at church checking out these sweet Tommy's, I mean Toomy's.
Monday, August 04, 2014
Saturday, August 02, 2014
I'm just sitting here...
In TZ you find yourself rushing to something
only end up just sitting waiting for things to happen. Or, even when
things are happening you're still just kinda sitting there. So in honor
of that, today I'm starting a new thing called "I'm just sitting here."
And I'll post a picture of whatever I'm looking at.
I'm just sitting here...at Uzima Center.
And here's one from the other day too.
I was just sitting there... as I tried to learn crocheting (poorly). These girls were really good!
I'm just sitting here...at Uzima Center.
And here's one from the other day too.
I was just sitting there... as I tried to learn crocheting (poorly). These girls were really good!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Next Steps? Keep on Truckin'
For those of you who don't know, Chris and I are in the final year of our 3 1/2 year contract with Maryknoll Lay Missioners. Our contract is up in May 2015, at which time we can renew for another 3 years, extend for a shorter period of time, or move on to something else entirely. Although 10 months is a long time away, it also seems like it's just around the corner and we've noticed lately that an increased number of people are asking us about our next steps.
On the outset, I totally understand why people are asking. Folks at home want to know if they'll be seeing our faces at next year's Fourth of July BBQs, birthday parties, births of their children, etc. Folks in Tanzania are asking because they want to know if they should include us in their organizational budgets, if we'll be able to continue proving support to their programs, and they too want to know if they'll be the ones seeing our faces at BBQs, birthday parties, etc. So I totally get it. Y'all are so sweet and we totally appreciate your love and support.
On the flip side of things, when I get asked what I'll be doing next year I want to ask back to people what they'll be doing in 10 months. The answer is that they probably don't know. I assume most people hope to be in a job that they like, living in a city that they like, surrounded by people that they like and who like them, but usually people don't plan that far in advanced so the specifics are yet unclear. Can't we just live life in the moment, I want to say, without planning what's around the next corner.
I know. I know. That's kinda a jerky response.
And it's not exactly true, anyway. I mean, don't get me wrong. Chris and I talk about it all the time. All. The. Time. Every day. Ad nauseam. And, come to think of it, maybe that's why I get a little twitchy when people ask me what we're doing next. Because we've talked ourselves into so many ideas that we. have. absolutely. no. clue. And it starts to stress me out. I mean, I'm in my mid(some say late, thankyouverymuch)-30's and my life is still up in the air. This was stressful enough when I was graduating college and I felt like I could do anything I wanted to do. I had the energy then. And seemingly endless time. Now? I don't know. I feel the clock ticking and the lack of direction seems to me more like a weight then an opportunity.
What I can tell you is this. Yes, our contract is up in May 2015. Yes, we have started to talk about what we will do. Yes, we are open to staying in Tanzania, or to moving back to the United States, or to living in Europe. That doesn't narrow it much, does it? Our decision is based on a number of things ranging from finances, family health/stability, our ability to adopt a child, and location of an appropriate job for our interests and skills. Some of these things can be planned for, but most of them can't be predicted until much closer to our end-of-contract date. So it's mostly a waiting game for now.
And speaking of waiting games. Although I think it's absolutely appropriate and wise to start discussing and researching our next steps, in all fairness to Tanzania and the life we have now, I think it's also vitally important for us to continue to enjoy where we are now and give our all to the work we are doing at the moment. That's very hard when we're also simultaneously thinking about, researching, and, okay I'll admit, fantasizing about our next move. We fell into this trap before when we were planning to come to Tanzania. It's really hard to live and enjoy the moment when we are waiting for the next change. But I'm not really sure how to do that gracefully.
So for now, I'll try to steer clear of snarky remarks. (Is that possible for me?) And I'll keep asking for support, prayers, and listening ears from family and friends near and far. And we'll just see what opportunities arise around the corner.
On the outset, I totally understand why people are asking. Folks at home want to know if they'll be seeing our faces at next year's Fourth of July BBQs, birthday parties, births of their children, etc. Folks in Tanzania are asking because they want to know if they should include us in their organizational budgets, if we'll be able to continue proving support to their programs, and they too want to know if they'll be the ones seeing our faces at BBQs, birthday parties, etc. So I totally get it. Y'all are so sweet and we totally appreciate your love and support.
On the flip side of things, when I get asked what I'll be doing next year I want to ask back to people what they'll be doing in 10 months. The answer is that they probably don't know. I assume most people hope to be in a job that they like, living in a city that they like, surrounded by people that they like and who like them, but usually people don't plan that far in advanced so the specifics are yet unclear. Can't we just live life in the moment, I want to say, without planning what's around the next corner.
I know. I know. That's kinda a jerky response.
And it's not exactly true, anyway. I mean, don't get me wrong. Chris and I talk about it all the time. All. The. Time. Every day. Ad nauseam. And, come to think of it, maybe that's why I get a little twitchy when people ask me what we're doing next. Because we've talked ourselves into so many ideas that we. have. absolutely. no. clue. And it starts to stress me out. I mean, I'm in my mid(some say late, thankyouverymuch)-30's and my life is still up in the air. This was stressful enough when I was graduating college and I felt like I could do anything I wanted to do. I had the energy then. And seemingly endless time. Now? I don't know. I feel the clock ticking and the lack of direction seems to me more like a weight then an opportunity.
What I can tell you is this. Yes, our contract is up in May 2015. Yes, we have started to talk about what we will do. Yes, we are open to staying in Tanzania, or to moving back to the United States, or to living in Europe. That doesn't narrow it much, does it? Our decision is based on a number of things ranging from finances, family health/stability, our ability to adopt a child, and location of an appropriate job for our interests and skills. Some of these things can be planned for, but most of them can't be predicted until much closer to our end-of-contract date. So it's mostly a waiting game for now.
And speaking of waiting games. Although I think it's absolutely appropriate and wise to start discussing and researching our next steps, in all fairness to Tanzania and the life we have now, I think it's also vitally important for us to continue to enjoy where we are now and give our all to the work we are doing at the moment. That's very hard when we're also simultaneously thinking about, researching, and, okay I'll admit, fantasizing about our next move. We fell into this trap before when we were planning to come to Tanzania. It's really hard to live and enjoy the moment when we are waiting for the next change. But I'm not really sure how to do that gracefully.
So for now, I'll try to steer clear of snarky remarks. (Is that possible for me?) And I'll keep asking for support, prayers, and listening ears from family and friends near and far. And we'll just see what opportunities arise around the corner.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
A Magical Land
Saturday, July 05, 2014
Istanbul for a Day
We have a 22 hour layover in Turkey on our way through to Italy and wouldn't you know, if you fly with Turkish Airlines they provide free tours of the city! So Chris and I spent the day trampsing around the city.
One day in Istanbul just isn't enough. What a beautiful city!
Inside the Blue Mosque. (Never mind that I look like I have no teeth.)
Outside the Blue Mosque.
The Turkish flag on the grounds of the Hagia Sofia.
Spices at the Grand Bizaar.
Inside a room in the Topkapi Muaeum.
Metal works at the Grand Bizaar.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Lulu Graduation Festivities
This past week has been a busy one for Lulu Mwanza. Four of our girls groups finished their cycle of classes. It usually takes about 9 months to get through all of the lessons. Once they have finished the lessons, girls can continue but it's a big accomplishment to stick through it and the participants really go through a transformation in the process. So, we like to celebrate the occasion and give them a well-deserved party. Well, actually 3 days of partying.
Monday's Netball Match
Since there are too many girls for everyone to attend the actual graduation, we invited all the girls in all 8 of the Lulu groups to a netball match at the beginning of the week.
Corine explaining how the matches would be organized.
One of the pillars of the program is cooperation and this a great opportunity for the girls to get to know each other, root for other teams, and have some healthy competition. And, boy did they compete!
Eliza gets taken out but the game continues.
During a break in the matches, the girls from Bwiru sing a victory song while others make plans for the rest of the game or are resting till it's their turn to play.
It was really fun to watch, though, and as one team got knocked out of competition, they'd immediately start rooting for another team. In the end one of our newest groups were the victors.
Mecco celebrating their big win.
Cooking and Prep for Gradation
On Tuesday a select number of graduating girls and facilitators gathered to bake the cakes, cooking and sambusas for graduation. It's another added "gift" to the girls who have had good attendance and have showed initiative throughout the year for them to learn how to bake cakes and cookies. Cakes are a hot commodity here in Mwanza and they are very expensive, even for a simple sheet cake. So learning to bake is a skill they could use to start a business in their communities.
Did you know you can bake cakes and cookies are charcoal grills? There are a number of ways you can do it, but here's how we did it.
First you have to fill a tray with sand. We just dug it up in the yard.
That tray will be placed on a charcoal grill until it is very hot.
Then, once you've put greased newspaper in the bottom of a pan and filled it with your batter, place that on the hot sand.
Cover the lid with hot coals and a stone and leave it to cook until done.
I'd heard about this method before but hadn't had the chance to try it out. I have to say it was a whole lot easier than I had expected and the cakes turned out really well. The girls did all the work and were so proud of their accomplishments!
Wednesday Graduation
First of all, about graduation I have to say that the girls take all the credit for it being a success. They planned, organized, and put together everything with guidance and technical advice from Corine. But all the work and planning was done by them. They researched and reserved the hall rental; planned, bought and put up all the decorations; wrote out the schedule of ceremonies; MCed the event; planned and put on skits, songs and dances. All of it was so great and the best part was just the self confidence they showed. You could just see the pride on their faces. This is a far step away from the normal behavior of Tanzanian young women, who often hide their faces if asked a question and are discouraged from making direct eye contact with people.
Teddy icing the cakes, which we'd made the day before.
Easter hanging balloons.
Finishing touches on the head table.
The ceremony going on.
The girls from Ilamela group danced.
Eliza, Teddy, and Anisisa sing a song of thanks for the Lulu program.
It was an action-packed week and my body is paying the price for it this weekend (I'm sick in bed as I write this) but what a great week and what a wonderful tribute to some special girls.
Monday's Netball Match
Since there are too many girls for everyone to attend the actual graduation, we invited all the girls in all 8 of the Lulu groups to a netball match at the beginning of the week.
Corine explaining how the matches would be organized.
One of the pillars of the program is cooperation and this a great opportunity for the girls to get to know each other, root for other teams, and have some healthy competition. And, boy did they compete!
Eliza gets taken out but the game continues.
During a break in the matches, the girls from Bwiru sing a victory song while others make plans for the rest of the game or are resting till it's their turn to play.
It was really fun to watch, though, and as one team got knocked out of competition, they'd immediately start rooting for another team. In the end one of our newest groups were the victors.
Mecco celebrating their big win.
Cooking and Prep for Gradation
On Tuesday a select number of graduating girls and facilitators gathered to bake the cakes, cooking and sambusas for graduation. It's another added "gift" to the girls who have had good attendance and have showed initiative throughout the year for them to learn how to bake cakes and cookies. Cakes are a hot commodity here in Mwanza and they are very expensive, even for a simple sheet cake. So learning to bake is a skill they could use to start a business in their communities.
Did you know you can bake cakes and cookies are charcoal grills? There are a number of ways you can do it, but here's how we did it.
First you have to fill a tray with sand. We just dug it up in the yard.
That tray will be placed on a charcoal grill until it is very hot.
Then, once you've put greased newspaper in the bottom of a pan and filled it with your batter, place that on the hot sand.
Cover the lid with hot coals and a stone and leave it to cook until done.
I'd heard about this method before but hadn't had the chance to try it out. I have to say it was a whole lot easier than I had expected and the cakes turned out really well. The girls did all the work and were so proud of their accomplishments!
Wednesday Graduation
First of all, about graduation I have to say that the girls take all the credit for it being a success. They planned, organized, and put together everything with guidance and technical advice from Corine. But all the work and planning was done by them. They researched and reserved the hall rental; planned, bought and put up all the decorations; wrote out the schedule of ceremonies; MCed the event; planned and put on skits, songs and dances. All of it was so great and the best part was just the self confidence they showed. You could just see the pride on their faces. This is a far step away from the normal behavior of Tanzanian young women, who often hide their faces if asked a question and are discouraged from making direct eye contact with people.
Teddy icing the cakes, which we'd made the day before.
Easter hanging balloons.
Finishing touches on the head table.
The ceremony going on.
The girls from Ilamela group danced.
Eliza, Teddy, and Anisisa sing a song of thanks for the Lulu program.
It was an action-packed week and my body is paying the price for it this weekend (I'm sick in bed as I write this) but what a great week and what a wonderful tribute to some special girls.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Corpus Christi 2014
In Catholic news, today is the feast of Corpus Christi. In the US we don't usually do much to commemorate this feast day, but in much of the rest of the world parades and processions are usually held. In our own church in Mabatini there is always a procession in between the two Masses, where the Eucharist is paraded down the street and a large line of people go before and after, singing songs and making joyful sounds. It's always kinda cool to watch*.
The Eucharist is processed under this tent with incense being spread before it. You can also see the children in front with white shirts and red skirts/pants. Those are the Eucharistic dancers, who were throwing flower petals in front as they processed. Love them.
The line is actually quite long; it snakes around out of the picture and then back in again.
A video of the procession coming into the church.
*Even if it means that Mass is then 3 1/2 hours.
The Eucharist is processed under this tent with incense being spread before it. You can also see the children in front with white shirts and red skirts/pants. Those are the Eucharistic dancers, who were throwing flower petals in front as they processed. Love them.
The line is actually quite long; it snakes around out of the picture and then back in again.
A video of the procession coming into the church.
*Even if it means that Mass is then 3 1/2 hours.
Monday, June 16, 2014
International Day of the African Child
Did you know June 16 is the Day of the African Child? In honor of the day, let's meet some of the familiar African child faces from our neighborhood. What better reason to celebrate than these cuties! And aren't we lucky we get to see them every day.
Maende in fancy shoes. He has a wonderful personality and is just old enough to be coming into his own.
Paulo. His parents own the little shop where we buy our daily staples (bread, eggs, flour, matches, etc.).
Sifa, which means praise. She's a girl. She comes with her mom each week for tutoring class with Chris.
Last but certainly not least, Stevu. I like to think of him as kinda the mayor of the kids in the neighborhood. His mom also owns another little shop where we buy our staples when Mama Paulo is out.
Maende in fancy shoes. He has a wonderful personality and is just old enough to be coming into his own.
Paulo. His parents own the little shop where we buy our daily staples (bread, eggs, flour, matches, etc.).
Sifa, which means praise. She's a girl. She comes with her mom each week for tutoring class with Chris.
Last but certainly not least, Stevu. I like to think of him as kinda the mayor of the kids in the neighborhood. His mom also owns another little shop where we buy our staples when Mama Paulo is out.
Monday, June 09, 2014
Lulu Merchandise for Sale (Limited quantities)
After I posted the picture of our Lulu booth at last weekend's craft fair, I received some feedback from folks interested in purchasing items. As I'm sure most understand, shipping from Africa isn't really very reliable, nor is it cost effective. So I have to rely on travelers coming to and from our area to transport any items going to the US. Luckily, such an opportunity is coming up next month! So, I present to you pictures of Lulu items that I have for sale.
Crocheted Bag/Purse (with lining and zipper), Stuffed Lizard made from kitenge African fabric, and Small Gift Bags made out of kitenge
Closeup of Bag/Purse (also available in pink)
Closeup of Lizards
Closeup of Gift bags
Crocheted Baby and Infant Sweaters and Caps and Balls made of kitenge African fabric
Necklaces with handmade beads of kitenge African fabric (available in 3 lengths: 25-, 30- and 40-bead count) and Greeting Cards (cards available are Christmas cards, flowers, wedding, and baby)
Closeup of the cool beads with various fabrics/colors
Mobiles with birds, stars or hearts (available in 2 lengths: 3- and 5-count) made of kitenge African fabric and bracelets with handmade beads of kitenge African fabric
Closeup of shorter Mobiles
Closeup of longer Mobiles
Closeup of Bracelets
Plastic Ball with rattle inside made of recycled plastic bags
Plastic Bag/Basket made of recycled plastic bags
I have limited quantities and the space in the suitcase will be small, so big orders for churches or other groups will have to wait for another time (though you can certainly let me know if this is something you're interested in for the future). Leave a comment in the message box, or email me at kreid(at)mklm.org with questions or more detailed pictures and to discuss payment options.
Also, here's a picture of the girls in Mabatini* making cards last week. I love that they're all wearing their Lulu t-shirts, which say Ushirikiano (cooperation), Uthubutu (assertiveness), and Ubunifu (creativity)!
Finally, here's a Lulu baby, one of many. Queenie gets a little bored during our lessons so we tried to entertain her on this day by putting chalk on her face. She loved it!
Asante sana (thank you so much) on behalf of the girls for your support!
*Just to be clear, the handcrafts pictured above are made by all Lulu girls in our various groups around Mwanza.
Crocheted Bag/Purse (with lining and zipper), Stuffed Lizard made from kitenge African fabric, and Small Gift Bags made out of kitenge
Closeup of Bag/Purse (also available in pink)
Closeup of Lizards
Closeup of Gift bags
Crocheted Baby and Infant Sweaters and Caps and Balls made of kitenge African fabric
Necklaces with handmade beads of kitenge African fabric (available in 3 lengths: 25-, 30- and 40-bead count) and Greeting Cards (cards available are Christmas cards, flowers, wedding, and baby)
Closeup of the cool beads with various fabrics/colors
Mobiles with birds, stars or hearts (available in 2 lengths: 3- and 5-count) made of kitenge African fabric and bracelets with handmade beads of kitenge African fabric
Closeup of shorter Mobiles
Closeup of longer Mobiles
Closeup of Bracelets
Plastic Ball with rattle inside made of recycled plastic bags
Plastic Bag/Basket made of recycled plastic bags
I have limited quantities and the space in the suitcase will be small, so big orders for churches or other groups will have to wait for another time (though you can certainly let me know if this is something you're interested in for the future). Leave a comment in the message box, or email me at kreid(at)mklm.org with questions or more detailed pictures and to discuss payment options.
Also, here's a picture of the girls in Mabatini* making cards last week. I love that they're all wearing their Lulu t-shirts, which say Ushirikiano (cooperation), Uthubutu (assertiveness), and Ubunifu (creativity)!
Finally, here's a Lulu baby, one of many. Queenie gets a little bored during our lessons so we tried to entertain her on this day by putting chalk on her face. She loved it!
Asante sana (thank you so much) on behalf of the girls for your support!
*Just to be clear, the handcrafts pictured above are made by all Lulu girls in our various groups around Mwanza.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Craft Fair May/June 2014
We just had the first of 2 days at the Mwanza Charity Craft Fair. Great day! A little hot, but the company was great, the crafts were beautiful and the causes were worthy.
Taking a break from the sun. In the back you can see some of the hanging mobiles and necklaces that the girls made.
Our booth with crafts, all of which were made by Lulu girls. If you can take out take out the stuff from the booth from behind us, you'll see bags and balls made out of grocery bags, crocheted tablet bags, bracelets, baby sweaters, crocheted bags, balls made out of African fabric, etc. Great job, girls!
We hope even more people will come out tomorrow to support the great work in Mwanza.
Taking a break from the sun. In the back you can see some of the hanging mobiles and necklaces that the girls made.
Our booth with crafts, all of which were made by Lulu girls. If you can take out take out the stuff from the booth from behind us, you'll see bags and balls made out of grocery bags, crocheted tablet bags, bracelets, baby sweaters, crocheted bags, balls made out of African fabric, etc. Great job, girls!
We hope even more people will come out tomorrow to support the great work in Mwanza.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Lulu Happenings
I'm so proud of the Lulu girls in Mabatini. Ever since they learned kazi za mikono (handcrafts), they have really been working hard to get things done so they can sell them and make a little money. (The idea is that this money will be used to fund small businesses of their own.) For the past month the girls have been showing up early and not wanting to leave when the class is over. We have to kick them out! And THAT'S saying something from a culture where it's normal for no one to show up to a meeting until an hour after it was supposed to start. It's just really exciting and heartwarming to see them really using their skills to the fullest.
Mwanhamisi, who is a new facilitator currently in training, sits with Easter (pronounced Ester). who is a more experienced facilitator, to learn about making greeting cards.
One of our most quiet participants, Nyigo, is really proficient at card-making and it's been a great way to get her more involved with the other girls, who are much more outgoing.
The downside to this is that when you empower people to stand up for what they want, they can get really pushy. Just as it is heartwarming to see our hard work paying off, it's also really annoying when they're all 20 of them swarmed around me and demanding whatever it is that they need. Sheesh! We've created monsters!*
Also, speaking of unexpected things...Sometimes we have unexpected visitors in our Lulu classroom. Check out who stopped by with his family to hear about our session on family planning. There were so many of them, I think they might need the lesson!
A family of monkeys! This was the only shot I could grab of these cute, but mischievious guys.
*Really, I'm just kidding. I wish all my friends and family at home could see the transformations from our first meetings, where everyone was timidly sitting, afraid to talk or interact with each other, up until now, when they're joking with each other, participating in classes, and working so hard. So many of them have started small businesses and are making a little money to help their families along or to educate their kids. It's really, truly wonderful!
Mwanhamisi, who is a new facilitator currently in training, sits with Easter (pronounced Ester). who is a more experienced facilitator, to learn about making greeting cards.
One of our most quiet participants, Nyigo, is really proficient at card-making and it's been a great way to get her more involved with the other girls, who are much more outgoing.
The downside to this is that when you empower people to stand up for what they want, they can get really pushy. Just as it is heartwarming to see our hard work paying off, it's also really annoying when they're all 20 of them swarmed around me and demanding whatever it is that they need. Sheesh! We've created monsters!*
Also, speaking of unexpected things...Sometimes we have unexpected visitors in our Lulu classroom. Check out who stopped by with his family to hear about our session on family planning. There were so many of them, I think they might need the lesson!
A family of monkeys! This was the only shot I could grab of these cute, but mischievious guys.
*Really, I'm just kidding. I wish all my friends and family at home could see the transformations from our first meetings, where everyone was timidly sitting, afraid to talk or interact with each other, up until now, when they're joking with each other, participating in classes, and working so hard. So many of them have started small businesses and are making a little money to help their families along or to educate their kids. It's really, truly wonderful!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Happy Mother's day
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, step-mothers, mothers-in-law, and mother-like figures, especially to those who who are no longer united with their children.
I thought that a special flashback Mother's Day picture would be appropriate for this occasion.
I don't know if I should say sorry to or congratulate my step-mom on her fortune at the incomprehensible fact that I don't have an old photo of her. Instead, here's one of my two mom's on our last visit.
I thought that a special flashback Mother's Day picture would be appropriate for this occasion.
 |
| Mom and Grandmom on presumably Mother's Day AM, just a few years back. |
I don't know if I should say sorry to or congratulate my step-mom on her fortune at the incomprehensible fact that I don't have an old photo of her. Instead, here's one of my two mom's on our last visit.
 |
| Photo by Ben Waldie. |
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Duara wa Utawala na Uthubiti- Power and Control Wheel in Swahili
If I were doing a presentation in America or in English I could do a quick Google search and find an overwhelming amount of materials, as well as some fairly standard tools that are used pretty much universally by most Domestic Violence Prevention Educators across North America. Unfortunately, when I did those same searches in Swahili I couldn't find a single thing. So I had to recreate the wheel, literally.
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| Duara wa Utawala na Uthubiti or Power and Control Wheel, in English |
So here is Power and Control Wheel, or Duara wa Utawala na Uthubiti in Swahili, which is a tool to describe various methods that an abuser often uses to obtain power over another person. It certainly isn't an all-inclusive list, but just an illustration of a few examples. I wanted to have pictures in order to be inclusive of those who can't read, but being that I have little to no artistic ability I didn't want to (poorly) draw everything. Luckily, I found pictures from a Power and Control Wheel I found online, which is meant to be used for people with hearing impairments.
So anyways, for all posterity here it is. Hope it can be of some use to someone at some point.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Translations
Monday, April 21, 2014
Happy Easter
For the second year in a row, we (me and the Rossers) dyed Easter eggs and had an egg hunt with the neighborhood kids on the Saturday before Easter. This isn't really a custom that Tanzanians participate in, so it's hard for the kids to fully understand what we're doing and why we're doing it. But that doesn't stop us from having a great time!
Caitlin helping Steve to dye his egg and pick out stickers while Steve manages his lollipop.
Check out this little egg.
I think my favorite part of the day was when one of the girls saw David walking back from the duka with juice he just bought for the kids to drink and she says with glee, "ARE WE GOING TO HIDE THE JUICE NOW!?"
Dogs, kids and chickens all race around the yard to find the eggs.
We had to keep a close eye on the dogs and chase them away a lot because they were keen to get the eggs and eat them before the kids could find them!
Counting the eggs to be sure we found them all.
After the hunt was over, all the kids were able to eat a few eggs and a glass of mango juice.
Enjoying the fruits of their labor...well, I guess that would be the fruits of the chickens labor.
Smokey waiting for an opportunity.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday and wishing you continued blessings for the whole Easter season.
Caitlin helping Steve to dye his egg and pick out stickers while Steve manages his lollipop.
Check out this little egg.
I think my favorite part of the day was when one of the girls saw David walking back from the duka with juice he just bought for the kids to drink and she says with glee, "ARE WE GOING TO HIDE THE JUICE NOW!?"
Dogs, kids and chickens all race around the yard to find the eggs.
We had to keep a close eye on the dogs and chase them away a lot because they were keen to get the eggs and eat them before the kids could find them!
Counting the eggs to be sure we found them all.
After the hunt was over, all the kids were able to eat a few eggs and a glass of mango juice.
Enjoying the fruits of their labor...well, I guess that would be the fruits of the chickens labor.
Smokey waiting for an opportunity.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday and wishing you continued blessings for the whole Easter season.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Two Weeks of Workshops
The past two weeks of Lulu have been quite exciting. Last week all of the Lulu participants in all 5 of the groups around town had the opportunity to study different hand craft skills. We offered crocheting workshops, workshops on making gift cards, on sewing different stuffed animals, and on making rosaries. The girls were able to chose which of the handcrafts they wanted to learn and then they traveled to another group for the class. This offered the participants the opportunity to learn about other Lulu groups and to meet girls from another area of town. I had a great time hosting new girls at the Mabatini workshops and loved just sitting with them as they quietly worked away.
A participant from our Mabatini group learns how to sew animals out of fabric.
Sikudhani, the teacher, is showing off the "mifano" or examples that the girls are learning to sew, a ball and a lizard.
This past week the regular Lulu participants had the week off for holiday, but the facilitators and we coordinators were busy with facilitator workshops. All week long we had sessions to help the peer educators develop new facilitation skills, learn new topics, and increase their skills to be better at their jobs as Lulu facilitators.
On Monday I had the opportunity to facilitate a 90-minute session on healthy relationships and domestic violence. Did I mention it was in Swahili!? It my first time presenting this topic in Swahili so it was a challenge. But all-in-all I thought it went well and I was really proud of myself.
All week long, it was so wonderful to see the girls laughing and enjoying each others' company, asking insightful questions, challenging each other and the facilitators, and expanding their minds and world-views. It makes me so happy to be here and so honored to play even a small part of facilitating this change in them.
A participant from our Mabatini group learns how to sew animals out of fabric.
Sikudhani, the teacher, is showing off the "mifano" or examples that the girls are learning to sew, a ball and a lizard.
This past week the regular Lulu participants had the week off for holiday, but the facilitators and we coordinators were busy with facilitator workshops. All week long we had sessions to help the peer educators develop new facilitation skills, learn new topics, and increase their skills to be better at their jobs as Lulu facilitators.
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| Listening intently. Photo by Corine 't Hart. |
On Monday I had the opportunity to facilitate a 90-minute session on healthy relationships and domestic violence. Did I mention it was in Swahili!? It my first time presenting this topic in Swahili so it was a challenge. But all-in-all I thought it went well and I was really proud of myself.
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| Facilitating my workshop. Photo by Corine 't Hart. |
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| Facilitating my workshop. Photo by Corine 't Hart. |
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| Our whole crew for the week. Photo by Corine t' Hart. |
Saturday, April 12, 2014
How's Bubu?
I haven't posted much lately. Things are busy with the normal stuff of work and rest.
But how's Bubu, you want to know.
But how's Bubu, you want to know.
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| Chilling, as always. |
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Another Year, on to 36
It's hard for me to believe that a year ago I was in the US on a quick, last minute trip due to ongoing illnesses. The year has really flown by and here I am, still in Tanzania, celebrating another birthday, my 36th. I am so happy that this past year I have been able to put a lot of my health issues behind me and concentrate more on work and enjoying my
life here.
Thanks, everyone, for all the well-wishes, emails, Facebook messages, notes, etc on my birthday. It really means a lot to me to be remembered. I had a very nice day. I spent the morning at the one and only nice coffee shop in town for a work meeting. It was much nicer than it sounds because my coworker is also a friend and I enjoyed a cool iced tea while we planned and chatted. I also spent a few hours with these ladies.
Then I got to go out to dinner with this guy.
Here's what was on the other side of the table.
Wuw! I can't believe that I actually look like this because this is what I still think I look like.
Anyways, here's to another great year of getting older, to health, happiness and meaningful work!
Thanks, everyone, for all the well-wishes, emails, Facebook messages, notes, etc on my birthday. It really means a lot to me to be remembered. I had a very nice day. I spent the morning at the one and only nice coffee shop in town for a work meeting. It was much nicer than it sounds because my coworker is also a friend and I enjoyed a cool iced tea while we planned and chatted. I also spent a few hours with these ladies.
Then I got to go out to dinner with this guy.
Here's what was on the other side of the table.
Wuw! I can't believe that I actually look like this because this is what I still think I look like.
Anyways, here's to another great year of getting older, to health, happiness and meaningful work!
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