fantastic weekend

after a long day at our training site in ilonga with the entire group, we returned "home" to our families. it was so nice to finally know how to wash clothes, clean and cook a little by myself...my dada works sooo hard, it's unbelievable (gender inequalities).

sunday, went to church and was so touched by the singing outside under this great big mango tree. several blind kids sang on the front row. truly moving.

lunch was spent at my mom's friend's house. she cooked a feast for me - goat, rice pilau, and beautiful fruits from her garden. she has cows, pigs and chickens, and sells her milk to neighbors...such a sweet lady, and has the most precious 3 boys (2 twins), who are dying to learn american card games. it's been fun teaching them "spoons."

after lunch on sunday afternoon, we organized a HUGE soccer game on the big field by the community water pump. one of my most exhilerating moments to far to see all our tanzanian dadas and kakas (sisters and brothers) running their hearts out with us. we had several friends walk in from neighboring villages for the match. trying to recruit as many girls as possible for these games...might have to be a regular weekend activity! these girls are good, too. kids are always begging us to come "kucheza" (play) since we went crazy at the market, buying soccer balls/games for them...sports really do cut cultural boundaries like nothing else!

so, found out some things to look forward to:
-next weekend - open to hang and cook with our families. trying to get a group together to hike the mountain in our village (the most beatiful backdrop when the sun sets). my dada says she knows a trail...

-JULY 16-17 - PC organized visit to local national park. everyone's jazzed.
-JULY 20-24 - shadowing another volunteer in the field to really find out what this is all about on a daily basis! really excited for this.
-AUGUST 2 = find out our site placements/where i will be for next 2 years!

in the meantime, we're doing a lot of health visits to local clinics, dispensaries, and even meeting with local people living with AIDS. they're really encouraging of "experiential learning" - getting out there and learning. just my style. just like SIT.

happy july 4th - wishing i could sparkle with you,
tait/furaha