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!!!

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!