Cement, Bricks, and Mt. Meru

We have been making steady progress on our main project-- building the school classrooms. Our days spent on the work site have been great. The wafundi, or "builders" in English, have taught students how to mix cement and lay brick. They have also taught us a traditional song from their boyhood days. Next week we are going to put on the roof and add an entry porch for the doorway. This will polish off the main structural work on the rooms before we leave for safari the week after next. The school and village intend to plaster the walls and add a finish layer of cement on top of our foundation layer for the floor after we leave. These will be the final touches on the classroom and they are very grateful for our work thus far.

On Saturday we explored Arusha, stocked up on basic supplies, and explored the local craft market. Students selected wood figurines, fabrics, and other crafts to bring home and truly honed their bargaining skills! We also visited the local Lutheran church for an hour on Sunday to observe the local church customs. The students found the church energetic and full of song. Students were able to draw contrasts and comparisons to religious services in the states and appreciated the chance to have seen our village's service.

Later on Sunday, we went on a hike on the slopes of Mt. Meru to a beautiful waterfall. Our guide was a joy and was very helpful along the way, introducing us to his friends and the villagers we passed. We hope you enjoy the photo from the hike, below!

This coming weekend we will take an excursion to Moshi and Lushoto to take in the town and visit their market. We will also go on a hike to a beautiful overlook point before returning home Sunday night to Muungano.

More news later!

-Jo and Freeman

This home is similar to many we have seen in our own village, though we
passed this one along our hike. Our living quarters are a cement brick building
with a metal roof, but most villagers live in these types of homes.

Shaquille shows some children we passed along the way a video of
themselves. They were timid at first, but increasingly amused and
animated.

The entire group made it to the waterfall. The hike out of the
gorge after this photo was steep and challenging, but we all made it!