Funerals, Weddings, Jam sessions

The past few days have been quite a cultural experience...to start:

We attended a bereavement at a local woman’s house who passed away (AIDS? We don’t know…probably won’t know, as the means of death is not really discussed in this culture). We smothered ourselves with kangas (local material) and sat with the woman, just BEING WITH them – the theme of social life here....also made a small contribution for the funeral.

Wedding – a glorious occasion with gifts marched in (including an entire full bed – hilarious – carried piece by piece, even the mattress) by majestically dressed guests in their finest, beers/sodas served (we’re getting used to drinking them warm), and some crazy dancing to African beats.

Speaking of music, there was a really fun impromptu drum jam session outside my house yesterday after school. I found the other wazungus (foreigners) there so we joined in some dancing with our neighbors, and even got a limbo started with some poster paper rolled tightly. It’s all about being creative! I found out later that they were celebrating the harvest.

We also had a fantastic time over the weekend hiking the village mountain with other volunteers (who walked in from surrounding villages) and many of our host sisters and brothers (my friend Thais' sister wasn't so clear that we were hiking we don't think - had on a prom dress - literally - and flip flops). It was so nice to be out together, laughing as we completely trail-blazed via machete (the man staying at the base lended a hand – my sister swore to me there was a trail…oh well), tripped over the rocks and high grasses…what a view from the top though!

I continue to be overwhelmed with the generosity of my family. Last night, they surprised me with some locally made fabric to have an African outfit made – skirt and blouse. The best part is my Dad and little brother already have shirts in the same material so we’re going to be like the Van Trappe family. Nice! I made them American-like spaghetti the other night, which got rave reviews. They loved it, and they ate it with their hands – quite a sight.

AIDS training is progressing as we learn the medical terms for AIDS symptoms/causes/care and treatment for People living with AIDS (PLWA)/recommended nutrition – all in Swahili. Woo! It’s tough, but in a few months will hopefully become more second-nature…

We also had the opportunity to listen to some PLWA’s in town a few days ago…so moving. We were all so shaken by how stigmatized/rejected they were. The women had been kicked out of their house, leaving their children without explaining why, shunned from village life -- like living a secret, truly, and they have no sources of income. Of course, their husbands remained.

It’s reality here. Looking forward to learning more…and listening to more peoples’ stories. I’m also looking forward to shadowing a volunteer in the field next week for 4 days. I’m headed to “Mlalo,” a small mountain village in Twara district, in NE TZ, with a view over the Kenyan border. It’s a full day’s bus safari, but well worth the trip -- supposed to be gorgeous, and quite chilly right now. I’m excited to experience a day (or 3) in the life of a real volunteer!