Home Visits with the Women in the Women's Group Kateri, Lucy, Riley, and Meg

Blog 9, Home Visits by…Kateri, Lucy, Riley, and Meg

Well today was our last work day. We all had to say goodbye to our new Rafikis (friends). We are thankful for the time we got to spend with them and the memories that we made. We realize that our differences don’t matter and we can connect and make great friendships anyways. It was also our last day with the women from the women’s group. Each woman was paired up with two students and took us to their homes for a tour/visit. Each person had a unique experience of their own. Some helped to make food. Others got to only converse. Some had an English speaker to translate and others had to communicate with only many, many hand gestures. A typical meal was rice with beans and veggies. But some got “lucky” and had a more unique experience. Katelyn was fortunate enough to be served Minnows (sardines?). Ms. Voit and Tim were also lucky enough to walk 40 minutes in the pouring rain. But in all seriousness we are very grateful to the women for welcoming us into their homes and being so generous, open, and loving. The mamas were very proud to show us their homes, families, gardens, animals, and everything they have worked for. Most of their homes had cement floors and a tin roof. These homes are considered middle class, which is very different from our middle class. Some of the houses only had a living room and two or three rooms. Some of the homes had a kitchen inside, some instead had a fire outside to cook over. Each home had their own little garden to help feed their family. Animals were also very common. The mamas were so grateful for us to come to their homes, and to help them in the field throughout the week. We were also thankful because they showed us how important community is, and the importance of welcoming!  We said our goodbyes. They thanked us, we thanked them. Now we are beginning to get ready for our safari! We are all so pumped to be total tourists and see some wildlife!

Also Seth says I love you mama!!!!!!!! And everyone else in my family:)

Make sure all of your kids have money…especially if your kids are planning on buying tanzanite.

Hey dad. I had to ask Ms. Voit what trite meant. Thanks. Mom and Dad. Miss you lots. Still wish I could stay here longer but oh well. See you soon I guess :). –Kateri

Hey family, I am having a great time, but am still missing home.  I can’t wait to see the new dog! Love You!  - Lucy

  Hi mom I miss you!! Oh wait you are on the trip with me haha-Riley

Hi family I’m really not ready to come home, it is so awesome here, but I will be happy when I get to see you in 4 days! I’m very excited to tell you about everything :) -Meg