So many of you made donations on behalf of our 20 climbers of Mt. Kilimanjaro this summer that I wanted to share our grandson Tanner’s thank you to his supporters. It touched my heart and typifies how most of our volunteers feel after they spend time with the Neema children in Africa. 

Tanner writes:

“Thank you so much for making a donation to Neema Village on behalf of the Kilimanjaro Charity Climb. I am touched by your support of such a worthy cause on my behalf and it spurred me to reach the top. Each climber chose a child at Neema to honor in the climb. I chose Shabani.

He did not have a sponsor and his story touched my heart. I spent a great deal of time with Shabani during my month long visit to Neema. It was life changing to finally meet these children who have endured so much, and yet have so much love to share. Shabani really is sweet and as passionate about reading as I was told.

All of the children are more filled with life and love than I can put down in words. Also I am happy to report that Shabani has a sponsor now!

(Left Shabani’s cute baby picture) He is a big boy now but still sucks his tongue when he gets upset.

Reaching the 19,341 foot top of Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, was truly an adventure and I feel it will always be a lifelong accomplishment. But the summit was only a small portion of this life changing experience. (Below Tanner pictured with four of our big kids.)

I walked away changed not by the struggle against the mountain, but by the interaction with the people of Tanzania. (Below Tanner with Maasai children in the village.)

I walked away with a deep love and respect for them.

I am most honored to be a part of the group of people who sacrifice and serve at Neema to care for the babies and children who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance. Thank you for partnering with me to bring attention and support to the precious children of Neema Village Arusha Tanzania!

(Below Tanner pictured with his Aunt Bekah and four Neema babies.)

Sincerely

Tanner White
Age 20
Chemical Engineer major at Montana State Bozeman

(One last picture of Tanner below eating fried termites just like his grandfather fifty years ago. Getting the first one down may have been as hard as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro!) Great Job Tanner, so proud of you!

Grandmommy and PaPa