Missing Tanzania already

I made it home with no problems. Sorry for anyone who was worried especially with all the terrorist scares. I had no idea about them until I got off at Dulles and my parents asked if I had any trouble and then explained to me about at that had happened at Heathrow. It was wonderful to see them at the airport and they barely recognized me with my hair in cornrows. (One of the girls, Juliette, had insisted on doing my hair before I left). So, let me recount my last few days:

On Sat (the 5th), I went and bought some materials in Boma to finish the roof of the preschool at Pilgrim. I then headed to Mailisita because Dada Anna (kitchen staff) & I were supposed to go to Moshi to set her up an email account. Well, she wasn't able to go because she was the only staff there. I was quite disappointed but I ended up not feeling well later in the day so it was probably for the better anyhow. On Sunday we took the kids to church again-my final time. I went to Malika to make sure the girls were ready and on time, but things never go smoothly Sunday morning and the boys were late this week (last week was the girls). But we all made it and a lot of volunteers joined us as well. Dave (from Seattle) preached that Sunday while Jack translated into Swahili. His message was wonderful and really resonated with me. He talked about leading a life of servitude and that it should not be an event, but rather a lifestyle. So, a Christian should not just serve a couple months out of the year but year-round. He talked about how in our culture, success is measured by how far up the corporate ladder you are, what car you drive, where you live and such but that it is by serving others that you are the most successful as a Christian. It gave everyone a lot to consider. Jack, Ben, & Josh sang a couple songs and the kids sang as well. The church has really welcomed us and the kids which is wonderful. As I was saying my goodbyes this week, many of the older kids were worried that by me leaving they wouldn't be able to go to that same same church. I reassured them that I had already spoken with Dave and others to make sure they continued to go. I think the spiritual health of these children is of utmost importance.

On Monday, Reike and I met with Jack & Josh to head out to Tindegarney to check on the Masai house. Mr. Ayo (the contractor) met us and we headed back to his home to get his pickup truck. He showed us around the outside of his home which was very well-kept. We even tried juice he makes from a plant called rosera--tastes a lot like blackberries. Imagine being able to make juice from a plant in your backyard! So we set off into Masai land, Jack & I in the front with Mr. Ayo and Josh & Reike in the back of the pickup. As we drove through the bush, Mr. Ayo asked me (as everyone did) when I was coming back. I said that I didn't know but hopefully soon. He advised me that if I came back to live that I need to bring my boyfriend! That was his only advice to me. And of course I say well what if I don;t have one and he says well you need one. He explained how much more enjoyable it would be to have a partner to share the experience with, etc. I couldn't really disagree with that but it will be difficult to find someone who is ok with his wife travelling to Africa...We got to the house which of course was not finished yet. So after figuring everything out we headed home. As we drove along, Mr. Ayo suggested I try driving his truck! After trying to talk my way out of it I somehow ended up behind the wheel. Thankfully, even though the driver's side is on the right, the clutch, brake & accelerator are in the same positions. After giving some gas to start the truck I was off down a dirt road with so many ditches/potholes. I almost hit a tree trying to avoid some of the holes! It was a great experience though I felt bad for Reike & Josh in the back :). Mr. Ayo dropped us at Pilgrim where I would be spending the next two nights--my last nights in Tanzania. I played with the kids and helped with dinner. Many of the boys stayed up to watch a movie because they had no school the next day--it was nane nane (eight eight--Aug 8th) which is a holiday. That night, Ben, Josh, Jack, Fiona (volunteer from UK), & I stayed up really late talking about Christianity. We were trying to explain to Fiona about Christianity--it is often difficult for me to explain but I was surprised that I was more articulate this time than any in the past. I think my experiences in Tanzania has certainly solidified my faith and strengthened my relationship with God. We also talked about politics and westerners moving to Africa and such. It was so wonderful to have input from people from the UK, Kenya, Uganda, and Tennessee.

On Tues, it was staff day off, volunteer day on! The volunteers pay for the staff to have a day off and do some activity and this year was safari. I thought that I might have it easy at Pilgrim bc Ben & Jack would be there-both are volunteers. But, I discovered the day before that bc they are staying longer than most volunteers they would be going. So, Josh & I would have to head things up at Pilgrim. In the morning, Dada Glady showed us how to make bread for 46 boys. She mixed up some dough we would have to cook later for dinner and we would have to mix up and bake another for tomorrow's breakfast. Hannah & Dan were there too from the 2nd New Castle group and they were a big help. Dan cooked pretty much the entire lunch-he was covered head to toe in soot from the 3 stone fire used to cook all meals. Also that day, a team of 17 volunteers arrived who would be camping out at Pilgrim and doing projects for five days. I really felt then like Pilgrim was my home, I felt like I had to welcome the new volunteers and show them around "my place." Later that day, Mama Lynn stopped by with 25 or more visitors from Cross Cultural Solutions, an organization that places volunteers around the world (don't ever use them though, email me if you want more on that). So it was quite a hectic day and then all the volunteers but Josh, Fiona, & me left before dinner and the staff still weren't back. So it was just the three of us with 46 boys! Thankfully a couple of the ladies from the camping group helped us get the boys to bed. And as soon as they were all settled in bed the staff returned and everyone was up to greet them! The staff seemed like they had a good time and kept telling us "pole sana" (very sorry). After the boys got settled, Ben, Jack, Josh, Fiona, Mama Dianna and I stayed up for dinner, tea and to chat. Then Ben & Josh went to bed and Mama Dianna started crying hysterically about me leaving. I didn't know what to do or say. I didn't want to promise I would come back so I just tried to comfort her somewhat. Thankfully, Jack saved me and talked to her in Swahili but I could understand a lot of what she was saying. She said that before me, no one in 5 yrs had stayed the night at Pilgrim and that I was different than the other volunteers, and such. As my Dad always says, your blessings are also a curse. It was so wonderful to have made a difference and to really connect with the children and staff and volunteers--but all that makes it so much harder to leave.

We all finally went to bed and I couldn't believe this was my last night in Tanzania! The next morning (Weds) I walked to Boma with Jack to meet up with Hannah. We had a wonderful talk along the way--I for the last month I knew that I would miss Jack terribly and I couldn't believe that today was our last day together. We met up with everyone and then at 930 I had to meet with Mama Gemma to head to KCMC to sign the contract with Anicet, the OT student I would be sponsoring. Mama Gemma had printed up a contract--terms & conditions of our sponsorship, etc. I was really impressed with what she had written. Despite the fact that meeting up on my last day made it more hectic of a day, it was very fitting to sign those documents on my last day. His sponsorship will be about US$1000/yr for 2yrs so look out for some fundraising coming up;-)! After KCMC, Mama Gemma was kind enought o take me to a couple souvenior places to buy things bc of course I had put that off til the very last minute. I headed back to Boma to say goodbye at Malika and to buy some kengas (material) at the local market. It was really difficult to say goodbye to Juliette. I feel so connected to her and she is such a special young lady. I am thinking of sponsoring her to come to a summer camp in the US next summer. She is intelligent and hardworking and is owed a break more than anyone I know. After finishing errands in Boma, I met with Jack for lunch and to say goodbye--that was pretty difficult. We had become such great friends-he was certainly the person I was closest to during my stay. It was great to have someone I could trust to share with my frustrations and achievements. So, I said goodbye to Jack and then had only 30mins to shower and pack before leaving for the airport! But, I think in a way it was good to leave in a rush so that I wasn't too upset at leaving. Mama Gemma & her two kids (Sophie & Jared) took me to the airport and it was hard to say goodbye. Mama Gemma is such an amazing woman and so inspirational-I knew I would truly miss her and her kids too.

The flights home were uneventful and easier than I thought--the time passed quickly despite two 8 hr flights with a 4 hr layover. At Dulles, customs was a breeze and Dad spotted me first and both gave me big hugs. I couldn't believe I was actually home. They filled me in on all the happenings with Heathrow, which I had heard nothing about. I just chilled the rest of the day and went to bed very early. It has been harder in regards to jet lag returning home than it was arriving in Tanzania. Yesterday, I had a lazy day which was hard to get use to. I hadn't had a day off in almost two months and hadn't slept-in in weeks. Today, my parents had a neighborhood garage sale. It was a beautiful day. Their next door neighbors have a 7mo old granddaughter. It was really amazing to see a healthy 7mo old-she was bigger than many of the 1 1/2yr olds at the orphanage. And so many people loved her too. It hit me and I had to spend some moments inside. I really miss my kids-I know they're not my kids but I feel like I am a big sister to so many of them. I often calculate the time change and wonder what they are doing. I dream about being able to see them again and helping them with school and maybe coordinating a visit to the US. They will always be a part of my life.

Thank you so much to everyone. I know I often say thank you, but really I can never say it enough. To those who donated, I hope I used your money in a way you approve of. I will be sending out letters shortly to those who donated with pictures, budget, and such. I could not have done all I accomplished without your generosity. To those who supported me emotionally and spiritually-thank you so very much. You all put smiles on my face whenever I would read your emails/comments and thank you for taking time out for me. Even though you were not in Tanzania with me physically, you all will hold a special place in my heart when I think back on my experience there. Thank you to those who supported my parents while I was away-thank you for keeping them sane;-). To my parents-I can never thank you enough for all you have contributed. You both supported me in every way possible. It was so wonderful to be able to share my thoughts with you on the phone. In every compliment I received, I was thankful for the way you raised me. To Chris & Krisitin-thank you both for your love and support. You all have shown me to follow your dreams and take risks in life. I don't know if I would have been brave enough to take this trip without your inspiration. I can't wait to see you both in Sept!

coming home

Hey guys-quick post...it's my last few hours here and of course I'm running around like mad trying to get souveniors (sp?) and such. Saying goodbye do far has been really hard and one of the mamas was crying last night..sigh..I am so excited to see my parents at the airport and friends later but I am really going to miss it here and hope I can come again very soon. I have made some amazing friends from all over the world and I am going to miss seeing them everyday...well I've got to run...next post will be from the U.S.!

This week...July 30-today (Aug 4)

This past Sunday, I went again to the same church with the American team, older kids, Jack, Dave, Wes & Beth. We had a wonderful time again and the girls sang in church this time. I was so proud of them! I took them all out to lunch again and even though the food took forever to come out, we still had fun. The kids had milkshakes and icecream after. They definately get spoiled during the summer with all the volunteers but I think they deserve it, especially the older kids who do so many chores and have a lot of responsibility. At lunch, Dave and Wes were telling me about all the eligible men at their church in Seattle and that I need to move there etc. I told them about my sis-in-law's family being there and one of my best friends (Brit) having just moved there so now they're convinced I need to move there;-)!! They are really wonderful people and I will certainly visit them when I am in Seattle next.

Monday had to be one of the best days I've had! I set off with the American team, Jack, Tiz, & an older couple from Holland to check on the house they built in Tindegarney. They had only camped out there 4 days to start the project but it isn't done even still and so we were checking on it and were going to go swimming nearby it! We traveled on the back of a pickup truck and the scenery was amazing! It was a gorgeous sunny day and I get along really well with the American team--having been their roommate for a while now and hanging out with them a lot. I think I will visit them in TN sometime soon in the US. So it took about 1.5 hrs to reach the house out in Masai land-which is what you would typically think of Africa: mud huts, children along the dirt road waving, young boys herding cows & goats, women with all sorts of beaded jewelry, etc. The house looked good and we looked around some, treated a young infant with a severe head infection, and set off for the hot springs called Chamka Springs. The Masai mama that the house was being built for came with 3 of her 9 children. The house was being built for her bc her husband had abandoned her and her 9 children so she & her children were staying in a small shack on her husband's brother's land (this brother had fathered one of the 9 kids too). So we went about 45mins and arrived at this oasis. Now, I had heard on oases, but never seen them. In the middle of the desert (reminds me a lot of Arizona), there is this hot springs that looks like a tropical lagoon. There are palm trees and the water is about 9 meters deep and you can see everything so clearly all the way to the bottom. I didn't bring my bathing suit to Tanzania bc I didn't even think the opportunity would arise, so I just wore some mesh shorts, sports bra & Tshirt. I helped put swimmies on the Masai kids and helped them into the water. They don't know how to swim very well, so they didn't stay in too long. Mama Gemma's son, Jared, came and Mudy (a LIA child who is deaf). The American team and I were jumping off the tree branches into the water. Josh, Brian, & I went exploring where the water went and realized how strong the current was when we tried to come back;-). Jared had so much fun jumping off the branches & Mudy is such a sweetheart, I think he had a great time too! The water was luke-warm and so amazing. You have to remember I've been taking bitter cold showers here so I loved the swimming even more. We swam for probably 3hrs and then headed back to drop off the kids and the Masai mama. I was in the best mood I've been in here after that. I am constantly amazed here at the beauty of the land and this day was even more so.

Tues, I was in Boma with the New Castle group-they were buying all the timber for the preschool. It took all morning but I got to ride on top of a huge cattle truck which was a great view and very fun;-)! I'm going to miss riding in the back of trucks when I am back in the U.S.=)! That afternoon, Jack went with me to pick up the mattresses in Moshi. We finally got it all arranged with a truck and headed back. We dropped 4 off at Mailisita were the American team but Josh were heading to the airport to go home. I had said good-bye earlier in the day in case I didn't see them again. I was glad to see them one last time but I was very sad too. They have become good friends and I really miss seeing them in the morning and chatting about our days and such. So they headed out and we went to Boma to drop 2 off at Malika and then 6 at Pilgrim. When we got to Malika, the school run hadn't been done so all the boys piled in the truck and we headed off. (The preschool is at Pilgrim & the rest at Malika, so the boys not in preschool are Malika for school and the younger girls are at Pilgrim for preschool). We dropped off the mattresses and kids and picked up the girls and headed to Malika to drop them off. Then I got a ride back to Mailisita bc they were going back to Moshi anyway. I made sure to tip the truck driver for all the extra driving. (Normally, here you don't tip for anything really).

On Weds, I met with Mama Dianna in Boma to buy bed sheets and things like that for the new cabin. We spent a good bit of money but it was kind of fun going shopping for bedding and things like that. We brought them back to Pilgrim and another volunteer, Jade, & I wrote the boys' names on them who were in the new cabin. Each boy is getting his own bed which is so wonderful. They had been sleeping 2 or 3 to a bed. I read the list and realized how much I have grown attached to these boys. I was excited for every boy to have their own space. The oldest boys have their own cabin that was built last summer but these boys who are on average 11/12yrs old have had sleep with the younger boys in the main house. That afternoon, Ray came by Pilgrim with the new Leeds med students. (The old group had left the day before). The 12 mattresses I had picked up the day before were skinnier in width than the first 10 so I thought it was bc Ray had given me smaller ones. I was joking with him but he looked at them and said they weren't the ones he had given me! The mattress covers are sewn on so there's no way to know if the mattress under are the ones you bought or gave the fundi. I had actually thought of that but realized there was no way to check without ruining the cover. I never thought the fundi would be so daring as to change the size of the mattress. So not only did he pocket money by selling my nice mattresses, but he had to use less material to cover them also! I was so angry and upset. I was mad at myself for not being more suspicious, I was angry that Antony & Jack didn't help me out more with it, & I really just wanted to go yell at the fundi. I had him cover 18 mattresses in all for a lot of money and so he was making a lot anyway. Ugh! But, thankfully, there is only one boy per bed so I think it's ok.

Thurs, I met with Mama Dianna again to buy some final things for the cabin & cleaning supplies. I was going to spend the night at Pilgrim since the boys would be moving in that night. I decided to buy all the boys in the cabin a medium sized trunk to keep their belongings in. They don't have that many personal items but the ones they do have, they have nowhere to really keep them. After buying sodas too for the night to celebrate, we headed back to set up the new cabin. Hannah & I decorated the trunks with their names and designs. We made up the beds and it looked so wonderful. I was so excited for the boys! Jack was off with Mama Lynn all day and night so I was sad that he wasn't able to join in the celebration. When the boys got home from school, they were very unruly. They were hitting a lot and misbehaving. Ben said it was like that at school also-so much so that Mama Gemma cancelled school for Friday and kicked 2 of the boys out of school completely. Finally after a lot of fighting and such we gathered the boys in the dining room. Ben talked with the boys and calmed them down and ministered to them. After that they ate dinner and had the sodas and they were much better behaved. The boys watched a movie afterwards and the new cabin boys stayed while Ben, Dada Gloria, & I talked to them. Ben is staying in the caretakers room and will be here a year, so he had some great rules about cleaning and such. When the boys went over and saw their trunks and beds, they were so happy and excited. Even though they had nothing in the trunks, they locked them up and wore the keys as necklaces. It's really amazing how small things like having a trunk to lock your thing in is so special to these kids. I went and watched the rest of the movie with the kids and then chatted for a long while in the kitchen with Josh, Ben, & Dada Gloria. Josh is part of the American team but he is staying here until Oct. He will be staying at Pilgrim and is wonderful with the boys, especially the older ones. I will certainly keep in touch with him when I return. Dada Gloria had made up a nice bed for me in the boys room which was really sweet and I slept very well (better than at Malika). It was great to see their routine in the morning of bathing, getting dressed, brushing their hair, & putting oil on (like lotion). It was a wonderful morning. Then Josh & I headed to Mailisita then Moshi.

Whew...my arms are actually tired from writing three posts;-). Thanks so much to everyone for being patient with the blog & I apologize to all those who have been worried about me. I must say that I am excited in some ways to return home-I can't wait to see my parents at the airport. But I am very nervous about returning to western culture. I know you all are so supportive and I know that will be a great comfort. I also again want to thank all those who donated. Everyone here has been so appreciative and thankful and I get to enjoy it all first hand. I hope you know that I always let them know that it was through the generosity of friends & family that I've been able to do so many wonderful projects. I really do feel like I have made a lasting difference here & a large part of that is because you all have supported me monitarily, emotionally, & spiritually. Thank you so much! I will be home Thurs afternoon and will try to call everyone on Fri & Sat. I plan to return to Richmond after the weekend, not sure exactly when. Love you all!

Week of July 23-29

On Sunday, the 23rd, I met up with the American team and some others to go to church a little outside Moshi. The American team, Pastor Frank, & Ben were having a Bible retreat with the older kids in Moshi. Jack met up with Dave and Adam (yes, my electrician fundi) and then picked up me and Tiz on the way to Moshi. Dave is an amazing guy and really reminds me of my brother. He and his wife arrived here about a month ago with their two young children (1 & 3yrs). They are from Seattle along with another older couple from Seattle, Wes & Beth. When Mama Lynn went to the US, she stayed with them. Both couples have been out here before and are wonderful people. (They're trying to set me up with some guys from their church in Seattle;-)!). So anyway, we eventually all met up and rented a matatu to take us to this church that the Seattle couples helped start. We went along many bumpy dirt roads and finally got there at a little after 11a, so not too late. I sat in the front with Juliette, one of the older LIA girls who I absolutely adore. She is slow to warm up to you but I think she is a very strong young woman who has had to go through more than I'll ever know. She is one that I think will haunt my thought when I return home. This church was amazing and they translated too! Most of the songs were in Swahili but the choruses were easy enough that I could somewhat sing along. Juliette and I were dancing in the front row along with the chorus! It was a wonderful time and the Pastor's message was great too. He talked about the 7 steps to getting married. He also introduced an engaged couple and they had a short cermony. There was another group from America (not with LIA) that was there. Three of the women had decided to move to Moshi to start an orphanage. They are from California and brought a few other women out with them. It's amazing to meet people who are willing to give up the comforts of the U.S. to come help the children here. It is certainly inspirational. After lunch, I took everyone (25 in all) out to lunch in Moshi. The kids had sodas and whatever they wanted to eat and icecream after. Jack told me later that the boys had told him they couldn't believe how much they were able to get etc. It was a really fun time hanging out with them outside of LIA. We headed back after doing some errands in Moshi.

Monday, I met Jack and Michael in Boma to buy materials. (Ya know, I hadn't realized until now how many times I have bought materials...) We bought all the materials needed to move the outdoor kitchen at Pilgrim. The new cabin and shower room were finished except the sewage needed to be pumped out of the septic tank before Michael could hook up the new lines. So we returned and Jack & I did more weeding and such while Michael & Augustine put up the new kitchen. After the timbers were up, Jack and I carried all the cement from Augustine mixing it to Michael who was smoothing it out in the new kitchen. Carolyn was leaving that night, so I had to get back to Mailisita at least by 5p. I got back in time and ate an early dinner and then set off the airport with Carolyn, Mama Lynn, another volunteer and 2 others. It was really sad to say goodbye to Carloyn. She was like my big sis here and I really loved having here inout on things while I was here.

Tues, I set off to Pilgrim with 2 of the new New Castle group, Dan & Hannah. I was going to fund the new preschool at Pilgrim but thought that it was such a great thing for a group to do that I passed it off to them in part. I still have helped with everything, but they are funding most of the project. We planned out everything and then I took the fundis out to lunch before Jack & I headed to Moshi. It was great to take out Michael, Augustine, and another fundi. Michael's daughter came along as well. It's difficult sometimes though bc I feel bad in a way that I am younger than they and yet I am paying for their lunch. They are so grateful but ashamed in a way, too. But we had a good time nonetheless. Jack & I went to Moshi to check on the mattresses and I wasn't sure I remembered the way. We eventually found our way there after asking. They weren't done bc the fundi said that the material was really expensive etc. So, I gave him more money and set up a time to pick up the 10 mattresses. I felt rushed to get the new cabin ready to be moved into bc then the younger boys at Malika could be moved to Pilgrim and the toddlers moved from Mailisita to Malika. I went back to Boma with Jack bc I was going to sleep at Malika that night with Julie from the American team. Jack, Ben, Josh (American team), & I went to a crusades sort of thing in Boma but it wasn't very good so I went back to Malika. Julie was out at Tindegarney still checking on the house. I called up Mama Gemma and made plans to go to the Hai Club for a beer. I saw her earlier that day and she seemed pretty stressed so I suggested it and she agreed. I rode from Malika to her house on the back of her watchman's bike. It was dark by then and I was just holding on as tight as I could. We went to the outdoor bar and were the only ones there! She taught me how to make a "shandy" which is beer and sprite mixed. And I actually liked it (as you all know, I don't normally drink beer;-)). She dropped me back at Malika and Julie was already in bed with Juliette so I went and slept with Katherine, one of the older girls. Later in the night, she was snuggling up with me--so cute!

Weds morning, I met up with the New Castle group & Jack to buy more things. We bought all the cement for the preschool foundation & to plaster the floor of the new cabin. After returning to Pilgrim, I helped the fundis plaster the floor of the new cabin--it was Ben's idea to make it easier to mop, which is such a great idea! So Jack & I carried 30 buckets of gravel/sand! Working with cement is really exhausting here and I am not very good with the shovel (spade as they call it here). I am constantly impressed by the fundis and how easily they can do things like mix cement and such. In the afternoon, Jack & I went to go collect stones for the preschool foundation. Here, they put stones in where the foundation is and then cover with a cement and gravel mixture. Now, I thought that to collect 2 truck loads of stones, we would go somewhere where there is a big mound of rocks and we would gather them. Instead, you take a Masai man out in the middle of nowhere and a few men walk around and gather stones! As you can imagine, it took the rest of the day to fill up to truck loads. I met up with Antony at the end of the day and arranged for him to help me pick up the mattresses in Moshi the next day with the LIA matatu. He said he would meet me at Mailisita at 10a and I must say I was looking forward to sleeping in a bit.

I met Antony the next day (Thurs) and set off for Moshi. We dropped off 7 mattresses to be covered, and picked up the 10 that were done. We also gave the fundi money for 5 more mattresses to buy and then cover those. We arranged to pick them up the next Tues afternoon. We dropped off 4 mattresses for the girls' room at Malika and 6 at Pilgrim. The girls at Malika were so excited to have the nice new covered mattresses. They were actually jumping up and down and helped me take off the old ones and replace them with the new ones. I knew that the old ones were bad but it wasn't until I personally rolled them up that I realized how bad they were. The children wet the bed often and there are at least 3 children per bed. The mattresses here are just foam so they don't clean or dry very well. I feel like replacing them is one of the best things I've done while I've been here. I checked on Pilgrim after Malika to see how the plastering was going in the new cabin and how the preschool foundation was going. The plastering was done adn the preschool was coming along well.

Friday was certainly a hard days work. I collected the rest of the beds for the new cabin, bought supplies, and headed to Pilgrim. We mixed cement and carried heavy stones all day. The fundis were surprised by the stones I was able to carry and they often laughed when I would throw them into where the foundation was. Though the work is very hard and I finally understand the phrase "back breaking work," it's really satisfying to put in a day of hard work. I often thought how proud my Dad would be if he saw me being the tomboy he raised me to be. I really appreciate that my parents raised me to hang tough with the guys. (I think it helped too having a older brother that I wanted to be like;-)!). This entire past week I had been feeling off & on sick but not enough to sit out another day. But Fri night I did get sick again. Many of the volunteers had been sick these last couple of weeks so I wasn't surprised that I had caught some bug. So, I barely ate dinner that night and one of the volunteers, Rosie, made me promise I would take it easy the next day.

So, I did in the morning (Sat) take it easy and the went to Pilgrim in the afternoon. The Leeds med students were leading the birthday party at Pilgrim. They celebrate all the kids' birthdays at once for the month. They organized many fun games--lots of relay races and duck, duck, goose (aka zebra, zebra, simba). The fundis even joined in when they were done with their work. I played jenga with a lot of the kids which was a lot of fun! After the bday party, we headed into Boma bc Mama Gemma was having a BBQ at her house for all the volunteers. Many of them were leaving the next week & her daughter, Gemma, had arrived the night before also. Jack & Frank & some of the older boys came as well. It was great fun and the food was amazing-we had popcorn and chips and all sorts of things! The older girls (about 10) performed songs with dances for us as well. Most of the volunteers went into Moshi for the night to go to Pub Albertos (dance club) but I still was feeling 100% so I went home instead. And the American but Josh were heading home that next week so I wanted to spend time with them as well...

A lot to catch up on...(week of July 16-22)

Sorry I haven't posted in soo very long. I've been really busy these last couple weeks but I brought my journal with me and I have a lot of time so I will try to catch everyone up...

So let me start with the Sunday that Jack and I went to church in Boma. I met him in the morning and we headed down some dirt roads to a small Assemblies of God church. Jack talked with a member and she told us the schedule-that now (9:30a) they were praying and then at 10a was Sunday school followed by the main service at 11a. We sat in on the Sunday school which adults attend as well as children. I thought that was a great way to do it because adults need to learn about the teachings also. Jack told me later a little about what was said because everything was in Swahili so I didn't really understand any of what they were saying. The main service lasted about 2 1/2 hours. In the middle of it, Jack said that we have to stand and introduce ourselves--Jack said say.... (something in Swahili) and I said there's no way I'm going to remember that! So i just stood with him and he said I could just say who I am in English. I was the only mzungu in the entire congregation-but everyone was very welcoming and didn't really stare or anything like that. Later in the service, they introduced a couple that had just gotten engaged! They sat on opposite sides of the church which Jack said is customary. After they introduced them, the Pastor said something I didn't understand of course and then everyone turned around and was looking right at Jack & I! Turns out, Jack told me later, that they were teasing that Jack & I were another young couple! When the service ended, everyone headed out of the church and you shake every person's hand and form a large circle, all the while singing-what a great way to end a service. The singing and dancing at this church was amazing. They had a keyboard and guitar also. Everyone here prays out loud which is something I am not use to. I really wish sometimes I could understand more Swahili. Jack & I went to lunch after in Boma and then I headed home to rest up for a busy week.

That Monday, I was to meet with Jack in Boma early in the morning. When I arrived, he was there with Pastor Frank and explained that he had to go to Tindegarney with the American team to build a house for a Masai mama. I was really disappointed, not only because we get along well but because there was a lot of work on the shower room at Pilgrim. But, Pastor Frank helped me buy materials and such that morning with one of the fundis. I then waited the entire afternoon to go to Moshi with one of the LIA staff to buy mattresses for Malika and the new cabin at Pilgrim. Many of the children wet the bed, even when they get older, so you have to get mattresses covered with a material that's like leather/vinyl that can be easily cleaned. I ended up waiting all day but they never showed up.

That Tues, I went to Arusha with some other volunteers to go see the Rwandan genocide trials being held there. I had been wanted to go watch the tribunal the entire time I have been here. It's about a 1 1/2 hour bus ride there. We finally found where they were being held and they were on recess...until Aug 14th! (and I leave on the 9th!). I was thinking about changing my flight date but decided not to. We went around Arusha the rest of the day. We went to the the Masai market which I had envisioned as being a lot of Masai mamas with jewelry, etc. We got there and it really is just a tourist attraction. I only saw a few Masai women. Every person was in your face saying "Karibu dada" ("welcome sister") and trying to bargain with you and such. There are no prices on anything here so you always have to ask and they always quote you about 4 times what it really is. I'm not the bargaining type and I get really frustrated and overwhelmed with people in my face all the time trying to sell things. So, I did one quick lap through the market and then sat on the curb outside with another volunteer (Reike, from Germany) who was also overwhelmed. We finally got to the bus station after a long walk to and from Shop Rite (a big western grocery store). One the bus ride back, we came upon an accident just past Boma. It looked pretty bad and I was with some med students from England so when our bus pulled over, they went to go see about it. I stayted on the bus to make sure that it didn't drive off without them. It was already dark and there were some other cars stopped, but no emergency vehicles. Apparently you can call 112 for an ambulance but no one could get through. Usually, someone just puts the person in their truck and takes them to the nearest hospital. I've only seen an ambulance-like vehicle twice while I've been here. (They are small SUVs with red crosses on the side.) It made me so thankful of all the support we have in the U.S. Really, that the only safety concerns I have here--it's not getting sick or attacked or anything--it's getting in a car accident. The driving is really bad here and people don't use seatbelts or their lights all the time. And if you're in an accident you just hope that someone is nice enough to stop and take you to the hospital and then hope that at the hospital they know what they're doing. As much as is wrong about healthcare in the US, there is a lot that is really great.

On Weds, I met Michael (one of the fundis) in Boma to go to Moshi to get toilet tanks. We walked all around Moshi & finally decided that we would have to get plastic flush tanks instead of metal (there were no metals ones anywhere , except one that looked to be about 20 yrs old). We finally headed back to Boma to buy a couple more things and the toilet tanks that weren't there before were there in Boma! Oh well, I had a nice time with Michael anyway in Moshi. His English is not very good but enough that we communicate a bit. I found out that he is a single dad raising his daughter on his own. His daughter's mother (Michael's ex-wife) is remarried, so Michael takes care of her. He was telling me how expensive school is and things like that. His wages are TSh 5,000/day which is about US $4/day! I still can't get use to how cheap labor is here. Now, everything else is cheaper than the US but 5,000/day is still not very much but is the going rate for fundis. In the afternoon, one of the LIA staff was able to show me where to get the mattresses in Moshi so I went to Moshi a second time and ordered the mattresses to be covered. That night, the New Castle med students who I collaborated with on the new cabin were planning to have a BBQ at Pilgrim. I had asked them all week if they had talked to the staff at Pilgrim to figure out if they had enough food, etc. I resisted taking charge of it bc it was their BBQ bc they were leaving the next day. And I figured there were 9 of them that someone would figure it out. I even asked that morning if they knew there are 40-some boys that live there...So, I show up and sure enough they thought the mamas were going to cook and they would just add to it, but the mamas thought they didn't have to cook...so there wasn't enough food. The boys ended up all having some but there was hardly enough for the staff and none for the volunteers. (I had brought a snack anyway bc I knew something would probably happen). So we headed home in a matatu we had rented. When we got a little past Boma, we had a flat tire. I was sitting in the very back and heard it but figured they would pull over as soon as they had a shoulder. The other girls freaked out and thought there was a fire and started yelling and trying to get out of the car. The car pulled over and they all jumped out of the matatu and I just calmly walked out. Turns out it was the taillight that they thought was a fire! They repaired the tire but had to go put air in it. About 45mins later they returned with a cattle truck-just like safari!!! So all 13 of us hopped in the back and we were off. We stopped for petrol and the look on the face of the guy working there was priceless--a truck full of wazungu! But we made it home safely...

Thurs I went to Moshi to do some errands. I had to change my malaria medication bc I was reacting to the doxyclin I had been taking. In some people, it causes photo-sensitivity-so that if you're in the sun you get really red and itchy and suntan lotion doesn't help. I finally found a Duka la Dawa (pharmacy) and bought some new medication that one of the 4th yr med studetns recommended. Many other volunteers have had the same problem with doxy. After about a week off doxy I finally felt like myself again. I bought some more materials for Pilgrim with Pastor Frank and then headed to Pilgrim to do some work. Jack finally returned later that afternoon from Tindegarney and told us about his time there--sounded like he did a lot of work! And he missed our work at Pilgrim bc our fundis are so hard-working and such. Jack & Frank came that night to Mailisita for dinner by the American team that Jack helped out. Hannah & Rosie (2 volunteers from the UK) cooked that night so the kitchen staff had the night out. Dada Anna looked so cute dressed up I almost didn't recognize her! I think they had a great time and we had fun in the kitchen. I served the icecream and realize that I am not good at portion control with that;-)!

One Friday, I woke up feeling really sick. I was supposed to meet Jack and the electrician fundi, Adam, at 9a but I finally decided that I better not and sent a volunteer going to Boma with money to give Jack to buy materials so they could get started. I thought maybe I could head to Pilgrim later that day. I still felt sick after eating lunch so decided to just stay in for the day. I found out later that night that the girl I sent with money never met up with them! I think she thought they weren't there but they had been waiting for 2hrs! I felt awful to have people wait on me but to get to Boma is a 45min matatu ride which is real tough when you're sick...so I just prayed that I would feel better the next day. I did feel better on Sat and headed to Pilgrim to do some work! Jack & I did landscaping at Pilgrim in the morning--pruning and weeding and painting rocks to make a pathway. Then Adam showed up and the 3 of us set off on Adam's bike to go to Boma!!! Nienke took a picture of it and so I hope she sends me a copy. We didn't have to go too far before a matatu came that took us the rest of the way. We bought materials for the electrical work and Jack & I looked at some plants for Pilgrim but decided to buy some later. We headed back to Pilgrim and worked more on the landscaping and playing with the boys. I brought my IPOD and speaker and it was so much fun having music while we did work. Felix was dancing so much too!

(I'm going to put the next week on another post)