Being home and the American dream

We made it home after 34+ hours in transit.  O'hare was definitely a beautiful sight to us as well as seeing Tim and Kate waiting for us with the van.  We have been catching up with  family and friends and I actually went into work yesterday.  Still feeling the effects of jet lag, I have been up since 3:00 am this morning.  Today we leave to take Steph to college orientation.  WOW - The Engel family is on the move again.  Since I was up so early today, I decided to go through the 1200 pictures from safari and transfer my favorites to a folder to publish to facebook.  When you see the wonder of Tanzania in the landscape and animals, you can't really describe it fully.  However as much as I love the beauty of the scenery, it does not compare to the beauty or souls of the people of Tanzania.  Being home is wonderful - I enjoy the hot showers, the purity of the water from the tap, the lack of bui bui in my home.  I appreciate the freedoms I enjoy and the safety of my children.  I'm not listening for the whine of mosquitos nor do I worry about malaria. With all this enjoyment also comes the knowledge that I did not earn this place called America.  Over 100 hundred years ago, my ancestors made a choice to come here.  Because of this, I enjoy freedoms and simple gifts.
As we go through our daily grind, I'm not sure how many of us realize all that we enjoy simply because we were born here.  Yes, we do work hard to support our families but the simple gifts - clean water, public education for all, passable roads, fresh food, and so much more might sometimes be forgotten in our chase of having more.  I watched teachers so thankful for a gift of pencils or a ream of paper.  The enjoyment of being colleagues for the first time.  Our Mwangaza family so thankful for a book to read to their child or a cast-off piece of clothing that we had packed.  The joy and excitement of receiving a MCHS football shirt because it is the school that we teach at and now they can be fans too.  Simple gifts to us yet treated like precious jewels to them.  One can only wonder if in our chase of the American dream, how much of our souls we have sacrificed.  Do we recognize the simple gifts anymore?

Stuck in Washington DC

Well friends, our journey has been stalled.  First, it was an amazing safari experience for us.  We were incredibly lucky to see the big five, lions on a hunt, a lioness with her three cubs, cheetah sunning on a termite hill, a leopard at the crater, and a prowling lion yesterday on a sunrise journey through Tarangire national park.  Each time I go on safari in Tanzania, I fall more in love with the beauty of this country.  From the desolate landscape to the wonder of the crater, it is a landscape certainly designed by God.  It was a capstone to our two weeks of adventures.  It was also wonderful to see the safari through Steph's eyes.  She talked to the animals as much as Alexa does.  I think between the two of them, we have over 1000 pictures to go through.  Saturday night we stayed at the tented safari lodge, which Alexa and I stayed at during our first safari back in 2007.  The two girls shared a tent and I stayed by myself.  Not a problem, until the lights went out and I heard the mournful call of the lions throughout the night.  Then we had planned a sunrise journey through Tarangire.  I had the alarm clock so I needed to make myself leave the security of the tent in the dark to get to the girl's tent.  Did I mention the bats swirling around in the darkness too!  How I manage to get myself into these adventures is really beyond my understanding.  I did manage to walk to their tent and then stand outside saying, "let me in, let me in" We were totally stunned by the sunrise journey.  I can't wait to post pictures of the lion.  Then it was back to Mwangaza to say our goodbyes.  So hard, to leave our family again.  Even harder with Ishmael in tears and Rachel sobbing.  We sang, "Mungu Awe Nanyi Daima" - God be with you till we meet again. Rachel said prayer then it was back in the jeep.  These moments etch into our hearts until we do meet again.  Flight from Kilimanjaro was a piece of cake.  At Adis Abba, I was sitting by myself while Alexa and Steph went for water, a Grandma with limited English came up to me with her two year old and three year old granddaughters.  She asked the girls to address me in English to practice.  The next thing I know, I am holding two little girls while the Grandmother disappears from view.  I was left wondering if I was going to be adopting two little girls.  I didn't think Tim would appreciate this one.  How I manage to get myself into these situations is beyond my understanding.  Not knowing what to do - I dug out Steph's box of crayons and coloring book - Batman.  This was a huge hit with the girls but not with Steph.  Being OCD, she was not happy when her crayons were out of order and stuck in mouths and noses.  She decided it would be better to give the crayons and coloring book to the little girls.  The Grandmother did come back too -Whew!  However I have had to hear Steph complain for the next 30 hours regarding her coloring book and crayons.  The next flight was uneventful and 19 hours filled with videos and so we arrived in the USA to joy thinking we were only 5 hours away from home.  Not so - our flight has been delayed twice now!  We were suppose to be on the plane at 12:28 Eastern time.  We have been moved to a different gate and now to a different plane due to mechanical difficulties on not one but two planes.  At least being stuck in the USA, means starbucks, Dunkin donuts, and good food and water.  We know we will get home at some point today.  If not, I'm seeking a hotel with a hot shower!

Kwaheri Seminar

Today was the final day of seminar.  It is amazing our journey with our friends. It is again hard to put into words the work that has been accomplished in four days of seminar.  Today, I asked the teachers to finish the following quote.  I used to think ___________ but now I know______________.  To read their statements regarding their understanding of the strategies that we learned this week brought tears to my eyes.  This was a wonderful moment for the planners of this seminar, the facilitators, and the inspector of education that was with us for two days.  As much as yesterday was frustrating, today has uplifted our spirits.  At the end of the day, someone from the group spoke about Steph, Alexa, and I.  When Timothy spoke about Steph's contributions to the seminar, I was definitely one proud Mama.  We were each presented with Massai katanga and a Massai necklace from our group.  Steph was in tears at this moment.  To be given such a gift from people that four days ago were strangers to us can't be put in words either. At the end of seminar, we sang, "God be with us till we meet again" in both swahili and English.  Masonda wanted to sing it again in English as the words are so beautiful.  Then truly the hard part, saying Kwaheri to our new family.  I gave my final speech with tears burning my throat.  Inevitably we are asked when will you return, next summer??? Alexa and I skirt the question as we hate to disappoint anyone.  We exchange emails and say our final goodbyes.  Later we took our team to dinner at Khan's BBQ.  Our three partners have never been.  We have promised them a treat for being with us  for two weeks.  It was hilarious to see the expressions on their faces when we came to Khans.  When the Tanzanians are worried about their safety, you know you are in for an adventure.  Khan's is not much to look at but it is the best BBQ in Arusha.  Each time it is an adventure.  From painted tables on our first visit to power outages on our third visit to this time cats jumping on the tin roof.  Now this might not seem like a big deal but these cats made the roof shake, tremble, and sound like it was going to come down on our heads.  Through it all, William is cracking jokes.  He gives Stephanie grief regarding her germ phobia then later asks her for a baby wipe to clean his hands before eating.  Those two  truly have developed a great rapport. Now back to Peace house for our final goodbyes, packing up for safari tomorrow, and in three short days boarding the first of three planes for our return trip home.  I will probably not be able to write more on the blog as I'm not sure if the safari lodge will have internet.  Steph is very excited about the safari tomorrow.  She intends to sing to all the animals.  Thanks to all who have shared in our journey.  We wouldn't be here without your love and support.  Asante Sana,
Donna

Day 3 of Seminar

Well last night was one of those nights ~ First climbing the hill, a giant bug flew into my ear causing me to scream and scare Alexa because I jumped and landed on her.  Then I'm in the shower finally enjoying the right temperature when the power goes out.  Yet another moment of fun in Tanzania.  Today's seminar was a little more frustrating than the last two have been.  We finally reach a moment where I'm showing the chem team how they can use toothpicks to do flame tests for qualitative analysis of ions.  (Chem teachers back home will understand!)  When they tell me, we can't do it that way because our national exam is written using procedures (from the 1960's - with concentrated HCl, combustion spoons, and solids), I'm stunned.  But you have access to toothpicks, solutions will last, you don't have to use concentrated acid, which is dangerous to both you and your students.  They agree with me but they must do as the syllabus states.  I turn to the inspector and of course point out that this is illogical.  Most of the teachers do not have a prayer of getting the materials as it is written in the national syllabus.  The good news is that the chemistry team will write a letter from this seminar to the National Council asking if modifications to the syllabus can take place.  The teachers did enjoy the "commit and toss" activity today.  It was great to see them smiling and willing to toss paper around the classroom.  We have one more day of seminar.  Peter wishes that we could have two more days.  Timothy said to me tonight.  I now have a friend in America that I can email questions too.  I have promised to show him how to arrange his chemicals for proper storage before I leave.  We were able to buy Epsom salt today.  500 grams of Epsom salt = 30000 tshillings.  Justin, an amazing chemistry teacher that is part of our seminar, explained that he tells the story of chemistry.  He does not have electricity at his school.  He does not have most glassware or chemicals.  So to his students, chemistry is a story not a lab science.  This is when I am overwhelmed by the shear neediness of this country.  The good news is the Inspector that came today was very impressed with our seminar and wants to come back tomorrow to see more.  WHEW!  Also all funds have arrived - God's blessing to those contributing to this seminar.  My frustration aside, William reminded me of my own words today from one of my favorite camp songs ~ It only takes a spark to get a fire going.  I needed to be reminded by this when my frustration and anger at the sheer unfairness of it all tends to overwhelm me.

Day 2 of Seminar

Koosh balls do not seem understandable by our new colleagues.  They do not understand how to catch the ball when it is thrown at them.  However, they also do not flinch nor move out of the way.  Today I used an analogy of trying to hit the target when I’m blind.  I had Peter move to an area of the classroom while I kept my eyes closed.  I then threw the ball to where I thought he might be.  The squishy ball hit a young lady in the face.  She did not even try to catch the ball or duck out of the way.  I felt horrible and thankful that is was a squishy ball instead of a baseball.  Alexa was just astonished and William was flabbergasted.  “Why teachers do you not catch the ball?” he asked of them.  I think we will play catch tomorrow during lunch rather than Frisbee.   The analogy worked well though for teaching the teachers about the importance of rubrics.  Today’s topic was assessing student work and using a formative assessment called Fist to Five.  Our colleagues loved this technique. Our co-facilitators selected the techniques being modeled this week.  They have hit the target with what our seminar participants need each time.  Steph did a wonderful job with devotions this morning.  She gives the spiritual side and I tie it to what we as teachers need.  We used a reading from the Gospel of John regarding the gift of the Holy Spirit and becoming a living sanctuary for God.    The day goes by so fast while we are in seminar.  Also last night was the first night that I had LaLa Salama since coming to Tanzania.  I think I was finally able to relax with day 1 of seminar under our belt. A huge thank - you to the Science department members that have responded to our calls for help.  You are truly wonderful to respond quickly when we ask for your help.  Bre – your power point on voltaic cells helped five chemistry teachers learn today.  All wanted copies prior to leaving.   Tomorrow an inspector from the TZ Government will be back to watch us in seminar.  William says that I shouldn’t worry about impressing him! EEK~ William and I also had a discussion today regarding ELCT teachers doing these seminars on their own.  It was an interesting perspective to hear.  TZ teachers believe if Americans come and present during seminar than it must be very good because it is from America.  Ideas from America are always very, very good is their belief.  They will buy American products before anything from China as American is the best.  I wonder how many Americans still believe this?  We realized yesterday that we will be home in one week.  It will be wonderful to be back with our loved ones but we also know that we leave a part of our heart behind each time we say goodbye.  Steph is already planning her return trip.  She has fallen in love with Tanzania just like I did five years ago.  Perhaps this is what my journey has always been about – passing the torch on to the next generation. It would truly be wonderful if in her lifetime, Tanzania was free from malaria and the innocent ones had the same opportunities for growth and development that she has had.

Kwaheri Mwangaza and Jambo Seminar

We have not had access to internet very much for the last two days so I haven’t been able to post to the blog.  Sunday was one of those days where your heart is pierced so many times.  Longida arrived to give us his greetings.  He is currently not working at Mwangaza and has not yet secured a new job.  That is troubling to hear as he has three children.  He touched my heart when he said, “my heart was beating so fast when I heard of your arrival to Tanzania”.  It is so humbling to realize the love that the workers of Mwangaza have for us.  Andrew is still refusing to discuss our leaving.  Next Sunday will be a very hard day for him.  Loyishe spent the day taking pictures using Alexa’s camera.  He loves posing everyone and he really has a knack for it.  We discussed on Sunday again the baby coming late July or early August.  I brought up having a baby boy’s name since Mama already has Laura picked out for  a girl.  Loyishe said,”Boy name?” I gave an example of Benjamin and that was it for Loyishe.  If it is a boy, it will be Benjamin.  Hopefully, Mama likes that idea.  Salome and Allen drove us back to Peace House mid-afternoon.  It was a very quiet journey as Alexa and I were beginning to realize the enormous task ahead of us this week.  We did make Allen check the house for Bui Bui before leaving us.  If there had been a tarantula sighting, I was heading back to Mwangaza.  Luckily the house is for the most part Bui Bui free.  We walked down the hill after I made a delicious meal of spaghetti.  Unfortunately, we did not have internet access which was really disappointing to us.  We really look forward to any emails from home.  On the plus side, we were able to meet up with Timothy and Peter and were able to see all the progress that was made for seminar.  This was wonderful!! Timothy was so ready to present!  He has truly become a leader this week and a treasured friend.  Parting with him will be very difficult for me.  We had student helpers arrange desks, chairs, clean marker boards and carry our teaching supplies back up the hill.  As we were unpacking the suitcase, one young lady reached into the suitcase and pulled out the Koosh squishy ball that has the tentacles on it and jiggles.  The look of absolute horror on this child’s face when the ball moved in her hand was priceless.  She thought the ball was alive.  What an experience for us!  We re-assured her that it wouldn’t hurt her and we began to play catch with it.  This became an impromptu game of catch in the classroom with several students..  Alexa and I finally went to bed re-assured that we would be ready for the morning. 

I’m not sure how to describe the first day of seminar.  First, the alarm clock went off at midnight instead of 6:00 am.  No big deal – roll over and go back to sleep.  Can’t sleep because the mind starts to wonder.  What if the teachers do not come?  What if more teachers come than we planned for?  I haven’t yet learned to just give those worries to God but certainly TZ is a good place to begin and try.  We made sure we were fortified for breakfast and then off we went.  We sang all the way down the hill, “ This is the day” to give us courage and to prepare our spirit for any challenges that we would encounter.  Peace House is not centrally located so transporting teachers from their schools is an issue.  Teachers will need transport each day.  This is a problem in logistics but luckily William has worked very hard to find  a bus to bring the teachers to Peace House. Unfortunately the teachers did not arrive when expected.  Teachers were even late on African timetables so we had to adjust our plans.  Flexibility is the key for the first day of seminar.  The good news is that we were prepared for this and adjusted our plans.  I know that I can not adequately describe the joy and wonder of being part of this project.  I will never be able to thank those who gave of their gifts so freely to make this happen.  We are truly walking in God's light and even though we are a tiny ripple, we keep those ripples going.  We had such positive feedback from day 1.  The credit goes to Timothy, chemistry teacher at Peace House, and now a treasured colleague.  We were filling that teacher toolbox today! William had us sing the children's hymn - Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning.  WE were burning today!  Alexa, Steph and I might never know the outcome of today's seminar but we were given a glimpse of God's plan for Tanzania today.  It is in the development of these teachers that hope continues to burn brightly for Tanzania.

New pics