Saturday, September 5, 2009. Karen is keeping a detailed chronological journal, so I may focus more on topical entries. Contrary to the belief of many Americans, ourselves included before coming here, not all of Africa is hot. Mbeya’s altitude is a little over 5000 feet, and at this time of the year—late winter—September is equivalent to April in the northern hemisphere, it is quite cool in the morning. It warms up quickly when the sun rises, but does not get above the high 70’s, at least not yet. In evening the temperature falls quickly when the sun gets low in the sky. When we take a walk in the early evening we often need a sweater or jacket. In addition, there is not much twilight here. There is full darkness no long after sunset.
I continue to be fascinated by people, mostly women, carrying things balanced on their heads—even fragile things such as baskets of eggs or tomatoes, without using their hands. When we checked into Luther House in Dar es Salaam, a woman easily put our heavy suitcases on her head, one by one, and carried them upstairs to our room. We are told that loads of up to 50 Kg are carried on the head.

Sunday, September 06, 2009 We continue to struggle with Internet issues. Apparently I did not understand what plan we purchased from Zain, and it seems that every time we speak with them the answer is different. I am sure it is mostly because of the language barrier. Mwankenja has suggested that he and I switch modems and ISPs because his is easier to refill, and perhaps that will help. I had prepaid internet while on the cruise last winter too, but we always knew at any one time how many minutes were left.
We attended worship at a different local parish today, and there was Holy Communion. Again we were introduced as guests from the USA and asked to speak briefly. After the service there was also an auction for offerings in kind, albeit shorter than that last week—no live chickens, but we bought two eggs. Like last week, we were invited to “tea” with the pastor, which turned out to be actual lunch.
Yesterday using a borrowed hoe I began preparing a small patch of ground for a garden. We hope to raise some fast growing greens to supplement a diet heavy on starch. I do not think I will develop a taste for ugali, but Karen seems to like it.
I was looking forward to teaching oral communication skills this coming week, but I will be missing those classes because we have been asked to attend meetings at Matema, a resort on Lake Nyasa were the ELCT has a retreat center, that are being held in preparation for the diocesan assembly in November. I think it will take place after we return home.