Article Contributed on: 2/9/2009 11:19:15 AM
Evergreen Country Day School students
Jessica Allen, grade 7, and
Steven Allen grade 5, returned the last week of January from a seven week trip to Africa with their parents
Ben and
Kathleen, as well as their other siblings,
Zoe and
Mackie. The family's travels took them to the town of Arusha, Tanzania, where their father Ben helped set up a computer system for the new local hospital, Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. Jessica and Steven spent time helping their father in the hospital by moving, documenting and fixing computers. Jessica also had an opportunity to visit another hospital, Selian Lutheran Hopital with a visiting German surgeon-to-be. In addition to memorable work and volunteer experiences, the Allens also were able to experience a one week safari through several world renowned parks. Of note, the Allens hiked through the rain forests at the foot of Mt. Meru, which is about 15 miles from Kilimanjaro. Jessica found the hands-on nature of the experience very eye opening and moving. When not helping their father or going on safari, the Allen children spent time at their temporary home being homeschooled and keeping up with their studies. Jessica and Steven say it was an absolutely amazing experience.
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Jesse Anderson