Rapid Rate

Suddenly I am working at the rate of an American again. So much happening and then in the midst of all that, I am daily reminded of where I am and what it is like to live here. For example,
yesterday while visiting my neighbors (actually collecting Nell and Pearl) I found out that the new baby they have was actually born in the field out front of our house. The baby was the mother's 3rd and she waited a bit too long to get started to the hospital....also we live in a very remote area..my car is the only one anywhere near us. They felt hesitant to ask me because of their views of Mzungu's. It broke my heart that they didn't ask and I think I have very clearly made them understand my help is there if needed in the future. I went to sleep last night envisioning this poor woman lying in the field without so much as a blanket....again, the realities in Africa hit hard when they hit. This situation is coupled with the trip Shawna and I took to the Light in Africa Children's Center....essentially a home for kids without parents. We sat on the dirty hard ground outside while kids climbed all over us calling us "mama". My constitution is strong in many regards...but not, when it comes to children. I left with a gigantic lump in my throat and visions of exactly how many beds I could fit in my basement in Chicago...and how Nell and Pearl would react to a few new siblings....another visual that I know will never escape my mind. Just so easy to know that I could give them a life that is better than what they are getting presently...I'll wish and hope for the best in their future....but how does one who is as lucky and grateful as me not take some responsibility for these kids?? Not sleeping to well after this visit....
On a lighter note...one of our rabbits is pregnant??!!!! So our 8 pets are about to double? How many rabbits do rabbits birth?? How long is the gestation period??? It's pretty funny to think we are going to be overrun by little bunnies soon....Nell is beside herself....
Time is flying with visitors here...life speeds up....Elena and her boys will be joining us in two weeks and Shawna and Elle are going to take a little jaunt to Zanzibar!!!
All is well....albeit a bit heavy today...thus is the reality of Africa.
Love to you all!!!!
Sarah

Another Day Another Sangura

So today brings the 8th member to our pet collection. Snowy joined us today, the cutest little white blue eyed bunny you've ever seen. Girls are being very careful and gentle with her after the accidental tail removal this weekend...see Shawna's blog for the gory details. All is moving along well in a positive and productive direction. Our office is getting internet tomorrow( however long ago I wrote about our office is how long this has taken...welcome to Tanzania) the porters have finished their training...awaiting word from the Kilimanjaro Park Warden as to when they can take their practice trip....Shawna brought amazing amounts of gear and we are hoping Elena can bring the rest?!
Tait, the Peace Corp volunteer at Tumaini Center stayed with us this weekend....she and I are working on how best to give the Feb. climbers a taste for Tanzania and the work that GAA does here. We have settled on a home visit...our guests will get to go to a house of one of our students and join their family for a meal...and perhaps a tour of a home/farm/ whatever the case may be...I think it will be an amazing and genuine experience, we are going to do a few practice runs with the studenats so they are prepared.
Nell and Pearl are still absolutely thriving....they have loved haivng Elle here to join in on their crazy animal games. I know for sure I saw a rabbit with a feather boa leash the other day,,,,just one a many humorous visuals...chickens on their heads...etc. The neighbors have a brand new baby and have already entrusted Pearl(LULU) with holding her. Pearl can't get over how tiny the baby's hands and feet are...Nell and Elle have not been allowed the right to hold the baby...but after the tail incident, I think they are smart to be cautious.
Shawna has commented that she doesn't think we will come home...just gives you an idea of how well we are doing here and how happy we all are....we will come home, but it will be hard....my love for this country runs deep.
Love to all of you!!!!
Peace!
sarah