of $249 and the following is a break down of the other expenses I will have. (Rough estimate.)

$2200 - Flight
$760 - Program fee
$300 - Vaccinations
$200 - Work permit
$100 - Visa
$35 - Water
Total: $3,595

Help me, help Africa.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Burbo