It’s hard to believe more than a year has gone by since our last visit to Arusha, Tanzania. Once again, we are packed and ready for another trip to East Africa to continue our work in HIV/AIDS and our very special associations with the Tanzanian people and healthcare workers. Ten duffel bags are packed with medical supplies, educational material and toys for the children we meet. Ten dedicated members of The Phil Simon Team are ready to make the thirty hour journey across the Atlantic, over Europe and the Mediterranean and then down the vast African continent, landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport under the African moon.

Many things have happened over the last year in Africa. In spite of the oft cited calamities on this continent, there is much to celebrate and congratulate. Democracy continues to emerge, albeit sometimes tenuously. Tanzania celebrated a peaceful presidential transition from Mr. Mkape to Mr. Kikwete. Women have become prominent on the African horizon with the election of Liberia’s president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Wangari Maathai, Kenya’s prominent environmentalist won the Nobel Peace Prize.

The world has begun to take notice of just how important it is to address the political, economic and medical problems of Africa. All of us know how small the globe has become and how important it is to reach out to the entire community of humanity. Every individual can make a difference. I am reminded of this by the extraordinary activities of Ms. Ricci’s fifth grade class at Holy Family School in South Pasadena. Over the last two days and under the patient tutelage of Mr. Louis Longi, a very talented artist, the children have created fantastic wax sculptures which will soon be transformed into bronze beauties and sold at our next fundraiser. The proceeds will help supply medications and medical care for Tanzanian children. In addition to the wonderful bronzes, the children have sent along a prayer chain filled with greetings and best wishes to some of the Tanzanian children we will meet on this trip. I can’t think of any greater gift than one made by hand from the hearts of such generous individuals.

We will have a busy schedule, meeting healthcare workers, social workers, adults, children and families affected by HIV. There will be much to do and I am sure many extraordiary moments. Over the ensuing days, you can read about the various activities and impressions of the team members as we proceed with this very special project. We thank all the extraordinary people who make this project real every day and say, Asante sana (thank you).

Jambo Africa, Jambo Tanzania!

Kimberly Shriner
Pasadena, California