Bibi Frank has been saying this over and over since our return. It is exclamations such as this that remind me of how happy the local Tanzanians are about fws's return and their sincere long-term commitment to the project, Kesho Leo, and to the village of Sinon.
It is a mixture of relief and uncertainty being back in the village of Sinon for the fourth time. This place has been my home for varying periods of time over the last 6 years and although at times it is confusing as to where I belong in the world I am so very happy to be back in a place that brings me so much peace. This blog will be less words and more pictures as it will help me to describe all I am seeing around me and those who are working so hard for foodwatershelter.
After 9 months away from the project the differences and changes are so easy to see.
The way the mamas walk - there is a confidence in their step that was not there when I interviewed them in November last year. Their togetherness is apparent and the extended families which we always dreamed of, are starting to form without any of us even realising it.
There is a relaxed feeling about the children as they play together and there is also an expectancy of 'something' in their eyes ( the same look that my niece Eve, gets on her face when you walk through the door). It is such a relief to watch the kids just be kids and slowly, slowly, we may even erase the memories of violence that some of them still hold.
There have been many 'poles' (I am sorry) and then many enormous welcoming smiles throughout the community. The team working in Sinon ebbs and flows but we have a common goal – to see the buildings finished and to see the project, Kesho Leo begin in earnest.
Darren's family work each day in an environment which Daz called his home and they seem to carry a passion that only love can create.
Robbie is so strong and proud of his Dad's work and in between perfecting his mo-hawk he has been perfecting the floor of the accommodation wing. Everyday something changes on site. The frames were up before we knew it and now the roofing is nearly on.
Jay, Daz's brother, now has an extra appendage – his Maasai stick. This man is full of quotable quotes and his heart is open. Mudi and he spend much time in town ordering and in between Jay has managed to throw up a few pieces of roof.
Darren's brother Dan, or as he would prefer to be called 'everyday superhero' ,is leading the team on the building site and is now popular around town in his fisherman pants. His new apprentice Eve will be taking over the site foreman ship after he departs.
Joel Stratti has just arrived with a Movember style yet to be seen amongst the Strattis. Joel has picked up where our Byron Builder's left and the pace on site is incredible.
Kelsey our project manager and diplomat is working so very hard. fws is proud to have this founding member here to manage Kesho Leo for a year alongside our Tanzanian manager Mudi.
Ben Schwabe – has been stuck in between hot tin roofing irons and ceilings grasping pieces of conduit while trying to keep the books in order and the website up to date. He thought he was our bursar but really he is an electrician and building fundi. Shhh don't tell him.
Eve Archbold – this green thumb extraordinaire is making everything grow. Not only has she mastered kiswahili but she has managed to move our permaculture garden along so rapidly. This Horticulturist is the type of volunteer that we hope fws can continue to attract. She is committed to the project long term and can cook egg-plant parmigiana and construct fairy wings when need be.
Robert Cork – What to say about a man that has made this project his life for 3 year(full time for one year and part time for 2 years). Corky has been gone now for 4 days and yes we all miss him. His kwaheri was as special as we hoped it would be. The best news is that his Tanzanian build team have continued to work at 'Corky pace' and are so proud of all they have learnt.
Erin, not only did she teach Maths and English to the workers and English to the mamas, but she researched all vocational centres to assist our workers when making the transition into new jobs after Kesho Leo is built. Asante kwa pumpkin cake Erin – we miss you already.
Emma- she may be Irish and be found to be saying "what ya do be doing" but she is working magic with the afternoon kids classes and mentoring our newest Tanzanian teacher, Margaret.
Nick the 'man of love'( as the workers have named him) is back in Sinon for a few reasons. He is here to climb Meru with his family (look forward to meeting the entire Hirst clan), to work alongside Heather in a place they love, to fine tune his art of cooking 'leftover magic' and most importantly to finish the building that he and Daz started.
Heather, our fws nurse has a competency that puts us all at ease. Apart from diagnosing all volunteer's worm issues she is available for the workers on site and is kept busy every other day teaching HIV education to the mamas and sitting in clinics with our Kesho Kids. We are so lucky that she and Nick have returned to Sinon.
Pricey the electrician. He arrived and he fixed stuff! What can I say he must be from Queensland. It is awesome to have such handy lads around...
and the list of handy lads continues.... Leigh, our current fws plumber is out from Dar es Salaam. Without realising it Leigh has turned into yet another builder. Onesmo is so proud of his new recruit (although no one could replace Luca).
The Byron Builders – they came, they left and they had a massive impact on us all. Not only were they impressive builders but they seemed to master a version of Swahili which we will be quoting for months. Corey, Sean and Lucas thank you for your contribution. Onesmo and the team are walking with a slower shuffle in their step since you departed but it is all ok as they are now 'ingenious fundies'. You will never know the long term positive impact that you had among the Tanzanian build crew. Asante and karibu tena!
Anne and Pip are here !
Finding 3 fws women in one spot is not any easy thing to do. But we have done it. Anne will be with Kels and I until mid January and she and Pip are fitting in a quick trip to Sudan with our friend Anna at SSEG (Sudanese Education for Girls. Karibu Mr and Mrs Turner !
Asante sana (thank you) to everyone who is now apart of the foodwatershelter Kesho Leo project story.....and remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day................slug anyone?
and hello and thanks everyone at home...love and miss you all.
Shona
x
No comments:
Post a Comment