Temple Univesity's "Project Tanzania"

Today is saba saba day in Tanzania, so there is a huge market set up a mile down the road in the middle of a big field. EVERYONE is gonna be there sellng goats and handcrafts and whatever they have been waiting to sell. This year it is special because it is saba saba saba (7-7-07).

I am at an internet café waiting for the connection to free up so I won’t be able to write much. It has been a difficult and rewarding past few days. We have met a lot of wonderful people, both Tanzanian and American, though there is some red tape hassles that are taking awhile to clear up. We were without water for 3 days and that was perhaps the hardest thing yet. We also ran out of propane and haven’t quite figured out how to get it refilled, so eating cooked meals is a rarity and very much enjoyed. But we’ve already developed a lot of good friendships among the high school students and one of the ngo’s here. In fact, the ngo has taken us under wing and even offered free housing to us, giving us rides, introducing us to gov’t officials, and giving invaluable advice.

Yesterday we walked into town (hour walk) and kept waving for a ride/taxi/dalala. Finally we were picked up by a safari jeep who drove us in free of charge. The day before we hitched a ride from a jeep from the Lutheran Church. People here are amazing, so helpful and giving, going out of their way to help us. We have already made many good friendships and are slowly making our way through the red tape and learning about the politics of the region as well. It is much more complex than I had anticipated.

That is all for now. We are off to explore the market and celebrate with everyone from the town.

enjoy your water for us :)

rach