Connecting the Continents: February 2016

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Traditional African Foods

Fish Filet in Tomato/Coconut Sauce, Ugali, Fruit Salad,

Greens, Bananas & Beans, Makande (Beans & Corn)

Let's Dance

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Is there a better way to start your morning than with the sound of children singing songs about how they love their school and their country? These songs are part of the morning routine for the Minn Acad students while they wait for their school van. If I am not awake already the children are my alarm clock. They seem to pride themselves on how loud they can be. No rain today so the children could play outside. In addition to a sanded playground area, the kids loved running in the gravel and it is so much safer for them.

Everything has been readied for the Traditional Dance tomorrow. Mussa and Kida stopped by to check out the set up. A variety of items made by the tailoring women will be displayed for sale. The tent is up (in case of rain). Dennis and Sabato will pick up the volunteers. Let’s Dance!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Approximately 15 volunteers from Hostel Hof arrived just before 10am. Introductions, thank you’s and a brief overview of TAFCOM kicked off the program while Kida and two dancers dressed for the first of 3 Traditional dances. A dress-change break in between dances gave volunteers time to purchase products and enjoy a soda. The weather was very cooperative and actually quite hot. The tent provided much needed shade for the dance lessons that followed. Overall, the feedback was unanimously positive and $100 was raised to go towards the Minn Acad kitchen fund.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

I met up with Mussa at his shop in Soweto to make the final payment for my Kili climb and review last minute details. I was introduced to Moody, who will be my cook. Food likes and dislikes were discussed as well as meal planning. I am feeling as ready as I can be! Upon my return to Moshi I met up with Ellie to buy the food for our traditional African food lunch for the volunteers on Monday. I suggested we take the bjaji home (a 3-wheeled vehicle also called tuk tuk) because we had a number of heavy bags. I had not ridden in a bjaji since 2009. Our driver must have thought he was in training for Nascar. Whenever the road gave even the lightest indication of being level he sped up. Going over the bumps and potholes we were tossed and turned like lettuce in a salad spinner. I always wonder why these don’t tip over. We arrived home in record time and with no major bruises!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15

The volunteers loved the variety of African dishes prepared by Ellie. My special visitors stopped by today. It seems I am now entertaining 4 children on Mondays. They are very polite and well-behaved, and giggle a lot. Joan joined us today for a short time of coloring. I explained I would be gone to climb Kili and we would visit again on the Monday after my return.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Since I did not run yesterday I took a slow, easy pace this morning. It felt especially good seeing all the people and knowing I would miss their smiles and greetings for a week. I talked to the guards as always and told them I was climbing. They wished me the best. Kili was out and the weather was gorgeous. I felt amazingly good.

Nie had received a phone call at 9pm last night about a new volunteer coming today. This lack of notification is a source of frustration for us as we have no planning time and must totally rearrange our day, but we are flexible and always work things out. Nele is from Germany and a very sweet young woman. She seems especially drawn to the children which will round out our volunteer team in the pre-school.

Mussa stopped by to check all my stuff. I feel so well taken care of by him and am hoping for a good night’s sleep.

Wedding & Weather in Pics

Video of Bridal Party Dancing

(Click to View)

Wedding Car

Reception Hall

Bride & Groom Cutting Cake

Bisura - My Dance Partner

After 30 Minutes of Non-Stop Rain

Gravel Delivered

Mission Accomplished

Wedding & Weather

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Mussa stopped by to let me know that he moved our Kili climb start date to the 17^th.

This evening, Nie, Jonas and I attended the wedding reception. There were a few people in attendance that I knew which added to the fun. The reception was full of dance and a variety of traditional and contemporary music. Bisura and I danced together. The wedding party entered dancing to music followed by the bride and groom. Cutting of the cake and feeding each other was another tradition similar to ours. However, there were 3 separate cakes; one cake each was given to the bride and groom’s parents. Speeches and champagne toasts took place before the buffet meal. One major difference was in the presenting of wedding gifts at the end of the reception. Different groups (relatives, schoolmates, friends, neighbors) separately danced their way to the couple bringing their gifts. This was followed by a photo of each group. (see Pics & Video)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Today I woke up, ate breakfast, read, fell asleep until noon and ate lunch at 1. Cabin fever set in so Ellie and I took a walk. My Swahili keeps improving and Ellie is a great teacher. My skills are still totally inadequate for any substantive conversation; but with someone who speaks some English I am getting by fairly well.

When we returned Dennis and Sabato, both drivers for the school, were cleaning the vehicles. Jonas was also home so we found some sticks and roasted marshmallows for them since they missed out the first time. Once Dennis figured out how to eat them he devoured 4!

Joan continues to visit and is much more communicative. For some reason, she likes my bathroom. Her visits now consist of playing for a few minutes, then using the bathroom and leaving.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8

More and more I realize how many excellent teaching resources we have. I now have a stockpile in my room that are being shared with the teachers and used by the volunteers.

I spent an hour in the lower pre-school class (3-4 year olds). I taught some, helped the kids with individual assignments, and graded their workbooks. So much time is spent by the teachers writing out assignments in each child’s workbook. The dilemma becomes evident when you compare the amount of time teachers spend on these tasks versus the high cost of making copies of template worksheets for each student. In a perfect world there would be a copy machine on site. I think the return on investment would well be worth it. However, when there are so many other priorities, the initial expense of a copy machine is prohibitive.

Shortly after lunch it got windy and dark; the skies opened up and a hard steady rain continued for at least an hour. Within 30 minutes the grounds were flooded. It was no surprise that the electric also went out, not returning until midnight.

Nie had made arrangements for Amina to come over after school. Unfortunately, because of the downpour it would have been too difficult getting her home. The dirt roads in the area become a muddy mess with potholes that turn into small ponds. If it is dry tomorrow we will try again.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9

It has become apparent that something has to be done about the grounds because of the impact of the rains. Jonas has had a large area laid with pavers but the rest needs gravel. There are times you just say, “Enough is Enough!” Jonas is currently out of town for his brother’s funeral but Nie could reach him to contact the gravel company. We ordered 2 truckloads for delivery today. Everyone helped spread the gravel. 2 more loads are needed to finish the job and can be delivered tomorrow.

Even though it rained some, Amina came to visit. Four girls get off the school van at TAFCOM and all of them showed up today. I had some cookies for them to share and we played some games and puzzles. I also read them The Little Engine that Could. I walked two of them home since one lives across the road and the other went in a different direction. Amina stays at her aunt’s house after school until her mother returns from work. Amina was a most gracious host welcoming me into her aunt’s home and introducing me. We set a play date for next Monday.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

I have started working on a 5 year strategic plan for TAFCOM and actually enjoy doing this kind of work. A number of forms have been revised and updated and the Volunteer Manual is almost completed. The rest of the gravel came today and the grounds look wonderful. Mission Accomplished!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

More rains this morning. I was in the classroom with the volunteers and it became impossible to teach, even in small groups. The sound of the rain beating on the metal roof was deafening; children were covering their ears. The kids were also restless from having to be inside for the past few days.

The weather cleared by afternoon and Dennis, the van driver, took Ellie and me to town to run errands. Dennis is also a car mechanic and we stopped at his garage to pick up the school van for his afternoon pickup of the Minn students. Dennis was talking with several of the other mechanics. The first man had an OSU Buckeye shirt on so I shared that I was from Ohio and went to OSU. The next man had on a Planet Fitness (my gym) shirt. I thought I had been teleported back to Ohio for a quick minute!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Tailoring to Teasers

Katherine, Tailoring Teacher, Modeling Dashiki Skirt

Maulida, Tailoring Teacher, Modeling Dashiki Shirt

Katherine with Tote Bag

Patchwork Purse

Jasmine with Beaded Scarf

View of Lake Manyara in Distance

Near Uncle's House - Coffee Trees on Left

Field Ready for Planting - All Done By Hand

Part of the Scenic Drive to Karatu

Nie, Her Grandmother, Jonas & Aunt (in back)

Teaser - Invitation to Wedding

Teaser- Wedding Car

Teaser - Traditional Dance....Stay Tuned for more!!

Reaching New Heights

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1
The volunteers polled their house and the 13^th looks like the best day for our Traditional Dance fundraiser. Jonas is comparing the fees of a couple local dance groups. Selam & Jasmine are focusing their efforts on reviewing the pre-school curriculum and resources. They will be teaching and helping in the pre-school classes which keep adding kids weekly and can use some helping hands.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

I spent almost 4 hours walking around Moshi and Soweto this afternoon. I love walking everywhere. It forces me to slow down and appreciate my surroundings. Mussa and I met at his shop to discuss my Kili climb and set a date for the 18th. This will put me at the summit around the full moon which was what I was hoping for. I also met Joseph who will be a part of the climbing team. I invited Mussa to lunch on Thursday so he can check my clothing and equipment for the climb.

I mentioned the Traditional Dance fundraiser and asked him if he knew anyone proficient in African Traditional dances. Jonas had contacted a few but their fees were over our budget. Joseph mentioned a man he knows and said they would contact him for me.

While in Soweto I visited Debra and then headed back to Moshi to finish several errands. One item I am trying to find is the Pre-School Syllabus. The Ministry of Education sets the school curriculum and this book was issued in 2005. The new president is discussing some welcome changes in the education system and will hopefully have a revised edition available within the next 2 years. Needless to say TAFCOM’s copy is very worn.

I had been to 3 stores with no luck. Each one referring me to the next. A customer at the 3^rd store spoke up and said he knew another bookstore. I have had people help me in this manner before. Sometimes they are genuinely helpful; other times they have something to sell. We must have looked in 3-4 additional stores. I told him it was too late and I must return home. He then pulled out the bracelets he makes and sells, telling me what a good price he was giving me. Except for the fact that he was so persistently helpful I would have brushed him off. The bracelets were Tanzania colors so I bought one and decided to give it to Amina. Nie and I were planning to visit her home today so I could meet her mom.

I returned home around 5pm. Amina and Nie were waiting for me so we headed directly to Amina’s home. After Nie made introductions I shared that I would be helping with Amina’s school expenses. Rachel (Amina’s mom) was very touched and appreciative. Rachel and her 2 children live in one room attached to Nie’s mother’s home. We agreed that Amina would get off the school bus at TAFCOM on Monday so we could spend time together and then I would walk her to her aunt’s where she stays until her mom returns from work.

I was also looking forward to seeing Nie’s mother as I had not yet visited her this trip. Nie’s grandmother and niece are also staying with Nie’s mom. Grandma, age 87, is recovering from a leg amputation at the knee caused by poor circulation. The niece is caring for her.

Nie’s mom has one of the greatest smiles. Although her English is minimal; she is one of those people who speaks through her eyes and her smile – so heartwarming and expressive.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

The Tailoring teachers and students are ready sew products for the African Dance fundraiser. There have been product requests from other volunteers at Hostel Hof so there is much work to be done in the next 10 days.

Later in the afternoon, Mussa and Joseph arrived with Kida, the dance instructor, to discuss the fundraiser. Nie worked out all the details and Kida will perform several Traditional dances and then teach some basic African dance moves. We scheduled the event from 10-12 on Saturday the 13th. Kida currently teaches at an area golf course twice a week. We talked about how he gets the word out about his classes. Since he is giving us a very good price it was agreed that the volunteers and I would make copies of his class flyer and distribute them around Moshi. He seemed very pleased with this arrangement.

Joseph is quite the character. His English is very good. At one point in our conversation he said he would do something and then grabbed my little finger for a “Pinky Swear”. I had no idea people here knew about that! He shared a picture of his 13 year old daughter, Sophia. When I commented on how beautiful she was he informed me that he is planning to get a leopard from one of the parks. He explained that unlike a lion or dog who goes to sleep after eating his prey, the leopard stays alert and goes out for more. He felt this would be the best animal to keep the boys away!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Nie brought over a wedding invitation and asked if I would like to go with her and Jonas. A Tanzanian wedding is an event I have always wanted to experience. We will be attending the reception on Saturday evening.

We finished working with the tailoring teachers and are excited to see how everything turns out. Katherine & Maulida have been the tailoring teachers for as long as I can remember. I commented to Nie how much they have improved not only in their own skills but in the transferring of their knowledge to the students.

Elizabeth finished working on the TAFCOM Facebook page and scheduled several postings. (Please Like our page.) Selam and Jasmine have spent several days observing in the classroom and playing with the pre-schoolers. They will start teaching next week and have found many useful resources. Updating the Tailoring Items Price List and developing a Power Point of sample products has been my priority. There are also a few revisions being made to the Volunteer Orientation Manual. When I can, I pop into a classroom and have been able to help the teachers with a few lessons.

Mussa arrived for lunch and we talked about the climb. I was pleased and relieved that I have everything I need. Mussa is providing the sleeping bag, mat and large pack that the porter will carry. I will have a small backpack and was advised to make sure it does not way more than 10 pounds. I am very comfortable with this weight amount as I was expecting to carry closer to 20 pounds. I have no doubt that Mussa will take very good care of me.

I noticed that the top and bottom of my sandals were separating. Ellie and I walked to the fundi who repairs shoes. A fundi is the term used to describe anyone who does manual labor. When he looked at the shoes he showed me how they were also coming apart on the sides. We were advised to return in 2 hours. I was assuming they would be glued but to my surprise he very sturdily stitched the entire shoe. My bill was $.75. I can’t imagine what I would have paid at home. New shoes might have been cheaper.

Tonight was the Send Off for the couple getting married on Saturday. This event includes the parading through the streets of an open ended truck with a band of various horn players playing music, followed by a car for the bride and groom that is decorated with large ribbons and flowers. The first stop is the home of the groom’s parents before trumpeting to a dinner in town. The groom’s parents live about 4 houses down the road so we were able to watch the parade and hear the music.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

I joined the family on a ride to Karatu. Knowing we would be on the road that leads to Ngorongoro Crater and passing Lake Manyara was not something I would miss. The drive brought back memories of when Lee Ann and I went on safari in 2009. Jonas stopped at an overlook for a view of Lake Manyara.

Nie’s grandmother and niece were the reason for the trip as they were returning to Nie’s uncle’s house. He is a doctor and his wife a nurse.

For some time now I have wanted to translate some children’s books into Swahili. It saddens me that children are not read to like they are in the US. One of the donated books, The Little Engine That Could, has always been a favorite. It has such a positive, inspiring message. I brought my Swahili guide plus the book, hoping to work on it during the drive which was several hours each way. I was able to translate a few pages before the scenery became too beautiful to continue.

On the return trip we stopped at Snake Park but it was already closed. Maybe the 3^rd try will be the charm! We then ventured over to the Maasai market which is not for those who have large “space bubbles”. It consists of many narrow aisles with small shops all butting up next to each other. The vendors are assertive trying to sell their wares, mostly hand-made items. There is a specific vendor who makes beaded scarves that are selling very well by a group in Florida. We purchased a number of them for the African Dance fundraiser.

It was a long yet very enjoyable day.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Micro Loans & Marshmallows

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27
The creative bed cover game continues! Yesterday I made an elephant out of my sheet. Today, Ellie used flowers to shape the borders of Tanzania.

The 3 volunteers all stay at Hostel Hof, a volunteer placement organization and hostel. Elizabeth had shared info on the sanitary pad project with her group at dinner. A discussion a few days later birthed the idea of a fundraiser for TAFCOM featuring a demonstration and lessons in Traditional African dances. The hope is to schedule this within the next two weeks. Tailoring products would also be sold; so our morning was spent at one of the fabric shops in Moshi. Buying fabric for tailoring projects is like letting kids loose in a candy shop. The traditional African colors and patterns are so vibrant. It never fails that a westerner will comment about how dull our clothing is. It felt like a “girl’s day out” displaying different fabrics and matching them with the products we want to have made.

Afterwards we all went in different directions and Nie and I ran some errands. We were to pick up Joan from her preschool at noon and had some extra time so we bought some treats from the bakery to share with our driver and the tailoring students. There is a small grocery across the road, Aleem’s, which caters to non-locals. It stocks a lot of Western foods you don’t ordinarily find here. I remembered a conversation with Nie on my previous trips about marshmallows which she was very curious about. Aleem’s had them so I purchased a bag and we will be roasting marshmallows soon.

This afternoon the sky turned dark, the winds picked up, and the rains came; a solid downpour for at least an hour resulted in the loss of electric power. By dinner I had used up most of my computer battery.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

Still no electric when I woke up. I went for my morning run which had a few more challenges because of the rain. Dodging motorcycles and bicycles is part of the routine but this morning the puddles added a new dimension. I think I have invented a new running style I might call Zig Zagging. My shoes quickly became caked with mud so I was also running with what felt like ankle weights.

I do love my morning runs. I never tire of the same route because Kili is often out and in my range of view on my return. I leave between 7 & 7:15 and the day is in full swing for most. I greet people brushing their teeth or washing dishes or cooking breakfast. Others are on their way to work or school. The young children often want to touch my skin or hair. A school van often passes with kids hanging out the windows yelling and waving at me. I have become a routine part of the morning for many families and I look forward to the exchange of greetings, waves and smiles. (I am reminded of the cheering fans at marathons that are so encouraging.)

This morning I was approaching a mother and child who was maybe 1 ½ years old. The child left her mother and ran to me wanting to be picked up. Melt my heart! No fear of strangers for this little one and mom was fully aware and so pleasant. What a great way to start my day.

Since the Micro Loan workshop was scheduled for the afternoon, the volunteers arrived around 12:30. Joseph was his usual animated and humorous self. He stopped regularly during the Business Management class to explain in English the business concept he was teaching. Joseph spent a lot of time explaining tactics to make one’s business stand out as well as strategies to attract and retain customers. It seems that there are so many vendors selling the same things. He also questioned each participant about their specific business plan.

One of the Micro Loan participants is a new client of TAFCOM and a sister of one of the staff. She recently moved to Pasua and is living with her sister. She is HIV+ and was feeling very isolated in her former community. The stigma surrounding those with HIV/AIDS is still prevalent in many areas. Nie had been counseling her and determined that a Micro Loan would be beneficial. By the end of the workshop she was talking and laughing with the other women (all HIV+). She commented to Nie how much better she felt and realized she could enjoy life and be accepted as part of a community. It is so rewarding to know that at least 10 women have a plan for a better future!

With no electric and no computer I had time on my hands. There are a number of upper elementary/middle school level books that we have catalogued. Since they are too old for the TAFCOM students I am sharing them with Ellie and Jovin as they both enjoy reading. I decided to read them too so we can have some discussions. Pasua’s first Book Club is in its beginning stages!

Jovin and I have been looking thru his textbooks. His interest in computers led us to his ICT book (Info, Communication & Technology). He would like me to teach him more about using the computer. His textbook primarily covers the ins and outs of Microsoft Word. It was definitely my level of expertise so Jovin will be at the top of his class in no time!

The electric returned around 8pm. You could hear the hoots and hollers of the neighbors! It was close to 30 hours without power. I cannot take anything for granted here.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

The volunteers have chosen Friday as their day to work from home or go to an internet café in Moshi. It also gives me a chance to catch up on projects, research grants, organize ideas. I did not run or work out today. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated a lazy day of feeling no pressure whatsoever.

Ellie and I took a long walk along Relini (railroad) and stopped at a curio shop. The owner is also the artist of most of the items. I have visited him before and admire his craftsmanship.

Joan has been coming to visit me more often lately. She still doesn’t talk to me but I have a matching game from the Resource Shelf that she enjoys. It is amusing because I hold up a picture card and she says what it is in Swahili and I say the English translation. I am now learning Swahili from a 2 ½ year old!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
I went on a long run/walk this morning. I love the solitude of being with nature and find it very purifying. The afternoon was spent with Joan and Jovin. Joan and I continue with the matching game. Jovin spent time on the computer and we completed more than half of his Technology textbook. His computer knowledge is better than he gives himself credit plus he is a quick learner. He finished the book I lent him on Desmond Tutu so we discussed some of the events around South African apartheid. His next read is a fiction about seals in Alaska.

The evening was an introduction to the phenomenon of roasting and eating marshmallows. I don’t remember my first experience with marshmallows but tried to put myself in the position of eating them for the first time. Needless to say we had a lot of laughs and sticky fingers!

The family talked about taking a road trip on Sunday to Arusha’s Snake Park. This has been on my To Do list for several years. The car needs some repairs and we will go if it is fixed early enough.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

It rained much of the night. The roofs here are made of corrugated metal sheeting and I love the sound it makes when it rains. The car was not repaired in time to make the Snake Park trip. Plan B was to visit a nearby waterfall but with all the rain it was agreed that it would be a better trip when it was dry. On to Plan C which was to take the little ones to the playground. As we were getting ready someone remembered that it is closed on Sunday. Plan D - everyone stayed home and rested. A leisurely walk under a beautiful blue sky with entrancing cloud formations finished out my afternoon.

Sensory Fun

Selam & Nie at Fabric Store

Owner, Jasmin, Selam & Nie

Joseph teaching Business Management

Micro Loan Recipients Receiving Certificates

Micro Loan Group

Front Area of TAFCOM After the Rain

Happy with her 1st Marshmallow

Jovin, Ellie, Nie & Joan Roasting their Marshmallows

(pic is grainy because I forgot to use my flash)

Joan & Nie

Jovin (no flash-sorry)

Yours Truly!

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Serendipity

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
This morning I put my culinary skills to work and demonstrated how to make deviled eggs. We decided to call them Angel Eggs to be more positive! Eating cold eggs in any form is not part of the Tanzanian diet. I assume this is because refrigeration is fairly uncommon coupled with the relentless power outages. I mixed the yolk with avocado, lime juice and onion. Everyone enjoyed them. Lunch today was another traditional cooking lesson - Banana (plantains) and Bean Stew with Peanut Sauce. It was bona fide comfort food and something I can easily make at home.

Ellie not only cooks but cleans my room. She regularly folds my bath towel into a duck and places it on my bed. Yesterday she folded my cover sheet in the shape of an “M”. Today I reciprocated and made an “E” for her. This form of amusement could really stretch my artistic abilities!

Speaking of towels, mine are white which, of course, shows all the dirt. The dust here is brutal. When I return from my morning runs there is a definitive line where my sock stops and my leg begins. I don’t use sunscreen in the morning but as the day heats up it is a necessity. The dust clings to the sunscreen adding another layer of protection. It is astonishing to watch the stream of brown flowing to the drain when I shower.

This evening I accompanied the whole family to La Fuentes. It is a newer Mexican Restaurant in the upscale neighborhood of Moshi known as Shantytown. The grounds are beautiful. There is indoor and outdoor seating plus a playground for the children. Nie and Jonas like to eat there occasionally but tonite we went for the playground and just had drinks. The weather was perfect and a gorgeous full moon shone overhead.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Ellie has truly outdone herself. Today not only did she make my sheet into a heart but she sprinkled flowers around the bed and formed another “M”, this time with flowers.

It was very relaxing hanging around Pasua all weekend. Jovin ran with me this morning. After lunch we all watched a video documentary about the animals of the Serengeti. I had promised Jovin he could use my camera so we went for a walk along the railroad (Relini). Passing by the area Waste Water facility, I asked if we could go inside; I have been curious to know more about the water system and waste management. The guards allowed us in to walk around. The area is open to the public as it is a thruway for the farm laborers who work in the surrounding areas. The outlying scenery was beautiful and Jovin found many photo opportunities. On our way out we asked about a tour and were told to come back tomorrow afternoon and a guide would take us around.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25

Nie is part of a government committee on HIV/AIDS and had a meeting this morning. Before leaving, Nie shared that the woman with the shop in Arusha reported that many women responded favorably to the sanitary pads and she would like to sell them in her shop. This is incredible news and could turn into a much needed income-generating project for TAFCOM and the Tailoring program.

The volunteers and I rode out to Minnesota Academy for Jasmine and Selam’s first trip. They were not used to the bumpy roads and Elizabeth commented that this route was far better than the way she came the first time. Walking around the grounds I explained about the future plans for the school. Ibrahim, the head teacher was teaching a math lesson and invited us to watch. After the lesson, the children worked on a series of assigned number problems. Each child had or was sharing a textbook.

For private primary school, it is each family’s responsibility to buy textbooks for all subjects. Most private schools will not allow a student to attend without them. Minnesota Academy is allowing children to share. The curriculum includes textbooks covering 6 subjects: Swahili, English, Math, Science, ICT (Information, Communication & Technology) and Personal Development Studies which combines sports and character building. All textbooks must be purchased at the beginning of each school year which for many parents is quite a financial burden.

The children emptied the classrooms for a short break before porridge and wanted to perform songs with us. (See video: )

This afternoon, Nie, Jovin, Joan and I walked over to the Waste Water Facility for our tour. I offered my camera to Jovin and I could tell he was pleased. As usual, I had a bzillion questions; Nie and Jovin translated for me. The facility services all of Moshi. The men who led the tour commented often about the lack of technology. There are 2 dumping areas, one for sewage brought in by trucks and one connected to the town’s drainage system. The men use a type of rake to drag out the solids. There are at least 7 filtering ponds for the water to flow through. No chemicals are used and the water ends up back in streams and for farmland irrigation. There is a large rice field next to the facility. In the distance is Njoro forest. Nie asked about the forest and one of the men said he could take us on a hike there some weekend. It was agreed that this would be a great adventure. Njoro forest has monkeys and some very large trees worth seeing.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

One of the Minnesota Academy students, Amina, has always been special to me. I met her along with all the other pre-school children in 2010. I felt an instant connection with her then that was out of the ordinary. Although totally understandable, I remember feeling a little disappointed in 2014 when I returned and she did not remember me. However, we lived close to each other during that time and would often walk home together after school. This time she did remember me. We both make an extra effort to give a special wave to each other in the classroom or from the bus. Yesterday as we were in our circle for songs, Amina came over to be with me. Looking up at me she said, “I miss you”.

I have resisted sponsoring a child because there are so many who, along with their families, need support. I believed that my funds and donations would be better spent serving many through specific projects and for the emergencies that predictably arise. I am adjusting that attitude. I will not stop supporting projects and emergencies. But after a restless night I woke up knowing that when someone remains in your heart for this many years they are in your life for a reason. I have decided to make sure Amina continues to receive a quality education by becoming her sponsor.

I am such a sap. I entered Nie’s office and before I could get a word out about sponsoring Amina I got all choked up. I could see the instant relief and gratitude in Nie’s demeanor and expression when I told her. Nie then shared that Amina’s mother, Rachel, had come to Nie in December crying. She had a local charcoal business and there was some kind of crackdown on those businesses that are causing deforestation. She spent 3 months in jail and Amina, age 8, and her older brother had to stay with an aunt. Rachel is a single mother. She left her husband because of his abusive behavior and the risk to the children. When Rachel got out of jail she was homeless. Nie’s mother lives about a 5 minute walk from TAFCOM. Nie & Jonas decided to wall off a room at her house and are renting it to Rachel and her children. TAFCOM also provided Rachel with a Micro Loan. Now I understand that Nie’s display of relief had a deeper meaning. Nie & Jonas’s generosity never ceases to amaze me. I am christening Nie as the Mother Teresa of Pasua!

Nie scheduled 3 home visits for the volunteers today. We discuss expectations prior to visiting a family for the first time. Pictures and verbal descriptions help but the emotional reaction is what I look for. I can still feel the emotion and see the mental pictures from my first home visit in 2009. The volunteers know that Nie and I will be a listening ear and help them process their feelings.

During our visit to an elderly woman we were shown a spot on her arm that requires medication. After paying for her clinic visit she did not have enough funds for the cream prescribed. We each chipped in to help.

Curiosity got the best of us while talking with another woman whose source of income is derived from making and selling local brew. It is typically made with sugar, yeast and a flavoring of some type (coffee is one example). She agreed to show us how it is made next time we return. Jasmine (visited with Steve-1^st blog) was our last stop. Because of her long hospital stay for her leg issue she is currently without income. Nie had talked to her about a Micro Loan and she had honestly stated that she was too destitute to be able to pay it back. I agreed to buy her first two bags of charcoal to restart her business. I was able to use my Swahili and told her I missed her smile and wanted to see it return again soon!

My afternoon plans included a trip to Moshi in order to copy and purchase what we needed for the Micro Loan workshop on Thursday and go to the bank. Ellie was gone this afternoon for her son’s 3 year birthday. He is staying with the child’s father in Moshi until I leave. Ellie talks to her son on the phone daily. I had no idea until 2 days ago that she even had a child. I don’t know if I could make the kind of sacrifices these women make, always being in survival mode. The women here have a fervent sense of responsibility when it comes to taking care of their children. Communal support also plays a major role in making sure children always have a safe place to go and someone to look after them.

I rode the daladala home and one of its stops is the former bus stand. After people exited at this particular stop I was the only one left. The two gentlemen working the daladala turned and stared at me. I tried to explain that I wanted to go to the new bus stand. My Swahili completely failed me but it became obvious they were not going to take me any farther. I could hear the laughter in the background as people noticed the silly Mzungu (white person) who wasn’t getting off the daladala. Fortunately, I remembered the way home. I later learned from Nie that if there are not enough people left on the daladala it is not worth their time to return to the bus stand so they restart their route from the old bus stand. Another day wiser!!