Living in a Peace Corps Postcard

I live in a mini-village (Mkokora) within a village (Lusanga C), within a town (Muheza), within a region (Tanga).  It is very rural and painted with mango, coconut, pineapple and chungwa trees.  Rows of corn have grown from 6 inches to 6 feet in 9 short weeks.  Red dirt runs through the shamba and mud huts decorate the hill down to my home.  Goats, cows, loads of chickens, and cats roam the ‘roads’ that are inaccessible by car whenever it rains….it conveniently is the short rainy season right now.  Every morning we wake to the crow of the rooster (Stella) and run through the village as the sun rises, the moon sets, and the call to prayer rings in the background.  We even found a route that secludes us so much we only run into a few people to greet-which is a feat!

Every day I MUST shake the hands of two elders (one of whom serenades me with a song about a girl named Asha), and Mama Nusea quizzes my Kiswahili by talking as fast as possible.  There is a boy, I’ve dubbed Michael Jackson, who starts to breakdance whenever he sees me.  And there is one little boy Juma, who expects me to give him ‘tano’ kila siku.

Everyone (every single person) is so kind.  They help us with our language, challenge us, and offer us all they have (including their daughters/sons to marry).  Sometimes I wonder if the situation was reversed, if Tanzanians were visiting America, would we be so kind?  Would we welcome them with open arms or protect them from any harm?     

It’s hard not to love ‘home’ when every day you’re greeted by 15 watoto running up to give you hugs, and surrounded by elders who genuinely respect and welcome you.

 In the running for cutest kid in Mkokora.

 A walk through Mkokora.

 Lusanga C Primary School

 My neighbors.

Tropical (check), Mountains (check), Rural Awesomeness (Check)