Wazungu Get-together

On Saturday, February 29th, we had a get-together of all of us Americans (and Canadians) here in Monduli, Monduli Juu, and Kisongo.  I had been thinking of having it, and I organized it, but the Allisons offered to host since they have more seating for guests and I accepted, especially as I was pretty sick most of the week before so didn't have the energy to clean and prepare much beforehand; the day of the get-together was really the first day that I felt really well.  

We try to get together every now and then, especially for things like American holidays (Thanksgiving) that no one here cares about, and just to sing in our own language together for a while.  This time, I wanted to have a gathering so that Tammy and Deborah could see everyone while they were here without having to take up a lot of time visiting each family individually, and also because the Duncans (missionary family who work on the school of preaching farm in Kisongo) are moving back to the US in March, and so it was also a good chance for us all to see them one last time, and also for them not to have to take time to visit everyone individually as they're busy with a lot of goodbyes. 

Deborah was a huge help at my house preparing food to take.  The onions we chopped were so strong that we kept having to leave the room, despite the open window and blowing fan! We did a taco bar, which is what we usually do at these things (other than Thanksgiving).  We all miss good Mexican food, and it's such an easy thing to split up for different people to bring different items.  I brought some flour tortillas, shredded chicken, chopped onions, and sauteed peppers (I like my tacos as close to fajitas as possible), and others brought salsa, cheese, lettuce, more flour tortillas, corn tortillas, ground beef, a wonderful spicy corn dish, guacamole, cookies, etc.) 

I didn't get many pictures of the gathering itself, but here's one  I did take of all the kids playing as we sat around talking between dinner and singing time. 

"Wazungu", by the way, means 'foreigners' in Swahili, and it's what the locals call us.  

Hedgehog!

Tammy has a special talent that many of you probably don't know about. 

She is an amazing hedgehog-finder. I have lived here for a year and a half and I've never once seen a hedgehog outside.  Then again, I don't tend to be out after dark much.  But she finds them all the time.  She loves them and often tries to make a pet of them, but that has historically not worked out well because they either escape and run away or well, they had dogs. 

She found one on her way back to my house tonight; Deborah and I agreed she could keep it for an hour.  It was really cute, and it seemed more resigned to being photographed and adored than particularly scared. 

Three Baptisms!

This morning at church, Fielden announced that there would be a baptism in the afternoon. It turned out to be three: welcome David, Isack, and Luther to the family!

David and Isack are in form two, and Luther is in form one. I'm happy for all of them, and I pray that they grow to be leaders in our school and community. 

The baptisms and the singing and praying done alongside them were led by students. 4th year students Benedict and Norman organized and led the service. In the photo Benedict, assisted by Meleji, is baptizing David. I'm proud of our older students for showing leadership and serving their fellow students in this way. 

A couple of the boys' families were able to come to witness the baptisms. Above, Luther stands with his father and two sisters. 

Isack's mother and younger brother (his father passed away some time ago) came. 

Below, Benedict prays with the guys after the baptisms. It was am important day for the students of Alpha Omega!

Having Fun with Guests

Look who's back in Tanzania!  

The Short family moved away from Tanzania in December, and have been spending a few months visiting the church in Milan (which is where I first knew them; we worked together there from 2007-2009).  However, Tammy had a few things that needed to be finished up here in Tanzania, and they needed to make a trip out of the Schengen area (Europe) so as not to overstay the 90 days that Americans are allowed to stay without getting a visa.  Lewis had already come at the end of January and brought Rebecca with him, and Michela visited some family friends in Scotland for her trip out. So, that left Tammy and Deborah, the youngest daughter.  They arrived in Monduli on February 19th, and will be staying with me for the few weeks they are here. 

Tonight, Deborah and I cooked a big meal of fried chicken, gravy, fried potatoes, and corn, and then we played Phase 10.  It's fun having someone around who likes to play card games!