Ulonge Elementary

I've started something new, something that adds challenge to my use of Swahili. I'm volunteering twice a week at a local elementary school, speaking only Swahili. I'm working with the third grade, which is 45 kids in one class. I'm pulling out groups of 6 or 7 for about 40 minutes. I'm still getting to know the needs, but some can't read at all, so we'll work on that. Others need work on reading comprehension. Somehow we'll fit in some games and artwork.
You might ask, "why are multiple kids in grade 3 unable to read?" The answer is found in the unfortunate state of current public education. Tanzania is dealing with an overflow of student population and a lack of teachers, especially well-trained teachers and teachers who do their job. Of the 8 times I entered grade 3 on my first day, only 1 time was there a teacher present in the room with them. The other times they were sitting and talking. There were however teachers in the office chatting. From my understanding this is not uncommon. I want to learn more about this issue. I'm sure there is no quick fix, nor one entity to blame. For now, I'm there to observe, and glad to give the kids more educational attention than usual. 

Every Blog Needs One

I've heard that you just need to put a puppy on something to sell it... the same must go for frogs? 
Actually, I consider these more like jail admitance photos, because this guy has been caught entering my room, unwelcomed, three times. The last time it was a red handed situation. Each time he's been kindly ushered out with a flip-flop... but did have to pay the price of a photo shoot. 
I wouldn't really mind, except his entrance means the entrance of more unwelcome guests is possible... I.E. I don't think he's much skinnier than a snake... 

Rythyms of Language School

My life in language school has definite routine. I like that, in contrast to all the travel and lack of schedule this summer (which I also liked). Each morning I read scripture and pray before breakfast. Classes stretch until lunch, with a tea break in between. After lunch come studying, excersise, clothes washing, and resting. Then dinner. I enjoy the communal meal times, chatting with others who are studying or passing through the campsite. The day ends with more studies, recreational reading, and bed. 
Wednesdays I mix it up by going into town to purchase fruit and use the internet. Saturday gets more rest, studying, and maybe a hike and/or international phone call. Sunday there's church and rest. Repeat. 
Actually, this week I'll add something to the schedule; I'm going to start volunteering at an elementary school twice a week instead of class. I'll be here three more weeks, then I graduate and make my way to Musoma... to start a new rythym of living!

Tamaduni Tussle

Tamaduni means cultures in Swahili. Today I found myself tussling with a part of Tanzanian culture. I've been told it's normal to first love everything about adventuring in a new culture. But, after months or years, people usually work through exasperation with the culture and hopefully come to a place of acceptance or understanding.
I was frustrated because, though the land is incredibly dry right now, farmers are burning to clear land for future crops. Today (not the first time) one of the burns got out of hand and swept over a large hill, endangering homes and lives. (The burnt portion in the picture is just a portion.) It came right down to the river, about 10 yards from our location. The wind was low, so it didn't jump to our dry trees. I was frustrated that the person who started the fire didn't use foresight. Also, that the guards at our camp made no preparations to evacuate or water down the thatch roofs, just in case. I thought about another area of life here that is liaise faire and doesn't seem to value life: transportation, with high speeds, unenforced laws, and lack of driver's education and seat belt/helmet use.
However, at the same time I thought of other sides to the issue. One, I often really like the liaise faire attitude; in the states regulations get TOO picky sometimes. Here, if you want to sell bananas on the side of the road, no problem. In fact, if you want to drive on the side of the road, no problem. (I've avoided a lot of traffic jams that way!) Two, when people feel in control, they forget that they ultimately aren't in control, that only God is. Tanzanians seem a lot quicker to say "God willing" ("Mungu akipenda") than Americans. Three, there is a lot of helpful infrastructure and medicine and education in the states that just isn't in Tanzania. People have to live with less control over their lives, so they might not think they can have an effect on their safety.
I'm sure I don't understand this issue completely. It's certainly multi-dimensional. Cultural differences can exasperate, stretch thinking, develop empathy, and of course, create adventure!

Kanisani (In Church)

I've started going to a local church, which is all in Swahili. It's one of the places where I feel uncomfortable snapping a picture, so I drew one instead. (I don't want to draw attention to myself and treat the service like a tourist event.) I drew my favorite part, the singing. Usually a lady sings a verse and the chorus, then we all sing the chorus a few times together. Sometimes there is a drum and/or dancing. At the end of the service we go out into the yard singing, shake hands around a circle, then finish the song facing each other in the circle.
I'm understanding parts of the speaking. If it's a sermon based out of scripture, I can follow that pretty well, because I have a context to work from. The other speaking, prayers, and announcements are hit and miss. I'm going partly to get the practice listening. To make sure I get deep Word and fellowship, I'm listening to downloaded English sermons, and thinking about starting a prayer group at camp.
I also want to make Tanzanian friends at church. This Sunday I walked back to camp with a lady my age who goes to the church and works at the camp as a cleaner. She shared part of her life story; Her husband left his faith and her for another woman and her child died at birth, all around the same time. She seemed resigned to the fact that life is hard, especially life as a Christian. She trusts in Christ for salvation and to open doors for her in the future... at least that's what I understand with my current Swahili abilities! I'm wondering what kind of friendship we have with such different life experiences. 
The church, as with many new experiences, is an adventure, exciting and confusing at the same time.

Different Languages

The heavens declare the glory of God; 
and the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day after day pours forth speach, 
and night after night reveals knowledge.
                                          Psalm 19:1,2

Last Saturday we (fellow Swahili students and I) broke from our studies to hike to a nearby display of God's handiwork. You can see us in the photo, exploring strange columns formed in the red sandy soil of the canyon. We thought the knowledge declared in these stones was pretty clear:). 
Happily, I'm not only reading the language of creation, but I'm also reading lots of Swahili. Today we read a pamphlet about assurance of salvation and dipped into current events via newspaper headlines. My understanding of the language is definitely deepening. 

Just to Prove I'm in Africa...

I know a lot of you must be skeptical about my whereabouts, as lions, elephants, and zebras aren't seen in many of my newsletters nor blog posts. Well, last weekend I went to Ruaha National Park to gather all the proof necessary. The park holds 20,000 acres of undulating hills and open flatland, divided by a meandering river, scattered with acacia trees and other bush. We (two new friends, from Germany and Turkey respectively) had a fabulous guide. He was able to find us virtually every African animal in the books: leopard, lions (one pride gnawing on a buffalo), cheetah, ostriches, warthogs, jackals, elephants, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, impalas, hornbills, pelicans, storks, and many other varieties of birds. I think that just leaves rhino, which is an endangered animal, and extinct in this park. Even our guide was amazed at all we saw, an awesome presentation of God's creativity, sense of humor, peace (except for the buffalo-gnawing part), and beauty.