Week 18 - When it rains it pours.

June 18 - June 24

I know… this is a bit cheesy. It was posted on Facebook and when I first saw it I immediately thought of sending it to Lee Ann who always loved playing in the rain. But I thought I would share it as the caption is an appropriate segue into this week’s update.

I was not sure whether to start with the happy or sad stories. Oftentimes I wonder if sharing these burdens doesn’t weigh down and depress those of you who read my blogs. On the other hand, from the emails and blog comments I receive from you, I know that there is a deeper level of appreciation for the privileged life we live, and the multitude of choices and opportunities that are offered to us.  

                                                                                                                                                                   I prefer to start and end on a positive note but more importantly to end with something uplifting, so I will make sure that is what I do going forward.

 

Zawadi on right with
Daughter & Son 2010
(Zawadi means Gift in Swahili)

I walked into TAFCOM on Monday and Nie told me that one of our clients had died over the weekend. Zawadi has been in the hospital most of the time I have been here. I had met her on a previous trip. She was 36 and has left behind a husband, a daughter age 22, a granddaughter age, 4 and a son age 10. She died of AIDS. The community met in the afternoon and donations were made to help the family with the medical and funeral expenses. Remember, many of these people struggle to meet their basic daily needs. But these needs lose importance when a family suffers a tragedy. In the past year, 4 of TAFCOM’s clients have died; TAFCOM has donated funds for the coffins. I am using your donations to cover this expense which amounts to about $50.00.                                                                                                                                                     

Victoria, our special needs child from Boma,fell over the weekend, hit her head and became unconscious. She is in KCMS Hospital. her father left his business in Arusha and came home to be with her in the hospital.   Her mother is at home caring for the baby and other children.

Jonas’s sister contracted cerebral malaria last week. She has a young child (18 months) and lives in Tanga about 6 hours away. Because of the illness she is unable to care for her young child so Jonas made a 12 hour round trip to pick up his sister and child, and bring them to his home. Her condition became worse over the weekend and they had to drive her 8 hours to a hospital in Dar es Salaam. Cerebrial malaria causes a blockage of blood flow, leading to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This type of malaria can result in seizures, coma and death, especially in children.

Jonas’s mother is also visiting and has problems with ulcers. Because of the worry about her daughter, she had a flare-up over the weekend and was quite sick. (I will spare you the graphic details.)

These are the facts but I can’t write this without feeling strong emotions. My heart aches for the families and the emotional toll on Nie and Jonas. I know I have mentioned this before but I remain in awe of the inner strength of these people. Faith plays a large role in the lives of many. The country is 50/50 Christian and Muslim (and they get along just fine). Thomas, our previous volunteer, and I were discussing this topic and he remarked that their faith is probably so strong because of all the suffering they must endure. Otherwise, there would be no rationale to explain it. I have to agree.

My day completely turned around when I received a goody box sent by some friends. I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. It was full of so many fun items, many of which I will share with TAFCOM staff and my family here. I can’t thank them enough. In a previous blog I mentioned how I missed my kids, friends and blueberries. Well, I got a tub of dried blueberries and Ibrah just bought cereal so we will be having blueberries on our cereal in the morning. I did have to have the box opened and the contents thoroughly inspected at the Post Office. Ibrah said it was to make sure there were no babies or snakes in the box (lol)!

I met Nie in town on Tuesday to give her the funds for the coffin. Although the sky looked a bit ominous, it has been cloudy all week and it rarely rains during the day so I gave it little thought. I have an umbrella in my backpack which I carry everyday but decided to be free of it for a change. I did wear a jacket because it was a wintry 65 degrees. Of course it rained and it was a pretty solid rain for the last 15 minutes of my walk into town. I must confess that I enjoy walking in the rain so it felt pretty good and for the Tanzanians it always means the crops are growing.

I took Nie some hand-made Ohio soap that I received in my goody box and her face just lit up. I told her I also have body lotion and perfume samples to give the staff and tailoring women. These are items they could never afford to purchase. I can’t wait to see their delight.

I took a nap Monday afternoon. I find sleep to be a helpful way to erase the worries of the day. But then I could not sleep that night and was up until after 2am. I spent the time posting my blog and going through my goodies again. Needless to say, Tuesday I was tired so I treated myself to a latte at my favorite Aroma Coffee House. The latte was about 12 oz. and cost less than a dollar. I got it to go and discovered that they charge for the paper to go cups. It cost almost as much as the coffee but still a great deal plus I would put this coffee up against Starbuck’s any day.

We were able to visit Veronica this week. I always look forward to these visits because she always makes us laugh and today was no exception. She was feeling much better but had used up her inhaler. She goes thru one about every 10 days. I really think they are meant to last longer. Nie promised to bring her another inhaler tomorrow. If the inhaler and her medicine keep her out of the hospital that’s what matters, especially at her age. Veronica also doesn’t see well. Today she remarked that she would like to have glasses like mine. She told me that her eyes are good with distance but not close up. Veronica was thrilled when I told her I had a pair for her. I brought 2 cheap pairs of drug store reading glasses with me. 

Next time we visit I will get more of her life story. I am very interested in learning about her faith. It is very strong and she often tells us that God sent us because we tend to show up when she is in greatest need. At the end of our visit she jokingly reminded me to bring the glasses next time and also asked if she could have a picture of me so that I will always be with her. This woman can make me laugh and cry in the same moment.

Veronica is an example of one of the many grandparents raising grandchildren that TAFCOM serve. Life for the seniors in this country is very harsh. A senior is defined as anyone 60 or older. There are 2.1 million senior citizens in Tanzania, constituting 5.7% of the population. Most senior citizens have low or no income. They are typically unable to work because of their advanced age and diminished physical capabilities. In the wake of HIV/AIDS, the elderly are typically the ones who care for their own sick adult children affected by the AIDS virus and ultimately take on the extra burden of caring for their orphaned grandchildren. More than 53% of AIDS orphans are being raised by their elderly grandparents.

Elders do hold a place of respect among the people here and there is a special greeting given to someone older – even to me! One day during a run there were two occurrences where a parent stopped and prompted their child to say “Shikamoo”. This is the respectful greeting for an older person. It was so sweet to see the parents taking time to teach this to their children. I stopped both times, thanking the children and exchanging greetings with them. More often than not this is how I am greeted. It is hard for me to know when to use it because I am really bad at guessing ages. Living as hard a life as some of these people do, many look older than they are. It is very weird for me because my age is higher than the average life expectancy of a Tanzanian which is 59.

Mwamini''s Children

The same day we visited Veronica we stopped to see Mwamini and Rose. I was sad that Mwamini was not home but she was out selling her laundry soap. (Debra now buys her laundry soap from Mwamini.) She has also added a small amount of vegetables for selling. Rose was there with two of her siblings. Rose never looks healthy and when she let me pick her up I noticed her forehead was very hot. Nie has talked to Mwamini since our visit and she explained that Rose is feverish much of the time. Her business is suffering because she spends so much time at health clinics and no one can tell her what is wrong with Rose. It is very distressing to try and put myself in Mwamini’s shoes. Her life is such a vicious cycle that never seems to give her a break with a future that is quite bleak.

We were unable to attend Zawadi’s funeral because it was held in the town of her husband’s family. As we walked around Pasua I asked about how a funeral is conducted. A Christian funeral is not too much different than one held in the states. After a person has died, family members gather at the home of the deceased to discuss funeral plans. Neighbors and friends stop by to offer condolences and make donations for the funeral expenses. Instead of friends bringing food, the family of the deceased feeds those who come to pay their respects. On the day of the funeral there is a designated starting point where everyone meets to drive together to the church. The family and relatives may rent a daladala if they need transportation. Others must arrange their own. There is a church ceremony followed by a burial. There are cemeteries but it is also common for the deceased to be buried on the family’s property. Cremation is not a funeral rite that is practiced here.

Something funny happened on the way to ……work one day this week. As I have shared in the past, pedestrians are on the bottom of the transportation food chain. I had to make a stop before work and took a different route. I have taken this route several times and I cross the same busy road I cross every day but in a different spot. There is actually a crosswalk which also serves as a speed bump; it is wide and raised. It may slow some vehicles but the fact that it is a crosswalk is totally disregarded. Except on Thursday when I am waiting to cross the road. I notice a pickup truck stopping but see a motorcycle behind him who is going very fast. I assume he is going to come barreling around the truck so I wait. The next thing I know the motorcycle pulls to a stop next to the truck. I look at the motorcycle driver totally dumbfounded and he motions me to cross the road. I was in total disbelief; I have been here 4 months and this is the first time anyone has acknowledged my presence on the road!

Can you find the frisbee?

Friday was spent at the Children’s Center. It was their last day before a 2 week break. Their break is usually next month but the government switched it because they are conducting their 10 year census and the teachers are used as census takers. Since it was the kids’ last day, the staff was making a rice lunch for them. Each child brought their own plate to cut costs. For those who forgot their plates, we used newly donated Frisbees! I love the resourcefulness. The staff made a hot sauce for the adults. I like the hot sauce Debra makes so thought I would try theirs. Mistake - one bite and immediately tears were streaming down my face and my lips were burning. My sinuses, however, were as clear as they have ever been!

Greens from the Garden
Served with Lunch

Garden at Children's Center
Tree branches are used as "fencing"
around the garde,

 The government has a curriculum for pre-school that the teachers follow. Subjects include basic English, Kiswahili, Math and Science. The children completed their mid-term tests this week. and Nie presented the top 5 scoring students with crayons and coloring paper. After each student received their reward, the rest of the class recited this poem:

Top 6 (There was a tie for 2nd place)

Well done, well done.
Keep it up (child's name), keep it up (child's name).

They also say this whenever any student leads the class or presents to the class.

We have a new volunteer at the house. Molly is from California and attends Notre Dame. She is teaching in a government Secondary school so I will learn more about the education system and should be able to observe a few classes.

We celebrated Debra’s birthday and Molly and I took her to Deli Chez for lunch and ice cream. Their ice cream is really good. I like sitting on the second floor because it is open and gives a great view of one of Moshi’s main streets. I love the noises, and hustle and bustle of this town; there is so much activity.

Molly, Me & Debra at Deli Chez

View of Moshi from Deli Chez

I am ending this update with a poem that is even cheesier than the beginning quote. Before Molly came, Ibrah told me that her mom was pretty nervous about the trip. Ibrah asked if I would email Molly and tell a little about myself and my experience so she could share it with her mom. We exchanged several emails. So as part of her welcoming I thought it would be fun to post a poem on the board in our eating area.

Molly & Welcome Poem

Welcome to Tanzania                                    

We are happy to see ya.

We like your name, Molly

‘Cause it rhymes with Ugali.

We hope you like to eat

Each meal is a treat.

So get some rest and settle in

A wonderful journey is about to begin.

Week 17 – A Hair Raising Experience or How I Found my Ears and Other Laughable Moments

June11-June17

                                                                                                                                                                      "What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul." (Yiddish Proverb)

I have not had a haircut since I left the states and as some pictures show, it is getting a bit shaggy-looking. Debra told me she had hair-cutting scissors so we were going to trim my hair. I had no problem with this because more often than not I cut my own hair. However, we were having trouble finding a time that worked for both of us. And as we all know I am working on being patient. So Friday of last week I left early for TAFCOM because I had to make copies of the malaria handout and the copy shop was closed the night before. I arrive around 8am and the storekeeper next door said the store should open anytime. So I wait...and wait. A man comes by and talks to the other storekeeper and I am informed that the copy shop won't be open today but the gentleman knows of a copy shop nearby. He offers to take me there and so off I go with a complete stranger who introduces himself as Zachariah.

On the way he shows me where he lives and introduces me to his wife and child. They operate a salon. I ask if they can cut muzungu hair and he says yes and that I should call him after work that afternoon and I can come by for a haircut. At this point I am wondering what I have gotten myself into but think it could be a fun experience and hair will always grow back. So that afternoon I call and he says to come to the shop and he will meet me there. I wander in and there are 5 ladies in a small shop. 2 are hairdressers and the others either customers or friends. I also notice that a couple of the ladies are drinking beer. The woman who was introduced as Zacharia’s wife does not understand English and I just say Zacharia’s name and sit down. Fortunately another woman arrives who does speak English and I explain I am there for a haircut. During our conversation, I am informed that Zacharia does live there but the woman is not his wife and cannot cut Muzungu hair. But they can call someone who does. This woman is also served a meal while I am there and offers to share her plate with me. In the meantime, 2 men show up who are obviously friends. One of the men wants to buy me a beer (it was after 5pm) but I politely refused. He was pretty fun and chatty. I had probably been waiting an hour and as it was approaching 6:30 I said I had to leave and was very sorry. Although this story sounds like I have no brains or common sense, the only real risk was to my hair. Also I am very safe about getting home before dark. The people in the salon were all very kind and understood that I needed to leave. I said I would try to come back on Monday.

As I was relating my adventure to Ibrah, he told me of a shop in Moshi at the Kibo Tower that cuts muzungu hair and gives a neck massage with the haircut. Kibo Tower was built in 2010 and is the most modern building in Moshi with some pretty upscale shops. I am starting to think a Charles Penzone Salon has arrived in Moshi. Monday after work I meander over to the Kibo Tower and find Lorenzo’s. As I enter I notice that it looks more professional than the small salons I have seen. They even have nice chairs instead of plastic and a real sink with running water for washing hair. I am seated and a gentleman comes over to cut my hair. I start to tell him what I would like done and discover he does not speak English. Another woman comes over and I can’t really tell how good her English is but she seems to understand me after about 3 explanations. I asked for about an inch trim, light layers and the sides angled a bit longer. Not quite what I got! Remember years ago when beauticians were scissor happy and no matter what you told them they always cut off more than you wanted. Well it is that era here. He seemed to have trouble getting the ends even so he just kept trimming. I did end up with an odd assortment of layers but he never quite understood the angle. He used a spray water bottle to wet my hair and I guess a face rinse was included because he always hit my face with the spray.

After the cut, a woman took me to another chair for hair washing. She massaged my head and put a hot cloth on my face. This was pretty nice. I was sitting up when she gave me a neck massage and although it was relaxing she was using an oil which she also massaged thru my hair. They do not use driers and it didn’t matter that my hair was wet because all the oil made it easy to shape into a style! You might be wondering what this experience cost me – a mere $6.33.

I love the silly things that make me laugh at myself. It is humbling and gives me a sense of great admiration for anyone who ventures into a foreign country. “The more you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it.” (Bill Nye)

Deborah and I were going into Moshi to run an errand and we took the daladala (transportation). We sat down and at the next stop another woman gets on and says something to me. I turned to Deborah to ask what she was saying and she laughed replying, “She is speaking English to you.” My mind is constantly in Swahili mode so I totally wasn’t listening for English words. The woman sat with us; she was from Uganda and her family moved to Tanzania about a year ago. She expressed how appalled she was with the way daladala’s packed people in like sardines. She said that in Uganda the people would be fined for having more than 3 to a seat. Much of the time, the daladala’s are Standing Room Only. The record for number of people I have counted on a daladala is still at 29.

I worked at home several days this week. I spent countless hours in front of the computer and got very little accomplished because of internet difficulties. It was a beautiful day and I had not spent any time outside for several days. So I decided to go for a run to work off my frustration. There is actually a very nice area with paved roads that is a short walk from where I live. So off I go. I have to cross a major, busy road and I am waiting to cross when two women walk up who are also crossing. We exchange greetings and are all watching for a safe distance between cars to cross. They both have purchased roasted corn from the corner vendor and one of the women asks if I would like some.  They also made sure that we all crossed the road together. After crossing and saying "Siku njema (have a nice day), I mentally chastised myself for choosing to get so frustrated and stressed over the internet and my self-imposed deadlines. Who really cares if they receive my blog on Tuesday or Weds? Who really cares if I can't respond to an email right away? These women with their simple gestures of kindness caused me to just stop the craziness in my head and feel the love!! It was just what I needed and the kindness didn't stop there…

As I was finishing my run I passed two men and one gave me a huge smile and applauded me. The very next person I passed was a woman who laughingly said "Congratulations”. The next person, an elderly gentleman, laughed and broke into a run to acknowledge me. WOW! What a great lesson in patience and humility. I felt renewed. “Laughter is inner jogging.”(Norman Cousins)

Allow me to continue to harp on my frustration regarding the internet connection. My signal strength would regularly drop to 20% not allowing me to load a new site or I would just be completely disconnected at random times. When I am motivated I am not one that likes to waste time so this was really aggravating. As it turns out, no one else in the house was having these problems. They might occasionally get disconnected but nothing like the degree to which it was occurring to me. Notice the use of the word “was” in the first sentence. Well I now have a new application for the phrase “Location, location, location”. Ibrah suggested I move my computer to see if that might make a difference. This is where I feel pretty stupid because we have a wireless connection. I moved my computer about 6 feet from its original position and feel like I walked thru a time warp and returned to the 21^st century. My bedroom furniture has been rearranged to accommodate my computer and although I still have the occasional problem I am ecstatic that I no longer have to put up with this annoyance.

These are the ways of Tanzania and I love it more with each passing day.

AND here are some pictures I find amusing...

The branch at the bottom center
is from the Amani or Peace tree.
It is given as a peace offering to
resolve a conflict between two people.
However, it is also used to point
the way to banana beer (as in this pic)

The children here love having their
pictures taken. They get even
more excited to see themselves after
the photo is taken.

I sized this picture a bit bigger because I wanted you to
see the writing on the building - Mr. Busy Pub Club
& Shop! This was along the trail to the waterfall
we visited last weekend. It just appeared out of nowhere.
Interestingly, there was a peace plant nearby.

To continue the alcohol theme,
this is a 50 ml plastic packet
(about 2 shots). They are commonly
seen on the ground. Not that
this is funny but I could not
believe I saw a guy driving
 a motorcycle with one of  these
 hanging out of his mouth.

One of my favorites. This woman sells shoes.
It seems to be the norm that they will carry just
one shoe on their head. I also love seeing women
carrying a bundle of hangars.

It is very common to see women carrying buckets and
 baskets on their heads and even trays of bananas.
This women who is also barefoot has a hoe and shovel
on her head and a machete in her hand.

Neighbor Kids Loving the Photo Op

 

Rahim in BIG Shoes.This kid is so goofy.
Spoiled rotten and with a face that cute
you can understand why!

Week 16 – Mosquito Nets Everywhere

June 3 – June 10

After returning from my trip I worked with TAFCOM to make the final preparations for the welcoming event for the Malaria Group. There will be 16 people arriving from Minnesota to help distribute the 3,000 mosquito nets purchased through their fundraising efforts. The group is also visiting a Massai girls school, going on safari and climbing Kili.

Interestingly, I recently read an article which cited a government report stating that the under-5 mortality rate has substantially declined over the last decade from 147 deaths per 1,000 births in 1999 to 81 deaths per 1,000 births in 2010. This reduction is being partly attributed to advances in malaria, prevention, diagnosis and treatment along with the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Just maybe, this effort can help in lowering the number even further.

Lynne, the organizer, became involved in this project after coming to Tanzania for a visit and sending a trip update to her college alumni magazine. Concordia College contacted her as they have a program that supports a Massai girls school in Arusha and they provide college scholarships. The college wanted to expand their program and Lynne got involved with the Malaria project. She has two trips planned for alumni and families in January of 2013 and 2014 for the college with 40 people already signed up for the 2013 trip!

Lynne is also a CEO/Manager at RE/Max Real Estate in Minnesota and decided to contact their national and international corporate offices about getting involved in some fundraising efforts and trips. So in addition to the 2 Concordia groups she will also be leading groups of RE/Max folks in June of the next 2 years. Lynne laughingly commented that this touring has taken on a life of its own. It actually got me thinking about organizing a trip and we are going to discuss a possible RE/Max partnership with Central Ohio.

On Sunday Jonas picked me up and we arrived at the Children’s Center around 11am. The teaching staff and Tailoring Center women were already busy preparing lunch; the tent, table and chairs were set up; and the place looked awesome. Some of the children had started to arrive and most of the 40 students were all there by noon. We had promised them lunch if they came early to practice their program. I was really hoping to cut a chicken head but arrived too late – maybe another time! The kids were served rice, chicken, cabbage and bananas. I am sure for most of them this was quite a feast. I don’t want to consider how long it has been since they had meat, vegetables or even fruit. They even got a Fanta drink after the program. It was such a special day for everyone.

The program was to start at 3:00 but evidently the Malaria Group had fallen into Tanzanian time as they were an hour late. I was astonished at how well-behaved the kids were. I was so proud of them. As we were waiting, the men with the sound system were playing Bongo Flava music and the children were up and dancing. You could see the absolute delight in their faces as they sang and laughed and gyrated to each song. I felt sheer joy as I watched them, knowing that for this brief period of time nothing in the world mattered to these children and they knew the meaning of bliss.

Fortunately, we had padded our agenda and were able to accomplish everything we wanted in our 2 hour block. The group met staff and got a more in-depth picture of TAFCOM's programs; they took a tour of the grounds; and heard some testimonials. AND, of course, the children won their hearts with their performances. I was able to talk about my experience as a TAFCOM volunteer and found myself choking up several times. My passion runs deep and I wear my emotions on my sleeve.

Lynne 

Time was allotted so the group could purchase items made and exhibited by the tailoring women. Another table displayed TAFCOM program info and included profiles of the children and families involved with TAFCOM. A sponsorship form was available and 16 of the children had sponsors before the afternoon was over. Some of the group had collected funds from friends at home. We made sure they received the profiles and took pictures of each of the kids they will be sponsoring. It is  heartbreaking deciding which children to sponsor since all have been affected by AIDS and their stories tug at your heart. The program agenda concluded with a group picture and presentation of mosquito nets to the children. The Grand Finale turned out to be a surprise gift of a video camera for Nie and Jonas from Lynne and the group. Everything was superb and everyone was thoroughly pleased and impressed.

District Commissioner
Giving out Net

Govt Leaders & Staff

Wednesday was the first day for distribution of the mosquito nets and a kickoff event had been organized by Jonas. Government leaders from the areas receiving nets were present. The mayor of Moshi Municipal and the District Commissioner (oversees both Moshi Municipal and Moshi rural) also attended and gave speeches. The media showed up and storied appeared on both TV and radio as well as in the local paper. I was totally impressed; TAFCOM is such a professional class act. 

This little boy just came over
and sat on my lap for the longest time.
He broke his wrist running.

I love all the colors

Lynne was invited by the mayor to visit his office. TAFCOM staff attended and was introduced. (I got to be included in the staff group.) Benches were set up for the audience which included those families registered to receive nets. The District Commissioner handed out the nets. This was a really big deal.

People ride around like this all the time

At the conclusion of the kickoff cars and trucks were loaded with nets for the day's designated sites. The rest of the week was spent at different sites, mostly the local government office. The sites where I helped probably handed out 300 nets per day. TAFCOM staff and government leaders worked side by side to ensure that things went smoothly.

3,000 Mosquito Nets
(Insecticide Treated)

The most difficult part of the distribution was turning away those who had not registered. I often wondered how many nets would have been enough. Those who were unable to come on their designated day will be able to pick up their nets at the government leaders offices in their area.

One very interesting observation I wanted to share relates to breastfeeding. I am not sure why I have never noticed this here before but there is no discretion when it comes to breastfeeding. I must have witnessed at least 5 women openly breastfeeding their children during the kickoff event. I know there was some recent controversy in the US about a picture of a mom breastfeeding that appeared on a magazine cover. I did not read the media coverage nor see the picture so cannot comment. In Tanzania breastfeeding appears to be viewed as a natural act and doesn’t seem to bother anyone no matter how public it may be.

This outhouse was in the center
near the market

Njoro Market Center
(This is the poorest Ward in Moshi)

Govt Leaders Office Bathroom
(the doors are kept locked)

Even though our focus all week was on mosquito nets, the concerns of the people are relentless. Nie visited Rose who was not hospitalized but is still not healthy. She had a blood test on Friday and results will come back next week.

Veronica who is one of my favorites (and the one who refers to herself as the oldest woman in Moshi), was hospitalized this week. She has asthma and was having breathing problems. Nie visited her several times in the hospital. She is raising 2 grandchildren, ages 4 and 13. She has wonderful neighbors and we have to assume they cared for the grandchildren as well as visited Veronica to make sure she received food. I asked Nie what happens if someone is in the hospital and lacks funds for food. She said that neighbors and even other patients will help out. What it comes down to is the poor helping the poor. I frequently experience illustrations of the empathetic nature of the people here.

It felt like a whirlwind week and the weekend was a welcome break. I know for certain that Nie and Jonas were burning the candle at both ends.

Saturday was a great mental health day. Ibrah, Thomas and I went to Materuni Water falls. Fred, Deborah’s brother, was our guide and driver. Thomas is a volunteer from San Francisco who was with us for the week. He works for Mama Hope (http://www.mamahope.org/) and spent most of his time in Kenya. 

We hiked thru banana and coffee plantations as well as some of the most lush, green forest I have ever seen. It was somewhat foggy from the previous night’s rain which made the green hues even more pronounced. It was about an hour hike to the waterfalls and it was worth every wet, muddy and slippery step. We ate lunch at a little hut with the cool mist of the waterfall constantly spraying us. There were also avocado trees along the trail. We found a ripe avocado on the ground which we added to our lunch. 

Banana Tree

Ibrah, Thomas, Me & Fred at
Lunch Hut

Materuni River

Materuni Waterfall

Mo & Child on Trail

After our hike we drove to see a 500 year old Baobab tree. Legend has it that the tree was here before man and holds the spirits of ancestors. These trees are unlike anything I have ever seen. They can grow to be 100 foot tall and 35 feet wide. Their defining characteristic is the trunk which can store over 30,000 gallons of water. This website has a great description of the tree.

http://izzat-sajdi.blogspot.com/2007/09/baobab-tree-tanzania.html

Baobab Tree
From across the Road

You can an idea of the size.
Those are people to the left of the tree.

Me & Tree

Sadly, our weekend did not end well. One of the children from a neighboring road was hit by a car and killed. He was around 8 years old and ran across the road to meet his friends when he was hit. The accident occurred on one of the busier roads. There is no such thing as a stop light or stop sign here but one does see a variety of speed bumps in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately there was not one on this area of the road. The residents seeing the need for something to slow traffic made quite a statement on Sunday. They brought large rocks and placed them across the road where the accident occurred to form a barrier and send the message that a speed bump is vital to the safety of the residents.

Road Protest

Week 15 In Pictures

Hadzabe Making Fire
(The man standing is wearing
 animal skin and both have baboon
fur on their head.)

Hadzabe Pipe
(Made of wood and covered
 in animal fur to hold in the heat)

Hadzabe Smoking Marijuana
(They believe it keeps them
 focused for hunting.)

Hadzabe Huts
(They are nomadic so these
are simple to build and tear down.
The floor is the dirt and they
sleep on animal skins)

Hadzabe Huts

Tofa (Our Guide) w Bow & Arrow

Bows & Arrows

Hadzabe-Men & Boys

Hadzabe-Women & Children
(The women are making jewelry
with beads. They also use porcupine
quills and reeds in their jewelry.)

Bracelet made with Porcupine Quills, Reeds and Beads
(A Special Treat for Me!)

Lemur w Spear thru Heart
(Notice the blood on the arrow)

Lemur attached to Belt
( Baboon Fur on Head)

Lemur w Fur Cooking over Fire
(They turned the animal with
their bare hands. I saw no utensils)

Traditional Dance
(I am not sure if you can see the ankle
tambourine-like instrument)

I took Archery at OSU and still have great form!!
(We were only aiming at the dirt so I got a Bullseye!)