Farewells

Last night, Kandice, Shingi and I went to dinner at The Watering Hole. It is a small, unmarked gate along a stretch of road about 20 minutes walking from home base. Inside is like a little American paradise. It is operated by all Americans, and features food rarely found elsewhere in the country, like burgers and quesedillas. It resembles a tiki bar, almost, made of bamboo and glass and set in a lush jungle outside. It's a great place to relax with a couple drinks, and watch the sun go down and the stars come out. Tonight they are showing a movie, WALL-E (a personal favorite), outside like a drive in. We're going back for dinner, and my farewell night.

Today was my last day at Faraja. Kathryn and I talked about a few options to make the day special, and settled on bringing food. It seems to be the major factor most of them are lacking in their home life. We started the day with a light lesson, let them play early, then brought them in for juice and cookies. They were extremely well behaved today. I suspect they were given a speech before we arrived this morning.

They loved the juice and cookies. Sadly, most of them are used to eating so little that 4 shortbread cookies were too much for them to finish. But, they all took their time and ate everything, then proceeded to lick the crumbs off their paper plates. When they were finished eating we assembled the Burger King crowns for them. They went absolutely wild with laughter when I put the first one on my head. We "crowned" each student individually, and the whole class clapped for each person. It was so cute. I read to them for storytime with all their crowns still on.

They were told it was our last day, but I don't know what meaning that has for them. I think they are used to people coming and going, so they didn't seem very affected. I was sad to see them go, and hugged some of my favorites. That little Evenlight, though. I couldn't put her down. Luckily, she stays after class, so I spent more time with her. The hardest part was watching them go, knowing there was no way to find out what will become of these children.

Mr. Massawe and his wife invited us in and had a meal prepared. I filled out the paperwork to sponser Neema for secondary school. I found out that her real name is Betty. I couldn't help but chuckle. Before we ate, Kathryn and I received gifts from them, pieces of fabric called kongas in traditional African designs, along with a very sweet thank you letter. We, in turn, gave they our gifts. We had gotten them kongas as well, and 5 cases of poridge for the orphans. I emptied my backpack, full of clothes I didn't need at home, to my dada (sister) that I am sponsoring. I gave her the backpack, too, for school. I gave Mr. Massawe money to open the PO Box, and Kathryn gave money to the family to feed themselves and the children. They were jumping up and down, and I received more blessings than I have ever in my life.

We ate their delicious meal, and it was time to go. The first time I cried was when I hugged Neema goodbye. We will keep in touch through email, but I know I will most likely not see her again. I told her to do well in school and make something of herself. She is too smart to end up on the streets like so many of the girls here will. When the van came, we bid farewell to Mr. Massawe and his wife. They want me to come back with a husband (boy oh boy) so they can meet him. I didn't have the heart to tell them how long they would be waiting for that one. They tell me I'm already too old, and I better hurry up. Hahahaha, imagine that!

It hadn't hit me that I would never come back to Majengo until I got in the van and put my hands on the windows opposite of theirs. I cried all the way out of the village, watching my students playing in the street and waving to us as we left. By the time we got to home base, I was just tired. I ate lunch and took a nice nap.

I am composed again, and more than anything, excited to board that plane tomorrow! I depart here at 9:40 PM, fly one hour to Dar Es Saalam (where more people board my plane), then 9 1/2 hours to Amsterdam. I'll be knocking myself out for that one! I arrive there at 7:55 AM, have a 3 hour layover (which I am looking forward to for the shopping!), and then leave for Newark at 10:35 AM. I arrive 8 1/2 hours later at 1:35 PM. These time changes are going to kick my butt.

I will shower now and get ready for dinner and a movie. In the morning, I will start to pack. It won't take long, so maybe I will go to town or something as well, and try to make the most of my last day in Africa.