Life at Arusha (A-Town) Hostel

The sign hanging on the Arusha Hostel Gate 

I quickly adjusted to living at a hostel with Justin. Although I had fallen in love with him at first sight, we both tried to hide these feelings and be professional. Justin and Frank, two Tanzanians, operated Arusha Hostel. Frank, a wild, yet caring man with a love for vegetarian cooking, always treated me like a younger sister. New guests would arrive each day, but I felt more like a permanent resident, paying a lump sum for 3 months. The hostel felt like home. We cooked, laughed, danced, cleaned, read, and spent hours getting to know each other. Many nights Mtui and I would stay up talking until past midnight.  

Frank (left) and Mtui (right) 

Mtui cooking a delicious feast 

A typical meal at A-Town Hostel

                                                      Lots of laughter at A-Town Hostel  

Mtui the Chef 

And so the story begins. . .

Our love story began on a rainy day in Arusha, Tanzania in January, 2009. 
Mtui was a hostel manager at the time and I was a public health volunteer in desperate need of a place to live. Michelle, a mutual and dear friend of ours, suggested that I contact Justin to inquire about housing. I met him for the first time in Arusha with my heavy backpack full of volunteer papers and oranges and I fell in love with him and his presence. We walked 5KM to the hostel and instantly connected on what matters-life, love, and purpose. 
Our souls have been connected ever since that day in the rain.