Guest author: Cammy West – Sponsor and Volunteer

I recently returned from an unforgettable visit to the Maasai Girls Rescue Center (MGRC) in Karatu, Tanzania. This marked my fourth time with this incredible community of bright, resilient, and deeply inspiring young girls. Each visit has been meaningful, but this one touched my heart in a new way. Over nine days, I witnessed Maasai girls transformation, growth, and joy that words can hardly describe.

From my very first visit to MGRC in Longido back in 2019, I knew these Maasai girls and this organization would have a lasting hold on my heart. At the time, the vision Rick and his team had for these underprivileged girls was already powerful and clear: to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where they could heal, learn, grow, and ultimately thrive. Years later, seeing that vision come to life is truly remarkable and inspiring.

Empowering futures: Education, confidence, and aspirations

What stood out most during this past visit was the incredible growth and Maasai girls transformation. Many have been at the center for several years now, and the difference in their confidence, behavior, and aspirations is astonishing. Their English skills have improved dramatically, allowing them to express their thoughts, dreams, and curiosities in a whole new way. Conversations flow freely, and they are asking deeper questions that truly amazed me. While their culture often focuses on day-to-day living, these girls are now thinking about their future and understanding the possibilities ahead. I loved their questions and, of course, encouraged them to excel in school and English, reminding them that anything is possible and God has a plan!

Their educational progress was impressive. The girls are learning, and I saw firsthand how eager they were to read and explore new ideas. I loved sharing stories and hearing their questions. They openly shared their hopes and plans for the future. Some dream of being doctors, teachers, pilots, or nurses, and they now realize their goals are attainable. Others want to start businesses or return to their communities to help other girls rise up, just as they have. The excitement in their eyes when they talk about their goals is both humbling and inspiring.

A community of faith, family, and support

Beyond education, I noticed a deepening of their spiritual awareness and faith. The girls are doing Bible study together and sharing what they learn, and witnessing their kindness and compassion toward each other is so precious. I love watching them pray together; it truly inspires me. They love to sing while working, beading, and in the fields, and it always brings me joy hearing their beautiful voices. Even the little ones in the baby classes (2-5 years old) look up to the older girls, singing and dancing along—they are simply adorable. The older girls are incredibly helpful to the younger ones, creating a beautiful big family atmosphere.

Rick has also hired a team of wonderful housemothers, social workers, and teachers. The staff is exceptional, and the way they love and care for the kids is truly special.

Sustainable support: The Maasai ecoLodge

I was thrilled to see the progress of the Maasai ecoLodge, a sustainable initiative that will soon support the center and offer visitors a way to experience the beauty of MGRC up close. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication to long-term, self-sustaining growth for Maasai Girls Rescue Center, and I’m excited to see it fully realized. I look forward to being a guest staying at the lodge myself!

Experience the impact: Support Maasai girls transformation

The hardest part of my visits is saying goodbye. Each visit strengthens my relationships with these girls, as I truly care deeply for these precious individuals. Leaving never gets easier, but it always fills me with a renewed purpose to return and continue supporting their journey.

If you’ve ever considered volunteering in Tanzania or supporting an organization with real impact, MGRC is one you need to experience for yourself. The energy, the hope, the Maasai girls transformation—it’s hard to capture in photos or posts alone. You have to feel it, live it, and let it change you, just as it has changed me.

I look forward to my return!