As the trip has come to an end, I can’t help but to feel incredibly blessed to have been given this opportunity. Every day has been felt like a dream and every second has been worth its weight in gold. Getting to spend the last two weeks with the students of LOAMO has been surreal. There is so much joy and happiness radiating off of everyone we encountered; it’s contagious. Even if there was a day I was feeling a bit under the weather, their smiles alone could light up my whole day. Their drive and motivation to learn is inspiring, and although I was the one who was supposed to be teaching, learning from the students was practically inevitable. Words cannot describe how much I’m going to miss them.

Goodbyes are never easy. It absolutely kills me to think that I will most likely never see the kids again. I always try to put that thought aside and try to enjoy the last day with them as much as possible, but the feelings become real as soon as the first tear rolls down someone’s face. It’s a reminder that you’re leaving, but it’s also a confirmation of the impact you've made in their lives.

Friday was a roller coaster of emotions. Everything was fine until little Godwin walked into the classroom. He looked at me then immediately averted his gaze and I knew something was up. I got out of my seat, walked closer to him and noticed he was crying. I then proceeded to ask him what was wrong and he said he was sad because I was leaving. Godwin is the student I had the hardest time with. He is very hyperactive and would always be the one to disrupt the class whenever I was trying to teach. When I wasn't teaching, I would sit next to him trying to keep him on task and focused on his work. I didn't realize something as simple as that would make that kind of an impact on him, as he didn't show it until the last day. That’s when it really hit me how much of a difference the group had made, even if we didn't realize it to begin with.

Standing in front of a group of kids and attempting to teach has proven to be harder than I ever imagined. There are a lot of little things that go into it that I never even though of before the trip. Keeping the kids engaged and listening required more practice and preparation than I anticipated. It definitely pushed me. It pushed me in a way that has made me grow since the first day of teaching, but I know there is always room for improvement. Although it was difficult at times, I wouldn't change a thing about the experience.

Tanzania was full of surprises. I've been on two other trips with CGA in the past and they have both been absolutely incredible. Whatever expectations I had, this trip surpassed them by far. Although I’m going to miss the children more than anything, I’m leaving knowing that the team has made a mark here, and I couldn't be more thankful for that.