Okay, it is Saturday, February 7 and we have just spent our first partial week in Arusha. This week has been challenging as the culture shock is overwhelming. The first night I was going through ways in my head to bring up to Eric that I would like to leave earlier from Tanzania...preferably next week! Eric was thinking, "this is my calling." After a few conversations, some time to get acquainted, Internet access!, and meeting more people who are experiencing this alongside with us, I am slowly becoming more okay with staying here a little longer. :) Give me time...
Eric started working at the hospital the morning after our first night in Tanzania. Jet lagged, he got up and started at 7:15am. He starts his day at chapel and then makes rounds with the other docs, learning about the diseases and the needs in Arusha. Charlie and I have spent the days getting acquainted to our new surroundings. We live in a nice 3 bedroom house with running water. We have to boil the water to make it drinkable for Eric and me and we use the water given to us by our friend, Linda, who purifies and distills water for Charlie. There is too much fluoride in the water for Charlie's early teeth. The fruits/veggies we put in bleach water to decontaminate for 20-30 minutes and then let them dry before being able to eat them. We have a housekeeper that comes 3 days/week that does our laundry, dishes, some cooking/shopping and cleaning. It is strange to have someone come into your home doing things that I could easily do but it is customary here and I have been told that they expect the work as it provides them income. We also have a guard that guards our gated compound. This is because Arusha is so poor...we need to guard our belongings and safety. We are surrounded by people living in huts made of brick/tin/mud. They are very small and where rags for clothing. They are friendly people, saying "jambo" "mambo" "habari" and so on, greeting us. All the people, especially children, love Charlie. They come up to him and swarm him with touches in his cheek and kisses. He is starting to get used to it. In the morning he is clinging to me and by the afternoon he is walking independently saying "hi" and waving to people as we pass by.
There is so much to take in this first week, I am overwhelmed. I am also tired now as it is about 2am here and have to go to church in the morning. More writing and thoughts soon to come...Love you all and thank you for all the support!
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3 comments:
Laura - You are going to have a fabulous time! You may not realize it now but when you get back you will look back on your time in Tanzania and realize how much you learned about yourself and the world you live in. Take it all in, take a deep breathe and let the people, culture and yes, even the poverty soak into the person that you are becoming. They are all lucky to have you. I look forward to going out to dinner and discussing all of the adventures that you, Eric and Charlie were lucky enough to experience. Love you, Sarah
Hello Dahls!
We are so proud of you guys! It might seem overwhelming now, but we are so excited to see what God is going to do with your family and your time there! It's not suprising that Eric had no jet lag effects (from Kurts experience living with him) and that he was able to carry on just as normal...the rest of us still need our eight hours. I have a feeling I would respond quite similarly to Eric, and kurt may sympathize with what you're feeling. Love you guys a lot. We're thinking and praying for you back here! Keep it coming!
Angie & Kurt
PS Do you need emergency reserves of spotted cow to be sent over??
YOU GOT THIS, LAURA!! I am so proud of you guys. Thanks for sharing the blog info--it will be neat to hear about all your adventures. I know I would be feeling all those same feelings, Laura, so just try your best to hang in there. I am sure the time will go by very quickly. Enjoy it! You guys are doing such amazing things! Hillari:)
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