In a gentile way, you can shake the world.
Ghandi

Hi All,
Not too many updates for today, except one experience that happened to Kara and I last night that I want to share with you so that you are better able to understand the good nature of some the Tanzanian people I now call my friends. Alex, a young man (17 years) I first met when I arrived, has been helping me diligently to translate Swahili to English every night as I prepare my lessons for the next day. Alex is working at CCS as he has been accepted into University, but still needs to generate funds for his schooling. I also posted a picture of him a few blogs back. Last night, during out translating session, Alex asked me if my favourite animal was a zebra. A little confused by the question, I answered yes. He proceeded to get up, and go to a closet near where we were working. He came back with a beautiful statue/sculpure of a zebra and one of a giraffe. He told me that he had purchased the zebra for me and the giraffe for Kara. I was shocked... this young boy, who works so hard everyday at CCS and helps me everynight had bought me a gift that I am sure was way out of his price range. With major tears in my eyes, I accepted. I am looking forward to an idea, that will come to me, on how I will be able to help Alex as he prepares for university.

I thought of an idea today that I hope will bring my students at Western and my students at WAMATA together. For a long time now, the members of the student council at WSS have asked me to set up a penpal project. Before I leave I will take a picture of all of the orphans I am teaching. Back at Western, I will ask all students interested to select a girl that will become their pen pal. I have arranged with the director to have him translate their letters into English as part of the education program. I really hope that this project is successful as it will also allow me to keep track of my girls at WAMATA.

Thank you for your continued comments, and yes Pam, this is going to be a very very difficult place to leave. With every passing day, my love for Arusha and its people grows stronger and stronger.