Did the trip to Tanzania change us?

by Gisela Hax

We are asked this question again and again by friends, and we ask ourselves the same thing.

What has changed since our return?

I no longer get upset about faulty household appliances, after all, we saw in Tanzania that it is perfectly possible to live without a washing machine, fridge and dishwasher. I am simply happy about the convenience that these appliances offer us.

I enjoy the tarmac roads, the functioning infrastructure, the well-stocked supermarkets. All things that I used to take for granted.

We have also realised again that our children receive an excellent education without having to pay school fees. I am now grateful for many things that I used to take for granted and use thoughtlessly.

At the same time, we have also experienced a lot of positive things in Tanzania: the people there are very sociable, helpful and outgoing. Despite the harsh living conditions there, you can sense a certain serenity, ‘hakuna matata - no problem’ is the motto. We have also realised that Tanzania has the will to shape its own recovery.

We now hope that we can carry this awareness over into everyday life and not fall back into the familiar pattern of complaining, stress and dissatisfaction.

This trip was a wonderful, enriching experience.

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