Saying Good Bye

As always, my time at GHTA flew by and now I am home.  It is definitely an adjustment being back in Vermont, not just the jet lag, weather, and time zone changes.  Being in Moshi, seeing how difficult the lives of the GHTA students are, is heartbreaking.  It made me think about the birth lottery, the only difference between my life and that of the wonderful women of GHTA.  I was born white with all the privileges that come with it, and I was born in a place where I had the opportunity to get an education and eventually a good job.  It seems so unfair for the GHTA women to work so hard with very little chance to succeed.  All the women want is to make a good life for their families, especially their children, as many of them are single moms.  Those who are married are often beaten by their husbands.  Life is not easy.

As I reflect on my time at GHTA, I still believe in the Starfish of Moshi.  There are students who with some financial help can break through the lack of opportunity and become successful.  There are many examples of women who are now living lives that would have been impossible without GHTA.  It is frustrating to not be able to help them all but I guess the Starfish story is about making a difference one starfish at a time.  And so that is what I will continue to do.

Thank you for following along with my blog.  I hope you enjoyed getting to know about Give a Heart To Africa.  If you are interested in volunteering or donating, here is the link, https://www.giveahearttoafrica.org/

This is Lisa, GHTA General Manager (also owner of Lala Salama Day Spa).  She graduated from GHTA in the first class in 2009.  She is currently 8 months pregnant, has a 1 1/2 son, Elijah, and is raising her sister's 8 year old daughter, Laura.  We call her "Super Woman" as she somehow manages to juggle all her roles with incredible strength, organization, and wisdom.  She is amazing!

My good bye to the Class of 2020!  Beautiful, brave, and intelligent women....I will miss them.