We’re currently enjoying a week-long, guided safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire, with minimal internet options. So many stories to share when we return! Happy New Year!
Archive for December, 2009
25 Dec
Yes Friends, There is a Santa Claus
I hope Santa wore shorts because it was a very balmy Christmas Eve in Moshi. Balmy and dark. In true Tanzanian fashion, the power went out during Christmas Eve service. As I looked out into the pews of St. Margaret’s Anglican church, the congregation was awash in the glow of cellphones. We sang “Silent Night” [...]
23 Dec
Sew Good
“If you’re African, you’re at a disadvantage. If you’re an African woman, you’re really at a disadvantage. If you’re a disabled African woman, well, there’s not much to say,” Zach tells me. When we first arrived in Tanzania five months ago, we were bombarded with requests from people we knew, people we barely knew, and [...]
21 Dec
Weekendi Njema (Have a good weekend)
For the first time since we arrived in July, David and I are alone sans children. It’s officially the kids’ winter break. The six of us (including grandparents) went to Arusha on Saturday, checked into a hotel with a pool, ate a delicious lunch, and enjoyed a little of the “big” city. Sunday morning, the [...]
19 Dec
Important Memos
Two interesting things came across my desk this week. The first is Anders’ Christmas list. It reads: “Anders Christmas List, Things I Want the Most” 1. Maasai knife 2. Lego Indiana Jones 3. Lego Star Wars 4. Collection of Star Wars comic books 5. Bike Thankfully, the chances of Santa finding number one on the [...]
17 Dec
Hello ISM Arusha
I went to the Arusha campus today to take yearbook headshots. I’ve dubbed them the Campus of Cuteness. Here’s why: [...]
14 Dec
Sports Weekend
ISM hosted Sports Weekend with schools from Arusha and Dar es Salaam competing in badminton, swimming, football (soccer) and rugby. The campus was a flurry of athletic activity culminating in a Disco (International Hormone Fest) for all three schools Saturday night. Lena participated on the Junior girls soccer team, playing four half-hour games back-to-back. Mixed [...]
14 Dec
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Krismasi
Unlike at home, Christmas is not the dominant holiday in Tanzania. This is especially noticeable in the absence of any commercialism, which frankly, I do not miss. Except for the occasional cheesy, lifesize Santa playing a saxaphone in the corner of a restaurant, (true), you would hardly know Christmas is coming. We know Christmas is [...]
11 Dec
Behind the Scenes
In addition to a day school, ISM runs a boarding program for kids whose parents’ jobs require them to live in an isolated area of Tanzania (or East Africa) without access to an English-speaking school or, they have to travel. Half of Anders’ class are borders which has prompted both kids to think about what [...]
