I think I've found my "miracle".

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. Laura Ingalls Wildering

As my time winds down here in Tengeru, I had hoped to use this morning to visit one of the projects initiated by WAMATA called the Orphan Sponsorship Program. Every Sat. between 40-60 young orphans (all sponsored by WAMATA), meet to play games and discuss HIV/AIDS prevention.

I woke up early and after saying goodbye to many fellow CCS members, headed to WAMATA to meet Gervais (the director), who was going to accompany me. Upon arrival at WAMATA, I was surprised to find Silvano, the tailor hard at work on the coffee bags. I have to tell you that really, I had no idea just how much work went into each individual bag - I will explain this process later, but none the less, Silvano was at his sewing maching working away to ensure the orders of the CCS volunteers would be prepared in time.

Unfortunately, there was an executive meeting planned for this morning, so Gervais told me he would be unable to translate. I decided to go anyway. After taking the dala dala again with Gervais (this time only 7 passengers), we arrived to find no children... I was very disappointed, and Gervais explained that because it was raining and very cold, they had probably decided to stay at home. Together we walked back to WAMATA.

Since Kara and the rest of the girls went into Moshi today to do some sight-seeing, I decided it might be a good idea to stay and help Silvano with the bags. I have to mention that Silvano is making absolutely no money on this project. Everything is going towards the purchase of the desks... this makes his efforts all the more selfless.


Each coffee bag must first be hand sewn, then we apply the stamp (this was my job today). The stamp we had made to my surprise was not a traditional North American stamp that you use with an ink pad. Instead it is a screen stamp whereby you apply ink with a small piece of plastic. Since we are using 2 colours of ink... this makes the process a whole lot harder. Today, it took me 2 hours to stamp 40 coffee bags. To be honest, I couldn't help but imagine how simple this process would be back home... but eventually began to enjoy the work, realizing that this was my chance to actually experience firsthand the type of work that the Tanzanian people are accustomed to. After the stamps are put on the bags, Silvano then has to attach a pull string, that he insisted be stitched into the bag. It's funny because after the 2 hours I actually felt a weird attachment to the little bags, and appreciated the fact that they were each unique - with their own minor imperfections. To think - Silvano had already made 100 bags, without ever complaining of the work that was involved. He did it on his own time, without pay - all to support the desk project. In that moment, I decided that Silvano was probably the hardest worker I had ever encountered.

While we were working, Silvano spoke to me in broken English about his country. He told me that unfortunately his father did not have the means to have him learn English, and that since he was supporting his children, he was unable to pay the $10.00 per month to attend the English school in Arusha. This is when I decided that in sponsoring Silvano's English courses, which would last 8 months, I would not only have an opportunity to repay him for his hard work, but I would be investing in a future teacher for the tailoring students. Up until this time, I had been so worried about the education program. Since the program can only continue if there is a volunteer willing to teach English, I was very concerned about its future. I asked Silvano if he could become the teacher for the girls, should he have the chance to learn English. Since he works with them everyday teaching them tailoring, and obviously has a vested interested in their wellbeing, he told me that he would love to become their English teacher.

With more tears in my eyes, I asked Silvano if he would accompany me into town next week to visit the English school. I told him, if he agreed, I would be his sponsor. I asked in return for his word that he would use what he learns to teach the girls - who are equally eager to learn. I don't like getting emotional in these blogs, but I want you to know that the feeling I experienced in that moment, seeing the joy and excitement in his eyes, was something I would say is not explainable in words. If miracles do exist... I would definitely say that this was mine.
I am so thankful for this experience.