Never have I been to Town

Not that I’m complaining because this is part of the job I love the most . . . running to town to shop with Mary for uniform sweaters, blouses, socks, a trunk (for her and Robinson) . . . about Robinson, who, by the way, is Raymond’s eighteen year old brother.  His English is excellent, almost as good as big brother’s but not quite.  He has the same demeanor also . . . cheerful, smiling, kind and gentle and this morning he strolled alongside me while I made my a.m. inspection of the yard (we’re reeducating on what is acceptable and what is not with respect to neatness around here), and asked if one day he could join me in town, as, in his eighteen years of life he had never left his village except to come to Tumaini House last week and he has never seen a big city.  I said of course he could join us and he leapt into the truck.  Now, imagine living one’s entire life within a 5 km. circumference of home.  Until this past week when we invited Robinson to join his brother at Makumira Secondary School, that 5 km. has been his world.  To say that he was awestruck would be a bit of an understatement.  We ran errands all over town and he had to sub in as “security” in the marketplaces of Arusha as thieves would pause at nothing to snatch our purchases from the back of the pickup.  We purchased new mattresses for our boarding students, and metal trunks as there are neither closets nor dressers at school.  Mosquito nets and pillows were on the list also.  Robinson must wait until next month to find out if he passed his national exam but is confident he will be proceeding on to Form V, his second last year of secondary school and Mary is excited AND nervous to head to school.  She is opening just like a flower . . . smiling, laughing, and playing around with the rest of us.  We walked hand in hand through the chaos of the Arusha market and I forever marvel at the fact that, had our paths not crossed she most likely would not be alive today . . . I touch her hand, or kiss her goodnight and the poignancy of that connection is so very magnified . . . can you imagine?

I am taking her on Monday to the Dream Clinic to have her CD4 tested so that we have a stepping off point before she heads off to school.  We will need to monitor her health closely so that there are no problems.  She continues to improve but is not out of the woods until that count exceeds 200!

Robinson Julius

A side note . . . while driving through Arusha Peter, our driver, noticed a crane working in a construction site . . . he had never seen one and wondered what it did.  As I explained, I was reminded of another site I observed where sand was “thrown” literally, off the end of a shovel up four floors, one at a time!  Everything that needed to go up did so on the back or because of the muscles of a laborer . . . EVERYTHING!  I marvel at little things like Robinson never having left Karatu and Peter never having seen a crane . . . there is much to marvel at here!  Sending so much love to friends and family!

Notes from Mama and Happy Birthday Cindy!

Raymond and Lohai LOOOOVE bahgas!

Dula, Baba Steve, Raymond and Oddo (Drooling)!

Well, like you, the tree has come down and the decorations stowed away until next year albeit for us, this was our first Christmas . . . too much food was eaten and we enjoyed many celebrations, two safaris, a second Christmas in Ndoombo . . . today though is quiet, despite the fact the children are home – a public holiday celebrating the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar now called Tanzania.  We slept later than usual, (all but Lohai who still rises with the chickens) and when the rain came (and when it does, it DOES), we practiced our new song, “The Ants go Marching”.  I’ll try to forward a video.  The children are hilarious mimicking my antics while parading around the compound. Amina visited us yesterday.  You remember 28 year old Mama Anjela and Glory, the mama I feared would have died months ago?  Well she is one tough young lady.  She shakes still but is so happy to have regained control of her body and she now knows who each of us is.  She walked here and let me assure you it is quite a trek from her home in the village to us here. 

I have been too, too busy with paperwork and paying school fees and scrambling for last minute items for back to school but when I pause, working at my desk which looks out to the main house, I watch the children riding the bicycles we brought from home.  They have learned to ride this year and it brings me such joy to know that we made it possible.  Space is tight here and we hope to have a larger home one day soon and yes the children are forced to go round and round the house when they ride, but, well, they might have no bicycle, nor paved surface to ride upon, hmmmm and so I relish watching them double each other and squabble over whose turn it is . . .

The weather is mixed . . . sometimes very hot, high 30’s and sunny and we all race for the sunscreen, but some days, many days, it rains as it did today, and the locals worry that these extended short rains will impact the desperately needed long rains due in March.

Happy birthday to Cindy!  Mama Picha (picture) struggles with the food here and her birthday request was for bahgas (burgers) and so we just had to deliver!  It was our first effort and we need to make some adjustments, but all in all they were quite tasty, washed down of course with soda and followed with cake and ice cream!  Birthdays are a new and special event here. . .

We welcome Alison Murphy back to Tumaini House for her second visit . . . Alison is planning to teach at Amani Primary School where our older boys attend Standard 4, 5 and 6.

Latifa is struggling with tonsillitis, Mary had to write an entrance exam for Makumira Secondary School and was accepted.  We were very concerned about placing Mary in a boarding school because her health is still delicate but the matron at school assured us that Mary will live in a special hostel for children who behave exceptionally well (as she does) and that her diet (of makande – beans and maize, and ugali and beans) will be supplemented with juice, eggs, milk and other fruits to ensure that she stays healthy.  The school is less than ten minutes from home and so we can fetch her if ever there is a need.  She was anxious and cried on the morning of her exam but is very happy to be attending a good school and big brother Raymond is there as a prefect, to watch over her and the other Tumaini children, Deo, Anna, Dula, and soon to be joined by brother Robinson and sister Redigunda.

Speaking of Raymond, he left us today to return to school himself and for me it was an emotional moment.  Raymond is one of the most special young people I have ever met.  He is kind and gentle and always generous with a joke and a smile.  He works tirelessly here at Tumaini, alongside Lohai, running errands, assisting with homework and is my regular translator.  He counsels the children in manners and uses gentle discipline to guide them and is not afraid to approach me with an issue over which he has a concern.  He always has the very best interests of our Tumaini family at heart and although I am happy to see him return to begin his final year of secondary school, I am always so very sad to see him go and couldn’t escort him with Amanda and Katy back to school.  Raymond is a shining example of what we pray for as we raise our own children and I love him very much . . . just too much moisture for this mama.

Christina was rushed to hospital yesterday after vomiting . . . she was complaining of a headache, was lethargic and then began vomiting.  In her case, having hydrocephalus, such symptoms are serious and could indicate a blockage in her shunt . . . but, after racing to KCMC in Moshi the doctor confirmed that she is fine and that we need only worry if she “projectile” vomits, an indication that the shunt is not functioning and pressure is building up in her body. 

For the most part the children are wonderful . . . truly wonderful!  They change every day, their interests, their play habits, their choices.  We are all about choices here at Tumaini House, illustrating that when one makes a bad choice there are usually bad consequences and that we are, each of us, responsible for the choices we make.  Sharing is a big deal – toys, bicycles, etc. and we’ve changed up our dining practices.  The world here revolves around food – growing it – getting it – eating it and Tanzanians are famous for enormous portioning and I mean enormous . . . the foundation of each meal has been carbohydrates – mountains of ugali and more rice than I could eat in a week.  That has changed.  We eat less food per sitting and have inserted an afternoon snack of veggies and fruit.  So far no one has fainted but Raymond teases me incessantly with his comment, immediately after finishing a meal of, “Mama, nina nja”, “Mama I am hungry”.  He follows by wiping both corners of his mouth and then his belly and then shakes his head in the negative showing me he has not had enough. We also eat together as a family now . . . still some wrinkles to iron out but it is wonderful having dinner conversation and us adults bounce around from table to table so that we can interact with different members of the family . . . it really is special.

The house is full!  Laci returned home safely and we miss you already . . . Rachel heads home on Friday after a month, but Katy, Jenna, Amanda and Lucy remain to greet Alison upon her re-arrival and Cindy’s daughter Joelle visits us on Sunday . . . Karibu!

Baba Steve arrived and then went down ill but is up and busy today and had a push up contest with the children . . . I think Connie won . . . teehee!  And with Baba came our new computer from Fusion Youth in Ingersoll . . . Asante sana for your kindness.  We will Skype (cheriesz) as soon as it is up and running but do send our sincerest thanks for your kind donation.

To all of you suffering the cold of winter pole (polay – sorry).  We are so very grateful for your continued love and support and please know that each child begins to display a measure of confidence which comes along with the knowledge that they are cared about . . . you have made that possible and it is my simple, but very prestigious honor to pass along all of the kisses and tickles and cuddles you send . . . be well!

I wish someone had told me sooner!!

Front L/R. Zawadi, Connie, Gerehad, Glory, Harriri.  Back Jenny, Francis, Ester, Kelvin, Aisha, Athuman

I have been down and out for DAYS with giardia or an amoeba from contaminated water, probably during my trip to Karatu and will confess now, that I thought my card was punched . . . my ticket up, whatever the term is for it being time to meet the BIG GUY, but both Dr. Lyimo and Oddo, independent of each other told me, “No Dee.  I knew you wouldn’t die . . . God has given you a big mission here and wouldn’t take you now!”  I wish they had told me sooner!!!!  I am still a little weak but on the mend and pole, pole, slowly, slowly getting stronger.  Nurse Amanda, my angel took excellent care of me day AND night, and thanks to Cindy for Mama sitting and Chef Neema for preparing whatever might have had a chance of staying down.  It’s a nasty diet though . . . funny story . . . Doctor Lyimo comes to see me and tells Amanda, “make her drink milk and eat and if she doesn’t you tell me and I’ll come back with a stick!!”  Tanzanians are famous in the travel journals for their portions and once sick a person is expected to eat even MORE!!!  Amanda didn’t make me drink milk on a violently refusing stomach.  I love you bella!

Unfortunately I missed sending our youngsters off to school for their first day . . . Gerehad, Connie, Neema, Glory, Harriri, Zawadi and returning students Kelvin, Ester, Aisha, Francis, Athuman and Jenny all headed off to Young Roses.  Stefano and Martha join them this a.m. with Katy our volunteer extraordinaire . . . Our Haradali students Evalin, Mwajuma, Anjela, Eliza, Lazaro, Emmanuel, Margaret left on Tuesday and the Amani boys and secondary students begin next week.  Whew!  Fundi (tailor) arrives today for alterations and new uniforms for our preschoolers and we welcomed Latifa and little Aisha to class!  Teacher Winner shared with me today that she is engaged and is trying to schedule her wedding so that I might attend, substituting for her mother whom she has lost.  I am honored.

Thank yous!!!  Where do I start?  New support for Kelvin’s school fees from our volunteer Laci, Asante sana bella . . . to the McCann Clan in Australia for loving Gerehad . . . Asante.  To new donors, the Merwins, Ami C, Lisa L, Mishelle and Michelle and Michael D. and to all our regular supporters please know that we are oh so very grateful for your love and care.  I will miss someone . . . this cross continental record keeping is challenging and so, in advance, pole, sorry, for having done so!!!

There is so much to share!  The children are remarkable and went on safari (again!) compliments of Soko Adventure Safaris who provided lunch also and gave our children a wonderful day and the children of Mana OVC (the orphan support group we assist) got to go on THEIR very first safari!!!  Asante to volunteering honeymooners Emily and Bret from Australia for choosing us and for so generously contributing!  Speaking of volunteers??  Katy and Lucy and Rachel and Amanda, and Laci and Jenna are all busy, and having fun, I hope, working with the children and I need to send an enormous thank you to all of them for stepping up and stepping in so effectively while I was sick . . . Asante sana!!!  We lose Laci tomorrow when she returns after her whirlwind two weeks here, (wouldn’t recommend it, she’s exhausted), and Rachel returns to the U.S. next week, but Alison Murphy is returning to us next week so Kaributena!!!

No one is sick . . . well nothing serious anyway.  Pendo (Janet) has a perpetual cold and runny nose but doesn’t seem to mind and is ALWAYS happy.  Zawadi is still struggling with a food allergy we think but just goes with the flow of things.  We have nicks and bumps but for the most part everyone is doing very well.  Young Mary smiles ALL THE TIME, and has no trouble with her tummy anymore.  She LOVES to help others and told Laci and Amanda that she wants to be a bank clerk when she is older so she can help poor people with money.  We haven’t told her that bank tellers help people WITH money. . . let’s let HER figure it out.  And big brother Raymond has assured us that Mary will have no shidas (problems) at school with him around.  Asante kaka kubwa, big brother.  Speaking of Raymond, his brother Robinson is joining him at Makumira and Lohai’s two little brothers Vitalis and Paschaly will join us here and attend Young Roses School.  Asante Katy for helping with schools fees!!! 

I will close with a greeting I received while ill.  In the mornings, when the children prepare to leave for school, they come to my door and greet me and wish me a good morning and I, them.  With me so sick, I was unable to rise to send them off and so ever so quietly (how do nine children enter a room silently?) they crept into my room, put their little hands under my net and held mine and said, “pole (polay), sorry Mama.  We love you.”  For just a moment I thought I’d GONE to heaven . . . yes, life is good!!!

Asante Kwa Pendo from Watoto Tumaini

So much of what has transpired this past year is a result of the loving support our donors and sponsors have provided.  This is our thank you . . . for caring, for giving, for allowing us to "lean on you" when we needed to.  Thank you to Katy Wilson for teaching the children the song "Lean on Me" before we arrived so that we could begin taping . . . Thank you to Kal Commodore for producing the video.  Thank you to Tanesco  (Tanzania Electric Supply Company) for finally providing a window of electricity large enough for us to upload.  Thank you to God for keeping these children safe and healthy and happy this past year . . . And, Thank YOU, from the very bottom of my heart, for opening your hearts and your wallets . . . thank you to friends and family who may not be mentioned in this video but are treasured none the less . . . we are so very lucky to have you caring for us and we simply say, "Asante"!  Please visit : www.vimeo.com/18358058 for our thank you . . .

Lohai, Raymond and Karatu

I fear that, in the telling of this story about two incredibly special young men, I will fail to give their integrity, their gentleness, their incredible work ethic and discipline the credit due.  I fear I will fail to explain just how remarkable Lohai and Raymond truly are . . . but suffice it to say I will try! 

Lohai had a birthday on the 26^th of December . . . he turned 26.  He works here at Tumaini, in the first job of his life, not because he is lazy, for anyone who spends a day here will tell you that no one and I mean NO ONE works harder than Lohai, but because there are simply so few employment opportunities for a young, uneducated man in this country, but, I am getting ahead of myself.

Lohai is very quiet – shy – incredibly kind (too kind most of the time and many people push him around because of his gentleness).  Officially, he takes care of our chickens and the garden, but the reality is that he is the day to day foundation of this foundation, our “go to” guy and we are incredibly lucky to have him.  When someone is late arriving to work in the morning, he puts on the chai for the children – he finds the missing book bag, school shoe, uniform.  He picks up after the children, and sweeps our yard, every day.  He runs for our photocopies, takes Liadi to bed at night and remembers to dole out medication to our sick children.  He also manages our vegetable garden.  Everyone, everyday, calls for Lohai and waits for that response, “Nam”?  He never shouts at a child, is never cruel and in fact struggles garnering the respect he so very much deserves.  His father, unfortunately, is a drinker of the local brew, pembe which is toxic and in visiting with the families one could tell that, intellectually, Baba Lohai is no longer entirely “with it”.  Each of us, Katy, Cindy (who has been struggling gastronomically and with migraines), Amanda and myself wanted to make the 3 ½ hour drive in order to meet the families of the boys we all love so very much and once there, I shared with Lohai and Raymond’s parents just how proud of their sons they should be . . . how very much we value their contributions and how lucky we feel.  I didn’t know it at the time but you can see in the photos that Lohai became overwhelmed emotionally with our visit, or the accolades, I don’t know, but I can tell you that in a private discussion later he struggled again to explain to his father how the drinking simply had to stop.  Both families are desperately poor . . . working on a coffee plantation for just over $200.00 per year . . . PER YEAR!  It is an impossible situation for the families to escape . . .

Raymond, is the polar opposite of Lohai . . . social, vociferous, and academically, incredibly strong (he is our brightest student.) Raymond shines as a kind and gentle big brother - the ideal steward and teacher to the smaller children and is closest friend to Lohai.  He is not always here (boarding at Makumira Secondary School) but when he is, life is a bit more colorful, a bit more jovial and the children notice!  When meeting the families we all remarked on how much Raymond resembles his father . . . not only physically, but with shared social behaviors also!  They are both immediate to smile, have a gentle disposition and are sensitive to the needs of those around them.  Both sets of parents are the best of friends and Baba Raymond has kindly offered to help Baba Lohai with his shida (problem) of drinking.  During our interview and with the language barrier (Baba Raymond was apologizing for the drinking and promised that it would stop) I got the impression both fathers struggle with alcohol but am happy to share that no, only Lohai’s father has the problem.  After our private conversation about problems and the alcohol we reunited with the rest of the group, sang happy birthday to Lohai and shared two cakes, one orange and one chocolate . . . thank you Neema and Mama Mwajuma.

RRRRRRRRaymondi with his zawadi from Mariel

Lohai has a big sister now in Amanda

Baba na Mama Raymond

Departing Tumaini with my guys!

We were praising the boys and Lohai became overwhelmed

Lohai's family

Raymond and family

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  We lost power last night and so I finish this tale in 2011!  Happy New Year to each of you and thank you for your well wishes!  We have a special thank you coming but I hope each of you knows just how very grateful we are for the love and support you have shown the children of Tumaini this past year . . . they are off on safari today, all of them, compliments of Soko Safaris here in Arusha and then prepare to return, or begin their new school years. . . things have been a whirlwind here, as I am certain they have with you, but will settle soon and our routine pace will slow a bit I hope . . . Cindy will begin to feel better and work will continue . . . but in the meantime . . . Asante, asante!  Be well!

Mary's confirmation - the good, the bad and the ugly and Happy Birthday Lohai and Grace!

5:39 a.m. . . . Did you know the roosters crow even in the rain?  It has been falling for about three hours and has cooled things down for us . . . beginning to worry a bit because today we are headed back up Mount Meru to attend a Christmas party for an orphanage in the village of Ndoombo.  Ester and Mary come from that area . . . and we’re going in the truck, you know, pick up, open back . . . in the rain?

Mary’s confirmation was wonderful and terribly sad . . . a typical combination in Africa.

We loaded the truck (and I mean loaded – pole Kal, he chose to stay back after seeing just how cramped things were going to be) imagine twelve of us PLUS a cake, speakers, a generator, fuel for the generator (no electricity in the village) three crates of soda, two boxes of water, foodstuffs, etc. in our little Toyota (thank you again Master Mechanic and UAP for all the parts!) climbing AND I MEAN CLIMBING, the mountain!  The journey consisted of us travelling 14 minutes west and 44 minutes north (as in UP!)  Peter, is a very capable driver, but when he made a sharp turn kushoto (left) I exclaimed that even he couldn’t get us up the vertical before us . . . Cindy laughed . . . she gets motion sick so needs the front seat . . . because from her vantage could see it was impossible, but I thought Peter might try.  From there on in it was on foot . . . straight up!

The path to Mary’s Bibi’s house where Mary has lived since her parents died almost ten years ago, meanders through a mix of banana trees and coffee plants.  We maneuvered our way up, decked out for church and hauled everything in the truck up with us.  Mary’s Bibi’s house (two mud structures on a flat bit of land about 18’ wide (think vertical now!)) is modest to say the least but we found Mary next door with her Mama Ndogo (little mama) who was preparing her for the service.  My photos do not do her justice – Cindy’s will come – but suffice it to say that our angel was absolutely beautiful . . . beautiful!  We had gone to town shopping for a tiara and veil, gloves and a pouch (clutch bag).  Mary had her hair done in a weave by two massai gentlemen who worked for about four hours to finish.  (We joke about finding the only women in this country with real hair – everyone else has extensions or weaves done – P.S.  Mama Mwajuma and Neema have their own hair – that’s two!)

Mary is one of those little girls who are not accustomed, nor comfortable, with being the center of attention.  Although she loved all of her big girl experiences, she was awkward with our praises of how lovely she looked . . . You can see in the photo how one delivers a young lady, dressed all in white, down a dusty mountain to the gari (car) to deliver her to her confirmation . . . piggy back style! 

We arrived at the church and unfortunately that is where the trouble began.  Daniel, a gentleman I met last year when he asked me to help Ester was present and hauled me around for introductions to the pastors of the church.  I immediately sensed something was not right.  Daniel insisted that Mary’s Babu had a shida with the Bibi, that he would not attend Mary’s service if the problem was not corrected and that he needed our gari to make an official visit to the home to “straighten things out”.  Something smelled bad . . . it turned out that Daniel was hasira (angry) because I had made arrangements for the meal and the celebration with Mary’s aunt instead of him and he felt slighted.  His angered festered when, becoming frustrated, I snatched my arm from his clutch, telling him “basi” – “enough”, as he attempted to parade me around telling all who would listen that I was HIS mzungu!  You can imagine how well that went over!  The service was stalled for an hour because of the argument at which point I approached the pastors of the church and told them I felt I should leave . . . that somewhere along the way it had been forgotten whom the day was supposed to be for, and that we had all attended simply because we love Mary.  Pastor responded that yes, I was the subject of the problem but not the cause and to please stay, the ceremony would begin immediately.  Mary’s Aunt was crying, her uncles were angry, explaining to Pastor that Babu WAS indeed attending (more on HIM later).  Pastor then welcomed us into the church to a back room where they had prepared chai for us . . . Daniel pushed his way into the room and rambled on about his orphanage (he doesn’t have one), his mzungu friend from Canada (me, and he doesn’t have one there anymore either), etc., etc.  Imagine four pastors and nine of us patiently waiting until Daniel finally realized how ridiculous he sounded, at which point we were invited to introduce ourselves.  The guest book was signed, chai was served and then we were ushered into the church for the service!  I have explained how long the service is haven’t I? We arrived at Mary’s Bibi’s home at 9:00 a.m., got to the church just before ten, the service began just after eleven and we finished just before two!  The head pastor invited me to say a few words and I rose to greet the congregation.  Daniel scampered after me and grabbed a second microphone . . . now I won’t tell you my Kiswahili is good yet, but if I may be so bold, my greetings and congratulations to the members of the church, Mary and the other children being confirmed was done in Swahili and was not bad . . . yet, Daniel felt compelled to translate my Swahili into . . . Swahili? Sitaki Danieli, sitaki!  He fungued his ndomo (closed his mouth), I finished my greeting and we sat back down for the service.  Pastor talked about people who tell lies about others and how we shouldn’t let the lies of others hurt us because we know the truth (he looked right at me when he said it and Grace was good enough to translate verbatim) and the liar knows he’s lying . . . Daniel left the church then.  Pastor then went on to ask the families about how much they had spent on the dresses and suits and hair and parties for the confirmees and then asked how many of the children had received a bible?  His point?  The mamas and babas had prepared the children’s bodies and faces and homes for the event but had they prepared their hearts?  It was a poignant moment . . .

People bring gifts of thanks to the church and we had many half tied chickens wandering around the altar in their attempts at escape but all were herded up, retied and then taken outside and auctioned off to raise funds for the church.  We exited, took some photos, piled ourselves into the gari again and headed back to Mary’s home.  It had rained while we were in the church . . . a deluge actually, the noise of the pelting raindrops drowned out pastor’s words, and we feared we might have to swim back to the party but were pleasantly surprised, upon exiting, to discover the ground had absorbed every drop and the earth was dry!  Or, perhaps those at the bottom of the mountain were swimming for their lives!!!!!  In any event the party continued!  You will see in the photos that Mary was piggybacked back UP to her home, Peter and Lohai had set up the generator and the music (Asante D.J. Lohai) and our little guest of honor was seated.  An uncle (I think) then began a prayer, and spoke about how people choose, so often, to forget what the moment is “supposed” to be about (Mary) and instead conspire to achieve their own selfish goals.  Mary began to cry and I became more angry . . . it turns out that Babu is an alcoholic, was drunk, and was demanding we pay money in order to remain at his home.  He rambled on and then was escorted away by one of his sons . . . he would return later . . . still drunk but contrite at least, and we all did what we could to salvage Mary’s day!  The food was wonderful, we joked and played with her in our attempts to bring her smile back and eventually, succeeded!  Now ladies and gentlemen I must describe for you our amenities vis a vis the toilet.  Laci needed to go and so was presented at the door of a small “tent” with a roll of toilet tissue (we had brought it).  Upon her return she exclaimed, “Just how are you supposed to hit that hole anyway”?  The loo is simply a dug pit with sheeting around it for privacy!  Cindy refused it and gurgled her way home, over every bump on Mount Meru I fear, in order to wait for the western toilet in her room!

The day ended with full bellies, a bitter sweetness for Mary, my need to return to apologize to the Pastors of her church and a most beautiful illustration of just what a special young lady Mary is . . . we were unwrapping her gifts and counted up the fedha (money) she had received as a zawadi (we gave her a bible).  She had received 110,000 tsh. or about $75.00 which is an enormous amount of money.  It is customary for the confirmee to “gift” her parents (or in Mary’s case, her Bibi) with a portion of the windfall . . . I asked Mary to mpe hihi (put here) the portion she wished to give her Bibi . . . without a thought, Mary told me “zota kwa Bibi”, all for Bibi . . . it still makes me cry!

We returned home to enjoy cake and ice cream for Lohai’s (26^th) and (pole Grace, I forgot!) Grace’s (Christmas day) birthdays.  Mary returns Tuesday to take communion as a newly confirmed Lutheran!

Still to come?  Swimming – a thief – and returning to Ndoombo for another Christmas party!

A Tumaini Christmas Morning . . .

If you imagined the very best Christmas morning one could possibly imagine . . . and then multiplied it by, say, 1000, that would be our morning this morning . . . so much happiness here for our First Tumaini Christmas . . .