Ailanga news

Hi all

Everyone apologizes for the spotty posts. There are rolling blackouts, some not planned, plus our schedule has been very busy and we often end up returning to Usa River too late for the students and other adults to come up to the internet cafe. I stayed behind this morning for a two hour return "shopping" trip to the Meru Rehabilitation center to post this for all.

We are all doing well. No one has gotten sick! The visits to the schools and with teachers and students have been informative and the interactions of our young adults with the children have been amazing. Everyone will have hundreds of photos to share (the joy of digital cameras)and video when we return but the slowness of the internet makes posting any of the photos impossible.

We have all been struck by the poverty, yet heartened by the will of the people we meet to further education to set the stage to rise above this. The Tanzanian people are almost always friendly to the Muzungos and are quick to share a smile and a greeting. Our young adults have hundreds of new friends, not only at Ailanga but with the Usa River neighborhood kids. They now await our return in the late afternoon for games and playing.

Yesterday was the church service at the new church across from Ailanga. We were lait due to Pastor Ndosi's very busy schedule, but even then tea was served when we finally arrived further delaying the service. Protocol must be followed! At the service itself there were well over 250-300 people. It was in Swahili but we all had translators, students from the schools. Pastor Anne gave a very good sermon appreciated by all with it's theme of inter-racial brotherhood. There are several offerings at these services and people bring what they have including what they have, produce, sugar cane, and sometimes poultry. After the service there is an auction and we all participated. I'll let others say what was purchased, but let's just say EVERYTHING was sampled.

We are all thinking of our loved ones at home as well as friends and colleagues. Tomorrwo we head out for our safari to Ngongongare (spelling?) where we'll be for two nights "camping". Others will write as they are able but for now Jambo!

hey whats up?!

I've only got a sec cause the internet is really really really slow... it's been a fun time here at london and right now here in tanzinia. i've been having a really good time and it's been a positive influence on all. i've learned so much so far and i know i'll learn lots more from this trip.

its also been fun playing soccer w/the kids neighborhood and the kids in alianga school. i've got to go but i hope everyone back home is having a great time and i cant wait too see u , but im not homesick yet, but i miss u guys.\
love

stephen

Goodbye to London

Hi All! Our time in London is complete. The primary attraction today was The Tower of London. The students will have to fill you in. Checking into our flight for Tanzania was a "harrowing" experience. The carry-ons were all weighed and some were over, so there had to be some baggage shifting. Several times. We will sort out the luggage tomorrow.
The next blog will be Usa River.
Lulu

St. Paul's, Cleopatra, and other adventures

We all attended the Sunday Service at St. Paul's Cathedral yesterday. Stunning architecture, ornate, beatiful. Everytime I shifted focus, I found something new. Much of the service was based on music by Mozart, with a choir and string/horn orchestra. Communion for 2000 people! (it was very efficient). Afterwards some of us (a group with me) visited the British Museum with artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Mummies including Cleopatra! Other's visited the Wax Museum (yes, Lynn, Tor went and and had a great time). Last night some of us took the night tour of London and got a real sense of the city.

Today all the group save one is visiting the Tower of London. I'm the one as I search for a dentist (found one actually). At least it's not one of the kids (i.e., young adults) with us. I'll catch up with the rest later. Then it's off to the airport and Tanzania!

Yes indeed we've arrived

Re Gretchen's post, kudos to her for dealing with the excess luggage service taking all 31 bags we left at the airport. It looked like we needed Sherpas or something. Thankfully, since so much of it represents gifts or gear we brought for the Safari outfit, it much of it will not be coming back.

It was quite an adventure moving 17 of us through the airports, customs, baggage claim and the above mentioned storage. And then on to the "Tube" for the 45 min-1 hour train ride to the closest stop to where we're staying. I believe we will all become more efficient and work better together as time goes on. By the time we head back to the airport in a couple of days, and we somehow manage to get everything moved from one terminal to another and checked in again, we'll be a fine-oiled machin

Several of us went to Harrod's, then on to see Westminster Abbey and Parliament. Beautiful architecture to say the least. Hopefully, we'll figure out a way to post some photos before this is over (from here). I'm hoping the internet cafe will allow this.

London arrival from Gretchen

Ann posting for Gretchen:


Good Day,
We arrived safely in London. I would write a blog entry, but I have to get
added to the list first. We flew the first leg to Chicago on a 757 and to
London on a 777. Aric scored big by getting a seat with a lot of leg room
and it wasn't an exit.
Everyone enjoyed the birthday cake for Sydney and they got to have ice cream
too. There is a Breyers right next to the gate. Kudos to Christena.
Right now it is 7:00 in the evening and the skies are clear. We arrived
about noon and got settled at the Commonwealth Hall about 4:00. Dealing
with 31, yes, 31 checked bags is quite a feat. The students decided the
afternoon activities and they split up and some went to Harrods, some went
to the British Museum and some went to see if they could get theatre
tickets. I got left behind.
Tomorrow we go to St. Paul's for church and then who knows what!
Tata from Merry Olde England
Lulu

Googling Usa River

If any of you wonder where Usa River is, just click here!

Africa Trip almost here

Well I'm really excited for the trip. It should be not only a lot of fun, but a good time to open up my eyes to the rest of the world. I have traveled outside of the country before but never to a third world country. I think it's important that we keep our ties with this communtiy in Ailanga because in the times that we live in today with war, famine, and poverty, it's important that we reach out and help as much as we can, because we want to change our generation and make it the best possible. Anyway this trip should be great, including London which I've always looked foward to go to.
-Stephen

Commissioning Service and Packing Day

Tonight we had the Commissioning service for our travel to Tanzania at University Lutheran, led by Pastor Ron Moe-Lobeda. This was followed by a gathering to pack group items and gifts we will be taking with us. This photo was taken in the midst of mild chaos. Notice how remarkably calm everyone looks! (click on the photo for a larger view)

Only 4 days before we leave!