Day #3 in Tanzania

Hello parents:
I hope you are doing well.  We are doing great.  I am trying to upload pictures and text to the blog but am having internet problems.  I'm sitting outside in the grass behind Bajinka School right now because the internet connection seems to be a little better here. This group of students has been amazing.  They have totally embraced the whole experience.  They are completely bought in and have taken ownership of their trip. They have done so many little things that are significant. They always thank the cooking staff for meals.  This morning after the School District Superintendent visited they each went up to him to thank him for coming by looking him in the eye, introducing themselves, and shaking his hand.  They have taken the girls they are partners with in Banjika and taught them songs, totally embracing them. They also are so hungry to learn the language.  They have done all this without any direct prompting from any of the adults.  Several said last night that one of their fears was they would not remember everything from the trip and wanted more journal time.  There has been absolutely no complaining or whining.  They have accepted each other and really want to know more about each other.  This is a special group.

Monday we hiked part of Mt. Kilimanjaro and met with a woman who is empowering other women in her community.  She and the other ladies have done remarkable things in business and showed us an example of sharing ones' possessions with each other.  They started a "bank" to help women who want to join their group because a normal bank won't loan them money without collateral.

Tuesday we ate lunch at a remarkable restaurant that was in a jungle setting and we watched men make artwork from wood.  We also made it to Banjika in the afternoon.  We were greeting by students, parents, the village chairman, the village administrator and 4 village council members.  The students were literally hugging your kids before they could even get off the bus.  We had a bon fire last night and spent significant time talking.  The weather is cloudy today.  High of about 65 degrees.  The low last night was in the 40's.  It was comfortable in our tents though. The girls are staying two to a tent and there is a bathroom facility and hot showers.  We are being well fed and well taken care of by our hosts.  We have all embraced Susan and Tim.  Susan is the teacher from Denver who is our curriculum leader and Tim is the in-country coordinator.  The girls have really enjoyed getting to know them and Susan and Tim have led us well.

This morning they have worked very diligently.  All 10 of them are active and willing to do whatever.  The assistant principal has this whole project very well organized and they have it set up where the students are necessary to the success of the building.  They have been mixing cement, laying brick, spreading cement, and moving bricks.  They have made significant progress on the two class rooms.  And the best part is they are working side by side with the Bajinka students and the men Bajinka hired to help build.  We are all learning about construction today.  Thank you for your financial help in making that possible.
If possible I'll update the blog and include pictures but my connection is very slow.
Here is what the students wrote about the first two days:
Mambo Jambo! (Hello, how are you)
            Sally and Caroline here, traveling was excruciating but we are finally here in Tanzania, as we are reminded by the constant clucking of the chickens.  Today we hiked all of Mt. Kilimanjaro in only 12 hours and 59 minutes, beating the fastest time known to man.  Just kidding, but we did hike about 3 and half miles into Mt. Kili before we turned around.  Sally got a nosebleed, but not to worry we fixed her up “She’s the Man” style, for those of you who know what that means.  Our guide, Benjamin, told us that the view we had from our hike was one the best he had seen in his three years of working, because the sky was crystal clear.  We had the most amazing box lunches including: vegetable pizza, a sandwich, a tangerine, a banana (Casey’s had a slug on it), a muffin, and to finish it off a Cadbury chocolate bar!!!!!!!!! (Caroline was rather pleased).
            We then traveled another hour and a half to the wondrous house of Mama Erik, who prefers to be called by her real name Miriam. She and other women of her community told their inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and leadership in their world where women are constantly restricted by the power of their husband. Ms. Morgan abandoned us to reunite with her cousins who have lived in Tanzania for 33 years! Oh how it tugs at the heart! We saw a real bathroom and we were happy. We got back at the late hour of 8 o’clock and because we were so tired, Tim and Susan are graciously letting us go to bed without doing the planned activities. Goodnight. Sleep tight. The mosquitos surely will bite. We miss you all.            Love,                Sally and Caroline