Lots to be thankful for this week in Tanzania. So much has happened since last I blogged. Thanks to Elena for filling in....and thanks for coming and sharing an amazing Thanksgiving at the Masaai camp, collecting water on our heads, sleeping in tents, listening to the chant of Masaai warriors at night. To have you be so open and appreciative of the experience made me again remember how much I love it here, thanks for sharing that with us!
The Ambassador of the US to Tanzania visited Tumaini Center last week....wow....we are now featured on the webpage...and the Porter Project is mentioned!!! Check it out...
The biggest miracle is that we got the kids off yesterday....I cried as the bus pulled away (lots of happy tears here) I just really can't believe they all had warm coats, gloves, boots....and the general excitement from them. Now we will see how it goes. Luckily today the mountain is super clear as they do their longest hike until the summit...I am resting well knowing they have great food and amazing guidance. I have Setty's kids....so that brings my brood to 5. So funny trying to care for kids with my limited Swahili....they are so sweet and the littlest Prince ventured into my bed last night and snuggled up. He's two and just a little sweety...he was perfectly content as long as he had some skin to skin contact...trying to get the 5 of them to 3 different schools each day will be a feat in and of itself. Pretty funny to watch the kids at Carrie's school oogle the Mzungu dropping her off in a car! She is 8 and so incredibly responsible and mature as are all kids here. she showered and got her brother and sister into their pj's last night...then i looked in their room and the beds were made? UH???? I am hoping their example will rub off on my kids....kids are amazingly quiet here too...no whining.
So I just found out from two different people that we got grants for the Porter Project...I will be able to collect some of the gear we need (still boots and sleeping bags!!!!!) and bring them back...plus we have tons of people coming so if anyone is so inclined, check your closets! Shawna collected about half of what we needed for this whole initial group pretty great! So a few of us should be able to hopefully match her efforts! Let me know...I will be back in the States on the 21rst of Dec. and we will be there until the 12th of Jan. I'll post my number but think my US cell should be turned back on for the month.
Love to all of you...more when I am not being mother to all!!!
Peace,
Sarah
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Old McDonald Had a Shamba
This is Elena again. Shawna and Elle left on Saturday, and we miss them already! Hopefully they are recovering ok from the jet lag. Jake, Aleks and I are all still hurting from our trip over. I think Jake is pretty much there – he slept through the night until 6a. Aleks isn’t too far behind, with a 4:15a wake-up time today. And then there is me: 2:20a every night since we’ve been here. And I have found it pretty much impossible to get back to sleep – but that is probably due in large part to all the Tanzanian nocturnal noises! It’s funny how I can sleep straight through the sirens, car alarms and drunken street brawls back home….
Crickets – The ones outside aren’t so much of a problem. They actually make nice woodsy background noise – don’t they even make cds of that for city folk? The crickets inside the bedroom, on the other hand, are really hard to take. I finally cracked on the second night around 4:30a and went on a little hunt. The little sucker was hiding until the flooring. I got him.
Wild dogs – There must be a pack of at least 10 dogs in the ‘hood. And it sounds like they hang out right under our window. They barked for at least 2 hours straight in the middle of the night last night, interrupted only by intermittent fighting that sounded so violent that I half-expected to find a carcass or two in the yard or just outside the gate this morning.
Rooster – One of the neighbor’s has a rooster that must be suffering from jet lag too or something, because he starts cock-a-doodle-dooing around 3a – a good 3 hours before sunrise. And Mappy (the gardener) surprised the girls with two new pets today – another chicken and a rooster (bringing the fowl count in the Wood-Prince household up to 6)!!! I told Sarah not to be too surprised if the rooster mysteriously disappears….
Goat – A couple of neighbors have a goat or two. They produce the occasional “maaa”, and are actually quite cute.
Owls – Luckily these guys make most of their noise during the day (weird - aren't they nocturnal??). And the hooting is actually somewhat soothing….
Lizards – These are blissfully silent creatures! They are all over the place. And as Nell has found out on multiple occasions, they do bite. But then again I would too if I were them! In two separate and unrelated incidents, Nell has rendered a lizard tail-less (sorry, Hope). She says that it’s okay, because their tails are supposed to come off so they can escape predators. Hummmm….
[I actually wrote this Sunday or Monday, but because of power outages and the internet being down, we are just now posting it. I can appreciate why it takes so long to get stuff done here!]
Crickets – The ones outside aren’t so much of a problem. They actually make nice woodsy background noise – don’t they even make cds of that for city folk? The crickets inside the bedroom, on the other hand, are really hard to take. I finally cracked on the second night around 4:30a and went on a little hunt. The little sucker was hiding until the flooring. I got him.
Wild dogs – There must be a pack of at least 10 dogs in the ‘hood. And it sounds like they hang out right under our window. They barked for at least 2 hours straight in the middle of the night last night, interrupted only by intermittent fighting that sounded so violent that I half-expected to find a carcass or two in the yard or just outside the gate this morning.
Rooster – One of the neighbor’s has a rooster that must be suffering from jet lag too or something, because he starts cock-a-doodle-dooing around 3a – a good 3 hours before sunrise. And Mappy (the gardener) surprised the girls with two new pets today – another chicken and a rooster (bringing the fowl count in the Wood-Prince household up to 6)!!! I told Sarah not to be too surprised if the rooster mysteriously disappears….
Goat – A couple of neighbors have a goat or two. They produce the occasional “maaa”, and are actually quite cute.
Owls – Luckily these guys make most of their noise during the day (weird - aren't they nocturnal??). And the hooting is actually somewhat soothing….
Lizards – These are blissfully silent creatures! They are all over the place. And as Nell has found out on multiple occasions, they do bite. But then again I would too if I were them! In two separate and unrelated incidents, Nell has rendered a lizard tail-less (sorry, Hope). She says that it’s okay, because their tails are supposed to come off so they can escape predators. Hummmm….
[I actually wrote this Sunday or Monday, but because of power outages and the internet being down, we are just now posting it. I can appreciate why it takes so long to get stuff done here!]
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Guest Blogger
This is Elena. I thought I would give Sarah a little blogging break. Jake, Aleks and I arrived in Kilimanjaro last night around 9p - a mere 22 hours after leaving our house on Crystal St in Chicago. We were greeted by a really long visa line, but luckily people took pity on us and moved us up to the front (I think the fact that the boys were in their pajamas helped). The trip was definitely long and exhausting, but I don't think the boys could've handled it any better.
Sarah, Nell and Pearl met us at the airport with an awesome welcome sign and the Happy People bus (interior black lights and all). A mere 30 minutes or so later, we got to their house - big, beautiful, open and very airy. After a quick tour, the girls took the boys to see all of the animals out back - 4 chickens (Grayland, Bon Voyage, Little Grey Girl, Odette) and 4 rabbits (Speckle, Pure, Scarlett, Snowy). Nell has quite a way with animals! At one point, she was walking around with one of the chickens on her head (not sure which one - still learning their names), and her way of introducing us to the animals was to pick each up to about chest-level, then drop it. In fact, Nell just now walked in to tell me and Sarah that she just threw Odette at Jake. I'm starting to understand how Snowy lost her tail a few weeks back....
We all went to bed around midnight. The beds have mosquito netting around them, which Jake says makes him feel safe. If only there was some cool contraption to keep the crickets out of the room. I'm not sure how many there were, but it was so loud! If I had had more energy (and a head lamp), I would have gone on a hunt. As I was tucking the boys in, I asked what they thought of Tanzania so far. Aleks said it didn't feel like Chicago, but it did feel like home. AWWHHHH!
Sarah, Nell and Pearl met us at the airport with an awesome welcome sign and the Happy People bus (interior black lights and all). A mere 30 minutes or so later, we got to their house - big, beautiful, open and very airy. After a quick tour, the girls took the boys to see all of the animals out back - 4 chickens (Grayland, Bon Voyage, Little Grey Girl, Odette) and 4 rabbits (Speckle, Pure, Scarlett, Snowy). Nell has quite a way with animals! At one point, she was walking around with one of the chickens on her head (not sure which one - still learning their names), and her way of introducing us to the animals was to pick each up to about chest-level, then drop it. In fact, Nell just now walked in to tell me and Sarah that she just threw Odette at Jake. I'm starting to understand how Snowy lost her tail a few weeks back....
We all went to bed around midnight. The beds have mosquito netting around them, which Jake says makes him feel safe. If only there was some cool contraption to keep the crickets out of the room. I'm not sure how many there were, but it was so loud! If I had had more energy (and a head lamp), I would have gone on a hunt. As I was tucking the boys in, I asked what they thought of Tanzania so far. Aleks said it didn't feel like Chicago, but it did feel like home. AWWHHHH!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Highest of Highs
Yesterday was the most amazing day I think I have had in a long time. I think it was the highest of the highs I have had here in Tanzania. Setty and I drove to Arusha for the graduation of our porters. He has been training these kids for free, they recieved First Aid training from the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and Shawna collected them tons of gear. Everyone has had a hand in the project...I am sending 25 of them up the mountain on the 26th of Nov. for their first attempt and training. There were 52 students in Setty's class....these are kids that are vulnerable in some way...they are either orphans or have lost one parent to AIDS. They are between the ages of 16 and 26...most would never dream of the chance to see Kili let alone climb it with proper gear and food. Most have never left the major responsibilities of their homes, families, school....for 7 days. So the idea of this chance for them was almost overwhelming...Setty based his choice on who would go by exam performance and class attendance.
When we got to Tumaini yesterday the place was filled with excited dressed up kids....and the kids vary so much. There was a group of about 8 Masaai guys in full garb....next to the kid who thought his black Reba McIntyre shirt was super fly. But they were beyond excited....flocking around Setty like he was Bono. I had a lump in my throat the ENTIRE time....tears in my eyes...just to see the appreciation and happiness and determination of these kids...really moving. Tanzanians are very formal in their presentations and celebrations. There were balloons, and podium, special guests (regional commisioners to Arusha,who pulled up to the door in their fancy cars). Lots of speeches...expressions of gratitude, skits, songs...just glorious.
The day culminated with Setty announcing who would be climbing on the 26th. When these kids names were announced you would have thought they won 5 million dollars...screaming hugging kissing falling down....my tears started in earnest. I have never felt so happy for a group of kids in my life....for them to see the most beautiful sight in their own country with their friends...and safely guided by my friends.....I just can't get over the idea of all of them at Uhuru peak....looking out at the beauty of their country and relishing in their strength....
Today I feel so blessed to be here and to be a part of all this and to know the people I do here....
The small things we do for each other matter....
Peace and thanks!
Sarah
When we got to Tumaini yesterday the place was filled with excited dressed up kids....and the kids vary so much. There was a group of about 8 Masaai guys in full garb....next to the kid who thought his black Reba McIntyre shirt was super fly. But they were beyond excited....flocking around Setty like he was Bono. I had a lump in my throat the ENTIRE time....tears in my eyes...just to see the appreciation and happiness and determination of these kids...really moving. Tanzanians are very formal in their presentations and celebrations. There were balloons, and podium, special guests (regional commisioners to Arusha,who pulled up to the door in their fancy cars). Lots of speeches...expressions of gratitude, skits, songs...just glorious.
The day culminated with Setty announcing who would be climbing on the 26th. When these kids names were announced you would have thought they won 5 million dollars...screaming hugging kissing falling down....my tears started in earnest. I have never felt so happy for a group of kids in my life....for them to see the most beautiful sight in their own country with their friends...and safely guided by my friends.....I just can't get over the idea of all of them at Uhuru peak....looking out at the beauty of their country and relishing in their strength....
Today I feel so blessed to be here and to be a part of all this and to know the people I do here....
The small things we do for each other matter....
Peace and thanks!
Sarah
Monday, November 12, 2007
Longtime no blog
Hey...been quite busy the last few weeks...also gotten to a place where everything in this country is starting to feel much more commonplace. Not the everyday humorous chuckles anymore...now more a depth of understanding of the culture. Tom Derdak ,the executive director of Global Alliance, has been here this week and will be here for a few more days. We have had meetings defining the Travel Initiative of which I am the director. We are crunching numbers to present to the Board and hiring staff so that when I return to the States....the momentum can continue. As of now, we have 30 people climbing between Dec. and Feb. With each of these brave folks raising 5000 dollars that really enables GAA to do some serious work here...a hospitality program is in the works which continues to reflect the growing tourism rate. It's all very exciting and my mind is going constantly with the possibilities of it all....
Shawna and I took the girls to Arusha this weekend and stayed at the hotel where my climbing group is staying in Feb. The girls had fun....chasing cows,cats,dogs,lizards,frogs,monkeys.....and swimming...Tanzania is an animal loving child's paradise. Today is elle's last day at ISM....she and Shawna are doing a little jaunt to Zanzibar....then Elena and her boys arrive on Thurs. Once they get settled we will take them on a brief Masaai tour and safari...think those boys and girls would enjoy some spear throwing! we will camp in tents which will be a first for me and the girls...they have only done it with their Dad right next to a house. This will prove a bit different. The way they play and sleep here it should be great!!!
The following week is the porter's first training trip up the mountain....i am watching Setty's 3 kids....time is FLYING!!!! We'll be into Dec. by then and soon home for xmas....shawna and I and the girls did a bit of Xmas shopping at the Masaai Market in Arusha....funny to try to teach Nell and Pearl the art of negotiation...Nell was dying for a spear and shield...i gave her a price and told her if she could negotiate it she could get it....she proudly came back with her puchases....that's the Maltby gene. Then of course Pearl wanted one too....so off they went...and back Pearl came with hers....pretty funny watching them running around our garden threatening the gardener. Can't really believe I bought them a weapon....but...when in Africa I guess.
Love to you all!!!
Peace,
Sarah
Shawna and I took the girls to Arusha this weekend and stayed at the hotel where my climbing group is staying in Feb. The girls had fun....chasing cows,cats,dogs,lizards,frogs,monkeys.....and swimming...Tanzania is an animal loving child's paradise. Today is elle's last day at ISM....she and Shawna are doing a little jaunt to Zanzibar....then Elena and her boys arrive on Thurs. Once they get settled we will take them on a brief Masaai tour and safari...think those boys and girls would enjoy some spear throwing! we will camp in tents which will be a first for me and the girls...they have only done it with their Dad right next to a house. This will prove a bit different. The way they play and sleep here it should be great!!!
The following week is the porter's first training trip up the mountain....i am watching Setty's 3 kids....time is FLYING!!!! We'll be into Dec. by then and soon home for xmas....shawna and I and the girls did a bit of Xmas shopping at the Masaai Market in Arusha....funny to try to teach Nell and Pearl the art of negotiation...Nell was dying for a spear and shield...i gave her a price and told her if she could negotiate it she could get it....she proudly came back with her puchases....that's the Maltby gene. Then of course Pearl wanted one too....so off they went...and back Pearl came with hers....pretty funny watching them running around our garden threatening the gardener. Can't really believe I bought them a weapon....but...when in Africa I guess.
Love to you all!!!
Peace,
Sarah
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Oh My GOD
Ok...so in an attempt to be a good hostess and try to honor the interests of my guests we went to a church in a small village near the mountain. The Pastor know ahead of time that we were coming but I was in no way prepared for the spectacle....and the spectacle, was us. I think they were holding the service until we got there....we were paraded into the Pastor's office...welcomed and then ushered into the church. I'd liken that part of the exerience to walking in a bikini in a crowded shopping mall. The kids are so lucky because they could bury their faces and growl...which is sort of what I felt like doing too. I think basically our presence was similar to an alien showing up at Starbucks and calmly ordering a Frappicino. Mouths were agape. THEN they asked us to say a few words....so imagine being so far out of your comfort zone and then adding public speaking....to people that can't understand a word you say. I tried my level best to pepper my words with the Swahili I know.....ug...
The "ugs" were just beginning I am afraid to say....the service lasted 3 HOURS.....UUUUUUGGGGGGGG. Nell and Pearl kept looking at me imploringly. I finally just started to join them in their impatience and simply told them to pray for it to be over. FINALLY it was over....but I succeeded in "outchurching" Shawna....she made me promise to never go to church again while we are here...done.
Afterwards the pastor invited us into his office and asked me point blank what I could do for them??!! Wait a minute...where is the Christian spirit of welcoming?? I was floored and answered something to the effect that I was pretty sure I was adding to the economy of Marangue....all I could come up with?
So now I have decompressed....in a way glad I went for the truely alien experience....but glad it is over too. Thank God.
Peace,
Sarah
The "ugs" were just beginning I am afraid to say....the service lasted 3 HOURS.....UUUUUUGGGGGGGG. Nell and Pearl kept looking at me imploringly. I finally just started to join them in their impatience and simply told them to pray for it to be over. FINALLY it was over....but I succeeded in "outchurching" Shawna....she made me promise to never go to church again while we are here...done.
Afterwards the pastor invited us into his office and asked me point blank what I could do for them??!! Wait a minute...where is the Christian spirit of welcoming?? I was floored and answered something to the effect that I was pretty sure I was adding to the economy of Marangue....all I could come up with?
So now I have decompressed....in a way glad I went for the truely alien experience....but glad it is over too. Thank God.
Peace,
Sarah
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