(written Dec 10)
Well, I arrived safely in Tanzania yesterday (Dec 9) around 7 am. The moment I stepped off the plane I knew I was no longer in the US…I left a cold, wintery country for a hot and humid one. Despite the heat, I was immediately enamored by the beauty of this country and its people. In fact, I even welcomed the warm air which quickly thawed me out from the short winter seaon I experienced. From the airport we went straight to our new home in the neighborhood of Mabibo. I was so lucky to be able to call home to let me parents know I arrived and even checked in with Jon to let him know I got here safely.
Our wonderful and awesome community mates already cleared out two bedrooms for Katie and me to move into. So, of course, I do what I always do the moment I have a new room…I put up pictures of all of my friends and family. The room instantly felt like mine and I knew I would soon find it easy to call this place home.
We rested for a while…the 8 hour time difference between the east coast and here has been one of the greatest adjustments. But I am feeling great! After my nice long nap, we walked over to the church for the children’s mass. One of the Jesuit priests presided over mass and at the end, called up all of the JVs. We introduced ourselves to the children and others at mass. Afterwards, we went to the Jesuit residence, which is on the Loyola High School campus, to visit with the priest who had just said mass. He offered a lot of great advice regarding Tanzania and had many stories to tell of his own adventures. We took a short tour of Loyola and then made the short walk back to our house. We ate our first dinner together as a community…beans, cabbage and veggies, and chapatti (flat fried bread that is super delicious). We spent some time talking but called it an early night.
This morning Katie and I were able to sleep in a little bit and the extra rest was much welcomed. I took my first bucket shower which was incredibly refreshing. Then Beth, who just started her second year and also teaches at the school where I will be, picked us up to take us to Gonzaga Primary. We met many of the administrators and teachers. Then we visited each of the classrooms and the children were very happy to greet us. Beth informed me that starting in January I will be teaching English to Standard 3, computer class to Standard 4 (I think?), and a values/wellness class (I can’t remember the official name) to Standard 6. School goes from 7:30 am to 4 pm and has ten 40 minute periods with time for tea in the morning and lunch. I will only be teaching 5 periods out of the whole day. Needless to say I am so excited to get back in a classroom and could not be more excited to be at Gonzaga. I have already fallen in love with the school, my fellow teachers, and my future students.
After lunch of rice, beans, and cabbage, which was soooo good, Beth brought Katie and I home so we could rest some more. Walking home at 12:30 in the afternoon was enough to make one tired…the sun is scorching! So after a longer nap than I had anticipated on taking, I woke up to find Beth doing laundry and visiting with a Standard 7 student, Joha. With the help of Joha and Beth, I learned how to do laundry using what I can only describe as a “multi-bucket system.” There is one bucket to soak the clothes, another to scrub them with soap, and two more for rinsing. Then we hung them on a line inside out to avoid fading in the sun. It was a great experience and although I’m no expert, I am excited to try it again soon.
Although there is still a lot to adjust to, I am beginning to feel like I could easily make this place my home. I am a little homesick but I guess that’s pretty normal. I will have more updates soon!
Also!! If you do plan on sending packages of any kind, please be sure that they are under 4 pounds. This way they are delivered directly to the Jesuit Residence and I don’t have to go into town to pick them up or pay to receive them. Thank you! J
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