Mamas
I have been lucky enough in recent times to have my Mama and her partner visit me in Arusha. What an amazing journey for us all; we will have memories and stories to share for a very long time. I often wonder what is the first story that they choose to share with family and friends since they have returned home! It will certainly make my adjustment back into Australian life a little easier to know that I have family who I can share these memories with; who understand just where I have been, what I have been doing and the people I have met during my time in
Tanzania.



There are many fond memories that I think of every day since my family returned home. However, I will share just one ever present theme; the overwhelming respect that people have for Mamas. The first day that my Mama, Tom and I walked to Kesho Leo was quite emotional. The walk and scenery itself is beautiful, the kids and families you greet a long the way equally so.



On this first walk we met with Gladi's Mama; Jennifer. There were tears of joy and lots of broken English and Kiswahili chatter and lots of laughter. I had informed Jennifer and Gladi a few days earlier when we had walked to Njiro for Gladis physio appointment together, that my Mama and her partner were visiting in the following week; we were all very excited. But I had not expected that when my Mama and Gladi's Mama would meet that it would be so special. Jennifer thanked my Mama for giving birth to me and thanked her for allowing her only daughter to come to Tanzania. I had not expected such a response. Although we spoke only briefly; the mutual feelings did not require words.

We continued on our walk to KeshoLeo, there were many looks of surprise and delight as I introduced my Mama to the people from our village. The looks on their faces were just beautiful. We entered the gates of Kesho Leo to be welcomed warmly by Gladi runnning down the driveway. Her energy and excitement was another of those memories that words can not really describe. I have the greatest respect for Gladi and her lifes journey. She too thanked my Mama for giving birth to me and allowing me to come to Tanzania.

The arrival of my family also coincided with Gladi achieving another of the milestones she has set for herself over the past three months of medical treatment; her wounds were now healed! I had been waiting to give her a gift and share in a small celebration of this achievement with her and her family; but it was now an ideal opportunity for my family and Gladi's to celebrate together.

I had been practising what I had wanted to say on the way back from town in the dala dala, but when it came time for me to speak all the prep went out the window. Trying to remember Kiswahili while a tad emotional (actually even when not emotional) was more difficult then I had expected. However, they know my kiswahili is poor and have become good at filling in the gaps for me. So they did understand what I was saying (although I did make a huge blue in saying "I forgot" instead of "I am happy"). Thankfully I was quickly able to recognise and fix my huge error! We gave Gladi her gift and she was so excited, she wrapped the scarf around her head and went running around her boma; laughing in true Gladi style.

There are so many more experiences that I could share, but for the sake of not waffling, perhaps I shall reserve these memories for myself and my family. However, I feel very honoured to have all of these wonderful Mamas in my life. I look forward to sharing more times with the Mamas at Kesho Leo and those that live in the community of Sinon. Thanks Mum and Tom; a time shared is never forgotten,.

Happy, Mary and Norah

Aggie and her Mama

My Mama and a friends Mama

Dativa & Elizabeth

Mama and I

August Celebrations...2

   

On the 30th August St Ambrose parish celebrated this year's First Communion. As has happened to me so much this year as I have lived in the village of Engosengiu, it reminded me a lot of how it was for my family when I was growing up. Like my family many of the people here have very little in the way of material possessions (average wage is $3 a day) and nothing is ever wasted. But when it comes to celebrating important occasions families save and make them memorable. 

So the children and young people as they are brought forward to receive First Communion are given a day when they know that for that day they are the most important person in the family and the parish community.

 

It usually takes me 50 minutes to walk to mass on Sundays and the last part is a climb up a hill to the church. Everyone, of course walks to church but on this Sunday many families hired a taxi or a dulla dulla (local public transport vans) to take family and friends to church.   

As the organ began to play the women began to 'vigelegele' with the high pitched movement of the tongue, then the children's choir danced and sang as they led the procession into the church. They were followed by the children receiving First Communion then the adult choir and the altar boys and the priest. 

Mass here always takes 2 hours and of course First Communion day took 3 hours. This does not worry people. Time here is enjoyed and experienced and savoured. Time is not a problem or something people need more of to do all they want to do.

After mass there is congratulations and celebrations. Again people are patient while all the cars and dulla dullas take turn to drive down the rocky, dusty road to go home. At home, when everyone is ready the goat and rice that have been cooking all morning is now ready to eat and the celebrating and dancing continue.

Posted by Helen Campbell

Education Manager

August Celebrations...1

During the month of August I have been very conscious that I have been under the moon of Ramadhan. I have heard many of the volunteers speak of their admiration for our workers and their families who are participating in the ritual fast and almsgiving of this time of the year that is so special to them.

Mudi explained to me that the word Ramadhan comes from the Arabic 'Ramadhani' which means to fix. Ramadhan is a holy month in which the people, in the way of the great mystics, fast and give to those less fortunate, so that the sins not already forgiven through daily prayer are resolved. 

Ramadhan is a holy month of love and peace. The people believe that after Ramadhan they can achieve the innocence of a small child.

Children do not have to fast. They learn the importance of the month by watching and listening to their parents. When a child is of an appropriate age they might want to fast for a short time during the day. The parents congratulate and encourage them to enter into the spirit of the holy month.   

After Ramadhan is the celebration of Idd Mubaraka when everyone dresses in their good clothes and cook food and invite people to come and eat with them. It is a celebration of the equality of all people so orphans, neighbours and homeless people are welcomed to eat with the family and a gift of rice is given according to each families capacity to give.

To Mudi personally the time of fasting teaches him what it is like not to have food and it inspires him to want to give to others. He feels at one with and connected to people in a special way and through his prayer and fasting he tries to become a better person and to relate more truly to others. 

Posted by Helen Campbell

Education Manager