It's been a while since I have last written... I'd love to get into detail but internet time here is limited since we haven't had it for so long and everyone wants to get on, so I'll give you the abridged version.
Saturday, May 10th - Manyara - After a crazy 3-4 hour car ride through at least 2 feet of water, mud, and swamp, we made it! We stopped at Twa Twa Twa on the way there and another village, both of who discouraged us from going on further to Manyara due to the conditions of the roads... or lack thereof. As soon as we got there, people poured out of the kindergarten (made of branches and a thatched roof) and danced and sang all around us. They were so amazed we actually came. The situation at Manyara was very sad. The local government had raided the villages and taken their cattle, so the men were gone retrieving their hidden cattle after the central government banned these from happening further. Even though all of this had happened and they had lost so much, they still insisted we had chai and bread. They even provided seconds for those who wanted it. The church service was held outside with 24 baptisms - 17 chldren and 7 adults. After the service, the textbooks that were purchased and the coloring books were presented. The teacher had the children give us each one of their Maasai beaded necklaces in return. On our way out of town, we saw the Maasai men returning with their cattle. We were, literally and figuratively, in church until the cows came home. Ba dun!
5/11 -> Faraja - Today we went to Faraja and learned about the many services they provide, including home-based care, economic empowerment, legal aid, counselling, and traditional medicine. We learned quite a bit, and then went to lunch. We got back in time for the orphanage and when we returned, Brianne Ziegler, a Wartburg grad in the Peace Corps, was there to meet with us. She focuses on international development and sustainability and is currently in the Master's International program at Michigan State. She had some really valuable information and interesting perspectives she was able to share with the group.
5/12 --> Pigs, Faraja, and Basketball - Most of the group went back to Faraja to observe home-based care, while a few girls shadowed a Dr. in town, a few girls went to classrooms, and I was able to shadow the veterinarian. It was a really great experience and he was interesting to talk to. He is coming back Saturday and I will be able to shadow him then too. The girls that went to Faraja had a really great experience... over all, it seemed that everyone had a good day. Then we played the girls at the seminary in basketball. We ended up winning40-36 and had a great time.
5/13 --> Sanga Sanga - Today was an all-day excursion to Sanga Sanga. We went through the rainforest (BUMPY) and almost 4 hours later we were there. We had chai, bread, and goat meat in a little alcove under the trees. In someone's words, it was very hundred-acre-woods-esque. The church service was amazing. It was a choir festival so including our little group, there were 6 choirs there. There were fewer baptisms today but the service took a while because of all the singing. The auction was very successful too. Our group in all ended up buying 2 goats, several drinking gourds, and a lot of Maasai jewelry. I think I accidentally got engaged while we were there. We ate dinner and then took off for the long ride home.
The past few days have been very eye-opening and exciting. Today, we are going to Luka's house to lay the foundation for a cattle barn and later playing the teachers from the seminary in volleyball. Kwaheri!
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