I made it! So here I am in Arusha, Tanzania on the west coast of Africa which I can only describe as amazing but heartbreaking all at once. Unbelievable it’s quite mild and wet which is nice as I feel right at home! (well the Tanzanians say its really cold but its about 15-20degrees!) I arrived on Thursday into the busy city of Dar Es Saleem where I spent one night in a hostel. I then took a ten hour bus ride north to Arusha with some amazing views including Kilamanjaro and Mt. Meru. (hopefully photos may follow J) I have been staying in Arusha since then, taking in the town and the Tanzanian people…which at times has been quite overwhelming but given time I have adjusted to the way of life here and enjoyed improving my Swahili in the busy markets (which put our idea of markets to shame!) and with the people I pass on the streets who are all so keen to chat! It’s funny to think how often we pass people on the streets in England and never even say hello, here you would be rude if you didn’t ask a stranger how they, their family, their job and their day is!!
So far we have spent most of our time adjusting to the environment (our digestive systems are having a pretty difficult job of it to say the least!) and learning about the culture here which is so important. We don’t want to be clumsy tourists who impose ourselves and our culture on Tanzania but educated volunteers who embrace the people here and all that their culture involves and stands for. We started intensive Swahili lessons today which was difficult but fun! It’s really important for us to at least try to speak Swahili even if not very well! Now that all the volunteers have arrived we will be going to an opening meal later tonight to meet many of the English, American and Tanzanian people involved in SIC and then they start tomorrow the hard work of moulding us into super dooper teachers! I will keep you updated on how successful that is!
Kwaherini!
5 comments:
Looks like am the first to write a comment on here. 'A GAISHE NI'. That means salute to me in hausa. Am so Glad to hear that you arrived safely and quickly adjusting to your new environment. I look forward to seeing those lovely pictures. Just remember that we are praying for you always and we know you'll be ok. Jim
Hi Lucy, how wonderful to read your first blog. It sounds amazing already! We are thinking of you and praying for you every day. Look forward to hearing the next instalment. Love from Mother Cottrill and all the tribe xx
Hi Lucy, I read your blog few days ago just a bit slow in responding. Continue to enjoy yourself and look forward to hearing from you again. Take care and God bless. Nikke.
Hi Lucy! It's your "amie" cousin from GA! I can't tell you how envious of you I am! My last mission trip was to Rwanda where I fell in love with the country and the people. My trip wasn't quite three months but I still managed to leave my heart there! You know Mom was just in Tanzania working with a Church and their orphanges in Morrogoro. Because she became ill I had several opportunities to speak with one of the ladies in the clinic and oh my gosh as soon as I heard her accent, my heart just melted and all I could think of going back to Africa! Your blog has brought back so many memories and I can soooo relate! : ) What an awesome opportunity you have and are experiencing! Enjoy EVERY minute, it will go so quickly! Remember in all your studying and teaching to find time to pray and spend time with the Lord. On those days when you get homesick or are just too tired to care He will see you through and be your strength! Lots of love to you Lucy! Kathleen
Hi lucy seems like you are having a truly fab & amazing time in Cost Del Sol . We had your mum & dad round for dinner a few days ago.
I look forward to hearing all your news on your return and keep safe ... make sure you look both ways before crossing the road don't want you to get squashed by any elephants !!!!
Love ya
Kal
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