Day 12

It has certainly been a busy week! The class assignments have definitely increased during this past week. On Monday or Tuesday, we learned that we have a project, book to read, book report, coastal report, and various tests due during the next 5 weeks. The project is an oral presentation and 5-7 page paper, the book has to be at least 40 pages, and the book report and coastal report need to be 3-4 pages each. All in Swahili, of course.

The homestay is going very well. Luckily the kids (particularly the 6 year old) are starting to be more comfortable talking to us, so that has made things more fun. We chased Ulrick around the house yesterday when the parents were gone. I think he enjoys us being around. Although I will never miss taking a bucket shower. Luckily the water is piping hot (the outside "helper" brings it in directly from the open fire), but learning to use buckets has been an experience.

Sadly, yesterday our host dad's youngest brother passed away. I think the family knew the brother was having health problems, so I don't think they were completely surprised. Our host dad has 8 other brothers and 1 sister, and he is the oldest child. He talked to myself and Hugh last night about it. Obviously they have a lot of things to do now, but I think they appreciate us being there. We have been staying home with the kids when the parents are gone. Tomorrow we are going to the funeral and Sunday we will go to church with Beda, the 14 year old son. Apparently if there is a death in the family, the family will not attend church for a while during the grieving period. It will definitely be interesting seeing both the funeral and church ceremonies - all in one weekend! Tanzanian families are extremely large, so I'm anticipating getting introduced to a lot of people.

All for now. Only one week until we go to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar!