Week Three--Again filled with Friendships, Fun, and Work (surrounding rehab for my knee)

Patricia & "The Cane"

Week three began with a flurry.  While the angst of the US General Elections continues to build, Moshi remains in relative peace.  Thank goodness.  Some of the issues that we have concerning President Magafuli edicts remain and we talked about them with many friends.  Yet, we continue to hope for the best.

Kilimanjaro with new snow and amazing birds flying all around me!

This photo was taken October 23rd just as sun was beginning to set and I suppose the birds were thinking about where they were going to go....Lots of possibilities in the KCMC Compound.

My week really began on Tuesday, which was Dada's night.  We went to a new Restaurant "Kili Home", which was lovely with a big outdoors area and comparatively quiet except for our Dada's group.  One amazing thing was that they apparently have only a few wine glasses and if it had not been so humiliating for the waiter, I would have taken a picture of the fruit cups that he brought to us to use as wine glasses.  It was hysterical!  One drink and we would have been under the table. We laughed and took pictures and accused each other of many of things, but mostly shared our love for one another and remembrances of our departed Dada Lydia.

The empty Chair for Lydia

 I had worn my Hillary for President T-shirt and everyone else seemed dressed in new fancy dresses like they were going to a ball but I was the "Rella" staying home to ruminate on the election situation.  It was a joyful time (BTW, all Dada's are united for Hillary, ready to break the glass ceiling.)

All Dadas + Lui's sister-in-law

Dada's cheering on Hillary

Very cute early arrivals of Dadas

Definitely wacky Dadas  altogether + Lui's sister-in-law (honorary Dada)

Wednesday arrived with the Moshi Book Club.  The name alone is interesting since only two members actually live in Moshi.  One lives in Kibosho, our fearless organizer Jackie in Marangu, one in Usa River, one in Machame, the two of us who live in Moshi, and two who live elsewhere but I cannot remember where.  Sadly I have no picture of the group as we were so caught up in talking about some books but also politics.  We were talking about "The Orchardist" which is long, good and very very dark.  Some parts are simply unbelievable (mean that literally not for emphasis) But, it kept us going for a while.  I'm excited because our next book club will be a discussion of Lee Smith's Memoir "Dimestore", a book I dearly love, and "The Little Locksmith" which is said to be the perfect memoir.  So Book club from wherever we are, "On On".

I had a huge surprise visit right after book club when my Dada Agnes arrived to bring me a beautiful Masaii shawl, made by a friend of hers.  She knows how I am cold all the time, but also she is just the kindest most giving friend I have in Moshi.  We are social workers together and somehow that bond has held for more than 11 years!

Agnes and Patricia

Agnes and Patricia by Pauli's favorite palm tree

 On Thursday, Pauli and his partner climbed the mango tree and panga in hand, chopped down all the branches that faced the house.  It is in the back yard so it does not show very much, but the small unripe mangoes that fall are those that make holes in our roof (finally fixed after nearly a year!)  So the tree and branches look weird but there you go.  Our house is a little safer!

Mango Tree branches grow fast!

Mango branches-Let the record show, we did this just 4 years ago as well.

As if these days were not filled enough, on Saturday, we drove to Machame to visit our dear Emmanuel friends, Sylvie and Nic.  I cannot for the life of me figure out why we did not take pictures together but I think Sylvie was so busy getting food set out and I couldn't walk, and the beauty of the mountain, very sad with the passing of the snow, distracted us.

Lovely shot, so little snow!

So, I have passed my days, playing recorder, this past Sunday at Church for All Saints Day (early) practicing ukelele, getting up early enough to be at the pool at 7 am (freezing) to have swim instructions from our teacher Sabini, to exercise two to three times a days to help my knee, and feeling a bit sorry for myself that I cannot walk even to the small gate without pain.

stuff minus sweatshirt and towel

The most moving moment I had this week was at Sylvie and Nic's house.  Not only did we have a delicious dinner, but Sylvie presented us with a prized bottle of olive oil grown and processed by their daughter Sophia who lives in Nacos, Greece and wins prizes each year for her delicious olive oil.  And then, Nic went inside the house and, as we were leaving, handed me a beautiful cane that had been his mother's, and he had saved.  She had bought it in either Egypt or Ethiopia, it is made from bamboo and carved with delicate birds and special signs.  I could not believe it, but will cherish it for all of my days.  How in the world can John and I experienced such amazing moments, to be etched in our memories for the rest of our lives.

The CANE

Water Into Wine

The first Miracle of Jesus Christ is said to be the turning water into wine.  I have no intention of making fun of that first miracle, or of anything said about it; however I do want to offer a particularly full week that seemed to incorporate that very  first miracle.  And it has to do with the following:

A. The MEPI "closeout" in which Charles M. determined that this was the miracle.  (not just the water to wine but the miracle of MEPI
B. Our fabulous yard and the care taken by Pauli, as well as new chickens and suddenly a turtle!
C. Our clinic and the new hats donated to the babies and their moms!  Thanks donors.
D. The 350th hash, which I think may go down in history as a great way for us all to see each other, the dustiest hash, and the least attractive, but with good food (and this is not the assessment of my own dear and near husband but everyone I have talked to).  But it was the 350 so it should go down for something.

Lots of pictures!

Proof positive..water to wine (MEPI and all that it has stood for and continues to stand.)

The boys played "football" but maybe the girls were just as good.  Chrispina shows her ability without any fancy sport clothes on.

WeruWeru Lodge has chosen to have camels for money making.  I have been told by a good source that they have the "good life" lots of good grasses and whatever they eat and are well behaved.  Dativa and Chrispina have ridden them!

Sia Msuya, well known for mentoring students, particularly with unusual and unique research projects.

Sabina Mtweve being crowned the queen of TBL (Team Based Learning)  She loves students.

Fabulous beautiful girls. Dr. Mtweve, Dativa, Glory and Chrispina....wow

Our own MEPI Alumni Chair, Rose, who is giving the keynote and acknowledging everyone involved.  Let's go MEPI 3!

I think everyone has seen our front yard, but we had not for 6 months and here it is, still beautiful!

I have no idea what kind of succulent the "brain Tree:", but it looks a little less like a brain as it grows bigger and bigger

Two gardenia bushes send their scents almost to the house.  It is intoxicating and I just wish they were closer.  

won't look like anything but this is my Mawenzi mt. and the Duke basket ball flag (faded) and the Opposition Party (Chedema Party) fly high (held on by giant cactus)  At this point we are big fans of the opposition.

Biggest surprise is Kenny (Kobe-Turtle)  He lives with the Kukus & they steal all his food so I worry about him, but bring him melon and mince and greens and shut the chickens up.  Wish I could give him to my brother Jim!  He is actually huge.

Actually, this is the most beautiful Rooster I have had.  I have not warmed to him, but named him Charlie Jr. so he would have the same opportunity as his name sake who will go down in history as my fav.

My really favorite bush is "Yesterday Today & Tomorrow.  I love the gentle sweet smell and the sad (to me) knowledge that the flower lasts exactly 3 days. Amost gone now and hope it comes back soon!

We are happy to always host visitors, and Diana and Charles from UCSF and Dar Es Salaam were no exceptions.  We had great talks about the future of our projects and wow, young people are terrific.  Thanks for coming.!

Remember Sarah?  She was a 3rd year resident in 2009!  And now working in Uganda.  Great weekend with Sarah, thinking about the "old days"  (2009??????)  Great to see her!

Winnie looking great wit the hats donated.  Wow thanks donors.

It is important to notate that the new rules about confidentiality for patients (particularly minors) and their parents or guardians are particularly strict.  So the Nurses (sisters) and I decided to show off the hats in the best way we could, with the fabulous sisters who actually see the patients and care for them would show off the hats.  They are sosooo excited for their patients to have the opportunity for a new hat.  You never outgrow this need.  THANKS TO ALL THE DONORS!

Our fabulous study nurses looking through all these hats.  Such a bountiful gift.  Thank you all so much!

Next just one or two pictures from the 350th hash: FYI, it was located at the TPC, the Sugar Plantation which is often beautiful.  For some reason, it struck me as dusty, barren and well, ummmmmm.  But my new knee dilemna (IT band disaster) has leveled me and I can neither run nor walk.

Doesn't look like I feel sorry 4 self, but I do.

John in misery with Nelson who missed a turn somehow and ran 12K instead of 6, in the worst dust imaginable.  Kali (Foul Tempered) John

On the right, great friends Liselotte and Martin back for two weeks to Moshi.  L is one of the best choir soprano voices I know and a flute player on top.  Loved singing with her in the early days of 2005-2009.  Sigh.

So, with the 350 over with and new weeks coming.  I say goodbye to this blog for the week with just a few more pictures.  I have to say that the hardest thing is that I cannot walk, and I'm totally discouraged about it, and confused.  I look at places that I used to walk every day, and now if I try to get there, I am in tears.  I'm told that this IT band will  or can be fixed, but the pain is almost too much to bear.  But I am the soldier of my dad and mom and I will try and soldier on.

Here are the last pics.  The Rangon Creeper (apparently like honeysuckle and just as sweet,) the Traveler's fern...amazing, and the mountain.  Losing its snow really fast now, but so regal regardless.

Rangoon Creeper taking over the house (fine with me...and the yard).

Love this Traveler's Fern

Snows disappearing but oh so beautiful.

Most weeks are much quieter, but gracious this one was packed.  My take away message is that we have young energetic people to take over from us, and soon, and we are only here to give support and guidance.  There is lots brewing just like in the states, and who knows what will happen, but the time has been the best I could have ever imagined!

Packed Ten Days

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Nice Visits to Machame,Arusha,Marangu Palliative Care and Marangu Book Club

Your Taste of beauty at Jackie Brice-Bennett's home.....

After all my musings about language 10 days ago, I was happy to spend a beautiful day in Machame with Vera and her family where we visited her family home, had a delicious lunch and spent the afternoon walking up to a beautiful church and down through scenic paths.  We were passing by a huge funeral ceremony for a prominent family and heard the story of how the rich son improved the road to his house just for the funeral ceremony.  And though the son was rich, the father who had died continued to make local mbege (home brewed beer for sale) Quite a contrast. John on the other hand was terrified that it might rain, and the small drive to Vera’s moms house would have been quite treacherous if the rain had come down. 

Vera's family

Vera and Edwin

Vera staying cool on walk

Bob and Monty chatting at Vera's family home

Bob's ELCT Palliative Care builds a home for "Shida" a mentally ill man

Bob has many stories ALWAYS!

What Cute Sisters.....Vera with her sister from DAR

Everyone knows I love Pub pictures!  look at this...there was no street!

I really was there, but will have to post me later!

Pretty awesome grave....PrayGod Mushi (not uncommon names)

 Indeed it did look like rain, thus while we were enjoying the walk, John was looking at black thundering sky and imagining our RAV4 slipping and sliding all the way down the steep hill.  As it turned out, after we left, the sky cleared and the mountain came out.  It was a great day with our guests and Vera’s family.

Ok Ok, it did not rain here is Machame and the mountain

On Sunday, I attempted to play my bass recorder in church.  It was fun, but sadly, the piano drowned out the bass so it looked like I was just fingering something and breathing intently.  In one way it was good because I forgot during a 4 sharp piece, that “D” is the fourth sharp, and kept wondering why my bass and the piano sounded very wrong.  Finally on the last verse I figured it out and nice and loudly played all the notes right, but yet not to be heard.  After church it was fun when several children came up to me and asked me to play something on it.  I did and finished with “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.  In any language that is a favorite, and the children were laughing and laughing.

My sweet bass

In the afternoon, I took the dreaded trip to Arusha to visit with Shoonie Hartwig, a just amazing lovely woman who runs a program called “Mwangaza” there (this is loosely translated as sort of “shining light”).  She has been running or involved with the program for nearly 20 years. It is a program that trains teachers to really understand their subjects and learn to teach.  They use a good curriculum and often have volunteers who come from the states to help, but now mostly Tanzanians are doing the teaching.  Shoonie is a remarkable woman who many of my Friday Morning Music Study Club members know from her days at Duke University, and at Church of the Abiding Savior.  Her husband was recruited to Duke by my father in the history department and thus the whole family were embraced by my family.  Amazing how time travels, but you can pick up where you left off and have meaningful and lovely conversations.

Wow-this is a long blog but so much was happening.  Anna Massawe (head of Palliative Care here at KCMC) Cynthia (Palliative Care Health Care Dispensary, Australia volunteer) and I went to Marangu to visit a terminally ill patient with rectal cancer.  This was an amazing trip.  The woman had a colostomy, bed sores and was in terrific pain.  I had managed to find colostomy bags at ONE pharmacy in town.  I went everywhere trust me on this one!  They had to be cut to fit and none of us were very clear about how to cut them.  The remarkable thing to me was that one of this lady’s sons had been helping her, and he had, in fact, been bathing her and changing her bag.  I was stunned that the house was neat and clean and that this poor family had prepared lunch for us!  Can you imagine.  Very moving day.

One pharmacy (not the main one) had colestomy supplies

First Road to Turn!

African Hospitality=2 to 3 weeks money for this family

Husband is a pastor who has 2-3 churches to mind

water bottle with green is morphine

Anna Cynthia and patient

Anna cuts the bags

Patient helps with the bag even though in pain

Team for the Day

 One big highlight for the past 10 days was being invited to one of the Moshi Book Clubs.  The book being read was “Death Comes To Pemberley”, one of PD James’ last books. This book club was held at Jackie Brice Bennett’s home and what a beautiful beautiful setting.  While PD James’ detective novels are high on my list, this one was lower, except that it is what it is….British, and with the linkage to Pride and Prejudice, a novel that as a teenager I loved, and will forever confuse Darcy with Colin Firth.

Get married here????

Jackie's garden

Orchids of unknown names (for me, not Jackie)

beautiful view to house

I call these Faux Bananas....they are beautiful

Some Book Club members

But Jackie’s flowers, birds and landscaping are amazing. And her hospitality was just incredible.  We had tea as well as lunch and I am sure I gained 10 lbs right there!  Her staff are so nice, so it was a perfect day.  I enjoyed the company tremendously even if I am such a Southern American!!!!!  We all know that 15% of book club is talking about the book, and the rest is just talking.  I miss book clubs!  And a big shout out to my dear Terrie who was very anxious about a sick horse (who is still sick), but who took me up to Marangu anyway.  Everyone who reads this, please deliver mantras of “Get Well Penelope” .  There are so many issues for horses in this area and Penelope is a favorite at the stables.

Weddings are fun, and here is our lifeline in Moshi, Rose, Lucy Pauli and cute cute Jonathon

It is hard to believe that we leave in two weeks.  It is bitter sweet for me.  I look forward to seeing my granddaughters, but sincerely cannot imagine waking up in a bed that is not my Moshi bed.  The peace and calm here is so different….