Week 8 in Moshi

The week was as always, busy.  I am not sure yet where and how time flies by, yet, it does.  Perhaps the low-light or the highlight, was that John made his famous one day trip to the US.  Four total days in flight and one day on the ground.  Crazy!  Fortunately, he was able to get our marriage certificate from the court house, thus proving to the Tanzanian government and perhaps others that we are in fact married and have been for some years.  We actually had a little party with banana cake in the office on Monday and many colleagues sang and ululated on our behalf as we stuffed cake in each other’s mouths.

But, there were some other wonderful moments.  Vera and I continued our treks around the area to find potential spots for student interns, and found (thank you Vera) a wonderful organization that works with children with disabilities, primarily spinal chord disabilities.  As usual, Tanzanians are incredibly creative when it comes to taking care of their children, and though in desperate need for more resources, this organization CCBRT is doing a wonderful job.

The Gate to CCBRT

Wheel Chairs being adapted for each individual Child at CCBRT

 

Little Shoes for Little Club Feet-just shed a tear or two, but, these children can be helped!

 As usual the mountain, when she is out, is stunning and there were two wonderful opportunities for me to see the mountain first from the MEPI office on the 5^th floor, and later in the week as I sat near ISM in the early morning watching the brilliance of the mountain shining forth.  What an inspiring mountain she is.!

Kilimanjaro (Kibo & Mawenzi)

The mountain and Lema Road so close to my house

My dear friend Agnes and I traveled together to Usa River to offer me the opportunity to meet her mom, sister and other family members.  Once more, Agnes’s wit and love overwhelm me.  I had a great time as Agnes delivered fresh milk (she milks the cows every morning) to her “small sister” and their family in Boma N’gombe, and then on to Usa.  The turn into Usa River is marked by Nelson Mandela Road.  Pretty wonderful.  Then kilometers of dry dusty road with all the usual bumps, diversions and impediments.

The Road to Usa River

A water truck siphoning water from Usa River and blocking the road

Fresh N'gorogwe (plants look just like eggplant)

 Agnes’ family were wonderful and welcoming.  I was treated to generosity and genuine friendliness for the day.  Agnes’ sister is a farmer and wow, she grows some amazing vegetables.  This is N’gorgwe and it is used in soups and stews.  But she also grows rice, tomatoes for seed and for pili pili sauce, eggplant, okra, beans, garlic, onions.  She works very hard for a small living, but the results are also lovely.  In addition to Agnes’ mom and sister, I met several family members whom Agnes’ mother has raised.  Clearly her love for family is huge.  I was sad that I could not meet her father as I am sure he is as wonderful as her mother.

Me with Agnes' sweet and wonderful mother!

One big happy family

I had brought a small gift, and in turn, I was showered with gifts as well as food. 

Agnes and Mama decorate me with Kangas and gifts!

 Back in Moshi, we had one blessed rain, and though it was inconvenient as I was on foot with no umbrella, I hid inside with my little African Granddaughter Faraja.  We played chase, hide and go seek, and turning around.  I was touched when she cried “Bibi” “Bibi” when I finally had to leave.  Well, on to new adventures!