Moving day ~ we were happy to be moving back to Bristol Cottages.
We got settled again, hung our clothes line, did some laundry and just hung out for the day. It was great to have a down day. The heat yesterday did us in.
At 4:00 we were supposed to meet with Felix, Father Barnabas' (from Portland) brother. He works for the Union Coffee Co. and was going to take us on a coffee plantation tour. We waited for him and at 5:30 he finally called Dana and told her we were meeting at the YMCA. OK, 1 1/2 hrs late ~ different place ~ but TIA we have learned ~ This Is Africa. Sooo, we walked over to the YMCA and met Felix ~ a very nice man who speaks English quite well but quietly and then add the accent and we were only catching maybe every tenth word! What we did ascertain was that after his brother arrives from America, he was expecting to take us all on a three day journey to water falls, hiking, coffee tour, meeting the family . . . Dana said don't ask questions~ so we didn't. Upon leaving we thought we understood him to say "so we will have dinner at my house on Wednesday." What just went on? Dana wasn't quite sure either but you are never quite sure in Africa. We certainly didn't want to be hiking around the countryside for three days. Time will tell ~
Tuesday, January 21
This morning we visited one of the centers Dana will be working at after we are gone. We couldn't believe where we were going ~ the roads here are just unbelievable! You could pick the worst dirt road in the US and it still wouldn't compare to the roads here. All but the main roads are dirt; dusty, rutted, rocky paths. We can't imagine how the taxis and motor cycles maneuver over this terrain. We also can't imagine getting directions anywhere ~ there are no names ~ directions are given using landmarks. There are also no traffic lights in Moshi. I think Arusha had two. Traffic is regulated using roundabouts and speed bumps and this system appears to work quite well.
The place we were trying to find was very far off the main road but the cab driver (an old friend of Dana's ) lives in the area and knew where to take us. John and I were beginning to wonder where on earth we were headed when we turned into a beautifully manicured courtyard. What a lovely, comfortable place. This is the home of the local Lutheran church and the BCC Center based school.
"In early 2007, the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran church in Tanzania contacted Mosaic for help in developing innovative community-based services for children with disabilities and their families in Moshi, Tanzania. The result of this collaboration was the development of the Building a Caring Community (BCC) Program. The BCC program serves more than 200 children, through in-home supports and the 11 day centers.
While the project has a strong focus on providing services for children, it was recognized early that extreme poverty is a significant issue that requires a more holistic approach to truly have a long-term impact on families served by BCC. Thus, Caregiver Cooperatives and a micro-credit lending program were developed to improve the economic condition of the families.
While their children are receiving services at the day centers, the caregivers are able to access employment opportunities either in the community, directly in one of the day centers, or in one of the BCC Caregiver Cooperatives."
While volunteering in Moshi, Dana has worked at several of these centers.
Today we visited Msaranga ~
This is a new location since Dana was here last ~
First we were welcomed by the pastor and he escorted us to the classroom.
Upon entering the classroom, it was evident what a warm and caring environment this was. Then we met mama Janet. What an amazing woman. She is one of those rare people who is a born teacher. She is the mother of one of the children and through the BCC program she was given the job of "teacher." She has no formal training and yet the teachers in the US could learn so much from watching her manage the classroom in a kind, loving and yet structured manner. We watched as she managed eight (two were absent) severely impaired children and taught a lesson. (There are also 16 children they visit in homes).
They were thrilled to see Dana back and welcomed her with open arms.
Many of the children remembered her as well.
The helper in the classroom is another mother of one of the students in the BCC program, 64 year old mama Elias. It is evident how much she loves her job and she too was wonderful.
Let's see ~ we met ~
Fatuma~
Freddy ~
James ~
Selma ~
Haika ~
James helped lead the lesson ~
Music and singing are very important to this group ~ and brings a happy note~
The iPad speaks the universal language and drew a lot of attention ~
Part of the BCC philosophy is to have an integrated program so there is also a kindergarten program next door. At recess they come over to play with these kids.
"Take my picture, take my picture" ~
Dana and Selma ~
John with Selma ~
Dana with Dixon ~
Dana and Freddy ~
Ugi time ~ porridge time ~ this is the morning snack ~
Remember we talked about these roads, well there are no buses that bring these children to school. The mothers push the wheel chairs over these bumpy, rutted roads, sometimes for miles or carry the children on their backs wrapped in a kitanga. When it is pouring rain they often can't make it.
Before leaving, even though our cab was waiting, the pastor insisted we have tea. You ALWAYS have to eat, drink and/or visit in Tanzania.
Later that night we had a farewell dinner at Indoitaliano for Moira and Cocoa who were leaving on Wednesday.
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