From a Whimper to a Bang

View of Pare Mountains from Kileo Village

November 1 began with a whimper from me.  After the Halloween haunted house, I lay flat on my back for the next 3 days, starting a steroid taper and trying to lesson the back pain that seemed to occur with each movement.  Because I knew the week would be busy, I was just as determined to get over this inconvenience!  My first “out of sofa” experience was to ride with my friend Sabina to two outreach health dispensaries near the Pare Mountains.  They were very different.  On the way I listened to another fascinating history lesson regarding the impact of Uhuru on different families….the good and the bad.

Only Water access in village

The first village we visited Kileo, is an example of Uhuru with great difficulties. Sabina explained that in some villages, the people who were sent from the richer areas of the Kilimanjaro side to start farms in these lower lying areas were from many different tribes and family groups.  All the differences meant that it was difficult to form a cohesive village area, and Kileo was still having troubles in this area.  The land is poor, it floods frequently and the diseases from these floods are prevalent.  Medical Students from KCMC have spent rotations there and things improve but also the challenges are great.  I found the staff at the dispensary to be dedicated and very pleasant, dealing with overwhelming problems (no laboratory technician for instance) and having challenges with clean safe water.  We did notice improvements though, and that made Sabina very happy.  Pole pole getting better.

The Opposition party office in Kileo

With my friend Sabina, the Kileo Health staff

Old home from Umoja Village days in Kileo

Village scene

Kileo Village office

Best Bar in Kileo

The second village we visited Kifaru was quite different.  Despite being very close to one another, the villagers were much more motivated and had a strong village leader.  The villagers themselves had organized a “harambee” to raise funds for a new dispensary and the structure was in the process of being built. The staff here were also professional, friendly and clearly dedicated.

Kifaru Health Center

New Building

Village of Kifaru where big fundraiser held

My week continued with a delicious “dada” night at Changbay Annex. It is a likeable nyama choma restaurant.  They had delicious mbuzi (goat) nyama (barbecue) as well as chicken. But the best part was to be with my girlfriends, Lightness, Lui, Eunice, Dafrosa and Theresia.  Sadly, we missed Lydia, Agnes and Verynice….but next time!

 Eunice, Lightness Lui and Dafrosa

Eunice, Lightness Trish Lui and Dafrosa

And finally, I spent a great Saturday with the Kilimanjaro –Tanzanian social workers Regional meeting.  Over 40 social workers and trainees came, and it was great.  We had presentations from 4 people, a special speaker and a fundraising moment for the group.  All in all it was great to have the opportunity to share experiences and challenges with being social workers in Kilimanjaro.  I look forward to next year!

Trish very proper at K-TASWO

Social Workers together

I discovered some very strange vines at our neighbor’s house, and of course had to kiss my African grandson, and give a big “pole” (sorry) to his mom, Lucy because he is so mobile now (crawling, pulling up) that he is into everything.  And, he sincerely believes that he should be able to grab and pull and to eat and stick his fingers where danger lurks.  He is not happy with the word “No”, and poor Lucy says that seems to be the only word she uses with him these days.

Faux Banana plant

Precious Jonathan

Strange and mysterious vine

Strange and mysterious vine2