I have finally arrived in Africa! I've been here for a few days now and have been made to feel so at home. It's so incredible to be here. As we descended into Kilimanjaro airport, we could see the monstrous snow cap on Mt. Kili over top of the clouds. Several of the other EWH Summer Institute participants were on my flight as well. We have been welcomed over and over by the local people and our trainers here in Tanzania.
For now our EWH group is taking courses at a training compound called MS-TCDC in Usa River. We spend our mornings learning Swahili taught by a handful of local teachers. Their enthousiasm and love for their language is energizing. Swahili is unlike any other language I know and is taking a while to get used to. The afternoons are spent getting organized with biomedical engineering and what to expect in the hospitals. I feel so honoured to be learning at such a great facility, and know that the information we learn now will be critical for our projects during the second month.
My new friend, Lauren, and I are staying with a local family, the Shikobe's. We have been welcomed with unequaled hospitality. Our African father, James, has a beautiful family of children, grandchildren, friends, children of friends, friends of children, etc. Christina and Mbete prepare the most delicious meals and are planning to teach us how to cook. We bathe with hot water using buckets and scoops, and our house has running water. We share a room with separate mosquito princess canopies. We are also blessed to be entertained by some kids. James (4 months) and Brenda (4 years) bring us lots of joy. James was actually born in the hospital that Lauren and I will be working in!
We live about two kilometers from the school and are able to walk to school and really enjoy settling into the culture here. We actually feel really safe.
I'm very happy here and thankful for all the support and preparation I've had in coming here. I've been having difficulty in the past month finding a computer base to send updates from. To give a brief summary, I have been privileged to join and meet friends throughout Switzerland, France, Spain and Turkey. I've had many conversations and experiences along the way affirming and preparing me for this time in Africa.
I hope to be able to update you with more details and pictures soon!
