Today we got up, had breakfast, and went to church. Amber and I wore our new dresses and got lots of smiles and compliments on them. There was so much singing and the church itself was beautiful! They introduced us and welcomed us. They also give offerings to the church multiple times each service. We saw a baptism as well πΆπΏ
Day 23: Sunday Funday
Day 22: Family Saturday
Today we slept in which was truly wonderful. Then we had breakfast outside in the garden with Mama and Baba. There was a feast of arrow root, beef sausage, avocado, oranges, boiled eggs, and coffee. It, of course, was delicious. During breakfast we told Mama and Baba about our travels and remarked on how much we loved our host brothers and sisters. Baba told us Frank's story and how his mother passed away about a month and a half ago. He's really been struggling with it, but is very bright and loving.
Day 21: the 10 hour drive back to Arusha
After some craziness regarding being on time and ready, we all loaded up onto the bus and started our journey at 6:30am. We reserved 30 seats and the rest were bought by other Tanzanians who also wished to travel to Arusha. The hotel made us little breakfast bags with a cinnamon nut roll, a boiled egg, 2 samosas, a yogurt, and some juice. It wasn't bad tasting but after eating it I felt like crap, which was made worse by how hot it was on the bus. The ride out of the city was bumpy and made me want to vomit, but I stayed strong. I put my headphones in and tried to drown out the awful music that the bus driver was blaring as we jerked from stop to go and back.
Day 20: Bargaining At Its Finest
Today we went to this huge market where we got to purchase gifts and souvenirs from local merchants and artists. We got to practice our bartering and see what it's like to be bombarded by people trying to sell you totally overpriced goods. People grabbed my arms, others hollared at me, some just said, "sista, sista! Karibu! You come to my shop! Look around! Very goody price!" It was all very loud, hectic, and to be honest, overwhelming. Still, I prevailed and got all the gifts I'd wanted to get for people back home and a few treasures for myself at solid prices. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful and now I'm trying to go to bed because I have to get up at 4 to catch a public bus back to Arusha. I'm not looking forward to the 10 hour bus ride..
Day 19: Poop Happens
I was sick today so I stayed at the hotel, drank water, and slept. Amber was sick too, so she did the same...
Day 18: Medical Agency Visits
Today we visited 2 agencies: Health Promotion Tanzania and Muhimbili National Hospital. We were given extensive lectures at each that were a little bit tiring, but overall really good. Health Promotion Tanzania is an NGO that was established in 2004 with the purpose of creating a link between communities and health facilities and establishing a responsible and healthy society. Their main pillars (aka objectives) include community system strengthening, social accountability monitoring, policy advocacy, and institutional strengthening. Three of their most successful programs include Participatory Reflection and Action, the Families Matter Project, and Pamoja Tuwalee (meaning "together we care").
Day 17: Spice Tour & Giant Speedboat
Today we went on a spice tour which was cut short and was rushed due to unexpected rain. It was cool though because we got to hold and smell all of the spices right off of the plant. Then we hopped on the ferry to Da Es Salaam. This seemed like a good idea in theory, but was a huge mess in practice. The ferry was like a giant speedboat. It went so fast! It was obscene! Plus, the water was really rough and choppy causing the boat to toss and jerk back and forth. On top of the turbulence (does that term still apply for boats?) the cabin was not air conditioned and As such was hotter than hades. Due to these factors, a ton of people got sick. I spent most of the ride on the back of the boat tending to and comforting a student who was violently ill and ralphing over the side of the boat. I'm everyone's mama.