They do things differently here.

If you've been following along, you've learned that our time here was not what we expected. We do not live in Dar es Salaam, we are not working at an orphanage or an existing school (like we originally expected), we are not living in a youth hostel or mud hut (I was sorta looking forward to writing about that-ha!), and we have been given the huge responsibility of starting a school...yes, starting up a primary school. All 10 of us are trying to teach Zinyeto, Grace, and Nelly all that we know. It is a daunting task, but an exciting and challenging one. The volunteers here are truly motivated, which is a blessing.

The 2hrs in the morning and 2hrs in the afternoon that we teach really wipe us out. That may sound crazy--how can a mere 2hrs wipe out all 10 of you? Believe me, when there has been no structure, order, or discipline set up, and when you don't know the language, everything takes longer and takes more out of you.

Even teaching the kids how to stand in line for the jump rope takes forever--they may "get it" for a while, but not everyone does, and there's constant pushing and shoving going on. In many ways, the things I've seen and experienced is what all of us would be like had we not learned how to share, how to follow rules, how to treat others the way we want to be treated, etc. It is human nature and instinct to act in such ways. Things that seem like common sense to us are not to them. I have been reminded of our fallen human nature and our innate longing for discipline, structure, and boundaries.

5 THINGS THAT ARE BECOMING "NORMAL" (in no particular order):

1. "Old MacDonald's Farm Crossings"--cows, chickens, goats, you name it--in fact, while writing this--I saw a bunch of cows crossing the road.

2. Out of This World Body Odor--to be fair, I'm not sure I've ever really had body odor after experiencing the smell of it here!

3. Crazy Play Toys for Children--nails, glass, straw, rusty screws, old propellers, etc--very sad.

4. Straw/String Earrings--girls will have a piece of dirty string or a piece of straw used as an earring--sometimes only in one ear.

5. Humidity (Forgetting What it Means to be Dry)--my hair is always wet (from sweat or a shower), and everything here has a bit of a damp feel--paper, my bed and the sheet on it, the chairs, my clothes...everything.

Thank you very much for your support and prayers. We appreciate it big time. For those who know me/are related to me (hint, hint)--don't be shy in making comments! :)