"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live"
Flora Whittmore

How fitting that this was written on a prepackaged food item that we received on the trip to Kilimanjaro.
We opened a new door today. A morning walk through Boma Ng'ombe gave a glimpse into the life we are going to be part of for the next three weeks. The air and land is very dry. Wind whips sand into your unprotected eyes. The usual summer rains did not come to Boma this year and we are in dry season. Crops are parched. Corn, once healthy is now yellow and unyielding.
Poor as their conditions may appear the people are happy, friendly and very polite. Most people are eager to speak to us though our knowledge of Swahili limits conversation. Children eagerly approach us to study these new faces.
Our program leaders had a full day of discovery planned for us. We learned a little about the people, the language and the culture in Boma. We also learned more about the other volunteers.
As this new door opens we are hopeful that we can help make a difference as we know this new door will make a difference for us.