Tanzania Trip (Part 4)

July 12th, 2025

Today looked a little different for me.

I was too sick to go out with the rest of the group, so Emma (an alumni from the group that Zac went with in 2016) stayed back with me at the resort. Before everyone left, Max handed me a paper—something he’d passed around for the whole team to sign. I cried. They are the kindest souls, and that little act meant so much to me.

I spent a good part of the day resting in bed and listening to the newest Brinkman Adventures album. Eventually, I made my way out to the beach for a bit. There, I ended up meeting new friends—both locals and foreigners. A family living here long-term with Wycliffe Bible Translators talked with me for a while. They’ve been serving here for a year and living out of a tent, and I just kept thinking how beautiful it is to live a life poured out like that. I pray that God would bless the work of their hands.

I also met a group of Germans who’ve been volunteering at a nearby orphanage and hospital—also for about a year. The joy and kindness in their eyes were something special.

Later, I ordered lunch—coconut fish with rice and cabbage (it was so good). While waiting, I sat with Daphroza and someone named Donald, and eventually a few more people joined. We ended up having such a meaningful and refreshing conversation. Emma came and ate with me too, and then I went back to our room and took a much-needed nap and I was so thankful to get some solid sleep.

That afternoon, I sat in the dining area and caught up in my prayer journal. A guy I’d met yesterday came by and brought me a bag of bananas and oranges. The people here are so hospitable.

When the group got back, Max came straight to me to show pictures. They had spent the day with the kids, and from the photos—and their faces—it was obvious that part of the day had been incredibly special. Hayden, Will, and Max each made a point to let me know I was missed and that they hoped I’d feel better soon. That meant more than they know.

Now, I’m finishing today’s journal entry as the sun sets and the tide rolls in. The smells of East Africa feel safe. God is so, so good.

11:21 p.m.

Tonight, we gathered in a circle for our team debrief. We started by going around and sharing one word to sum up our day, then we each shared our highs and lows.

I was second to last.

I cried—okay, I sobbed—through my turn. I shared how much of a blessing this trip has been, and how the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Before coming, I was praying so deeply for this trip to bring healing in some specific areas. And yesterday, sitting and singing with the children, I felt it. That peace. That restoration. That rightness I hadn’t felt in so long. It was like God whispered, “Yes, this is what I had in mind.”

The last person to share had nearly everyone in tears. He spoke about the way the children loved so freely. He said he’s never felt love like that before—from people who didn’t even know him. It was one of the most vulnerable, raw moments I’ve ever witnessed.

After sharing highs and lows, we moved into shoutouts—a tradition where we publicly recognize something kind or encouraging someone in the group did. That moment, seeing hearts open and spirits soften, reminded me again of why Chocolate University exists. It’s working. It’s beautiful.

Even though I’m still dealing with a lot of stomach pain, I’m grateful for small improvements. And, just to keep things interesting, I somehow managed to get over 20 mosquito bites tonight— welcome to Tanzania!

We’ve got a big day tomorrow, so I’m going to go to bed. Thank You, God, for today—even the unexpected parts.

Vanessa