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”.