Omari--I've got my fingers crossed for Obama today!

Even West Kilimanjaro has an Obama Shop

This is still my favorite photo of President Obama

Just down the road from our house Obama!

This is the day.  VOTE!

An Altogether imperfect representation Last Week in Moshi

So who gets the couple of the year award???? Ummmmmm (Lucy and Pauli)

Last Crazy days of Moshi

Although I published pictures of the crazy wet, muddy ecstatic 250th hash from the Kilimanjaro Hash House Harriers, I neglected much of what happened the week prior.  Our A-5 house was full, and contrary to what one might believe, the heroes who hold our house together, Rose and Pauli, were happy.  They claim that they like nothing better than caring for our guests and we indeed are grateful.

On this visit we had our usual Charles who arrived and left in a whirlwind, (nicknamed by me piki piki--motorcycle),  Geelea, Tom and his wife Kim, and the Robroys.  We had some exciting times, visiting Mwika, visiting an amazing orphanage, "Children of Destiny" (thank you Stephen) taking the laboratory staff to one of our favorite places, Kilimakyaro, and discovering that with Chef Micheal's help,  "ok" food had been turned into culinary delight.  {definitely worth the visit for views and food!} These visitors have contributed in even invisible ways to the Duke/KCMC or KCMC/Duke collaboration and for that we will be forever grateful.

And finally, you don't have to be thrilled over the birth of a new baby.  In this case, it is a baby foal, (name yet unknown but mine is now "Gray Goose") and she is beautiful.  She also is very independent, impudent, and spoiled thanks to our dear friend Terrie, who treats her as her own child.  this little wild thing has brought children out every day just to see the cuteness. 

Thus, the end of this trip to Moshi.  Filled with hard work.  Thank you Moshi CAB for being so kind to me, and for my sweet Agnes for helping me remain humble, and thank you especially A-5 for being a real home, and that means that Rose and Pauli work behind the scenes to provide the hospitality for which John and I receive credit, which is really theirs.

Verynice and Kombe taking desperately needed materials to Rombo 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Able and Pauli load massive luggage onto car for visitors

Awesome Kathyrn new faculty in ED medicine shares an UMM moment in A-5

Pauli decides that we need manure to improve the garden. Of course, he is right

I cannot carry anything on my head. Rose makes it look easy.

How often do you have a Blue Heron stride through your front yard???

Children of Destiny Director, Margaret with a beautiful young girl

Margaret, coordinator of Children of Destiny: Check out the next slides

The children wake from their naps

Wash your school uniforms regardless of the lack of water

How many cups do they need?

Each face has a story. Sad-happy

Children of Destiny- the pictures above are just a snapshot of this orphanage that exists from donation to donation only 5 minutes walk from our house.

My sweet African Granddaughter Faraja...whose sunglasses?????

Daddy and Daughter...Genetics at work

Chef Michael and his assistant.  He is rightfully proud of his work!

Jacinta is the "Miss Africa" /Kenya Beauty Queen

A view of Mt. Mehru, too? Awesome

The Lab team Oh so fabulous

Ok, what more do you want with a "couples" pic!  Mt. & beauty...

Our beloved Shanette...don't go and it isn't just for the cheese!

Stan, Marion and colleagues

Back at A-5 Kim with camera....where is your drink!

Finally got Holly to send a pic.  (on the last week of this trip)

Holly stayed in A-5 for a short time, and my new campaign is to make a photo book of all the A-5 guests.  Help me please you guys who think I may not have your picture and who stayed at A-5.

John and Tom settle into A-5 with a beer

Tom and Twiga

 The amazing fake Giraffe at Kilimakyaro sort of highlight the last week of Moshi.  And it would seem so, except for the real visit to Terrie's little foal.  This little foal had just learned the art of kicking and was determined to show off, kicking at anything and anyone in joy, and apparently not having any idea that it could actually hurt.  While the foal's mother seemed unfazed by this behavior, Terrie did not, but for all her tender lovin' the foal even kicked her. 

It is always with mixed feelings that we leave Moshi for the USA, but here we are and there and as always I believe our lives are richer for the experiences in both parts of the world.

250 hash pics.....great fun, rain, mud, scary rides &...

250 hash...explanation to come!

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!