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