Dearest Families, Friends and our Beloved Students,
We are sitting here in Dar es Salaam, lamenting the recent departure of our little Nkula family but also celebrating the completion of a beautiful semester. 3 months, 3 countries, 10 incredible people – what a journey it’s been! We’ve been honored to learn, play, grow, and laugh with each of you. We also want to extend a deep-felt gratitude to family and friends back home who have supported us along the way. And to Adam Fischer and all of the Carpe Diem staff – your passion and hard work makes this possible. Thank you, and Safari Njema Simaki!
Now for one final GrataBra:
Kevin. Thank you Mr. Chill! Your smooth moves and relaxed vibes kept this group flowin’ on the ocean. We loved those poignant moments when you dove deep and revealed your inner wisdom.
Breezy. Oh Bristle Breezbox! Thank you for your poetic tongue, your Anti-jokes and your smile. It was cruel of you to tease us by never sharing your written genius. We respect your writers’ process, but we do look forward to signed copies of your best seller. We loved hearing your laughter more and more through out the semester.
DeeDee. Thanks for your rasta spirit and your fiery passion. You were always there with beads in your hair and wicked motivation to grow. You called things as you saw them, stayed strong in the face of that red moon, and your shoulder was always there to lean on. Plus you got some awesome dance moves!
Savannah. Trivia, Biology, Scientific Curiosity, History, Excitement for nature and random conspiracy theory factoids…All some of the many things we love you for. Your ability to stand atop the mountain and faces the storms showed us the impressive and unbelievable strength which you posses. We can wait to see you swimming with the Dolphins, diving deep in the ocean and soaking up the ‘Aloha.’
Skyler. Thank you Skybear for your playful caring spirit. From supporting others in their times of needs to making the parties happen that spirit kept shining all semester. Travel well in Europe.
Mackenzie. Thank you Kenny for your ability to be honest while all the while being continuously sweet. You were always looking out for your comrades equipped with a hug and open heart.
Alvin. Dear Mr. Alvin Patrick Swearingen Jr. Your quick wit, epic stories and outrageous yet enlightening questions kept us laughing, thinking, reflecting and enjoying all semester. Thank you for your strong commitment to your self-growth.
Talia. Thank You for always keeping it weird. You’ll do well in Portland 😉 Your enthusiasm was contagious. From Dance parties to changing-of-the-guard rituals, from the seance to the egg toss, you are the energizer bunny of adventure. Dance on!
As for us AvCo McHarris.
Colin is soaking up his final days in Tanzania before his two week travels through Europe. Back in the States, Portland, OR, he eagerly awaits his Ecstatic Dance Community, his Didjeridoo named “Inti” and to spending the summer with family and friends, relaxing, adventuring and gaining new knowledge and skills. After that he is thrilled to return to Carpe Diem and meet his fall 2014 NKULA Crew and Co!
Avy is also spending a few final days in beloved Tanzania. She will then fly to Ghana to visit some dear friends before beginning her next chapter in Portland, OR. She is retiring her passport (for now, anyway) and rooting down. She is overjoyed to be moving to a yurt, planting a garden, cooking up meals with friends and family, and settling into life at Carpe Diem Headquarters!
“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins
Smile ~ Dance ~ Love ~ Laugh