Habitat House Update

Hello all,

Today is Sunday and we are back in Dodoma today.  There is so much to try to update.  We got more work done this week than anticipated.  We dedicated house #1 yesterday, but will put the roof on tomorrow.  The ceremony was incredible!  You would not believe the way the Tanzanians can sing!  It was very heart-warming.  I now have a personal photographer.  His name is Ernest and he is the mason's son.  I taught him how to use my camera so he took photos during the ceremony.  Um, 190 photos!!!!  But it was so cool seeing how much fun it was for him.  He is 19 years old and is a natural photographer.  He obviously was able to get into areas I could not <he had an all access pass> :)  The people here are wonderful and there is an unbelievable sense of community.  The other highlighlights?  We visited an orphanage in Dodoma. All children there happen to be HIV positive.  You would NEVER know it.  They were the most happy warm-hearted children I've ever seen.  We also visited the local primary & secondary school.  The primary school put on a performance of song and dance I will never forget.  Hopefully I will get some video from other team members to post when I return. 

 

It actually feels we have been here longer than a week.  I've gotten to know the team members well (seeing each other 24/7).  And the community has given us a warm welcome.  It feels incredibly safe and comfortable here <aside of the discomforts - hot, dry, VERY modest accommodations>. 

 

We have a couple more days of work left and then will head north earlier than planned.  We'll visit some cave paintings and then head towards the Serengeti.  I'm sure I'll miss this area.  I've already found a couple of sisters I'd like to take home with me ~ Nebu and Nema are their names.  The kids here are so great.  They seem to adore us, too.  They chase our bus when we leave the work site.  It's so cute!  Will touch back with you all when I can!