Feel at Home & a Day at the Beach

Feel at Home

As I spend more time in this country, I have begun to feel more and more at home. And what’s a better way to feel at home than to stay with a Tanzanian family? So, on Thursday afternoon my communitymate Cait dropped me off at my host family’s house. I instantly felt at home. I was told to call the parents Mama and Baba (mother and father in Swahili). At every single meal, Mama encouraged me to “eat more,” “feel at home,” and “feel free.” On Friday, I went with Mama and her niece to her store, and at one point she introduced me as her daughter. I have never been so quickly welcomed into a family or a different culture. It has put my mind and heart at ease about being and living in Tanzania. I will always be American and a foreigner, but the Tanzanians are so welcoming that I know I will be able to feel comfortable living here for the next two years.

On Saturday, my community mates picked me up from my host family and we spent the rest of the night at home, just hanging out and getting to know each other. Some of our friends from the neighborhood, who are close to us in age, also came over to hangout. They helped me with some Swahili homework I had to complete for my next lesson. My house here is beginning to feel like home too. I’ve been in this country just over a week and I already have two homes! It’s pretty great.

Beach Day!!

So yesterday, my community and I went to the beach and I touched the Indian Ocean for the first time! It was a long ride to get there; we took at least two different dala dalas (the public bus) and a ferry but it was totally worth it. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. Along with my community, Cat (the outgoing JV), brought her homeroom class from Gonzaga (they will be in Standard 7 starting in January) so we got to hang out with them and even teach a few of them how to float and swim. It was really wonderful to meet some of the students in my school (even though I am not teaching them) and start to build some relationships. The best part is that they, more or less, instantly like you. This makes relationships easy and instantaneous. One of the girls is super sassy and fun…she walked right up to me (keep in mind we never met before this moment), took my hand, and said very confidently, “Teacha Kathleen, teach me to float.” So, we went in the water and she was so determined to learn. She aced it pretty quickly. It was such a great moment and makes me feel good about starting to teach in January.

Christmas Time in Tanzania

On Thursday, I will go with my community to Morogogo, which is a few hours west of Dar es Salaam. We will meet up with the JVs from Dodoma and have retreat for a few days. Then we will go to Dodoma (another few hours west) for Christmas. So, I am sure I will have more updates and pictures after that. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. Look for another update in 2013! J