Sunday, April 20, 2014

Doing your homework

Before going into the backcountry, in order to make the most out of a trip into the backcountry you have to be prepared and know what you are getting yourself into. You have to do your homework. You have to check the local avalanche report, dig a pit and test the snowpack, make sure you have all the working equipment, and have a group of people who you trust will make good and critical decisions. And by doing so, hopefully you will have a safe and successful trip into the backcountry. 

The same holds true for service trips. In order for me to make the absolute most out of this upcoming service trip to Tanzania, I am going to have to do my homework. I strongly believe that if I want to make strong connections with some of the kids in Tanzania that I will have to do my homework and educate myself into what I'm getting myself into. 

With that said I have been doing a lot of research about the Maasai tribe. According to my best friend Wikipedia, the Maasai tribe is an "ethnic group of semi-nomadic people inhabiting Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are among the best known local populations due to their residence near the many game parks of Southeast Africa, and their distinctive customs and dress." 

While doing some research about the Maasai tribe, one thing in particular stood out to me more than anything: The Tanzanian and Kenyan governments have established multiple programs to encourage the Maasai to abandon their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle. But in spite of everything the Maasai people have continued their age-old customs. That is very inspiring to me, because no matter how much the Tanzanian or Kenyan government tries to influence and change the culture of the Maasai tribe, the Maasai people refuse. The Maasai people know that if they let their governments change their culture, they will also change who they are.

In conclusion, the Maasai tribe has taught me that where you come from and the people who surround you will always be a part of who you are as an individual. And no matter who or what tries to change that, you can't let anyone change who you are.