Humility, Wonder & Reverence

MAY 23, Friday Night

The week ended with a rousing game of Phase 10. Mary, Neema and I battled it out and I lost soundly. It is an easy-to-learn dice game. Friday has officially been designated as Game Night. Bisura will be invited to next week’s event and we will make guacamole – yum!

MAY 24, Saturday

I headed in to Moshi early. My To Do list was going to take a chunk of time and I had promised the guys at the Sempai Fitness Center in Soweto that I would visit. In 2012 I joined the local fitness center which proved to be more than adequate with a killer exercise class that I can only liken to an African music Zumba class. I have kept in touch with the two young men who worked there through Facebook.

Joining a fitness center was not included in my budget for the 2012 trip. I was quite satisfied running on a dirt track near my home. After tripping over rocks which produced goose eggs on both my knee and elbow I decided safety was more important than frugality. It just so happens that I fell last week again while running and scraped the other knee and elbow. I am glad that I only have 2 arms and 2 legs because I am done falling! I am now walking a lot and have filled 2 large water bottles to use as weights.

Fortunately one of the small stores near our house carries medical supplies. Neema kindly went for bandages and ointment while I cleaned up. Bandaids are referred to as “plasters” which conjures up a rather scary picture when your skin is scraped raw and bleeding. Even worse, I forgot Neosporin (at Ibrah’s) and Neema returned with Iodine Tincture. I had flashbacks to childhood when my mother applied it to my shin after a mishap during one of my early shaving experiences. OMG that stuff is screamingly painful. I digress…..

I arrived at Jambo Stationery store which was like my second home in 2012 because I frequented it so often. Alice and Stella remembered me and we shared a happy reunion. Almost 2 hours later I completed my tasks and had a bag stuffed full of papers for the Micro-Loan workshop.  

I also carried a bag of items for a Tanzanian family. A friend in Ohio introduced me to Julie, who is Tanzanian and lives in Columbus. Although Tanzania is twice the size of California, her brother and father live in Moshi. I love small world stories. Julie’s brother, Louis, is out of town for the week so I gave the items to one of his staff. Louis will call me upon his return and I will spend a day at his volunteer organization. I am hoping to establish a partnership with TAFCOM.

Even after disbursing my 2^nd bag, the weight of all the papers was too much to make the trip to Soweto so I headed home. Neema and I took an hour walk along the railroad tracks. The roads were full of activity - people carrying their wares on their heads, bikes and motorcycles; children playing in the streams and puddles. The sun was starting to set and Kili was out in full splendor. Except for the first time I saw the mountain with Lee Ann, this was the most beautiful I have ever seen it. This is an ordinary day for those who live here but for me I am overwhelmed with a sense of wonder and reverence for all I experience.

MAY 25, Sunday

First and foremost – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lee Ann!!

Neema, Mary and I had all agreed to attend the Lutheran church close by. Neither of them had attended this particular church and it turned out to be quite an experience. As expected, I was the only muzungu in a congregation of over 200. I was quite pleased to see that the minister was a woman. Although I could understand little of what she said, her demeanor was very charismatic. We sat on wood benches with no backs for 2 hours. As the service was coming to a close, the minister asked me to introduce myself. Totally taken off guard, I stumbled through my Swahili stating my name, where I was from and that I was volunteering in Pasua for 2 months.

After the service, the congregation followed the minister outside. One of the assistants had a sack of vegetables. He pulled out a bag of onions and appeared to be selling it. The next thing I know the bag is presented to Neema. Someone bought it for me as a welcome gift. It never ceases to amaze me how many humbling experiences I have with these people.

I talked briefly with the minister and it turns out she has spent time in Iowa, Indiana and Michigan!

I left Mary and Neema at the daladala stand and rode to Soweto. The fitness center is closed on Sunday so I met up with Jenn, the volunteer living at Afrishare (Ibrah’s volunteer house). I was greeted with the biggest hug that lifted me off the ground as I was welcomed by Magembe. He is a student living with Ibrah and Debra. Magembe and Debra were the two people I hung out with the most in 2012 and they both hold a very special place in my heart. We all headed down to Ibrah’s for a visit with the family. We made plans for a pizza party and a game of spoons for next Saturday. I will spend the night at Afrishare with Jenn.

Heading home I felt rejuvenated and eager for the week ahead.

MAY 26, Monday

I woke up at 4am to the sound of rustling plastic coming from the area of my duffle bag which was zipped shut. Inside are my Clif Bars secured in their own zip-lock bag. I was convinced that a mouse had sniffed out the Clif Bars and made his way into snack heaven. Knowing I wasn’t going to deal with this alone I went back to sleep. However before drifting off I chuckled thinking that a great title for this story would be “If You Give a Mouse a Clif Bar”!

I called to Neema as soon as I knew she was up. I was flabbergasted to find a huge cockroach outside my bag near some items I had in plastic baggies. I was planning to spare the mouse’s life but everything changed when I saw it was a cockroach. Neema confidently bashed the creature. We then checked my duffle bag to make sure it was critter-free and carried on with our day which was otherwise pretty uneventful. 

I found a website Fascinating Talking Points about Cockroaches (Who writes this stuff? lol) which provided indispensable facts: "Studies have shown that cockroaches break wind on the average of every 15 minutes. even after death they will continue to release methane for up to 18 hours. In a global scale, insect flatulence is estimated to account for 20% of all methane emissions. This puts the cockroach as one of the biggest contributors to Global Warming. My research indicates that the other major contributors due to gastronomical acoustics are termites and cows." Little did I know that I was helping to save my favorite planet!

On to the work of the day… The final preparations for the Micro Loan workshop were completed. A trip to the local market in Moshi for food and several other errands tied up all the loose ends. 

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

The Landscape & People from our Saturday Walk 

View of Moshi in the distance

A very common scene - there is always chatter and laughter.

Bjaji - 3-wheel transportation. These were not common in 2012. Now they are very popular.

Men hauling bags of charcoal on their bikes

Hauling firewood. Notice how close he is to the woman on the left. Pedestrians do not have the right of way.

Woman carrying Firewood on her head. Their balance and strength never ceases to amaze me.

One of my favorite pictures.

Neema standing in the corn. It looks so healthy.

View from the railroad tracks

I am sure he is focusing on the road and not Kili in the distance.

Mt Kilimanjaro & Sunflowers

Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy. (Nisargadatta Maharaj)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday visit to Soweto

Jenn & Lela (neighbor child)

Magembe

 My Contribution to the Environment

 Did you know there are over 4,000 species of cockroaches?

Painting A New Reality

MAY 19, Monday

As I leave my house for the walk to TAFCOM I exchange greetings with the families and shop owners along the way. Chickens and ducks scatter about. My road consists of a cluster of housing and shops. Next door, a man builds and upholsters furniture. Across the way is a metal shop that makes the gated doors and windows like our compound has. There is a strip of kiosk-size shops which include a drug store, market where I buy water, plus a small video/internet café.

Reaching the end of my road I turn the corner at the Butcher shop and trek down one of the worst roads I have ever encountered. The potholes are massive and filled with water. Each day that it rains they get deeper and spread wider. I watch how and where the locals cross and do the same. This road then joins another that is a wider, more well-traveled road. On one side is nothing but corn fields, the stalks reaching over 6 feet high. The other side continues with sparser housing and shops. At the water station I make my final turn before arriving at TAFCOM.

Today one of the volunteers planned a game where the children form a circle, passing around a balloon until the teacher signals “Stop”. The child holding the balloon must pop it by sitting on the balloon. It was during a previous trip that we played a similar game and I experienced the deepest sense of joy from the children. And again this time, the squeals of laughter and delight at the simple popping of the balloon showed me a place where these children, even if for a brief time, did not know poverty, illness or death.

The water tank was installed over the weekend. Jonas described it as a very dangerous experience involving 6 men using ladders and ropes to hoist the tank up to the platform. It fell off once but everyone was out of harm’s way.

I walked home with some of the TAFCOM children today. They love to hold my hand and touch my skin. I discovered that Amina, one of the children I met on my first trip, lives on the same road as our house. I am hoping we can visit together. She is one of those children I never forgot.

I witnessed my first garbage truck today. I knew there was trash pick-up from the homes in many areas but I was so relieved to learn they also pick up the piles that accumulate in various areas of the countryside. These piles are an eyesore of accumulated blue and plastic bags among other things.

It is not uncommon when I run that I am joined by any number of children. Today, a woman ran with me and shortly after she turned down her road another woman joined me. I love this unreserved spontaneity.

When I returned home, Neema greeted me with grilled corn. It is bought from local vendors and is one of my favorite treats, especially when drizzled with lime juice.

MAY 20, Tuesday

Nie and Jonas picked me up so I could bring the duffle bag of sewing supplies. I purchased some stacking plastic shelves and tubs perfect for organizing when in Moshi. Fortunately I had divided everything into baggies before I left so we only had to sort through zippers, buttons and thread. We still need a few more containers before we are ready to unveil our treasures to the tailoring women.

The construction of the kitchen project began today. It is dependent on the weather as to when it will be finished. It will be a welcome addition for all.

Sigrid and Marcel, German volunteers, are teaching English to the tailoring students. This is something I am very interested in and observed part of their class. I found some online resources that I brought to share and hope to be able to work with them more closely.       

If I have not mentioned it before, I will state repeatedly how much I love the food here. As long as the electric is on, Neema has been making fresh juice for me almost daily. We have had only a few outages since I have been here, none lasting very long nor inconveniencing us in any major way so I feel very fortunate. Back to the food! Dinner tonight consisted of boiled potatoes and vegetables cooked in a tomato/coconut sauce plus mango juice. I am getting so spoiled.

MAY 21, Wednesday

It rained much of the night and I slept like a baby. Sleeping with the sound of the rain felt like being rocked in the arms of nature. I would love to record the rain. I think it sounds so much gentler because of the metal roof.

I worked from home today organizing, researching and generating ideas for some of the projects I will be working on. The Micro-Loan workshop is our priority. Jonas and Joseph stopped by. Joseph conducted the past trainings and is anxious to set a date, possibly as early as next week. Joseph is a fascinating man. His English is impeccable and he has a wisdom about him that is enthralling. I could spend hours listening to him. I am hopeful that we have more time together before I leave.

MAY 22 – Thursday

It was a mix of work and fun at TAFCOM today. We identified 11-12 potential participants to receive Micro-Loans and decided on Thursday, the 29^th, as our workshop date. Joseph will teach the all-day Business training and each participant will receive a loan of 100,000 Tsh (Tanzania shillings) equivalent to about $60 USD. It will be repaid weekly over a 6 month period with 5% interest. The interest is set aside for unexpected circumstances such as an illness that might prevent the person from working. TAFCOM can then assist that person so that they do not lose their business.

One of the Tailoring women is ready to graduate and we are hoping to help her launch a tailoring business. The other participants are currently operating businesses and the loan will help them to expand. Examples of businesses include the selling of fruits and vegetables, charcoal and firewood, laundry soap and other basic necessities. For many, the additional income they will generate ensures that their children are educated by covering the cost of school fees.

I promised Nie I would bring in pictures from Lee Ann’s (daughter) wedding. Lee Ann spent the summers of 2008 and 2009 volunteering with TAFCOM and has been a remarkable inspiration to me. Nie was all smiles seeing Lee Ann so happy and was almost giddy watching Lee Ann and Neal performing their brother/sister dance. There was a bonfire at the reception along with the makings for ‘smores. Nie was not familiar with this American treat and had never heard of a marshmallow. I have a friend coming in June and will see if she can bring the ingredients so we can make them.

It was raining on my way home and I could not escape the mud. Flip flops become very slippery when your feet are coated in mud! As I approached our house, Neema was at a neighbor’s vegetable stand. She called me over and we exchanged greetings and introductions. The woman insisted I use her water to wash my feet.  I pointed to a tree with fruit and the woman gave one to Neema. As she tied to squeeze it open, the contents squirted all over my shirt. It was a pomegranate! We all had a good laugh and I give a special “Jambo” whenever I pass by. Neema and I ate some of the seeds and then she added the rest to our juice for lunch.

MAY 23, Friday

After it rained all night I was not feeling confident that I could make it over the streams in the roads I have to cross to get to TAFCOM. I texted Nie and they picked me up on their way. It is so convenient staying in Pasua as I am in easy walking distance to Nie and Jonas’ house, TAFCOM and the daladala stand.

Immigration staff showed up unannounced at TAFCOM asking about me and the two German volunteers. Jonas verified that we were in the process of obtaining our volunteer visas. To enter the country, a US citizen must pay $100 for a travel visa. Volunteers then must apply for a volunteer visa/permit. This is an additional $200. If you do not have the proper permit you are escorted to the police office for questioning. There is a $400 fine plus the $200 for the visa. The worst case scenario is that you are put in jail, followed by a court appearance and potential deportation. 

We met with Joseph who is conducting the Micro-Loan workshop. He asked that we move it to Tuesday as he needs to visit his 93 year old mother on Thursday and it is a 10 hour bus drive. It is noteworthy that the average life expectancy in Tanzania is only 59 years.

After Joseph left, Nie, Jonas and I went to the site of the new school. It will be called Minnesota Academy. Lynn, who will be here in June, has been the fundraising guru behind the school. She is from Minnesota, hence the name. It was about a 20 minute drive out into the middle of nowhere. The first building is almost complete and the plan is to open 2 primary classes in January.

There is no electricity and when the land was bought there was no water. A 39 foot well was dug by hand and water is lifted out by bucket and rope.

This has been Nie and Jonas’ dream for so long. While appreciating Mt. Kilimanjaro for the first time since I arrived, Jonas reminded me of the slogan of the very first fundraiser in 2008 – “Painting a New Reality”. And so it is….

Painting the Pictures

 A sampling of the roads I take on my daily walk to TAFCOM.

This is the best of the roads.

 Local Water Station

The road in front of TAFCOM

Circle for the Balloon game

Child popping Balloon 
(Notice teacher covering her ears)

Bowling with water bottles as the pins
(recycling also!)

Strike!

Water tank with Leni, the volunteer
who raised the funds.

Amina, my TAFCOM neighbor

Nie with Sewing Supplies

This is the cooking area. Construction could not be
completed due to lack of funds.

 With your donated funds the kitchen
is under construction and should be
completed very soon.

Neema with one of my favorite treats,
Grilled Corn with Lime Juice

Minnesota Academy 

Jonas pulling water from the well. 

TAFCOM Pictures

The building on the right is the original TAFCOM Center. The building on the left was completed in 2013 and houses the 2 pre-school classrooms. Much of the landscaping is new since 2012.

Another view of the newest building. Volunteers painted the murals on the building.

This is the classroom for the older (5-6 yr olds) children. This is the first year any of the children had desks. 

Upendo & Grace teach the 34 older children.

This is the younger children's classroom. There are 2 teachers, Mary & Grace.

This is the other half of the younger classroom. 47 students are taught by the 2 teachers.

This playground equipment was installed in the last 2 years.

The vegetable garden is across from the pre-school building. Beans and pumpkins are currently being grown.

This is the cooking area. The children are served porridge each day. We are using donated funds to complete this kitchen. The Tailoring women will then be trained and sell food items.

This is my running "track". It is very busy in the late afternoon with schoolchildren walking home and locals returning from work.

One of the landmarks I mentioned. On my way home from TAFCOM I turn right past the butcher shop and am on the road to my home. 

Another landmark. Doesn't this make you think of Good & Plenty?

Bisura (left) and Neema (right) preparing dinner for the volunteers at Nie and Jonas' house.

Current TAFCOM Volunteers

Change is Good

MAY 15 - Thursday

It rained during my first night which was a very soothing sound. However, not so soothing is being awakened in the middle of the night to roosters and barking dogs followed at 5am by the Muslim Call to Prayer. Fortunately, these sounds are in the distance and I will soon be able to sleep through them. I fell asleep again and woke later to the chirping sounds of birds which were far more pleasant.

Jonas picked me up to go to TAFCOM. The first person I saw was Bisura. What a greeting! Hugs and laughter. Bisura has worked for TAFCOM for about 3 years. It is amazing all the progress that has been made at TAFCOM. It started as a small plot of land purchased by Nie and Jonas in 2005 through the sale of their only car. TAFCOM now has 2 pre-school classrooms educating 81 children, a playground, a thriving Tailoring school and a garden. (See pics) An additional plot of land was purchased in 2013 and construction of a primary school has begun. TAFCOM conducts community programs on HIV/AIDS, Family Planning and Micro Loans. All of their work is focused in Pasua and dedicated to families and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The majority of the programming is sustained through donations and grants.

Electricity has finally come to Pasua! Over a year ago TAFCOM began the application process for electricity to be run to the Center. Paperwork and a fee of approximately $300 were submitted to TANESCO (Tanzanian Electric Supply Company), a government-owned electric company. I can only assume that part of the delay is related to the need for a certain number of requests for electric service in the same area so that the return on investment is justifiable. Moreover, utility poles had to be built and installed and then wiring added. Upon completion, families and businesses buy vouchers and replenish them as needed. In other words, if you can afford the fees and expense of the vouchers you can purchase electricity. Pasua, being the 2^nd poorest area of Moshi, is still an area where most cannot afford and, therefore, do not have electricity.

As always I was greeted by the children with “Hello madam, how are you?” Each classroom now has 2 teachers. Volunteers also assist as classes are taught in English. I met several volunteers –Nele, Marcelle and Sigrid from Germany, and Leni from Denmark.

Leni raised money to purchase a water tank which should be completed next week.

During 2012 we had discussed building a kitchen area so the tailoring women could also cook items for sale. The initial site had to be changed, increasing the cost. To complete the project will cost $500. THANK YOU to so many of you for your donations. This will be the first project using donated funds. (See pic) Other donated funds were designated for a Micro Loan program which will be another priority project.

I am taking the donated supplies to TAFCOM in small amounts so we can sort and organize them. Today I brought general office supplies including a battery operated pencil sharpener. In the past staff has had to sharpen pencils by hand with small plastic sharpeners. A very generous amount of pencils were donated. The wonderful staff at the Orange Branch of the Delaware Library allowed me to use their electric pencil sharpener. To give you some perspective, it took close to 30 minutes to sharpen all the pencils. Can you imagine sharpening this quantity by hand?

Nie had never heard of nor seen a battery operated pencil sharpener. With the awe and innocence of a child receiving a new toy, Nie sharpened pencils whether they needed it or not.

I spent the afternoon in town with Jonas and Bisura going to the ATM, getting my phone set up and accessing internet. Jonas had other business so Bisura and I went to the open market to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. This is one of my favorite places because of the sights, sounds and smells. The market buzzes with business. It is colorful not only because of the many varieties of food but also the traditional clothing worn by the women.

A taxi was waiting to take us home when we finished at the market. I was so surprised to see Eddi and he remembered me. Nie and Jonas have used him for years whenever there is a need for a taxi.

I arrived home, ate lunch, fell into a deep sleep and woke up in time for dinner. I am still encountering the effects of jet lag. I was able to go to bed at a decent hour. My lullaby music was performed by Celine Dion. There is a bar nearby and each evening I hear music. Sometimes it is African music but tonight I was treated to a medley of songs by Celine Dion who remains a favorite in Tanzania.

MAY 16 - Friday

Nie and Jonas picked me up to go to center. I slept well and am feeling energized. I brought a list of things to go over, plus more supplies including books for both the teachers and students. The volunteers were meeting with Nie and Jonas about expectations and concerns. I was asked to sit in and share my experience as a volunteer. Before leaving for home I arranged with Bisura to come over in the afternoon so we could walk around the area and I could get my bearings.

I came home to a mosquito convention in the bathroom, most notably around the squatty potty. They love standing water. This made for a most interesting bathroom experience. I spoke with Neema and she will spray when I go with Bisura. I am not one that likes to kill the creatures of the earth but in this case I can rationalize that I am helping the medical community in their efforts to eradicate malaria.

Neema prepared another amazing lunch followed by a Swahili lesson. I am making an effort to study Swahili every day. It is slowly coming back and easier to learn since I understand some of the basics. Neema is a great resource and my cheerleader. She has a strong knowledge of English which is of immense benefit to me.

Bisura and I spent the latter part of the afternoon walking around Pasua. I am now comfortable finding my way to TAFCOM and the daladala stand (this is where all the VW bus style transportation picks up people). She also directed me to a road along the train tracks where I can run. I live in the section of Pasua called Relini which means railway. It is no longer a working track.

My criteria for a decent running road includes the least amount of potholes and motorcycle traffic. There are no marked lanes on dirt roads and the goal is to cause minimal damage to one’s vehicle. Therefore, all vehicles drive the best part of the road no matter the side or how close to the edge. There are no street signs so it is curious what I use as landmarks. The most distinctive markers include a butcher shop, water station, palm tree and a gate with black rimmed pink circles that remind me of Good & Plenty candy. (See pics)

Oh my, I am not sure which is worse, the mosquito convention or the penetratingly strong and toxic smell of the bug spray I encountered when I came back to my room. Neither malaria nor lung issues are on my agenda for this trip.

Nie and Jonas paid a surprise visit before dinner. Joan came too. She won’t let me hold her yet and is definitely mama’s girl.

The electric went out for a short while before dinner. I gave my headlamp to Neema so she could continue with dinner preparations. Fortunately, the outage was short-lived.

I was able to contact both Mussa and Ibrah so will visit them tomorrow as I am spending the day in Moshi. Mussa was Lee Ann’s (my daughter) guide when she climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 2008 and we have been friends since my first visit in 2009. I stayed with Ibrah and his family during my visit in 2012. It is difficult to put into words how incredible it is to reconnect with my friends here. I remember the overwhelming emotions of gratitude and joy I felt when I returned home and reunited with friends in 2012 after 7+ months of being away.

Tonight the local music included a tuba player. I cannot tell if he is practicing or actually performing at the bar. Lala salama (peaceful sleep)

MAY 17 - Saturday

Mary, the teacher who lives here, her friend and I walked to the daladala stand and headed to Moshi. Riding the daladala is one of my favorite experiences. The daladala is reminiscent of a delapidated VW bus from the 60’s (and possibly as old). A ride to town costs about $.25. I am convinced that the goal is to cram as many people on the bus with absolutely no regard for personal space or safety. There are several stops along the way with people climbing over each other to get on and off. If you have any inkling towards claustrophobia this is not the way to travel. During this ride I enjoyed the company of over 20 other passengers.

I made my way to the ATM. An armed guard is always positioned close by. After taking care of my banking I ventured down a few streets looking for some plastic shelves to house all the sewing supplies that were donated. I walked in the direction of Soweto which is where Mussa and Ibrah live. It is about a 40 minute walk from town. Having taken this route every day in 2012, my memory did not fail me and I easily followed the route I knew so well.

I visited with Mussa and his sister. They run a small shop selling food items. I learned that Mussa got married in February and I will meet his wife on a future visit. Visiting Debra & Ibrah was fun as always. I brought some books for the kids and they were totally engrossed. Rahim, their 3 year old, did not remember me but he used to come to the door of my room on a regular basis and call out “bibi” (grandmother) and then come in to play. Nasri is their 1 year old and is cute as a button.

Ibrah has moved the family from the volunteer house to a place just a few doors down. They have begun construction on a house. Building something in Tanzania is an interesting process. As funds are available, the work gets done. Then the building sits until more money is saved for the next building phase. This cycle continues and can take several years to reach completion.

Debra thanked me for the cakes and notes. I forgot that when I left in 2012 I had arranged with one of the volunteers to buy Debra a bakery treat every week for a period of time. I also wrote notes to go with them. We became very close during my 2012 visit and she holds a special place in my heart. We all agreed to get together for a night of making pizza and playing Spoons. This was a favorite pastime from my previous trip.

Ibrah and I went to the volunteer house. I had left a box marked “Save for bibi-2014” before I left in 2012. It was a lot of personal items that made for more room for donated items this trip. The box, although worn and dusty was still intact and I was able to retrieve most of its contents.

I also met Jen. She is a volunteer from Canada who has been in Tz one month and is staying for 2 more. She is teaching English at a Moshi vocational school and doing some work with an organization that helps street children. She was not doing anything so walked into Moshi with me. We clicked right away and are planning to get together again soon.

MAY 18 - Sunday

I ran for the first time and didn’t get lost or fall into a pothole. Running is not the sport here like it is in Kenya and Ethiopia. So to see someone running is quite unusual. I am also the only muzungu (white person) living in this area of Pasua. I very much feel like a novelty. It is not a bad thing as I am adjusted to it.  It is mostly a humbling reminder of what it might feel like for someone in a minority situation.

The children are especially fascinated not only by my white skin but also my hair texture. It is not uncommon for a child I have never seen to come up to me and touch my skin. The younger children often call out “Good morning, Muzungu”, no matter what time of day it might be. It is fun to speak Swahili and English with the children as they are eager to learn. They often join me on my runs, laughing and chattering as though I understand everything they say.

The people are welcoming and kindhearted. I often hear the sounds of laughter coming from the houses. The Tanzanians like to practice their English as much as I like to practice my Swahili. I am frequently approached by someone asking me where I am from and if I volunteer. When I tell them I am from the US they will say “Obamaland” and “Welcome to Tanzania”. It is out of respect for these people that I am in a habit of studying Swahili. I sense their appreciation in how they respond with patience and goodwill. It is also extremely important that I present a courteous and pleasant image of people from the US.

My evening was spent at Nie and Jonas’ house. They invited all the current volunteers over for a wonderful traditional meal. (See pics) While there, Nie pointed to the framed embroidery I had given her from my last trip. It was given to me and I felt it appropriate to pass it on. It says, “Love Lightens the Load”.

My Home in Pictures

This is the front of our unit. The buildings are cement. The roof is a corrugated tin.
 Shoes are always removed before entering.
A water tank is to the left. The top is often used for drying clothes. There is also a clothesline.

We have 2 gates like this. This is the inner gate. A car could be parked between the inner and outer gates. It is metal with a small entry door to the left (gold latch).

This is the main gate and wall that surrounds the compound.

The spear-like ornaments on tape of the gate are not only decorative but sharp.

Along the top of the wall you can see embedded broken glass.

This is additional security. However, I feel very safe here.

Another look at the wall.
Most of the glass is from bottles - Coke & Konyagi bottles being the most prominent.
Konyagi is a very popular local alcohol similar to gin.

This is our kitchen. Neema is an amazing cook.
I have told her I have no need to eat at any restaurants
because her meals are so delicious. She uses a small
cookstove (top of table on right). There is also a
sandwich maker for toast and egg sandwiches.

This is our sitting room and eating area.
The kitchen nook is behind the chair on the left.

This is all my luggage.
Most of the contents will be donated before I leave.

This is my room. It is quite large (approx 10 x 14). The 2 large windows provide plenty of light. The double bed has a 5 inch foam mattress (typical). I am tucked in each night by my mosquito net which is a necessity. The rains have been very heavy this year plus there is a rice field not far away. I have noticed far more mosquitoes than in previous visits.  The table and chair serve as my desk.

This is the other part of the room. I have lots of hooks on the door plus the 2 plastic shelves (hot pink) for clothes. I even have a laundry basket (yellow in right corner). The door leads to the bathroom/shower.

                                     

The bathroom is about 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. I love squatty potties! I actually find them to be more natural and sanitary (in most places). Training for squatty potty use includes serious workouts on the quads. This one has a flusher. Those that don't are flushed with water manually. We have a septic system here.

This is the shower. The water drains into the squatty potty. The water from both the shower head and spigot is unheated. Neema boils water for me and fills the bucket about half way. I then add the cooler water from the spigot and use a cup to dump the water. I am challenging myself to see how little water I can use.                                

This is the end of the bathroom with my sink. I do not drink the water even for brushing my teeth. Getting sick is not on my agenda.

       

So this is a glimpse into how I will be living for the next 2 months. I have been continuously moving towards a minimalist lifestyle for the last several years. I welcome the challenge of being resourceful and getting by on as little as possible. For me this is temporary.