Habari to all-
The kids are leaving Dar es Salaam tonight for home, and we're still here in Miyuji, hopefully to finish our windmill today. It is the first totally Tanzania-built windmill, and we're very excited and honoured to be putting it up. It will water a new garden here to grow vegetables to feed the school children.
Since the kids left last Wednesday, we've been touring every afternoon, visiting missions that serve lepers, mentally handicapped children, Aids/HIV orphans, and the poorest of the poor's homes.
The poverty is indescribable. And yet the hospitality of the people is incredible. On Sunday, we went to the local parish church. It was all in Swahili, and the choir danced and sang, and they had an auction after Mass to raise money for the Diocese and the parish. It was 'Thanksgiving Sunday'. We had some quiet time, and were able to just hang around the neighbourhood, and paint the fins for the windmill. Our usual de-briefing followed.
Yesterday, Monday, was the most exciting day since we arrived, because the container of food that we shipped finally arrived here!!!!! We unloaded it with much happiness and lots of pictures. Unfortunately, we are not as computer-literate as the kids, so don't know if we can upload a picture. We'll try.
Tonight is African night. We're having roasted goat, and wearing our African clothes--no shoes or socks allowed. Should be fun.
Love you and miss you all.
Pat, Julian, Casey, Josh, Fr. Wladek, Anita, Rob, Aileen, and Wilf
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Desolate Country...Beautiful People
All kidding about our exploits to get here aside, the adults have had an opportunity to experience a minor taste of life here. We had the opportunity to work on the water project at Chihikwi and all of us came to an understanding quickly how hard and relentless life could be for anyone living here. Trying to trench through concrete like soil, with picks and hoes, centimeter by centimeter, in the sun. The youth group and the villagers have done a great job trenching 400 to 500 metres from the tower to the waterstorage tanks and a further 200 to 300 metres from the tanks to an animal trough. We only had to work at it for 2 days, the villagers have to live with this for life. Any semblance of moisture in the soil is quickly dried by the constant wind and the soil again hardens.
We saw the water hole that the villagers had used. This was shared with the animals. They do draw from another well that does go dry in the winter months (now) and when it has water they should boil it, but may not. They might get water this week from the new well if they can finish the trench.
We had a chance to tour the CPPS compound with Fr. Tim. The compound serves as living quarters, workspace and workshop, small farm, school grounds and worship space. The compound is clean, green and alive. It stands as a living testimony to the power of water in a harsh environment. The compound and all workers are self sufficient. They grow and raise everything they need to survive here. They re-cycle everything including sewage and manure, which is turned into bio-gas that runs some lamps and the kitchen stoves. Shipping containers are turned into storage and office space, all steel is kept and reused, nothing is thrown away. They manufacture their own concrete blocks for building projects, they make their own wood furniture, they manufacture all their windmills and repair all mechanical equipment on site. They grow their own fruit, coffee, vegetables, grapes, they also raise all their meat on site. The school grounds is well kept and large. The classrooms are limited to 30 students each to control the quality of education. This is in keeping with the concept of helping people help themselves. All the workers are very well treated and the site apparently employs over 100 local people.
The local people are truly amazing. While we North Americans typically fret over some insignificant detail like we have not had our morning coffee, these people are a true testament to their abilityto survive and keep coming back for more. The smiles and the waves, the friendly greetings, the constant welcome (karibu) even under the conditions they live in, is uplifting. Most of us were frankly shocked to see the living conditions of typical Tanzanians. Mud brick huts, some with metal roofs, all vulnerable to the elements. Most have no water, no power. Some have no windows, no doors. They all have a common thread, the people.
We had the privilege of attending Mass this morning in Chihikwi. The church is very small, mud brick, with mud brick benches. There were probably 100 people crammed inside and more on the outside. These people have faith. The voices were beautiful, accompanied by traditional drummers. The mass was conducted in Swahili, Fr. Tim interpreted for us as required. The atmosphere was prayerful and respectful and was a joy to participate in.
Prior to Mass we had a chance to walk to the Chihikwi school. Some of the youth played with the village children and managed to teach them the Hokey-Pokey. The children laughed and laughed at the shakin' it all about part.
This afternoon we separated all the wonderful donations, so that we can distribute them over the next few days. Another chance to meet some more wonderful people.
The Adult Group
We saw the water hole that the villagers had used. This was shared with the animals. They do draw from another well that does go dry in the winter months (now) and when it has water they should boil it, but may not. They might get water this week from the new well if they can finish the trench.
We had a chance to tour the CPPS compound with Fr. Tim. The compound serves as living quarters, workspace and workshop, small farm, school grounds and worship space. The compound is clean, green and alive. It stands as a living testimony to the power of water in a harsh environment. The compound and all workers are self sufficient. They grow and raise everything they need to survive here. They re-cycle everything including sewage and manure, which is turned into bio-gas that runs some lamps and the kitchen stoves. Shipping containers are turned into storage and office space, all steel is kept and reused, nothing is thrown away. They manufacture their own concrete blocks for building projects, they make their own wood furniture, they manufacture all their windmills and repair all mechanical equipment on site. They grow their own fruit, coffee, vegetables, grapes, they also raise all their meat on site. The school grounds is well kept and large. The classrooms are limited to 30 students each to control the quality of education. This is in keeping with the concept of helping people help themselves. All the workers are very well treated and the site apparently employs over 100 local people.
The local people are truly amazing. While we North Americans typically fret over some insignificant detail like we have not had our morning coffee, these people are a true testament to their abilityto survive and keep coming back for more. The smiles and the waves, the friendly greetings, the constant welcome (karibu) even under the conditions they live in, is uplifting. Most of us were frankly shocked to see the living conditions of typical Tanzanians. Mud brick huts, some with metal roofs, all vulnerable to the elements. Most have no water, no power. Some have no windows, no doors. They all have a common thread, the people.
We had the privilege of attending Mass this morning in Chihikwi. The church is very small, mud brick, with mud brick benches. There were probably 100 people crammed inside and more on the outside. These people have faith. The voices were beautiful, accompanied by traditional drummers. The mass was conducted in Swahili, Fr. Tim interpreted for us as required. The atmosphere was prayerful and respectful and was a joy to participate in.
Prior to Mass we had a chance to walk to the Chihikwi school. Some of the youth played with the village children and managed to teach them the Hokey-Pokey. The children laughed and laughed at the shakin' it all about part.
This afternoon we separated all the wonderful donations, so that we can distribute them over the next few days. Another chance to meet some more wonderful people.
The Adult Group
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Re-cycled Youth are Now here
Although we didn’t break the 4-day record for getting here, we came close with our 46-hour trip. Our Amsterdam experiences included getting thrown off the train for having invalid tickets and Fr. Wladek extolling Holland as a Catholic nation after seeing 6 bike-riding nuns in full habits, who upon closer inspection were sporting red garters and had strayed from a Gay Pride parade.
Anita, Rob, Wilf & Aileen decided to stay at the airport, not wanting to miss the next flight, and not only missed out on all the excitement but were further rewarded by a 4-hour extension on our Amsterdam layover—12 hours in all.
In Nairobi, we were introduced to the True African Experience—lineups—while they cleared the runways and transfer desks from the Kenya Airlines strike. So we were able to enjoy Nairobi Airport an extra 4 hours too, bringing us to Dar es Salaam late Monday night, even later because “Mother” Anita couldn’t get her act together to get us into the right lineup to get us through immigration.
The adventure continued…..while touring Dar es Salaam, we passed the American Embassy, and were pulled over by armed guards. Aileen was hauled away for espionage pictures of roadside barbeques. Casey’s Negotiating 101 at the market, had vendors chasing us as we drove away in the Big Yellow Taxi. Encounters with barking dogs, caused Julian and Pat to miss Mass ( particularly embarrassing after he was assured to be the first one up, being an ‘Alberta farm boy’). Rob is still learning how to deal with mosquito netting while getting out of bed without falling. Josh and Wilf will not continue to avoid trouble—we’ll see to that!!!
We are now arrived at the CPPS Mission “All-inclusive” Resort in Dodoma, enjoying the all-day trip in our luxury seats on the Yellow Submarine.
More to follow……..
Love, Pat, Julian, Casey, Fr. Wladek, Josh, Anita, Rob, Wilf, and Anita
Anita, Rob, Wilf & Aileen decided to stay at the airport, not wanting to miss the next flight, and not only missed out on all the excitement but were further rewarded by a 4-hour extension on our Amsterdam layover—12 hours in all.
In Nairobi, we were introduced to the True African Experience—lineups—while they cleared the runways and transfer desks from the Kenya Airlines strike. So we were able to enjoy Nairobi Airport an extra 4 hours too, bringing us to Dar es Salaam late Monday night, even later because “Mother” Anita couldn’t get her act together to get us into the right lineup to get us through immigration.
The adventure continued…..while touring Dar es Salaam, we passed the American Embassy, and were pulled over by armed guards. Aileen was hauled away for espionage pictures of roadside barbeques. Casey’s Negotiating 101 at the market, had vendors chasing us as we drove away in the Big Yellow Taxi. Encounters with barking dogs, caused Julian and Pat to miss Mass ( particularly embarrassing after he was assured to be the first one up, being an ‘Alberta farm boy’). Rob is still learning how to deal with mosquito netting while getting out of bed without falling. Josh and Wilf will not continue to avoid trouble—we’ll see to that!!!
We are now arrived at the CPPS Mission “All-inclusive” Resort in Dodoma, enjoying the all-day trip in our luxury seats on the Yellow Submarine.
More to follow……..
Love, Pat, Julian, Casey, Fr. Wladek, Josh, Anita, Rob, Wilf, and Anita
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Latest Update
Well we have put on few miles since the last post. We travelled up country to Itigi, Mkiwa and Sukamahela. The first 120 km was on black top, then it took about 2 hours to travel 40 km. We must have swallowed 10 kg of dust each, and I am suprised no one broke their back!! We stayed over night in Itigi. It has a modern hospital that serves a very large area. People even come from neighbouring countries to get medical attention. Then the next day we went to Mkiwa and visited the Ursilin Sisters formation house. From there we went to Sukamahela, a village that has over 60 people with leprosy living there. The Ursilin Sister care for them. Even though many of them are blind and missing fingers and toes they are very happy, maybe we could all learn something from them!
Friday we were back in the village. Still digging(chiselling) our trench to the livestock trough and making one of the water storage tanks. Karen and Kateri got right in the termite dung to mix it with water. The villagers are getting closer to finishing their 500m ditch, hopefully when we go back there next Friday it will be done.
Friday night was PIZZA night and we also celebrated Cale's birthday. We gave it a good shot but we could not break the pizza eating record. Everyone had a good time, Fr Tim was the pizza cook and mmmmmm it was good.
Today we visited Hombolo and the Missions of Charity, Mother Teresa's order. They look after orphaned children, senoir men and women and lepers. They perform a huge service to the people there. The small children grabbed onto us and would not let go as we left the orphanage. The older ladies played the drums and sang for us, they happy people from Canada were there to visit with them.
Keep us all in your prayers
Lloyd
Friday we were back in the village. Still digging(chiselling) our trench to the livestock trough and making one of the water storage tanks. Karen and Kateri got right in the termite dung to mix it with water. The villagers are getting closer to finishing their 500m ditch, hopefully when we go back there next Friday it will be done.
Friday night was PIZZA night and we also celebrated Cale's birthday. We gave it a good shot but we could not break the pizza eating record. Everyone had a good time, Fr Tim was the pizza cook and mmmmmm it was good.
Today we visited Hombolo and the Missions of Charity, Mother Teresa's order. They look after orphaned children, senoir men and women and lepers. They perform a huge service to the people there. The small children grabbed onto us and would not let go as we left the orphanage. The older ladies played the drums and sang for us, they happy people from Canada were there to visit with them.
Keep us all in your prayers
Lloyd
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
MAMBO VIPI!!!
Over the last two work days we've got the foundation for the storage tanks finished and most of the 100 meter trench to the trough done. Work is good, we're all getting tougher and stronger day by day. Today me Steph, Claire, Steve, Cale, Kateri and Chris witnessed a live goat get slaughtered for lunch in front of our eyes. Claire insisted that we name it before it dies... but none of us could bring ourselves to do that. In the Muslim faith, here in Tanzania the slaughtering of a goat is a spiritual thing. They pray over the goat and have to kill it facing East (something like that I think). It was a gorey incounter but I'm glad I got to see it. Tomorrow we're heading down to Itigi to visit a missionary hospital and the following day; Sukamahala, where we are going to visit an institution for people with leprasy and other disablilties. Time flies pretty fast here, but looking back I can't believe it's almost been a month.
Anyways, it's getting pretty late and we have a long day of travel tomorrow
SOOO BYE
- Karen and Steph
Anyways, it's getting pretty late and we have a long day of travel tomorrow
SOOO BYE
- Karen and Steph
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tunza maji!!
Hey hey hey! So Thursday and Firday we finished the windmill, and we finally have clean water! yeah, it was pretty exciting! :) It was so crazy to watch the guys finish the windmill. They just climbed up to the top (12 meters) and screwed in all the fins and the motor and stuff with just a little piece of chain holding them on. The days get pretty hot obviously, so Nickey, Claire, Kat and I had a water war with three of the workers. That's right, not just a fight but a war. :) We might have got owned, but they were wet too by the end of it. It was super exciting to see the water finally come out, but we're still working on that 500 m. trench. Nickey and Claire paced it out and we've done 228 paces, and we have 332 left to go. Plus we have to make sure it's deep enough the whole way. The people are really nice everywhere. We had to move some rocks and sand from one area to another, and they walked faithfully back and forth with us everytime. Nickey, Katherine and I went in the truck with Gabriel a few times, and he decided that Katherine is Tanzanian becasue she has dark hair, I'm half Canadian half Tanzanian becasue of my freckles, and Nickey is just Canadian with her blonde hair and white (tanned at most) skin. Then today we got to go to our first orphanage! We went to the House of Hope which is run by the Ursline Sisters, and of course, the kids were beyond cute. They had these drums made from oil drums that they played for us; it was pretty cool. This afternoon we have some ladies coming in to measure us so that they can sew us whatever we want from the material we bought. :) We've also taken to having dance parties in the back of the truck and singing Taylor Swift. Well, some of us have at least. Miss everyone tons! xoxo
Meaghan =)
Meaghan =)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Busy, busy,busy....
We have been doing all kinds of things the last few days. After resting on Sunday, Monday morning we took down what we had put up for the celebration on Saturday. Tuesday morning we loaded up the truck with everything we need to finish the windmill on Thursday.Then we went to town and did some shopping at the material shops. We all spent some money to help the economy of Tanzania. On Wednesday we went to Manyoni. The President was unveiling a plaque at the new water project that supplies water to the town of Manyoni. Eight wells with electric pumps supply a large tank which then is pumped to Manyoni. Some of us got to shake the hand of the President. His speach to the people was very good and the people responded well, even thogh none of us understood. On the wayhome we stopped at Kintiku and visited with some Sisters. One of the sisters has been here since 1962!!! We had a tour of the village by Fr. Tim. We were followed by 30-40 children, laughing and playing with all of us. On the way home we had a beautiful sunset, yes we took pictures. We got home after 8:00, had dinner and went to bed. Tomorrow we are back to Chihikwi, there should be water flowing!!!!!
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