Jambo Jambo!
July 9, 2026
This is KIL 4 checking in from Mto Wa Mbu. We are wrapping up an eye-opening and impactful week spent with the students at the Mungere School. The week was full of getting our hands dirty, competing on the soccer pitch, and other adventures that served well to familiarize us with the beautiful land and people that we are calling home for three weeks.
Almost a week ago, with fresh eyes, curious minds, and perhaps some lingering jet lag, we pulled into the Mungere school for the first time. The group was hardly a day familiar with each other, but it seemed like a family already. Now it was time to meet the rest of our new family… The initial introduction to the Mungere students was not without a bit of discomfort – a different way of life, a different language, different hobbies. However, within a matter of minutes, this discomfort turned into curiosity, and we had a blast getting to know our new friends. As we worked in the garden, the two groups became one, and bonded over a common goal of digging raised garden beds and planting seeds. This was the first way we learned to communicate with the students. The second and most obvious way of communicating was to learn some Swahili. Pickett could count to 10 in Swahili before lunchtime! Ethan was also quick to learn an impressive amount of Swahili, and he led the charge working in the garden. Sophie was quick to make friends with the students, pulling them into great conversations about the similarities in their lives. After lunch, we took it to the pitch to play some soccer (or futbol). Zeke demonstrated his experience and his speed, bagging a goal right off the bat. Frankie also demonstrated his goalkeeping prowess by becoming a brick wall between the posts. I experienced pure joy watching two groups of students from different walks of life go at it. Our third method of communication: sport. We also had great fun hearing and analyzing all the World Cup games that are going on. After wearing ourselves out, we went back to camp for a slow evening of relaxing by the pool, reading books, and enjoying a hearty dinner before a joyful moonup. Off to bed!
Day two at the school was full of more good work in the garden and more soccer. However, we unlocked yet another way of communicating and bonding with our new friends… After about an hour of work, we grew a bit tired. There’s a good cure for this: music. Mere moments after the music began, so too did the dancing. Mary Blake was quick to encourage a dance circle, and Bridget dragged a few of the more timid boys into the fun! We danced and danced to both unfamiliar, but groovy African hits and some familiar pop songs, too. This brought us to lunch and then, after a tasty lunch… You guessed it… more futbol. The competition was as fierce and fun as the first day, leaving us satisfyingly exhausted. Then, we returned to Migombani camp and enjoyed another relaxing afternoon.
We started day three out differently- instead of driving to the school, we stopped in the neighborhood where most of the kids live. We then got a chance to walk to school with them. The walk was beautiful and eye-opening. Some kids have to walk nearly three miles to school every day! During the walk, we brushed up on our Swahili vocabulary. When we got to school, we did more gardening and played some hackey-sack. Then, after lunch, we had the incredible opportunity to visit a Maasai village. The Maasai are an indigenous tribe of East Africa that is distinguished by their rich culture and traditions. They are clad in recognizable red Maasai shuka. This chance to have a look into and ask questions about their lives was a crazy dose of perspective and taught us that there are so many different ways to live life – to work, live, and play that are equally joyful, rich, and sustainable.
Day four, our last day of community engagement, started with a chance to wrap up some of the good work we had done in the school garden. We put on the final touches by planting the final seeds and watering all the beds. We enjoyed lunch, satisfied with and proud of the work we had completed. It feels good to get your hands dirty. After lunch, we played our last game of soccer with the students. Another beautiful and fulfilling day at the school is complete. Instead of heading back to camp today, we took a detour into town to do some shopping! We visited both an artisan wood carving and a painting shop. While at these places, we got to observe the artist create their paintings or wood carvings firsthand. They were amazingly talented. Everyone got a chance to pick up a souvenir or two. Henry and Shila demonstrated their craftiness and persuasiveness as they bargained for the best prices on these goods. After shopping, we made our way back to camp. We shared great conversations, played cards, and picked guitars as the sun went down over Lake Manyara. After dinner, we had another moonup, where our LODs (leaders of the day), Chandley and Addy, challenged us with a question that encouraged vulnerability regarding past scars in our lives. It is amazing that after just a handful of days, we shared enough trust to let each other in on the hard parts of life and carry each other’s burdens.
Last day, best day! We began the morning with a beautiful hike to a waterfall. We got pictures with all the wonderful friends we had made over the last week and enjoyed the views. After taking it all in, we made our way back down the ridge and to the Mungere School. We ate lunch and said our bittersweet goodbyes. We left grateful for an incredible opportunity to make new friends in a new place and gain a new perspective. We took in our last evening at Mungere camp, enjoying the pool and a scenic sunset.
Now we are off to our big challenge for which the trip is named: KILIMANJARO! Anticipation and excitement fill the air. Pray for an exceptional time full of breathtaking views, great laughs, rich conversations, and unforgettable memories. We are so thankful to be here with this group!!
Cheers,
Jake and Sandy
Now- some messages from your kiddos!
Mary Blake- Hi hi everyone!!! Just wrapped up week one of Kili and wow it’s amazing. Spending time alongside the children and learning about cultures here has literally been a once in a lifetime experience. But I do I already have my heart set on coming back to Tanzania when I’m older. The countdown is on for KILI so I GOT THIS!!!! I miss you alll very much and love you immensely (no talkback’s mom). 💗💗💗
Addy- Hey guys!!! I miss y’all all so sooo much! We just finished up our first week helping out at one of the schools near here. I’ve met so many awesome people, seen so many cool things, and have learned so much just in a week! This is truly an experience like no other. I cant help but feel so blessed every day to be here. Now we are off to Kilimanjaro! WISH ME LUCK!!!! I seriously miss all of y’all so much and the dogs! Can’t wait to tell y’all all the stories 💗
Sophie- Hiiii Mom, Dad, and twins+ WUWU😉! I’m having such a great time here and honestly I don’t want to leave…. we are starting Kilimanjaro tomorrow and I’m sooo HYPE! Love and miss you guys! Have a great time in eagle river! PS- Miss you Elle! See you in OBX!(hopefully)💗💗💗
Pickett- Whats up Mama, Daddy, Web, and Sister! I am having the absolute best time ever! I have the best group and leaders in the world. I’ve met so many amazing people and I can’t wait to keep exploring Africa! Thank y’all so much for sending me on this amazing adventure!! I’m having the time of my life! Love y’all bunches but I want to stay here forever! Love ya!!! P 🦗
Franki – Hey mom, dad, Nina, Marie, and Anna. Hope everyone is good. I am having such a great time on Kilimanjaro, the group and the leaders and all super nice. We spent this week doing service and are starting the hike tomorrow. Missing all of you and home. Thank you so much for all you do make this trip possible. Grateful for you guys and miss yall.
Henry- Wassup family, this first week has been lit. We got to meet some super cool people and do some cool service. Unsurprisingly I’m still awful at soccer. I’m ready to do Kili now and I’m gonna have a good time with that. Love yall
Zeke-Hi mom and dad. I am having a great time in Africa and the first week has been awesome doing some super cool service and meeting some cool kids. We’re heading for Kilimanjaro right now but I’m sure it’s got nothing on the maroons. I miss you guys and love you.
Ethan- Hi guys, hope you are doing well. We had a great week hanging out with the kids at the Mungere school, and now we’re getting ready to do Kili. My ankle has been improving, so I’m feeling optimistic for Kili. I got my bag back three days later, but I was surviving just fine. Don’t know when you’ll see this, but happy birthday dad! I love you all, and I can’t wait to see you.
Bridget- What’s up fam! Love you all! Special hello to Ridley and Allie. Having a blast! Time for Kili!
Chandley- Hey family! I miss and love y’all. And I hope you are all having fun in your travels. This past week of service has been life changing and I am so excited to yall all about it! I have been having the best time here but I’m still excited to see yall when I get home! Special shout out to Kylie! Now it’s time for Kili!
Shila – Greetings, family and friends!! Tanzania is truly a beautiful place. The vast landscapes and genuine communities here are so refreshing to experience. I’ve been having a wonderful time thus far. Next up we take on the mountain. Wish me luck! Love you guys!💛💛
Safe Arrival!
July 1, 2026
Hello Kilimanjaro Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure! Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
