Kilimanjaro this summer

The past two weeks in Moshi have been eventful, most particularly because there has not been the usual “down time” working back into culture, time differences and work.Perhaps this is a good thing, as there was never time to be bored.

It is always a joy to return to Moshi, get off the plane and have your bags all arrive with you.  For me this is a rare treat, but on this trip, there they were all accounted for.  Our project driver Able was there with a big smile, and we thoroughly enjoyed the drive back to Moshi.  Chrissy had a beer for both of us and we had time to catch up a little before going to bed. 

Chrissy with Cipe, Omari & Faradja

We visited our Moshi granddaughter Faradja and delivered Ella clothes and shoes.  Faradja and mommy and daddy thank Lyriella for her beautiful gifts.  Faradja mistakenly things that her Bibi has provided all these things, and calls me Bibi Kitabu (grandmother book!) but the little doggy in the pocketbook took her fancy this time and she screamed when her dad tried to put it down to help her put on a new dress!

Pauli and Lucy

Lucy and me!

The days have flown since that then.  The house looks wonderful (it is now nicknamed A-5+) since the amazing shining paint job on the outside. This blue is one that you generally see only in Africa, China or in Egypt where people are painting pictures of people making their haj.  Our wonderful gardener Pauli has kept the garden and flowers beautifully, better than ever!  His wife Lucy is 5 months pregnant and as beautiful as ever and clearly Pauli is excited about a baby of his own, though all the children in the compound follow him around like he is the Pied Piper.
Rose has taken care of all our house guests and laughs when we laugh and comforts us when we cry.  Her daughter Anjela is so tall now and grown that I would hardly recognize the little 3 year old I first met back in 2005, except for the big beautiful smile.  She is lovely.

Pauli has many new chickens, and one of his roosters is the oddest looking thing I have ever seen.  Perhaps this picture gives an idea of the oddness.  He looks like he is wearing a red bonnet.  So fun.

My own Charlie is doing well and the hens have given lots of eggs even though the new wild dogs around nearly scare them to death, and nearly killed my Angel.(white hen)

We had our first hash at Miti Mengi (many trees) farm.  Caroline and Jan barbecued and those of us who ran and walked nearly killed ourselves crossing water going through briars and wandering around looking for flour for what seemed like ages.  The prize of cold beer and nyama choma (barbecued meat) at the end was terrific.  The mountain came out slightly at the end of the day, Mehru on one side and Kilimanjaro on the other.

John Bob and Chrissy at the hash

Mt. Mehru in the distance at Sunset

 I have had the opportunity to be a “mule” for Chrissy in her research project with the drama and pedestrian safety and oh my goodness it is a huge job.  Chrissy has been training nearly 30 young people to present a community drama to primary schools in the Moshi area.  She has had to be stern and kick some of them out for failure to come to practices, but most of the regulars really appreciate it.  She has also been quite firm with the rest of the group in encouraging participation but giving them criticism (no one is perfect, mother). The kids are awfully cute to me, but I can imagine the frustration if everyone does not come each time. 

Our sweet Ema and Chrissy planning the next youth meeting

Hadija Chrissy and Happiness

Our amazing narrator Haika

Haika manages a crowd of children with ease!

We did the first presentation to a school and had to perform outside in the blazing sun & dust with nearly 500 children racing around.  They loved the performance and 110 participated in the surveys.  It was heartbreaking to see the differing understanding of very basic reading and trying to figure out how to make a duara (circle) to put around their answers.  But, clearly the performance was a hit and the narrator was great in involving the children in the way in which she asked questions and congratulated them when they got it “right”. One of the things this group loves to do is to be hit by the cars and “kufa” (die).  Chrissy had to restrict all but one death, and have hurt legs for the others.  But certainly the “Mwalimu” (teacher)  who was “killed” in the last scene made the most of his death scene.  Don’t all actors love to die on stage!

Jonathon Richard dies after crossing the road while texting on the phone

Fateful Piki piki (motorcycle) prepares for a tragic crossing

The workshop team

This morning I ran through the fields again, and it was simply wonderful.  I wish I weren’t getting a cold (thank you John for giving it to me!) 

Sad male organ cactus falls over last week in the wind.

Filth...note the white ankle NOT TANNED part above...DIRT!

 Sadly, we have no water of any sort tonight and my feet look pretty bad.  Went two doors over and washed my face, and a few other parts of my body, and my feet.  Pray for water tomorrow.