Arriving in Kili

When I stepped off the plane in Kilimanjaro, (onto the runway) I could not believe the view. The mountain was straight in front of me, it is indescribably beautiful and magestic. The air is amazingly clean which adds to the country's beauty.
However, the extreme poverty blew away any of my expectations. The people in my community (Karanga) are so kind and spirited, but they lead hard lives. The drive to my house is a dirt road with pot holes and dirt mounds that make it seem more like a hiking trail. The road is filled with people walking to market (women carrying baskets on their heads) and children playing with the dirt.
My first day that I went for a walk through the area, I was attacked by dozens of children who just wanted to touch my skin and my hair and get a hug. There is one little boy who I have gotten the pleasure of recieving surprise attacks hugs from multiple time, and he loves to dig in my bag. He discovered my chapstick, and I had to give it to him because I have never seen a child more fascinated with anything in my whole life.
In addition to the adorable children, there are also monkeys on my street! There are wild monkeys as well as pet monkeys who go for walks on leashes! I also saw a lizzard that's tail was green, body yellow, and head purple. When I saw this, I knew I was truly in Africa!
From the upstairs of my house you can see Kili every morning, the peak of the mountain still takes my breath away every time I look at it.
I have been practicing my Swahili, and am getting better everyday. The most helpful practice I have recieved thus far was a conversation with a toddler on the street. She talked slow enough for me to understand!
The food is surprisingly good, I never knew bannanas could be cooked in so many ways! And I have yet to get sick from it, knock on wood.
One of my big fears that has arisen since I arrived is malaria. Although I am taking malaria pills, they only help prevent it, and many volunteers have been ill with maleria in the past few weeks, so pray for the mosquitos to stay away from me!