TEAM 199 JOURNAL
GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS IPALAMWA, TANZANIA
OCTOBER 6 - 26, 2018
WWW.GLOBALVOLUNTEERS.ORG
GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS R e a c h i n g
T e a m
C h i l d r e n ' s
G o a l s
P o t e n t i a l
T e a m
Collaboration
To serve greater good To learn about Tanzania To promote love of learning To share knowledge and skills To complete specific assignments
Supportive Punctuality
T e a m
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C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s Tactiful
Shared Goals Open to new ideas Positivity
Willingness to learn and grow Flexibility
Delegation
Honesty
Equality
Respect
Entusiasm
Accountability
T e a m Bud Weiner is a Physician. This is his sixth Global volunteers trip but the second one in Ipalamwa Tanzania. He was training the medical staff at the clinic, interviewing new medical doctors but also he participated in home visits. Jan Hughes. This is her second time to participate in Global Volunteers Service program. She has been a nurse for 10 years and has been a health and welfare benefits manager at Capella University. She helped sorting things at the clinic. Pamela Griffin. This is her seventh time to be in a Global volunteers service program and her second time in Ipalamwa since the RCP Program started last year though she has been to Ipalamwa before the program started. She is a business consultant and she is also performing organization design and coaching. She was working in home visits, coaching RCP staffs, interviewing medical doctors and the RCP caregiver and testing the water purification systems. Annie Weissman has been a Principal at Alhambra Elementary school district and she is also an author of books and magazines and a librarian. Previously she has been to four Global Volunteers service programs in China, Cuba and Peru. And this is her first time in Tanzania Ipalamwa. She was teaching english to the kindergarten class, home visits and helped with the kids during workshops.
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I n t r o d u c t i o n
Anna O'Neal This is her first time to be in Global Volunteers service program. She is a finance and accounting person employed by Morgan Stanley. She has a degree in Media studies/political science from Horbart and William Smith Colleges. She was working with the kindergarten students, helped train the operations coordinator and clinic manager and she also participated in home visits. Felicia Flores is also a consultant. She is a Government agency currently employed by County of San Mateo. She has a degree in business adminstration from Horbart and William smith colleges. This is her first time to participate in Global volunteers service program. She was teaching english at the kindergarten class, home visits and sometimes helped with the kids at the workshop. Barbee Lux is a self employed business person. Previously she has been to one Global volunteers service program in India and it is her first time in Tanzania Ipalamwa. She was teaching english to the kindergarten class, home visits and sometimes helped with the kids during workshops.
Heather Dill is a CEO of Beauty Kitchen. She has a degree of political science from University of Indianapolis and masters in english and marketing. This is her first time to be in Global Volunteers service program.. She was teaching english at the secondary school in Ipalamwa and did home visits. Claire Kirchen is a retired adminstrator from Orange County Dept of Education. This was her 8th Global Volunteers service program and her first time to serve in Ipalamwa Tanzania. She was teaching english at the secondary school and adult english learning and sometimes in home visits. Adrianne Rosner is employed by  lagrage area dept of special education. She has never been to any of the Global Volunteers service programs. She was presenting the developmental milestone workshop to the moms in the morning and she did home visits in the afternoon Nye Wiley is a retired technician and he is a colour specialist. Nye Wiley. This was his first service program with Global Volunteers. He was helping in building the parking for the cars at the Reaching Children's Potential center.
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CLAIRE KIRCHEN
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
D a y
The magic of travel is that you leave your home secure in your own knowledge and identity, but as you travel, the world in all its richness intervenes. You meet people you could not invent; you see scenes you could not imagine. Your own world, which was so large as to consume your whole life, becomes smaller and smaller until it is only one tiny dot in space and time. You return a different person. Many people don’t want to be travelers. They would rather be tourists, flitting over the surface of other people’s lives while ever really leaving their own. They try to bring their world with them wherever they go, or try to recreate the world they left. They do not want to risk the security of their own understanding and see how small and limited their experiences really are. To be a traveler, you must be willing to give yourself over to the moment and take yourself out of the center of your universe. You must believe totally in the lives of the people and the places where you find yourself, become part of the fabric of their everyday lives. Embrace them rather than judge them, and you will find that the beauty in their lives and their world will become part of yours. When you move on you will have grown. You will relate that the possibilities of life in this world are endless, and that beneath our differences of language and culture we all share the same dream of loving and being loved, of having a life with more joy than sorrow. ~ Kent Nerburn, SIMPLE LESSONS
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PAM GRIFFIN
October 6, 2018 J o u r n a l
E n t r y
ambo! It’s a beautiful sunny day in Dar es Salaam. I’m very excited to start the day and the journey toIringa and Ipalamwa!
I had a great night’s sleep after an amazing dinner of fresh grilled fish with coconut sauce, spinach and garlic naan. I really enjoyed staying at the Protea Hotel Dar es Salaam Courtyard. Yes, it’s a Marriott property so I can earn the points! The breakfast buffet was also amazing…. A wide variety of meats, beans, fresh fruits and yummy fresh fruit juices… along with an omelet station.
As I finished checking out and was leaving I met Claire in the lobby as she was wearing her Global Volunteers T-shirt…. I always forget to wear mine. We went to the Domestic airport with my Driver, Chawa, from yesterday. Web arrived way too early, but was concerned about Saturday traffic of which there was some. It was fun getting to know Claire on the ride. Once I got ALL my bags through the xray, weighed and checked in, I paid enough for the over weight, we joined Jan and Nye already in the waiting area. I had met them as we deplaned from our Doha Qatar flight the afternoon before. As we were discussing our former trips with Global Volunteers, Annie joined us and then Bud. As we got to the plane we were huddling for a group photo and Anna said she was also with Global Volunteers. So the 7 of us boared with no other passengers! Our private plane to Iringa/Ifunda! Getting to know each other was a special way to spend the time.
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PAM GRIFFIN
October 6, 2018
The Captain informed us we had a stop in Noolo to drop off supplies. As we approached the landing I couldn’t see where we would land as it was all trees and a lake and a river. Then suddenly appeared a grass strip that didn’t look very wide or long enough… but we landed on it. It was a very good soft landing much better than most of the landings on my weekly trips to DFW. No buildings. Nothing around. One man standing to the right of the plane and a jeep on the left with another man. They took two big coolers that were in the inside back of the plane. We were back up in the air again in just a few minutes. 20 more minutes to Ifunda the Captain told us. Another great landing on a dirt strip with cars, our bus and people waiting to board the flight back to Dar es Salaam. Three gentleman unloaded our luggage and loaded up the small bus/van. They told us an hour to Iringa… it was close to it due to Saturday traffic.
We arrived at the Auric office with Mohamed and Rashid waiting for us. We loaded up the two new Land Rovers and headed to the restrooms, grocery and ATM, in that priority order. The restrooms were very nice, looked very new and clean. I luckily discovered the Western or Muzungu toilet. Kudos to the ladies who used the Tanzanian toilet!! We all purchased our snacks and adult beverages. Since some were able to receive shillings for change we did not need to stop at an ATM. "The sunset pinkish orangish sky was beautiful behind the mountains."
Off to Ipalamwa! Elkana, who met us at the grocery, and Rashid estimated two hours so we all agreed we’d be there around 8:30ish, you never really know how long due to the bumpy road. The sunset pinkish orangish sky was beautiful behind the mountains. And then darkness. I promised Claire and Anna they’d see the great view when we go to the Safari. We chatted some in our car, but mostly left to our own thoughts… mine being excited to see Momma Tony, Winnie, Regina Sephoonie again.. Meeting the rest of the staff and seeing the four new buildings that complete the RCP Center or compound as Elkana referred to it. Elkana kept receiving calls … from Winnie, Mama Tony or both to se how close we were.
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PAM GRIFFIN
October 6, 2018
Winnie greeted us with big friendly hugs as we got out of the jeep. She showed us to our rooms while Rashid and the Security Guard brought our bags to the veranda. I had to say “poli sana” for my one bag was so heavy with the printer and transformer that are still intact in their boxes ready for me to setup this week. Mohamed’s jeep with the rest of the team arrived. Once we settled our rooms a bit we met in the dining hall for dinner. WOW!!! The hall is beautiful and the kitchen amazing!! We greeted Mama Tony … me with big hugs as well as Alesta. We fixed our plates of brown rice, peas, beef, spinach and pineapple! A wonderful feast for our first night after a long journey.
While we finished eating, Winnie started the evening meeting with introductions and playing the name game. I always sit in the wrong spot… luckily there are only 7 of us plus Winnie and I had already met everyone!!! Winnie then explained and apologized for the issue with the generator that caused us to not have water in our rooms. She said we’d get buckets of water to flush the toilet and anyone wanting hot water for a bucket bath should let her know. She then reviewed tomorrow’s detailed agenda. We cleared our plates to the kitchen said our good nights… I helped Annie with her mosquito netting as she had never used it before and wanted to know the proper way to put it down. I gathered my bucket of water from outside my room and settled in for the night. I must say the water in the bucket is very clean! Much cleaner than the days we did bucket baths from river and rain water and used it to flush the toilets every day. Ipalamwa has come a long way since those days… 2010! A lot in thanks to Global Volunteers!!! I’m looking forward to a good nights rest in the cool fresh mountain air!!
… 2010! A
"Ipalamwa has come a long way since those days
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lot in thanks to Global Volunteers!!! I m looking forward to a good nights rest in the cool fresh mountain air!!!"
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ANNIE WEISSMAN
M e s s a g e
o f
Children’s faces looking up, Holding wonder like a cup. ~ Sara Teasdale
t h e
D a y
October 7, 2018
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CLAIRE KIRCHEN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
he early birds were up 7am searching for hot coffee before the official breakfast start at 8am. We engaged in conversation on our veranda sitting in comfortable wicker chairs outside our rooms. It was worth the wait as our breakfast buffet offered hard boiled eggs, toast, porridge and corn flakes served in the dining/meeting room adjacent to the efficiently organized new kitchen.
Another superb lunch prepared by Mama Tony awaited us upon our return. Winnie updated us on the status of the generator. At the same time driver Mohammed retrieves our last volunteer whose flight was canceled at the last minute, he will bring back a repairman for the generator. Bwana asafiwe!
Between lunch and our next meeting we have about an hour free time that might translate into naps for some! Pam and RCP staff will be working out the schedule for our special visits this week. During our break, Barbee arrived! Her first trip with Global Volunteers was to India. She joins the seven other intrepid volunteers in our group. And our orientation continued. And the lights came on - electricity is repaired! Big hooray! We’ve tested our “flexibility” sufficiently to date! And we were able to slip in a tour of the new health clinic before our Swahili language lesson with Teacher Mohamad! Another spectacular dinner thanks to Mama Tony and then we got more details our eagerly-anticipated assignments! Three folks chose to sit around the fire while others jumped into hot showers!
G o o d
n i g h t !
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BUD WEINER
October 10, 2018 J o u r n a l
E n t r y
innie looked after room repairs with Elkana and solved other volunteer problems and issues. Regina went on three home visits, saw one child recovering from pneumonia with treatment.
Pam assisted Bud with interviews and tours with four new physician candidates, all of whom were excellent, then worked to develop Excel spreadsheets for the RCP Caregivers. Nye continued to “supervise” and help with the foundation for a parking pad for the jeeps and van. He thinks this will last forever. Jan worked diligently with Brown to continue to sort and catalogue medical supplies for the Clinic, went on two home visits, and taught adult English. Annie went on two home visits (saw no money and no fathers involved) and taught adult English. Barbara presented workshops for the RCP families and taught adult English. Bud interviewed physician candidates and taught ultrasound to the medical staff in the Clinic. Anna taught kindergarten in the primary school and continued to explore issues with patient registration and data monitoring and the electronic health record in the Clinic. Claire again taught in the secondary school and taught adult English. Regina gave us a review of technologies offered by Global Volunteers in the RCP program, especially the distribution of porridge and micronutrients, emphasizing the need for more funding in order to offer these to Mkalanga, so they don’t feel cheated compared to Ipalamwa. Winnie made a plea for donations from the volunteers, and we all viewed an impassioned video on this from Bud Philbrook.
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ANNA O'NEAL
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
May I be peaceful. May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be free from suffering. May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy May all beings be well. May all beings be safe. May all beings be free from suffering. ~ Unknown
D a y
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October 11, 2018
ANNIE WEISSMAN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
nnie, Barbee and Anna spent the morning with the kindergarten In Mkalanga. They noticed noticed many students were sicker. Barbee led
the students around the edge of the field, holding up flash cards, shouting out letters and sounds which the students mimicked. I found the kindergarten situation with the number of children, their health, and the classroom on the field. Every day a different method works. In the afternoon, Annie went on home visits with Miriam. At the first home, the mother and baby weren’t there but we spoke with the father. He’d showed us where he worked to grind the corn into flour. At the second home, the thirty-four -year-old mother had six children from seventeen to one. She washed her hands twice while breastfeeding.
Nye discussed Volunteer Voyeurism. As a new volunteer, he came with grand ideas. Reality hit after two and a half days. Hands-on and seeing some heartbreaking home scenes such as the lack of nutrition and access to health care. He said: "You don’t really know what it’s like until you get here and make the connection"
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"You don t really know what it s like until you get here and make the connection" ~Nye Wiley
When Nye asked the women what was the most valuable part of the program. Both clients said the education component was the most valuable. The experience for Barbee and Claire at the secondary school was excellent. They taught the students the hula. They loved it!
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ANNIE WEISSMAN
October 11, 2018
Pam held a meeting with the caregivers about their processes. She asked them to give more information to the volunteers to make the home visits more effective for them. Pam also introduced an action log for their meetings. There’s a big meeting tomorrow with the Ipalamwa families to let them know that sugar will no longer be provided with the porridge. Caregivers will meet tomorrow morning to review the nutrition video before the meeting with parents.
Jan had a really good day. She felt a connection with the clinic staff, especially Brown. She also noticed a lot of closed-door television watching and playing on the Internet during down time. She completed her inventory. Claire was back in the secondary school with Barbee as her paraprofessional. Winnie asked the volunteers working in the kindergarten and the secondary school to count the students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Bud publicly thanked Jan for her work and the example of her work ethic and getting things done. He discussed the problem of data collection. He also saw patients with Dr. Benjamin and tried to find out prescribing information for central control. He went on home visits where both fathers were teachers. They had nice homes and furniture. They had a discussion about family planning. He also noted that there seemed to be little understanding among the caregivers and the families about the purpose of the clinic. He suggested that the caregivers have a meeting every few weeks with Anna and Dr. Benjamin to let everyone know what’s going on at the clinic. Dr. Bud felt jealousy from the families at Mkalanga about the porridge that’s being given to the families of Ipalamwa and not to them. Winnie wasn’t feeling so well so she took time to rest. Tomorrow morning we will do a group picture. Winnie thanked Nye and Jan for coming to Ipalamwa. Their contributions are appreciated. Results might not be immediate but will be in the future. "Results might not be immediate but will be in the future."
Some of us sat around the campfire and admired the sliver of the moon.
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PAM GRIFFIN
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
D a y
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
~ Mohatma Gandhi
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October 12, 2018
F
ANNA O’NEAL
riday started off like most mornings cool and overcast and by lunch the sun was out and shining. Everybody was looking forward to the weekend and some well earned rest time!
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
"It was a lovely close to our first week in Ipalamwa!"
For Claire, Annie and Barbee and myself we quickly showered and packed after lunch and then were whisked away down the mountains for our safari. We had Great travels support Vivian and  Isaac. After a short stop in Iringa we bumped along for a few hours and finally made it to the Hilltop lodge just after sunset. Doctor Bud enjoyed a quiet Friday afternoon in the clinic followed by some reading and Pam worked on her list of endless tasks! It was a lovely close to our first week in Ipalamwa!
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O
BARBEE LUX
October 13, 2018 J o u r n a l
E n t r y
ur day started early and right out of the shoot we misplaced a passport, well, an entire money belt actually. However, it didn’t slow us down as we
went to breakfasts all the while conducting our own clandestine investigation. Heavy suspicion circled the lovely young bride from “Chicago”, yea right! Are you thinking Red Sparrow? We were so carefree, we were headed to safari anyway - until the lodge staff insisted on joining our investigative team, it was hard to trust this because we weren’t sure who the mole was, but when it became clear we would need the passport to enter the park, we allowed the merger. Case was soon solved. Turns out the lovely young bride was indeed a lovely young bride.
Plenty more stories of high maintenance for all of us but nothing out of reach for the safari sisters who all supported one another. Wanna know who did what like we report every day? OK, can you keep a secret? Well, so can we! Because you see Vegas rules apply. What happens on safari, stays on safari. The safari was amazing! The knowledgeable guide was Moses. The skilled driver of the 5-coupon ride was Patrick. We were very excited and happy to see everything except a leopard and a cheetah. See Claire for a complete list of all the animals and birds we saw. Photos, heat, dirt and mostly astonishment that we were sitting in the middle of Africa and seeing animals in their natural habitat - most memorable. On the final stretch there was a little shopping here and a cold beer there and soon back to the lodge where we enjoyed the sunset, dinner and good company. I submit that the day ended with gratitude!
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BARBEE LUX
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
Watch your thoughts as they become words; watch your words as they become actions; watch your actions as they become habits; watch your habits as they become your character; watch your character as it becomes your destiny. ~ Lao Tzu
D a y
October 14, 2018
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CLAIRE KIRCHEN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
e got to sleep in! The four of us were in a duplex up the hill from the lodge. Electricity and hot water were the order of the day! Having
been so concerned as wellas prepared for all possible contingencies, we saw but one mosquito in each room and not a single tsetse fly! And the weather was just right. After breakfast on the veranda while the baboons frolicked for our amusement, the glorious gift shop was opened and Annie and Barbee bought generously for all their relatives. Isaac, our most able and pleasant driver, negotiated our return on challenging roadways. His speed varied from 25 to 50 with a few bursts of 60 - and that’s in kilometers, my friends, not miles!
When we started out, Claire sat in the front seat and adjusted the A/C as directed by those in the back. “Turn on the A/C!” “Turn it all the way up!” Still we were hot. Then the lightbulb came on - why not open the windows! Whoever was the thought meister for this was our hero! So much cooler outside so we drove all the way home with open windows. Visited our favorite market that conveniently offers an adjacent washroom.
We stopped for lunch at the side of the road to enjoy prepackaged lunches from the lodge. Anna was feeling under the weather and asked Claire to pick her some eucalyptus leaves that she could boil and inhale then vapor of. We learned that remedy from the RCP caregivers. Then Isaac directed her to another plant and said those leaves were even better than those of the eucalyptus. A local young man walking along the road approached, took two leaves from the batch and popped them in his mouth - that was THE funniest surprise event. Who was this person? What is this plant? Is chewing better than steaming? Perhaps Anna will enlighten us later in the week. We all were SO glad to be “home” again. Had time to meet the newly arrived volunteers before they continued orientation at 4pm. We now are a group of eight women plus Dr. Bud!
I t
w a s
a
g o o d
d a y !
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PAMELA GRIFFIN
M e s s a g e
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t h e
D a y
The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. ~ Christopher McCandless
October 16, 2018
G
PAM GRIFFIN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
lorious sunny morning! The start of Week 2 for the 13th Tanzania RCP program. Journal reports were fun!! Everyone had a great weekend!
The Safari Sisters returned safe and sound with fun Journal entries for the weekend!!
Adrianne, Heather and Felicia joined the team this weekend and were excited to begin their respective assignments today.
I had a great relaxing, restful and introspective weekend that helped me put my work here into better perspective. I realigned myself to my own personal motto Everyone Reach the Moon and Stars. Around an early evening bonfire, we shared our great days of our respective work. The celebratory event of the day was the first baby born at the Ipalamwa Clinic. Baby Boy 5lbs 2oz. " T h e t h e
c e l e b r a t o r y f i r s t
b a b y
C l i n i c .
e v e n t
b o r n
B a b y
a t
B o y
o f
t h e
t h e 5 l b s
d a y
w a s
I p a l a m w a 2 o z . "
Dr. Benjamin, Dr. Bud, the nurse midwives and the entire clinic staff pulled together and used the supplies Jan and Brown prepared last week. Mom delivered 1.5 hours after arriving from walking up the mountain from home via the Lulindi Dispensary. Mom and Baby were healthy and fine. Dr. Bud visited with the mother in the afternoon and shared that although she doesn’t know English she said “Thank you” many times. A few of us who were around late afternoon were invited to visit, congratulate the mom and see the precious little boy.
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PAM GRIFFIN
October 16, 2018
They went home early evening; Mohamed driving them when he took the medical staff home. O t h e r
H i g h l i g h t s :
Anna feeling better and loving the Eucalyptus home remedy steam facial sauna and her community of caregivers… fellow volunteers offering all the over the counter and natural remedies we brought. Claire and Barbee planning a Cultural Communication Tea Party with the Ipalamwa Secondary English Teachers on Saturday. Our new raffiki (friend) Adrianne, Heather and Felicia enjoyed their first work days. Felicia was invited to stay with a family in the village and the Babu said he would find her a husband. They are all now anxiously waiting for water to take showers. Heather and Adrianne are walking the patios of the center buildings as it would be walking the track around a high school football field! Felicia didn’t come to dinner as she isn't feeling well. Our Community of Volunteer Caregivers will check on her today, too!! Annie had a tough morning with some of the kindergarteners and is requesting a stool to sit on out in the fields; Winnie will remind the teacher. She also had an emotional visit with one of the families with the toughest situation. She was going to reflect more on it and her reactions, something many of us are doing as we encounter the various families and cultural differences.
L a l a
S a l a m a !
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FELICIA FLORES
M e s s a g e
You can be courageous or comfortable, not both.
~ Brene Brown
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D a y
October 18, 2018
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FELICIA FLORES
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
Village rooster #1 woke up at 4:07 Village rooster #2 woke up at 4:57
e ate Mama Tony's tasty omelettes while Winnie handed out everyone's assignments with her signature smile. (Little did she know we'd be in cahoots to switch assignments by the afternoon).
Rashid skillfully navigated the roads to Mkalanga with precious cargo- Annie, Barbee, Ana, Adrianne and myself. Meanwhile Bud and Pam readied themselves for the clinic doctor interrogations..I mean interviews with three hopeful candidates. Claire and Heather also excitedly prepared for three classes at the Ipalamwa secondary school.
M o r n i n g
r e p o r t s :
The Kindergarten Committee (Annie, Barbee, Anna, Amelia, and myself) agreed to a good, tiring day with the students at Mkalanga primary. Of note, Ana walked onto the soccer field surrounded by a sea of students chanting "ana, ana, ana" Heather and Claire enjoyed working one on one with students that dropped in while most of the others were busy gearing up for graduation tomorrow. Bud spent his morning witnessing the excellent service and care of the clinic staff while they saw three expecting women. And Adrianne connected with moms in Mkalanga before connecting with them in the afternoon workshop.
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FELICIA FLORES
A f t e r n o o n
October 18, 2018
r e p o r t s :
Pam jumped in to help Adrianne and Annie in the afternoon workshop as she saw 16 moms and 13 babies file into the classroom. Bibi Annie had the pleasure of rocking a baby to sleep while Pam had the good fortune of wrangling an active toddler. Anna's business and finance skills were again put to work between a data call with Dr. Bud, Dr. Benjamin and the crew. Anna was also called upon to help Elkana with a spreadsheet and was volunteered for a project with Husna. Anna sends her sincere thanks to Pam. Barbee and I went for 2.5 home visits with the pleasant Anastasia. They were insightful and we continue to be grateful for the welcoming, friendly moms. Last but not least, Claire and Heather worked with a couple RCP staff in the afternoon to strengthen their conversational English.
M i s c e l l a n e o u s
r e p o r t s :
Amelia agreed to an Ipalamwa Team 13 reunion in the states. Winnie taught me the word "simama" which means both stand up and stop (incredibly practical for the kindergarteners. Please note that Barbee and I learned that Simama can be easily remembered by associating it with "sexy mama"). We all enjoyed Mama Tony's famous cucumber soup over spaghetti. Winnie was asked how her day was. She said she spent it "roaming around" but we know she's holding out and does far more than that. We all had another good day under the bright sunlight and mild breeze of Ipalamwa. So did the village roosters!
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ANNA O’NEAL
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
Respect for others is peace; respect for yourself is happiness. ~ Unknown
D a y
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October 19, 2018
ANNIE WEISSMAN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
he Intrepid Five went to the kindergarten class in Mkalanga:Barbee, Annie, Felicia, and me, Annie. We read two Big Books in a large group and thensplit
into five small groups. Nine students were manageable, but it was still hard to keep the attention of five-year-olds for forty-five minutes. Each of us worked on different concepts. At ten o’clock, the other children came out for recess, so we all went to the field and played games and did bubbles. After that we went back to our small groups. We ended with the big group doing the parachute. After lunch, Felicia, Pam, Adrianne, Heather and I squished into the transport for the safari. I put on my ear buds and listened to the new Paul McCartney album all the way to Iringa. By the time we were outside of Iringa, it was raining. When we got to our bathroom stop, it was pouring. We got soaked just going into the building. All of a sudden a herd of cattle crossed the road right in front of us. Isaac, our driver, screeched to a halt. The horror in the animals’ eyes mirrored my own. Close call! We continued down the rutted road. We heard a loud BANG! Isaac immediately pulled over to the side of the road and got out to inspect the tire. It was destroyed by a rock. We all had to get out in the pouring rain so he could change the tire. He had trouble getting the jack to work. All of us had rain gear that we had left either in our rooms in Ipalamwa or at the bottom of our suitcases. We got soaked through to our underwear. Even the red dust from underneath our fingernails washed away. Vianney gave us a tarp to hold over our heads, but by this time it was useless because we were soaked. Adrianne was the only one with dry feet as she had chosen to wear boots, which I told her earlier was unnecessary. She was the smart one.
Instead of complaining, all us turned to laughter. It was amazing to see us cracking jokes about subjects like hanging underwear on the line. After half an hour the tire was changed, the ruined tire put away, our bags taken form the seat and put in the back, and we loaded up again. I brought out the shortbread cookies and they were demolished in no time at all. When we got to the Hilltop Lodge, the staff came out with wet towels to welcome us. This gave us another reason to chuckle. She signed into the hotel and Pam, Felicia and I went to our rooms and changed into dry clothes. Adrianne and Heather were ecstatic to hook up to the Internet and spent the rest of the evening making calls and answering emails. The delicious peanut soup hit the spot to warm us up so we could enjoy our dinner.
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October 20, 2018
F
ANNA O’NEAL
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
or those that stayed behind from the Safari, Saturday began with a lovely sleep in! There was a plated breakfast prepared by Mama Tony at 9 AM, followed by a restful morning of napping, reading and preparing for the 2 PM tea party. Before we knew it it was time for lunch and afterwards more napping! At 1:45 the excitement was palpable. Dressed in our finest tea party attire, Barbee arranged the crunchy palm oil cookies, Claire and Mama Tony set the chairs and fashioned together a coffee table from the guest house’s bedside night tables! I of course provided excellent moral support! By 2:02 Claire was pacing the porch with anticipation! Soon our guests arrived, name tags were handed out, hot water poured and the cultural conversation and sharing soon flowed. Joining us from the secondary school where Madame Swallo and her daughter Neema, Ms. Agatha the school’s new chemistry and biology teacher, Ms. Pendo, the physical geography professor and Nathalia a bright young student motivated to improve her English. We spent a lovely two hours sharing stories, asking questions, learning new dances and blowing bubbles with the girls. At 4 PM we said goodbye and cleaned up! Barbee being the champion of the day by washing all the dishes! For me It was back to reading and sitting in the sun, Barbee had a nap and Claire taught a new Hawaiian Hula dance to two of the secondary school students. We had a lovely dinner at 6:30 followed by some night time power walking around the compound à la Adrianne style. It was another beautiful and inspiring day under the African sun! "It and
was
another
inspiring
beautiful
day
African
under
the
sun!"
27
BARBEE LUX
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
One’s willingness to succeed is proportional to one’s willingness to fail. ~ Unknown
D a y
October 21, 2018
A
BARBEE LUX
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
fter a little later breakfast Anna, Claire, and Barbee toddled off to church with Winnie and Anna. A lovely service included singing, an introduction of Winnie’s guests and a sermon about moving forward after experiencing disappointment. There was no disappointment when it came to beautiful dresses. Winnie and both Anna’s donned their Sunday best! Quick walk back and time for lunch. After lunch, Mohammed drove Barbee to Mama Evie’s for some speed shopping. While Anna and Claire made reading lounge chairs complete with footrests and pillows. Just what a Sunday afternoon should be! Soon the group of five safari goers returned with stories of a blow out tire, and downpour of rain while fixing the flat. Lots of animals photos completed the trip. " A n n a
a n d
r e a d i n g c o m p l e t e a n d
C l a i r e
l o u n g e w i t h
a
a f t e r n o o n
c h a i r s
f o o t r e s t s
p i l l o w s .
w h a t
m a d e
J u s t
S u n d a y s h o u l d
b e ! "
No water or electricity this evening, on and then quickly off at dinner allowing us to create a chorus cheering when it came on momentarily, and booing when it went right back off. With no lights and no showers it was early to bed for most.
29
CLAIRE KIRCHEN
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
D a y
I can thrive in my career, acquire wealth and reputation, even experience tremendous impact in my community service. But if my relationships are languishing, nothing else matters. With GV, our first mission is to build relationships over “getting the job done”. Our job is extending hands and hearts to create relationships one person at a time. ~ Unknown
October 22, 2018
I
CLAIRE KIRCHEN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
t poured rain all night long. The kindergarten assignment changed from Mkalanga to Ipalamwa because roads were too slick to drive on today due to the rain.Volunteers were all smiles though because they did not have to commute for a change. Gracious Team Leader Winnie was busy reconfiguring our schedules for the day as the rain affected most of us. Slick red mud everywhere and hard to contain. Our attentive housekeepers are working extra hard today to keep the walking surfaces clean. Students in secondary were wearing layers of clothing to keep warm since the windows do not have glass. Lots of fresh air though! One patient who arrived at our clinic who needed to be transported to another facility arrived barefoot. Staff was looking through the donation box for shoes that might fit her. All were too small, then they looked at my feet and had an idea. My big Cinderella slippers were a perfect fit. So once I had two pair and she had none. Now she has one and I have one. Fair deal! Speaking of shoes, it was a red mud shoe day! Our shoe prints were everywhere unless we removed our shoes. Heather and I left big clods of dirt at the front of the class from where we were teaching oops - couldn’t help it though. The rain should turn everything greener and that is good. We all are practicing FLEXIBILITY these days and I’m proud of my first-world sisters! Any inconveniences we may encounter for a few days are the ongoing reality of those we serve. "What step and
a
into
set
aside
gift
be
another
our
for
to
able
to
culture
preconceptions
this
short
time."
We all will have stories to tell that others can only imagine. The families and students remain positive and responsive and ever so curious about us and what we have to share. It’s a win-win situation. We are blessed.
31
October 23, 2018
A
PAM GRIFFIN
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
nother cool rainy night and morning. No sense getting up early to walk in the cold rain. Prefer snuggling under the warm blanket even though
the rooster keeps crowing and a small bird is pecking at the window at 5:30am. Due to the rain, The Kindergarten Trio: Anna, Barbee and Felicia spent another morning at the Ipalamwa Primary School. No matter which school they go to there are varying challenges in working with a large number of young kids with the attention span of less than 15 minutes. They hope to go back to Mkalanga one more day to say goodbye to the kids. Our Secondary school English Teaching Duo: Claire and Heather, taught Form Two students for the first time and Claire continued with the Adult English classes in the afternoon. They are also continuing their discussion of potentially purchasing and sending books for the students. Adrianne conducted the workshop with support from Annie. With a smaller group of moms and fewer kids there was more interaction and discussions among the moms. One of the moms mentioned learning Head Shoulders Knees and Toes since her children are learning it. So Annie taught them. Afternoon was spent resting for some volunteers not feeling well, home visits for others and Pam conducted a training class on use of the vacuum with three housekeepers plus Elizabeth, Anna and Winnie. Then Pam conducted a refresher leadership discussion with Winnie, Anna, Regina, Husna , Mama Tony and Mohammed. Anna will be providing the materials from Jim and Mary Gorsky to Husna and Mohammed. Winnie will provide hardcopy to Mama Tony. "The
evening
with
a
was
celebrated
beautiful
sunset!"
As dinner was wrapping up, Anna lead the conversation of trying to teach American Football to Dr. Benjamin. Adrianne suggested I bring the book Football for Dummies next year, but I think I’ll order a copy and send it to St. Paul for someone to hand carry.
L a l a
S a l a m a ! ! ! 32
ANNIE WEISSMAN
M e s s a g e
o f
t h e
Foolish inconsistency is the hobgoblin of small minds. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
D a y
October 25, 2018
I
WINNIE MSHINDO
J o u r n a l
E n t r y
t was another amazing day with a great team in Ipalamwa. We all jumped into the kitchen in the morning to serve Mama Tony’s delicious breakfast. As usual boiled eggs, pancake, oats banana and a cup of tea or coffee, it was so fantastic. Right after breakfast we had to say goodbye to our fellow team member who was leaving. It was so sad but we had no option.
We had a morning meeting and after that everyone departed to their assignments except for Heather who was not feeling well but we all hoped that she will get better. Activities continued at the kindergarten, secondary school, workshop, home visits and interviews for the caregivers which were conducted in Iringa town by Pam, Regina and Anna.
In the evening, we all met for the conversation except Pam who was on her way back from Iringa town . I was so much happy that everyone in team had a good day and Heather felt much better by that time. After the delicious dinner Pam was back and I was so happy to hear that she also had a good day and they had one good candidate though they are still looking for more details on her. One more thing, this is the last day for Team 13 in Ipalamwa. Actually I had good times with you all. Having you in the community has raised my level of understanding and experiences. Your presence does not only have the impact to the local people but also to the people who are always around you like Global Volunteers staffs. You may not know how much you have impacted me with your experiences and motivations but this will mark my new beginning. All in all I am humbled and grateful having good hearted people like you around me. My heart just keeps on thanking you. THANK
YOU
VERY
MUCH!!!
34
TEAM 199 JOURNAL Ipalamwa, Tanzania October 2018
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. ~ Oscar Wilde
Thank your
you
for
service GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS
375 East Little Canada Road St. Paul, MN 55117-1628 USA (800) 487-1074 | toll-free (651) 482-0915 | fax globalvolunteers.org email@globalvolunteers.org GlobalVolunteers globalvolunteers globalvolunteers