Settling back into school And . . . Something about Mary!

Things have been . . . well, hectic to say the least with us trying to get all of our children back into school with everything they need to be successful.  School shoes don’t fit after we measure foot sizes, text books are changed after the teacher gives us a list of needs, fundis (tailors) make uniforms but they don’t fit or need to be delivered and all of this takes a tremendous amount of time.  Haradali students headed off first and required soap (body and laundry, they do their own laundry), toilet tissue, shoe polish and brush, socks, underwear, toothbrush and paste, pencils, pens, sharpeners, erasers, exercise books, etc.  Mwajuma, Evalin, Angela, Margaret, Eliza, Emmanuel and Lazaro settled back in mostly without circumstance except that Mwajuma was sent home sick last weekend and then Emmanuel had to come home with problems with his eyes.  He will return to the specialist next week to see what is going on.  They have settled back into their routines and we are taking them to dinner this coming Friday . . . imagine 4 or 5 of us adults and volunteers piling into the truck, picking up the seven of them and all of us driving to a nearby restaurant, mostly likely for chips kuku (chicken and fries) an all time favorite of African children. 

Young Roses students went back also and were joined by Vitalis and Paskali, Lohai’s brothers who are settling into Tumaini very nicely. 13 year old Vitalis seems to be an outgoing and cheerful young man with ten year old Paskali equally sweet but very shy . . . more like big brother Lohai.  Neema needs to apply herself more but has been one of us who went down with a nasty bug and she is only just coming around.  Latifa has been sick with tonsillitis, brothers Harriri and Liadi were both so ill that their breathing was compromised and I had to take Liadi (accompanied by Canadian visitors Cora lee and Kathy) for a double injection of hydrocortisone which burns like crazy for about twenty minutes afterward and he writhed and sobbed, “ana mwa”, “it hurts” all the way home! The nurse and Peter had to hold him down for the injection and even Cora lee who is an ER nurse teared up watching little Liadi suffer . . . it was terrible, BUT, the injections were effective for both boys who are well on the mend.  Neema is just beginning to feel better and so we are, for the most part, a healthy family once again!

We are still searching for the right academic fit for Christina.  She is too bright for the special needs class she was attending but when we placed her at Young Roses, with her short attention span, she was simply too disruptive and so we are looking for volunteers to help her in class  . . . she so wants to attend  . . .

Speaking of volunteers?  Cindy and Kal and Jenna and Lucy (thank you for painting the living room bella!) and Joelle headed out on safari to Ngorongoro Crater and will return tomorrow night . . . safari njema!  All have been struggling with teaching the children basic arithmetic and we continue to work on English . . . it is deflating  and frustrating for us to have brought a child out of harm’s way, made him/her healthy and safe and only to stand by, feeling somewhat helpless, while a child struggles to understand the fundamental concepts of thought . . . processing, progressive construction of foundational learning without rote (repetition).  I, and I am not alone, have had a few down days, feeling somewhat overwhelmed with the magnitude of need here for children to learn, but we do have our gifted children . . . many of them!  Zawadi and Francis and Aisha excel at school and Gerehad is coming along and willing.  He just needs some time to catch up.  Connie was shining here, yet struggles to retain knowledge now that she has left home for school.  Vitalis will be just fine once his English improves and Kelvin is coming along.  I read with them yesterday and asked that they translate the book into Swahili from English (the children can read the words but often don’t comprehend), and Kelvin, Francis and Aisha had no trouble.  We are progressing!

Little Mary heads to school!

Lohai's younger brothers Paskali and Vitalis

Christina . . . always happy!

Joelle and "hangman"!

Little Latifa after her bath!

And what about Mary our young lady who’s CD4 count dropped to 87?  Little, happy, shining Mary has been at Makumira for just over a week now.  See her photos!  She is settling in with Rose (our Mana OVC scholarship winner) whom, when I asked if she is raffiki nzuri (a good friend), Mary replied, “Sana, Mama!”, “Very!”  It allows all of us to breathe a bit easier because we are concerned about her.  Her CD4 count was tested recently and she is improving, but the food at boarding school is BAD (boiled beans and ugali or “makande maji” I call it . . . boiled beans and maize, every day . . . there is no meat, few fruits and vegetables and little milk, all of which Mary needs in order to remain healthy.  We have set her up with a local farmer who is to provide her with milk daily, fresh from the cow and boiled in the school kitchen and then put into her brand new stainless steel thermos.  We send her with ten eggs – two per school day to be boiled (she is so generous she will give them away so we insisted she take two and that she MUST eat at least one herself!) again in the kitchen.  We have prepaid a school account and pre-booked her ndizi (banana) and parachichi (avocado), and, for this month anyway, we are bringing her home every weekend to EAT MEAT!  Christina will be so jealous!!  She is ecstatic to be at school and Rose and Anna and big brother Raymond are all looking out for her!  Redigunda (Raymond’s sister) has joined them at Makumira School and Athuman’s brother Deo, after a very poor performance on his national exam has been warned that he has just one semester to pull up his socks . . . there are simply too many children with too great a need for us to waste our time and resources on a child who is not willing to apply themselves.

All of us are well and healthy (mostly) and very happy!  Most of us are working very hard for and with each other.  The weather is sunny and warm and very windy (upepo) but we don’t complain . . . I hear there is a ton of snow and it is barridi sana (very cold) back home . . . pole (sorry)!  Sending love and hugs to all!  P.S. Thank you to Tracey and Libby for providing the aid for our last home visits . . . they and we are very grateful!

Home Visits with Visitors from Home!

I had en email from my sister in law Marg yesterday announcing that her niece on Carm’s side was in Tanzania climbing Kilimanjaro and wanted to visit us . . . we connected yesterday when Laura’s (and new friend from Toronto, Patricia’s) driver Ally delivered them to Tumaini House.  We gave them the tour, they met some of the children and we sat down to talk about the goings on around here . . . I’ll ask Laura and Patricia to send me an email and share their thoughts with you directly but when I invited them to join me on my home visits today they both jumped at the chance as did volunteers Jenna and Lucy who doubled as our photographers . . .

Laura and Patricia’s driver delivered them on Tanzanian time, which is about an hour late and we headed out to the village.  Jenna took the time to share her observations today and so I’m going to pass her words along to you . . .

From Jenna - Today Mama Dee took Lucy and me on home visits along with Mama Grace. On my way there I did not know what to really expect but even my worst fears were as bad as how some of these people were living. All of the people that we visited today belong to a local group of people that are HIV positive. Mama D the wonderful person that she is helps these people when they want to open their own businesses. They have to draw up a business plan and then Mama D loans them the money and as they can they pay it back. Right now all of these people are "day workers" which means they take what they can get and they don't have work every day. On average these people will make 70 cents Canadian a day which is 1000-2000 t shillings (not sure if I spelled that right), but just a little tidbit a - pop costs 1000 t shillings
The first house that we stopped at was the home of a husband and wife. They lived in a two room house (which is not even as big as a one car garage!) This house has no roof what so ever. They tarps filled with holes. No the problem with that Mama D explained to me is that the season with long rains is coming soon and these people will end up getting very sick. It rains so bad that you cannot see two feet in front of you! When I walked in I felt like I was in the size of my bathroom at home and this is how these people were living.
The Second house that we went to was a home for a mother and three kids. It also had two rooms but was no bigger than the first house. This woman has three daughters and one son! Even though the son is away at school (which her other family members pay for) the mother and 3 daughters all live in this one tiny house. Her husband died of AIDS in 2008, and ever since then they have been poverty stricken. The husband was the bread winner, and once he was gone there was nothing left. What she was looking for was help because they did have property and she wanted to farm Maize (which is like corn back home) the only problem is that she does not have the money to get started. The only good thing about her situation is that yes she is positive but none of the kids are.
 The Third house that we went to was another single mother who rents a small on room house which could not fit everyone into it. She also has kids. One is already married I believe but the other two are in school which she pays for herself which leaves her with nothing. She has to work 4 days just to be able to pay her rent. She has been the story and the person that hit me the most today. She did not even have any food or money for food when we asked her! It is just so heart breaking because she is a true mother! Putting her kids above all else even if it means she has to starve.
 The last place that we went to I am going to be honest I could not stay at for more than a few minutes. It made me sick to my stomach to see someone living like that.  Mama D warned me but even then I was not expecting what I saw. We stopped at the home of a single man with full blown AIDS. He is 29 years old and cannot even get out of bed or walk without help and a wheelchair. He has no bug net which protects from the Malaria, he has no mattress and was just sleeping on the wooden bed frame. This caused him to have massive bed sores. When I went in there I think he was just so embarrassed because of course Lucy, Mama D and I all took pictures as well as two other visitors who were just there for the day. It breaks my heart just thinking about him because who knows what kind of care he is getting when Mama D is not on her way!
 I will be posting the pictures from my home visits so keep an eye out for them within the next couple of days.  I love you all, Jenna.

A new roof for the first family is going to cost approximately $150.00 if anyone can contribute to it.  I asked that the mama wishing to farm put a business plan together so that we might assess the feasibility of making a small business loan . . . the third mama is going to need approximately $200.00 to start her maize business (which she will pay back) and I am afraid to say that our young man will not make it.  I think now our job is to make him as comfortable as possible.  He needs a mattress and a net and food and all of that will cost about $100.00.  Would someone be able to help us help this young man die in some measure of comfort?  These are one time contributions we need in order to help these families help themselves, in one case, to die.  I dislike sharing sad stories with you but this is part of the reality of poverty in Africa and I would be irresponsible if I didn’t give you the full picture . . .

On a happier note please let me tell you about Anna, who, by the way, still requires a sponsor.  Anna is a wiry, energetic and very beautiful little girl (and she is tiny for almost five) who is always smiling and very lovable.  She is a bit of a monkey insomuch as she loves to cuddle and then “hang” on her cuddling partner which can be a bit of a problem sometimes when one is unsuspecting.  She is fast and “darts” about in play and is always busy and “full on” with energy.  Truly, it is difficult to catch Anna without a smile and hers is one of those that include the eyes . . . her entire face lights up with her smile and her eyes shine!  She loves the bicycles, playing with a ball, (or anything else for that matter) and we struggle to keep her from being destructive with our flowers and plants . . . she is elastic, springing and bouncing and full of energy and we need to let her burn some of it off . . .

Talking with Patricia, Laura and Jenna

Laura fell in love with Liadi

Beautiful Anna looking for a sponsor

This house needs a roof

Mama is looking for a business loan

This mama wants to sell maize

29 year old Twalib is struggling to survive

Anna is generally kind and will share with other children and because of her disposition and her tiny stature, is loved by everyone at Tumaini House.  She is an average student in our primary class here, but has had to work hard when she joined us in March because she spoke neither English, nor Swahili when she arrived from Songea.  Anna’s mother (accidentally) killed Anna’s younger sibling, was arrested and is still in prison leaving Anna and older sister Martha who is also a Tumaini child without a caregiver . . . Oddo’s family shared the story of their plight and we arranged to bring them here.  Anna has been a joy to us from the moment she arrived!  Care for her costs $144.00 monthly, but a partial sponsorship is welcome if the entire amount is not affordable . . . would you please consider helping us help Anna?

ASANTE KWA PICHA DR. MICHAEL!!

A bucket full of mtoto - Liadi

Gerehad, sitting, waiting, wishing . . . asante Dr. Michael for loving me . . .

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!!!