The last few days have been really busy. Two days ago we got invited to the local secondary school’s graduation ceremony. We rolled up all late and everyone stared at us as we walked in. They made a special welcome speech for us, too. It was a little awkward at first. Now, Rotia gets little to none of the tourist action from the nearby parks and cities and we are the only outsiders I have seen around. So we are pretty much the talk of the town and seem to stir up a lot of commotion everywhere we go. But this was different because but once we were settled in the atmosphere was very comfortable. For once, we are not the center of attention. We were just part of the crowd, enjoying the students’ ceremony like everyone else. We watched the students sing songs and give speeches in Swahili (All I could understand was “wanafunzi.” Students.) and the parents came up and did an amazing dance with singing and drumming. Very cool to see and also very cool just to feel like a welcomed part of the community that we are living in here.

And then yesterday was set aside for community service in town. We went to a small orphanage to lay a concrete floor and build some play sets for the kids. As soon as we arrived, we were surrounded by about 20 kids between ages 2 and 12. One little girl named Amina grabbed me from the beginning. She taught me this little hand game and I gave her piggyback rides and we took pictures and played with other little kids. The only actual work I did was pouring some concrete into a hole. But there were so many kids running around and not a lot of jobs to do anyways so most of us were just playing. But we ended up completing the floor and building a see-saw and a little wooden playhouse. And the kids were so happy with them. Actually they were so happy to begin with, just to have us there playing with them, that the things we built didn’t make too much of a difference. It was all laughter and smiles the entire time. And they were so loving. All Amina wanted to do was be held and give hugs and kisses on the nose and cheeks. Cutest little thing ever. A lot of the kids at the orphanage have lost their parents to AIDS. They really don’t have any chance of being adopted so the workers at the place are just looking for people to sponsor them. They have a little shop where they sell artwork and they are planning on selling their fruits and vegetables soon too. Its run completely on donations that mostly come from tourists who stop by on their way to Serengeti or Manyara. Its sad I guess, but you don’t get that feeling while you are there. The kids were so happy, full of energy, and got along great with each other and the staff. They are taught language and art and math there and they have books and maps and the walls are painted with cute pictures. They are working on expanding the buildings more too so they have more space. You could tell the kids were longing for love and attention, but they were treated well so that’s something.

Tomorrow is our day trip to Tanangire National Park. As nice as the community work can be, I’m really here for the wildlife so it will be awesome to get back out there. 

Location: Karatu, Tanzania