First month of work down. First drumming lesson had.

Some students at our Saturday service day, volunteering farming acumen at a local primary school. A large part of my responsibilities includes planning Saturday and Sunday activities.
Our first away netball match at the International School-Arusha. This is the first time our girls had ever worn position-appropriate jerseys, played on a legitimate court and were reffed using international netball rules. Who knew they existed??
Sauti za Busara - The Sounds of Wisdom, Zanzibar Music Fest in Stonetown's old fort.

Now back to this drumming thing. What?, you ask.

Well, in honor of the new year and my 30th birthday just around the corner, I decided - along with some help/encouragement from my friends - to pursue drumming. Ever since I was a 4th grader at Warren T. Jackson, I've had a strong, unexplicable desire to play drums (too loud, said Mom:). Every time I listen to music, I hone in on the drums. When I dance, it's the beat that takes me away. And here I am, drawn like a magnet to Africa, a continent whose instrument - if one had to choose - would be the drum. Drumming is an essential part of life here, playing a role in every major, cultural event - weddings, funerals, church services, village warning calls, etc. My spirit says go for it. I must give drumming a try. No regrets.

Funny coincidences so far:
-First, a wise woman encouraged me to take drumming lessons; going after a desire that's been left untended will uplift and grow me, right?!
-Second, I attended a wedding where the bride's aunt (50+ years old and wearing a fancy gown, mind you) rocked the drums to "We are Family." She's apparently in a band back in Birmingham. I've never been so awestruck. It was a breathtaking, inspiring performace to say the least.
-Third, last week, I brought my students (pictured above) for netball and soccer matches at a nearby International School and coincidentally, ran into the drumming teacher. What? You have a drumming teacher? Yup. Sign me up.
-Fourth, at a dinner party last weekend, I mentioned my upcoming first lesson and this family brought it to my attention that there's a drum set up for grabs from some family leaving the country! This is getting weird.

And voila, three days after leaving Zanzibar's Music Fest is the inception of my new drumming hobby. I had my first lesson today with instructor Paulus and jamani, it was so much fun - quite a rush. Who knows, next week, I may even have a drum set in my house so I can brush up on beats at my leisure. My students may be a little shocked to hear my practice sessions. I'll have to select non-class/study time.

Welcome to our living room; don't mind the drumset.

Follow your inspiration. To what is it calling you?

Colin Borden (a good friend from Arusha), Hunter and I at the Zanzibar Music Fest last weekend. Not to be missed.
This is a SMISH. What is a SMISH? I'm still waiting on Webster's to get back to me on that. Please send any inquiries to Sarah Flint.