Mzungu Maasai

Jambo! Greetings from Tanzania again! Pole sana (so sorry) that I have been MIA for a while. Life in America got to be very hectic and busy. I started a master’s program in January and two “part-time” jobs that seemed to take up a LOT of my time, so it’s good to be back on African time: pole pole (slowly, slowly). I have the same apartment and haven’t quite settled in yet as Langoi just brought me the stuff I left here yesterday, but I will get unpacked today,

I chose to fly nonstop, directly from NYC/JFK to Nairobi, Kenya for this trip due to the situation in the Middle East. While it is definitely shorter and somewhat easier in that aspect, it also means going through customs in Kenya and then driving to Arusha once I land. I got flagged for having a satellite radio (I’m not even sure what you call it, to be honest) and had to sweettalk my way out of that as my brother bought it for me to contact them in case of emergencies like the “Unpleasantness” that happened last October. I also got a lecture at the border for not having my vaccination card on me which I completely forgot about until I was above the Atlantic Ocean. A little late for it then! I honestly don’t even remember where I put it since I only need it in Kenya…

Yesterday I went to visit the babies even though they are out on break. We still had a very good turnout. Almost all of them showed up! I read them a story, and they sang a few songs for me. Then, Langoi and I visited his old school, Nanja Secondary School, to distribute some sanitary pads to the female students in Form Four who are studying for their national exams in November, so they don’t go home for the midterm break. After that we visited Kisongo Lounge for a late lunch (mbuzi choma: roasted goat) and went to an English-style shop so I could get some things that I can’t find in the local village market. All in all, a very good day.

Next week we have some visitors coming to see the school and visit the babies! We are super excited about that! We will take the kids on safari with our visitors and then plant some flowers and bushes to make the environment look better. The toilets are basically finished (finally!!) with the exception of mine, ha ha, It’s winter here, so I’m hoping I brought enough warm clothing with me. If not, there are always shukas to wrap around me! Until next time!