It has been so good to hear from some friends from home this past week! I don't know why this was the week to write, but thanks if you did! And if you have not, please do! We love to hear about what is happening at home. Or really anywhere!
What does Monduli look like?
I finally figured it out today. The drive to Monduli looks a surprising amount like the drive north to Casper, Wyoming on whatever highway that is. There are mountains in the background, a lot like Casper mountain. The sage brush would need to be replaced by small trees. Oh, and the occasional donkey or camel. But, besides that, virtually one in the same! Monduli itself is quite a lot different than Casper...we are up on the mountain and there are lots of trees. In fact, now there are all these Jackaranda (spelling?) trees that have purple flowers blooming. They are all over the place and it's really pretty.
Netball
Water & Electricity
Monduli is situated next to a small mountain range called the Monduli mountains. These mountains provide the water for part of the town up the hill. This is where we live. In fact, we hiked up to the head of where they collect our drinking water and it's quite a good supply from a spring and then fed by gravity through pipes. The rest of Monduli is fed by water piped in from Arusha. Recently we have been without water. This has happened a few times in the past...mostly when our neighbor and landlord's father waters his plants and just leaves the hose running. But, this time was different. It was several days we were without water. Rumors started to spread. The most compelling was that someone had sabotaged the system! It's tough to say and even more challenging to get to the truth in an election year (which I'll get to in a minute!). Anyway, we were introduced to bucket showers (not to bad!) and extra efforts to conserve water. So, poor us, blah blah blah. Now, picture being a Maasai cattle herder in this mess! Granted, it's the dry season and they're used to this. But, literally, where do you go for water? The taps don't have water. The streams and reservoirs don't have water. I think part of the issue here is that traditional watering holes (at least places that would have been reserves during the dry season) are now National Parks. Water is a big issue here.
Elections
Where to go?
One thing I have discovered here is a lack of space! Now, don't get me wrong, we live well! We have a three bedroom house with a living room and kitchen. By all means, there is a plenty of space in the house. However, I've been reading a book that talks about a need for solace...just some space and time to get away and be with God. I think that's a great idea and I'm trying. But where! If I wake up early or stay up late there are people in my living room! If I go to my bedroom Lisa is usually sleeping in the mornings (correction, always sleeping in the mornings!) And, I can't really go wandering around in the hills. I'm being a bit facetious, but it really is an issue. Where do you go to unplug? I can't even imagine our students who often live in a one to two bedroom house about the size of our living room. Cripes! Try doing a "quiet time" there!
One thing I have discovered here is a lack of space! Now, don't get me wrong, we live well! We have a three bedroom house with a living room and kitchen. By all means, there is a plenty of space in the house. However, I've been reading a book that talks about a need for solace...just some space and time to get away and be with God. I think that's a great idea and I'm trying. But where! If I wake up early or stay up late there are people in my living room! If I go to my bedroom Lisa is usually sleeping in the mornings (correction, always sleeping in the mornings!) And, I can't really go wandering around in the hills. I'm being a bit facetious, but it really is an issue. Where do you go to unplug? I can't even imagine our students who often live in a one to two bedroom house about the size of our living room. Cripes! Try doing a "quiet time" there!
Netball
On Saturday, most of the teachers went in to a school for an athletic tournament. The girls played netball and the boys soccer (football down here). Netball is similar to basketball, but with several exceptions. For instance, no backboards. Anyway, after a long day of gaming, the girls won the whole things! Lisa was there and said it was a lot of fun watching them in action. Sadly, our camera was stolen there somewhere along the way. But, that's only a small cloud on an otherwise good day.
Water & Electricity
Monduli is situated next to a small mountain range called the Monduli mountains. These mountains provide the water for part of the town up the hill. This is where we live. In fact, we hiked up to the head of where they collect our drinking water and it's quite a good supply from a spring and then fed by gravity through pipes. The rest of Monduli is fed by water piped in from Arusha. Recently we have been without water. This has happened a few times in the past...mostly when our neighbor and landlord's father waters his plants and just leaves the hose running. But, this time was different. It was several days we were without water. Rumors started to spread. The most compelling was that someone had sabotaged the system! It's tough to say and even more challenging to get to the truth in an election year (which I'll get to in a minute!). Anyway, we were introduced to bucket showers (not to bad!) and extra efforts to conserve water. So, poor us, blah blah blah. Now, picture being a Maasai cattle herder in this mess! Granted, it's the dry season and they're used to this. But, literally, where do you go for water? The taps don't have water. The streams and reservoirs don't have water. I think part of the issue here is that traditional watering holes (at least places that would have been reserves during the dry season) are now National Parks. Water is a big issue here.
Ironically enough, the day our water came back on is the day the electricity went out. But, never fear, we have both once again. So now we can look at each other all sparkling clean under fluorescent beams after 7:00 PM - because that's when it gets dark here!
Elections
Today was election day in Tanzania. Every 5 years there is an election. The president can serve two terms. The current president was up for re-election. I have noticed a few things. 1 - no one talks about politics. Not seriously anyway. I'm not sure why but I have a few suspicions that perhaps it's just best to not be overheard. 2 - Rallies! Oh wow, they have these big rallies all over and loads of people show up wearing the caps and shirts and wraps. It is all over! and 3 - the rumors! It certainly has been interesting! I'm thankful to have been here at this time and see the hope that rests on a government in another place. As is sung in their national anthem - Mungu Ibiriki Tanzania...may God Bless Tanzania.
Sounds like a trying time for sure. You guys are doing what my Japanese roommate in college always talked about: "NINTAI" or "endure". Good job!
ReplyDeleteHorizons had "Trunk or Treat" on Friday evening and it was a lot of fun. I would guess about 350 trick or treaters? Pictures at:
http://camerodadams.smugmug.com/Other/Events/Trunk-or-Treat/14420300_e32Gn#1069298863_ct7PJ
enjoy!