Settling-in

Here! And attempting to use this blog correctly which as most of you know, is a big step. The power just went out from the rain, but it was autosaved so that is a step in the right direction.

I arrived Saturday in AMS a bit bleary-eyed but gladly met two of the girls in my group while boarding our next flight. It was nice to have some company while going through customs and getting our CTA stamps once we arrived in Tanzania. Plus, it was helpful to have people to distract me from the ugly large bugs I was already seeing in the airport. Elch. Michelle and Kaylee are very friendly, it feels like summer camp as we board our van.

It is darkness like I've never seen before on our bumpy, humid ride to the Home Base. "Bubba" - meaning Dad in Swahili, greeted us with hugs and a warm welcome when we arrived at our Home Base. Mary, one of 2 cooks (both named Mary), brought us a delicious glass of avocado and guava juice made from the fruit in our very background. This was wonderful after 2 long days of traveling.

I met my roomie Andrea who arrived a few hours before from Morocco. For the last 3 months she has done all CCS programs in Africa. Interestingly enough she is from Hungry, but has been living in NYC for the last 15 years. She was a fashion designer at Calvin Klein and was burned out and quit her job. We'll have lots to chat about.

After a restful night's sleep I awoke before the sun with the roosters. Literally, the roosters. And the cows, and dogs, and a handful of other animals. Quite different from the ever-present honking of cars and drilling outside my studio apartment. I unpacked, settled in, and arrived at breakfast at 630. Our quarters are very clean and the staff is so friendly it instantly feels like family. Banana and avocado trees surround us and we are blessed by a beautiful garden out front.

We took a quick tour of town to find the pharmacy and other necessary locations, and a coffee shop which was heaven.While sipping my iced frappe I looked over and hand to laugh as I saw a chicken, and a family of chicks actually crossing the road. I'm struck my how much slower life seems here already.

Bubba is such a resource already and today we had the joy of meeting Mamma, our House Mother. I want to hug her instantly. Bubba sounds a bit like Mufasa (from the Lion King) when he talks which is quite soothing. When he can't understand what you are saying he says "Yes, Please?" which makes me laugh everytime.They've taught us the difference between TFT (Tanzanian Flexible Time) and Mzungu (white person) time. TFT means that punctuality doesn't exist and people come as they may, sometimes 2 hours late. Mzungu time means Time = Money, so be punctual.

We met some of the neighbors today which was eye-opening. My friends - the cows and goats are a few steps away next door as part of a small home for 6. This home is not a house as the walls are not complete and it's made mostly of mud. I was instantly struck by the disparity between our house, and the poverty of these people. It feels so wrong. We received a warm welcome though and it was explained that they actually feel privileged to live next to our Home Base. They see the benefit of our work in the neighborhood and the children become very fond of the volunteers. Neighbors here are considered like family, because you can't choose them. So here, you treat any neighbor just as family.

They eat the corn they grow, eggs from the chickens, and sometimes get fresh water from neighbors. Occasionally they will ask for sugar to sweeten just the children's food. When we left they asked us if we had any sugar, so later we picked up a small bag for them. I think for a moment of my gluttonous lifestyle in NY when I realize they live off less than 1 US dollar per day.

Family here is very close. Aunts are actally also called 'moms', and nieces and nephews are children of any of the siblings.  Last names are given by the Mother, First name is a Christian name, and a middle name is from the Father's tribe. Moses PolePole, our program director was given his last name PolePole, which means very slow, by his mother who had an incredbly long labor when he was born. I think after that long of a childbirth every mother has the right to chose their children's last name.

Tomorrow is a Holiday (Labor Day) so our work doesn't start quite yet. We are taking a hike to the waterfalls and Wednesday our placements officially begin. I will head to Karanga Catholic nursery school which is a 15 minute walk up the dirt road. I met one of the nuns today and am invited to daily mass at 6 or 7am before school begins. Or, once I get to know the children they apparently will wait for me outside so we can walk together.

I couldn't think of a better start to the morning.

Taking-off

Friends and Family –

It's T-1 day until my departure forTanzania. I’m excited, only a bit nervous, but mostly ready for this next adventure.  I’ve got a Swalli dictionary and pair of crocs, two things I never thought I’d own (In my defense the crocs are at least of the flip-flop variety). And I’m sporting a new terrible haircut which is helping me already be less vain. The fro is going to be in full effect.

I’m blown away by the support from everyone. So many people have said “I’m proud” or “It’s long overdue” or “I’m jealous.” It feels really good to take a leap rather than waiting for life to happen. 

The encouragement and donations from so many of you makes me incredibly thankful for all the wonderful people I'm surrounded by. I am truly honored.

Thanks for reading this far. I always dreamed of having a column, so this is my attempt at modern, self-involved communication. And Steve, thanks for the name. We are forever connected by the annoying apostrophe’s in our last names.

If I come back with better perspective, better balance, a smile on my face, and maybe some lost wine weight I’ll be headed in the right direction.

   I only hope I can give just half of what I think I’ll gain from this experience.

 

Say prayers for safety, health, and a hot guy on the plane.

xo

PS - 45 Granola bars, 6 tubes of sunscreen, and 10 bottles of Bug Spray accompanied me here. Any anxiety I had I think I channeled into compulsive to-do lists and excessive trips to REI. My Account Management skills have already come in handy!