Phoenix Rising 2!

So I have been given the privilege of spending a year living and working in a Benedictine Community in rural Tanzania.  Being here can be exciting, filled with new experiences I would never have at home.  It can also be involve lots of down time and frustration trying to plan anything.  One thing this time has given me is a lot of time to reflect.  Being a teacher you thing about education, living with monks you think about spirituality, being in Tanzania you think about poverty and development. 

Getting to know the students in Hanga has been one of the most rewarding parts of being in Tanzania.  They are hard working and dedicated students, but they are also fun and energetic teenagers.  From answering questions about HIV and evolution, to playing basketball and football (American soccer) I have spent a lot of time hanging out and being with these students.  Despite the drive and passion of these students, many are forced to take time off or leave school altogether due to financial situations.  Addressing these problem two BVC members in 2008 created a scholarship fund (Phoenix Rising Scholarship) and biked across Tanzania to help raise awareness for this fund. 

This year my BVC partner (Alec Torigian) and I have decided to attempt to raise funds to buy text books for a local school.  The de Paul School is run by 3 Franciscan Nuns who have impressed us with their commitment to education in this country.  However, they are limited by having only one textbook per class.

We are hoping to continue the success of the previous project by starting Phoenix Rising Two.  Al and I have set up a Website with more information on our project, Phoenix Rising Two: phoenixrising2.wordpress.com

I will continue to post updates on this blog, and Al has his own blog set up: alectorigian.blogspot.com.

Thank you for your interest and support!