Well here I am in Tanzania! I arrived safe and sound in Dar es Salaam, and also survived the 12 hour bus ride to Njombe, then the 1 hour bumpy drive along dirt roads to my new home, Uhekule Village!
We were met with a little reception at the orphanage, Sunrise Children's Home, with all of the 12 children, many of the primary school teachers, and other villagers. The children were a little shy at first, but they warmed up right away! There are 6 boys and 6 girls, ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old. They are all so unique, each with a different personality and disposition, however each so endearing. I am so amazed to see how extremely well-behaved they are! They all wash their hands diligently before meals, line up orderly to be served, when they are finished they come up and say with their thick swahili accent "Sank (Thank) you for ze food, and ezooz (excuse) me from ze table" then they take their plate out to wash it. And someone always takes my plate for me as well! Besides that, they brush their teeth, change in pajamas, and say their prayers all by themselves every night. Of course they stay up to get bedtime kisses, but still I am so blessed to be working with such a wonderful group of children.
While I absolutely love all of the children, village life is a bit more challenging to adapt to. Thank goodness I always enjoy a challenge :) Here in Uhekule, I feel like I have stepped back in time to the 19th century. Everything in this country seems to be so old fashioned. In my village the orphanage is one of the only buildings that has electricity. It is solar powered, and only provided enough electricity for a few light bulbs in each room, only used as nights, and a small hot water tank, that is only actually hot on very sunny days. We also do have running water, however we must boil then filter the water before it is drinkable. For cooking, we use a large wood stove, and a small charcoal stove. And preparing food is one of the most laborious tasks of the entire day. It takes at least 2-3 hours to cook one meal, partly because it takes so long to boil water, and partly because we have to cook enough for 20 people! Washing laundry is also a toilsome task. We have to take water in buckets, and they scrub all the clothes and linens by hand. At first this didn't seem like too much work, but those kids get everything so dirty, that sometimes we have to take brushes to scrub out the stains. Towels and blankets are the most difficult, because they get so heavy. And then we hang dry everything, hoping that the wind won't blow them off the line and that it wont rain in the afternoon. I will never be unappreciative for washing machines, dryers, electric stoves, microwaves and a long hot shower ever again!
Although, it can be a burden that everything takes so long (even the 18 mile drive from Uhekule to the town Njombe takes an hour on the bumpy dirt roads!), I have already begun to learn a great deal of patience. I realize that nothing in Tanzania happens on time, in fact the village meeting in which Hannah (the other USA volunteer) and myself were to be officially introduced, began 2 1/2 hours late! Although, I was informed that this is a common occurrence here. So I am learning to adjust to a life with no planner or calendar and a daily schedule with little regard to the clock. It is quite different from my previous life in which I was a slave to appointments and meetings, all recorded on my smartphone, however I already enjoy the lack of stress that it provides. My days are much more calm, and rarely hurried. I especially enjoy the quiet and stillness in the morning. We have a such a beautiful view from the orphanage that looks out over the fields and valleys.
I only have internet access once a week, while I'm visiting the town Njombe, but I will try my best to keep this blog updated. I will post a list of items that are needed soon. There are some things that we need for the children, and then there are a few things that I miss already (mostly food items!).
Oh and for those of you who donated items, thank you so much! I had such a great response with donations, that I ended up filling up an extra suitcase! It cost as additional $200 to check it with the airline, but the items are ones that you can't find in here in Tanzania and the kids love the clothes, books and everything else so much.
Thanks again for your support and prayers!
Corrinne Rice
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