Help Leena Learn in Tanzania

Leena Prindle Start Date: May 26, 2017 - End Date: Jul 9, 2017
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Dodoma, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
  • Morogoro, Tanzania
  • Chamwino, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
  • Mikumi, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

My Travel Story

by: Leena Prindle Start Date: May 26, 2017 - End Date: Jul 9, 2017
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
As a Master of Divinity Student at Seattle Pacific Seminary of Seattle Pacific University I have a cross-cultural immersion experience as an option to fulfill a requirement to move towards the completion of my degree program. We are given one to two cross-cultural immersion options every few years and a trip to Tanzania is this summer's option traveling July 8-27, 2017.  

Our group includes: 7 SPU Seminary students, 1 SPU School of Education student, 2 SPU professors (a married couple representing our areas of study), and 1 adult son of the professors (an SPU Alum). Our study tour in Tanzania will lead us to and through Dar es Salaam, Chamwino/Dodoma, and Morogoro.

Our main purpose is to learn about Tanzanian culture and we'll do this by:
* Getting all the proper Vaccinations and Visas (in case you're wondering!)
* Visiting with and learning from people in various urban and rural Tanzanian communities (Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Chamwino, Dodoma town, Majeleko village, Songambele village, Kawawa village, and Morogoro.
* Attending the Wagogo Music Festival to experience a unique type of African music and dance for several days.
* Hearing from lecturers on Tanzanian religion, African philosophy, women's organizations, and other aspects of Tanzanian and African culture including education and school guidance counseling. We'll study at the University of Dar es Salaam and visit Msalato Theological College.
* Participate in worship services and visit with Tanzanian Christians of a few different Christian churches.
* Take a Safari at Mikumi National Park
 
It may seem like a lofty goal for a busy married mother with two children. When I first learned of the trip this past Fall, I told Doug "Nice. An immersion trip to Tanzania" and figured it would not be an option for me. He immediately said "You need to go." So - this is actually more Doug's idea than my own and for those concerned, he and our girls will be just fine without me for three weeks!

Doug reminded me that it was once a dream to be able to go to Africa - and even more specifically Tanzania. I am not sure how I forgot this, except that life takes other twists and turns and it easy to convince oneself certain dreams are lofty and no longer possible. I grew up in the Lutheran church (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)  and studying at a University (Pacific Lutheran) and College (Trinity Lutheran/ Lutheran Bible Institute) of Lutheran heritage. The Lutheran church has strong ties with African churches - particularly in Tanzania and Ethiopia. I have had classmates from these countries and know people who have been missionaries and/or travelers to each and have heard their experience stories. The stories from these people and a desire to learn more about other cultures different from my own created my interest to travel somewhere in Africa someday. 

Fast forward to 2017 and the opportunity is a reality. Not only will this experience benefit me but I hope for it to also benefit others. A few have expressed interest in being able to support me and covering a portion of my travel costs is definitely one way to partner. I will send a postcard from Tanzania to everyone who is able to help my family pay for this portion of my studies and bucket list adventure. I'll also blog as much as internet access and travel tiredness will allow throughout the trip.

If you would like to make a financial contribution outside of this website please contact me and I'll give you my contact infomration.

Thank you for your support!
  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Dodoma, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
  • Morogoro, Tanzania
  • Chamwino, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
  • Mikumi, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Updates

1

  • $250 In Offline Donations!

    $250 in Offline Donations!
    I received two generous donations offline from women in my congregation who decided to invest in my trip. One for $50 and one for $200.
    Brings my actual donations total to $615 and approximately 10% of the total costs of my trip.
    Thank you L & A!

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • Mosquito Net for Beds

    0
    Donated via Green Bees Bothell Group
    • Granted

  • 3-prong Universal plug adapter

    $ 20

  • money belt

    0
    Erin McSwain via neighbor and Buy Nothing Bothell
    • Granted

  • Small multi-outlet power strip

    0
    Found one in my home
    • Granted