Weeki Moja

After a long and interesting journey, I have made it back to the place that I called home (nyumbani) just two years ago. It feels nice to be back in Mwanza with so many familiar sights, sounds and smells. Upon first impression, not much has changed in two years. Many of the landmarks, hotels and shops appear to quite similar, fading into the busy hustle and bustle of the city.
Since it has been a whole two years since I have been here I was unsure whether people in the neighborhood would remember me or if I would be seen as just another Mzungu who has entered the area. I was pleasantly surprised to encounter two friendly faces (Maimuna and Rugaee) from Kivulini Women’s and Children’s Rights Organization who recognized me and gladly welcomed me back to Mwanza. I have always found that the people in Mwanza are very friendly and welcoming. It was nice to hear those welcoming words again ‘karibu’ (welcome)!
Settling back into the old intern apartment brought back many fond memories for me as I unpacked my overloaded suitcases from back home. I found it interesting the contrast in my feelings, demeanor and way of thinking when settling in this time compared to my first time here. I remember feeling so unsure, so uncertain, and to be honest, so out of place at times. But this time, I felt so positive, so comfortable, so excited, like I was returning to a whole other place, as an entirely different person. I thought about this for a while and reflected on my transition since my last visit here. I realized how much of an influence this place had on changing my entire way of approaching life. I realized how differently I think compared to last time, how much I have grown, and how much I have learned about life.
For some reason, this place sets of a spark in me, a spark that fosters me to appreciate, reflect, embrace and celebrate life. I think it is the wonder of this place that rekindles my desire and passion to continually learn, discover and experience.
As we started to settle in, I was reminded how everyday tasks are quite different from tasks at home. Simple tasks such as cooking, grocery shopping and accessing the internet take much longer to accomplish than back at home. I guess I have to get used to the African pace of things again and remind myself that things happen pole pole (slowly, slowly).
Although we are adjusting to the pole pole lifestyle we were eager to get to the yogurt kitchen (jiko maziwa) so that I could reunite with the Yogurt Mamas and Ashley and Jon could meet them for the very first time. So we headed off down the streets of Mwanza (Mabatini neighbourhood) to meet with the Yogurt Mamas. On our way we were greeted by many locals who stopped to ask us where we are from (‘anatoka wapi?’). Many of the locals also made small talk with us as they find foreigners very interesting. I enjoyed speaking with various people on the street since I need to practice my Kiswahili. It is my goal to be fluent in Kiswahili by the end of my trip. Many others who passed us on the street reminded us that we are different, that we are foreigners as they constantly yelled ‘Mzungu’ (White person) and waved to us.
At the yogurt kitchen Mama Paskwalina, Mama Leah and Mama Cecilia were working hard and greeted us with open arms. The Mamas expressed how excited they were to see me again and to meet Jon and Ashley. We spent about an hour at the kitchen chatting with the Mamas (using broken Kiswahili) as we enjoyed some chai (milky spiced tea) and andazi (local donuts) with them. The mamas told us to return the next day (kesho) so that all the Mamas could meet with us and discuss our plans for our internship. We set off again down the streets of Mabatini to our home (nyumbani).
The next day we were able to meet with all of the Yogurt Mamas and a few of their children. It was so nice to see all of them again. All of the mamas were surprised to see me again and welcomed me back to Mwanza with greetings and hugs. Since my Kiswahili is still a little rusty, a local high school boy (Lugembe) helped us translate our discussion about the Tukwamuane project and our goals for the internship. There are many elementary and high school students in the Mabatini area from Mabatini elementary school and Mtoni high school that get yogurt from the yogurt kitchen and they love to practice their English with the Mzungus. We also encourage them to practice Kiswahli with us. The Mtoni high school in this community is the school that is partnered with Clarke Road Secondary School in London, Ontario. The students from Clarke Road raise money to buy school supplies and sports equipment for the Mtoni students and they correspond though letters back and forth. This is what I like most about the Western Heads East project, there are so many aspects of the project that connect the Mwanza community with the partners back home. It really is a global community effort.
After a successful discussion, the mamas invited us to a big (kubwa) community celebration that is happening on the weekend called ‘Mwenge Wa Uhuru’ (The passing of the Freedom Torch)! This ceremony symbolizes independence in 1961 under the Nyerere government. The vice president as well as many other officials and local individuals will be carrying the torch through the community and there will be day long celebrations. The Mamas told us that they would like us to come and represent the yogurt project with them. They also mentioned that it would be nice for us to dress in traditional African clothing (Nguo) and that they would take us to the market (sokoni) to purchase this clothing the following day.
Today Mama Paskwalina took Ashley and I to the market to buy the material for our outfits. Jon had to visit the doctor because he was not feeling very well. Turns out he has a mild case of Malaria and he had to go home to rest. Malaria is very common here and can be contracted through mosquito bites. Fortunately there are many accessible (for those who have a little bit of money) clinics and medicines (dawa) to help cure malaria and Jon should be feeling better in a matter of days. Many local people here contract malaria but can not afford the cost of the doctor’s visit or the medicine so it can/ does sometimes threaten their lives. Knowing that the cost of Malaria medication and a doctors visit is only about $10 (at the most) Canadian makes it seem quite absurd that people in Tanzania and other surrounding countries are dying of this disease.
Anyways, on a happier note, on Saturday (tomorrow) (jumamosi, kesho) we will meet the Yogurt Mamas at 9:00 am (saa tatu) to wait for the ceremonies to begin. I am very excited to attend this event since all of the previous events that I have attended in Mwanza have been so interesting and so much fun.
When we returned (narudi) home from the kitchen we were pleasantly surprised to see that George (the director of development studies at Saint Augustine University) was at our apartment chatting with Jon. We were happy to see George since he and his students will be assisting us with completing our project goals and with translation at the yogurt kitchen.
I was also reminded this week about how lucky we are at home in Canada to have access to abundant and clean food and water as well as consistent electricity supplies. So far this week, our power has gone out three (tatu) times and we had no running water (maji) at all for three days. It is not the most pleasant of things to sweat all day in the African sun and not have access to any water for that long. But, that is life here in Mwanza and I have to remind myself of how lucky I am to even have access to these amenities on a regular basis. Luckily our water tank was filled again today and I was able to have a shower…man it felt good!