Kilimanjaro Mararthon

Before kicking off our official Medoutreach mission of learning and donating to healthcare in Tanzania, the team decided to participate in a charity run in the town of Moshe in order to contribute to one of the local hospitals and challenge ourselves. Caleigh and Christina ran their first marathons ever at the base of kiliminjaro in what I could only describe as pure grit and determination that drove them through every single gruelling hill and turn. They may not have fared as well as the Kenyan winners of the race that ran their marathon in 2:23 minutes (a world class speed) but they both did Medoutreach proud. The two amazing nurses of our group are still feeling the rigors of their marathon, but the pain is blunted by glory, pride, and sheer strength. Andy, Harpreet and I (yours truly, Marc Lipkus) decided to support our two fearless leaders by participating in the 10 K run. While Andy swiftly finished his run and doubled back to help the rest of the team, Harpreet and I challenged ourselves by pushing beyond what we thought possible and finishing our first ever 10 kilometre runs. Although we were dwarfed by the accomplishment of the two nurses, and our muscles and blisters have healed long before theirs, we have also tasted the sweet nectar of victory and are proud of what we accomplished in Moshe. The night of the marathon, we picked up Cara and Supriya to embark on what has thus far been an incredible journey. Stay updated on what we are experiencing, and feel free to share your opinions and insights with Medoutreach, with our family and friends, and with the world. Hi Mom!

-Marc Lipkus and the Gang

Arusha to Moshi

Today we required transportation from Arusha to Moshi to participate in a Marathon/ 10km run at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, benefiting the people of Moshi. Through familiarizing ourselves with the streets of Arusha we came upon a "bus station." This is not your typical bus station. As we are "Mzungus" (White-tourists), for obvious reasons we were swarmed by the locals trying to recruit us to take their bus. After quickly exploring the "bus station" we left the area a little overwhelmed and uncertain about this new mode of transportation. Through exploring other possibilities and speaking with Mamma Mhando we felt comfortable and reassured that this was to be expected but all the same, is a safe route to take. Not to mention, 2500 shillings per person (=$1.60) for a two hour ride to Moshi. Not bad.

After packing up our gear we began our trek down to the station. On the way we stopped at a "local" restaurant/bar/club/patio/park, etc to grab a bite to eat. As 6 white Mzungus we turn a lot of heads as we made our way to our table. After much confusion and a "slight" language barrier we managed to order and began plotting our plan as to how we would conquer the bus station and remain as camouflaged and unnoticed as possible- a daunting task.

We came to an agreement that only 2 of us Mzungus would enter the feeding frenzy as the others anxiously waited from afar. Once we received the signal to go ahead from Andy and Hilarie we knew it was game on. Single filed, we briskly walked to meet our counterparts and climbed aboard a bus.

Slightly skeptical, but happy to be aboard a half-empty bus we settled in and spread out throughout the bus. Oooops. Little did we know that they would wave people in off the street and fill up the bus beyond capacity. By beyond capacity we mean, 40-45 people in a 28 seater bus. Cozy much? Plus all of our bags on our laps. Harpreet got sat on. 2hours later, we arrived at the Moshi bus station, happy to find our hotel around the corner. After settling in, and updating our wonderful blog, we're excited to be here and looking forward to the weekend events!

Caleigh, Christina and Hilarie

Day # Nnay

Or at least, we think that's how you spell FOUR in Swahili! It's been four days!!

Lots has happened in this time! We were welcomed into Dr. Mhando's home, and he has been so incredibly hospitable! The world needs more people like him. Him and his family treat us like their kids :)

We met at his home two days ago, where Mama Mhando had prepared some amazing dishes for us. Yummy corn from their backyard! Marc had two. The rest of us stuck to one. We discussed MedOutreach's history and our plans going forward. Some of us got an even greater impression of the fact that we're part of a legacy that was started by the first MedOutreach team. Dr. Mhando really has a very inspirational manner of speaking!

We're all very eager to begin work in clinics next week. Next stop: Nkoaranga!

In the meantime, we're made loads of friends here! Chief amongst them are Angel and her wonderful aunt who also live at our hostel. Angel is simply adorable and apparently sleeps with a little bouncey ball that we gave her.

More later! It's getting dark and we need to cross the dangerous "bridge" before nightfall. Else, we may be in trouble.. oops!

Lots of love,
MedOutreach