How does time fly by so quickly? Our last big project this semester was a week spent at the Baobab Home, just outside the beach town of Bagamoyo. We got the opportunity to help build a new classroom for the primary school there and we enjoyed our time going in to read and teach with different grade levels. One of the most memorable days we had was our Tanzanian Thanksgiving. Thursday started bright and early at 6 am when we witnessed our bata mzinga (turkey!!) being slaughtered. Some brave souls helped to clean and pluck the turkey to prepare it for the the underground dirt and charcoal oven that the men of our group dug the night prior. All 70 school kids, the mamas, the teachers, and other friends who work at the Baobab home all got a little taste of turkey and mashed sweet potato along with the usual lunch that we help to prepare. We gathered afterward in one grand circle to hear what everyone was thankful for.
After playing and doing homework with some of our dearest new friends (about ten children who live at the Baobab Home), we prepared for a more intimate dinner with a long line of tables decorated with flowers in mason jars, and lit by headlamp light. After consuming some African style pizza, we brought out the apple-mango cobbler and fresh pumpkin pie that some of us had stayed up creating (amidst the bug-ridden humidity) the night before.
Other highlights included taking the Baobab kids into town for swimming at the pool and at the beach. There is nothing like being involved in a splash fight while both participants are clinging to your shoulders. The following day was our last in Bagamoyo. We went to our second Stronger Together meeting, which is an organization that allows HIV positive youth to meet together for support twice a week. Our first experience there was with a traditional dance group from the local arts school, but this time, our friend Sabra from the Baobab Home read to everyone from a book entitled “I Am HIV Positive.” We also went swimming with these kids, and had a very meaningful and fun day. Overall, all of our interactions this past week have made it difficult to feel anything other than love for everyone and I already miss all of our friends.
The next leg of our journey included a 4 am wake up and a 7 am fast boat ride from Dar Es Salaam to none other than ZANZIBAR!! After a very comfortable (much to my surprise) seafaring journey, we landed in Stonetown and then drove to a village called Paje. THE. BEACH. THERE. IS. GORGEOUS. I. MEAN. GORGEOUS. Two and a half days there did not do it justice, but I am so glad we went. From the bandas with sand floors, to the rasta vibes and music, to the warmest, aqua blue, sandy, practically empty beaches, I think I can say for all of us, it was an amazing place to stay and relax. Mind you, I have basically no prior beach experience, but this was unbelievable. Some of us tried our hand at snorkeling and we split off to visit the oldest Mosque in East Africa (built in 1107), while others went on a seaweed harvesting/soap making tour with some local mamas (such a cool experience!!). Of course, we all love our juice and have taken full advantage of the fresh availability right now.
Next up, Stonetown!!
Of course, we all can’t wait to see our friends and family soon!
XOXO
