Hello from Tanzania! I made it!

Hello everyone! Habari gani? This will be my first official post from Moshi, Tanzania. No pictures this time as I can't upload them at the internet cafe I am at presently. Wow! I am definitely in Africa! As I have been advised by the locals... this is Africa... don't count on anything running properly or on time! The internet connection is very slow but no complaints.

I am living in a small village called Rau which is about a fifteen minute walk from downtown Moshi. I have made many friends there already and have begun to pick up Swahili with their help. You have many opportunities to practice basic greetings as it is custom to stop and greet friends and strangers alike here. Everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming, everywhere I go it's Karibu! Karibu! (Welcome! Welcome!) I am jokingly and lovingly (I hope!) referred to as a Mzungu here. Which basically means westerner or white person. Although this area of Tanzania is used to seeing more visitors than other parts, due to the proximity to Mt. Kilimanjaro and a wide range of volunteer opportunities, I have encountered only a few other mzungus in my first week.

The cook at the compound where I am staying is taking "good care of my stomach" as he puts it and my meals have been wonderful and totally vegetarian. I took the plunge and ate at a local spot yesterday with some of my friends and so far so good! Yesterday I visited the school in Himo where I will be taking my high school volunteers next week and they are so excited to have us! The kids there greeted me with: "Education is life! Good morning teacher! How are you? I am fine, thank you." I responded "Ume fanya vzuri! Jina langu ni Kate. Natoka California, America." "Good job! My name is Kate. I am from California, America." They laughed and clapped so I think they understood!

My local friends can not believe that I do not go to church, it's basically unheard of here. This area is a mix of both very religious Christians and Muslims. So Sunday I experienced my first Swahili service. Actually, it was very cool. There was lots of singing and dancing so of course I was totally into it! Other than that the bugs are big, the mountain beautiful, and life is good. Well that's all for now, off to pick up the dress I had handmade for myself at a local shop! Sending love to you all! Jambo!