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