Last Day before Heading Home!

Well, today is our last day before heading home tomorrow. We have three meetings today and will be taking many action plans back with us.

Yesterday, we had a leisurely day of walking around town, stopping in local businesses, and speaking with lots of people along the way. Our friend Luca invited us to see where he stays in Arusha, so he met us in the afternoon. We walked to his house, walking down a narrow dirt road with houses and businesses along the way. It was not an area where people where used to seeing mzungus (white people), so we got many looks and the children were intrigued and excited to see us. One lady said "pole" to us which means sorry. We asked Luca why she said that he said she said sorry because we were walking. He said that they don't think white people walk, so she wa apologizing that we were having to walk. We thought that was pretty funny and very telling.

We wound around the tiny muddy streets until we came to his home. He stays with a family in Arusha, as his family is far away in a remote area of Tanzania. We were welcomed by the family, all dressed in their best clothes. Falista, the mother welcomed us first, then the oldest daughter Kunda, then the two sons Wilbert and Francis. They invited us in their home, which was a living room with a couch, two chairs, coffee table, cabinet for dishes, and a tv. There was a doorway off the living room with a curtain hanging over the doorway. We all squeezed all the couch and Lucas friends Dennis and Edward sat in the chairs. Kunda came in with bottles of soda for us. We have drunk a lot of soda on this trip, as they drink it at all celebrations and is plentiful here. Mostly, Coca-Cola made, but different types than what we have in the US. Luca had prepared them in advance by telling them the types of sodas and food that we like. He was taking notes I guess while we were with him in Longido. He is very kind and thoughtful, so it did not surprise me that he noticed those details. Falista, the mother, then brought in food that she prepared for us. We asked if the children could come and join us, so the family came in, sat, and ate with us. Falista prepared rice, beans, and chipati which is like a tortilla. Falista wanted us to take pictures of us eating the food that she prepared. Kunda is 17 and is still in secondary school. She told us that her favorite subject is chemistry and that she wants to be a doctor. She let us know that she prepared the chipati for us. It was a very special dinner and one that we will always remember. To be invited to one's home is a very big honor and we were honored to be there and to meet Luca's second family. After dinner, we went outside and took group pictures outside the house. Denise brought along Empowerment Bracelets that she got from Avon and gave one to Falista who really liked it and was very happy to receive the gift.

It was a wonderful evening and we all had a great time. It is this type of experience that I treasure and always want to remember.