It seems we are routinely surprised at what a day will bring. We get up, take a cold bath from the bucket, have a bite of leftover cold rice with banana, organize our lesson materials, and head off to school . . . only to find out that the students will be working, in special assembly, or lined up at the Registrar’s office for receiving information about their tuition dues. Or . . . as was the case today, to find out that a Talent Day had been planned . . . and that we were expected to participate.
We hurried back home to dust off the harmonica and scribble some lines to a favorite duet.
The day consisted of morning and early afternoon sports and games.
Joanne got cheers from the students when they saw that she could jump rope; Gary got laughs for trying. Gary damaged his shoulder playing volleyball and blistered his hand in tug-of-war.
Mid afternoon was filled with displays of students’ drawings, singing and dancing by students and teachers, acrobatic stunts, and a skit by students. The skits are most always teachings/warnings about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, witchcraft, prostitution and corruption. The skit today was a blend of these about a girl prostituting herself for better school scores and tuition fees, only to infect the community with HIV/AIDS. It ended with her being shamed and driven from the village.
The afternoon and evening continued with a student dance contest and then dance for everyone. Some of their dances are organized, somewhat like line dancing, but most is random, individual dancing in mass. It reminds us of the jumping crowds of kids that gather in front of the concert stages (mosh pit?). We circulate through the crowd and separate any “couples” that are getting too close.
Everyone seemed to have a great time today, although we wondered how they could go all day and night without water or food. They seem to think nothing of it, saying they will fix food when they get home. We know that process will take an hour or more, meaning they will eat at 9:00 or 10:00 at night. They like going to bed on a full stomach, so I guess it works out fine in their way of thinking.
Tomorrow will likely include some joking remarks about highlights of the day, but for the most part it will be business as usual, focused on the studies and projects to be accomplished. In spite of their poverty, these people do know how to take time from their work to enjoy life. If they are not sick, they consider themselves blessed, regardless of the condition of their clothing, living space and food.
Thank you for praying for us and our students. The enemy is always on the prowl, seeking to cause a disturbance. Our testimony of the Lord’s strength is real and effective in breaking through the barriers of fear and superstitions.
With love from Tanzania,
Gary and Joanne Grenell
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