We had a great year in 2015, and here are some of the reasons why (not in order necessarily): Continue reading
A Year Abroad: Fun, Sun, Rashes, and Mold
In July, Nathan and I celebrated our one year anniversary of moving to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa. It has been one of the best years of our lives for many reasons: we’ve grown closer, we’ve traveled to beautiful places, we made good friends, we like our jobs, and we have learned a lot about ourselves and the world. I woke-up one morning a few weeks ago and felt more content than I have felt in maybe a few years. We have both been really busy (I will write some blogs soon to share fun things from the last few months), but we are happy, healthy, and positive that despite the challenges over the last year, moving here was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Continue reading
Running Wild
Not too long ago, neither of us could run even one mile without feeling awful. It took time, but today running is one of our favorite ways to exercise and recently a great way to see new places. My friend Christina (who just visited us in Dar and Zanzibar!) was the first person I remember who traveled all over the US as a sports tourist and we are starting to understand why she loves it so much. The two runs we did this June were challenging but rewarding because they pushed us to see places we have never seen, meet some really cool people, and also contribute financially to some great causes. Continue reading
First Trip Home
In April, we were able to escape the rainy season and take our first trip to the US since moving to Tanzania in July 2014. The trip had several purposes: we had some meetings for work, we wanted to see many family and friends, and we needed a break. Living here as an “expat” (a non-Tanzanian who does not intend to immigrate) can be so easy and comfortable compared to the lives most Tanzanians live, however there are several things we have learned that we took for granted in the US: Continue reading
Mr. Nguma
Mr. Joseph Nguma – 1959 to 2015
Nathan and I have been in the US for less than 10 days and have already caught ourselves slipping too easily into some old comfort zones: enjoying crazy fast internet, loving that we can drink tap water, and driving even when walking is an option. However, during this long trip away from our Tanzanian home we are sure to also remind ourselves each day how lucky we are for all that we have been given. The recent death of my (Shannon) former colleague, Mr. Joseph Nguma, will forever remind us of our fortunes. Continue reading
The Kilimanjaro Marathon, and More
The ‘F’ in February 2015 could stand for ‘frustrating’ for me (Shannon) as I struggled with computer problems the whole month (sorry there was no blog, first world problems). I also entered my third month of unemployment, the longest I have ever gone without a job. Many of you know that February is also a difficult month for me because it’s my birthday month which makes me feel very anxious to look back on my last year and realize I didn’t accomplish all my goals. To fight the general anxiety I have felt recently, I have been trying my hardest to lead a purposeful and fun life. Nathan and I both have taken on several challenges and still enjoy learning new things about Dar, Tanzania, and ourselves almost daily. Here are some of our highlights from the last few weeks: Continue reading
Six Months of Safari-ing
This month marks our six month anniversary of arriving in Tanzania. Many people have asked for more details on the day-to-day, but we’ll save that for another blog post. We feel so lucky to live, work, and travel in this beautiful country and this post is a chance to show y’all some of the highlights so far of our safaris (‘safari’ means ‘trip’ in Swahili). And to make you want to come and visit… Continue reading
Nature in the City
Dar – dense, yet diverse
Let’s be honest, I (Shannon) am writing this post. Nathan loves being outside, but he’s not ready to be a nature nerd…yet.
When I tell people we live in Tanzania, there are two common reactions: either they think I am talking about an island off the coast of Australia or they think I live in ‘the bush.’ Tanzania is actually a large country in East Africa, just south of the Equator with what I consider some of the most beautiful geography on the planet. The country is blessed with high biodiversity due in part to many types of ecosystems, from rainforest to savanna to coral reefs. We live in Dar es Salaam, a huge, tropical city on the Indian Ocean and despite poorly planned, rapid development and heavy pollution, there are amazing creatures everywhere. You just have to be willing to slow down, look around, and listen. Continue reading
White Sand Wedding
Beautiful day, beautiful bride
September has come and gone and while so many things have been happening here, let’s tell y’all about the best part…WE WENT TO A TANZANIAN WEDDING! Continue reading
The Crows’ Nest
Dar es Salaam, what will you look like in 5 years?
Our first month in Tanzania has been wild, but wonderful. After moving into an apartment, starting new jobs, making some new friends, and continuing to explore the city we are starting to feel like Dar is home. It’s difficult to reflect back on the last few weeks because each day was unique and it feels like so many things have happened, but we’ll give it a try! Continue reading
Karibuni Vietnam, Y'all 
