R&R ~ African style

Days off come but once a week from my current Midwifery Training. I'm sure to take all I can and run with it. Some weeks end up with an eye pillow and pajamas nearly half the day as I sleep in and hide away. Other weeks, like this one, I tour the town (with an fellow team member) and make the most of our time to engage in the lives of those we live among. 

Today became a chance to attend a local wedding (per our own invite). You see we heard what we thought was a local choir making angelic sounds so we followed our ears to the melody only to discover we had walked right in and invited ourselves (not) to a Catholic choir rehearsal rather to a local wedding. Oops! They didn't seem to mind and the attendants were happy to pose for a photo. 

 

A musical instrument new to me (in Tanzania) is a ‘shaker’ as I call it. The designated 'shaker' for the wedding gave such a show I captured it on video. He was ready to SHAKE rattle and roll down the aisle as he danced to the beat of the song and added a lovely clatter that accompanied the singing. 

Next Stop. Local Maasai were braiding “plating” hair for the local women who hire them. One spoke superb English (Jakob). We took pleasure in talking of Jesus with him and asking where their cattle are and why they’re not with their tribe in the foothills? 

Come to find out they rotate with a group of friends to the city every couple of weeks to make money for more cattle, before returning to the tribe, families, cattle where they’ll become Nomadic headers/warriors once again. 

 

Maasai survive on (meat, blood, and chia/tea) They are a nomadic (un-reached people group) residing in Eastern Africa (mostly Kenya and Tanzania). Making most of their shoes from motorbike tires, wear 'blankets' as clothing and dress traditionally in red/blue. They make homes out of dung and dirt, they do not plant gardens and they fight off the African prey (lions, zebra etc) with a machete they wear around their waist at all times (men). They are known to jump exceptionally high (flat foot) and display their own hand crafted white beaded jewelry.

Next up. A beloved grandmother, our neighbor sits outside each day weaving handmade grass mats to sell for a profit. 

Don't you just love her glitter nail polish... a kid at heart come with wrinkled worn hands with age

She labors long hours and is dedicated to what she does while sitting in the shade the house provides her. 

Today, I decided it was time to learn how to do the very weaving and constructing of this mat. 

Although my speed and precision was not according to her standards, she didn’t seem to mind and was pleased that I was interested in learning her trade. 

Residing beside our grandmother is a group of children, who are not able to attend school, I’m certain it is due to a lack of finances and other needs within the home. 

Day and night, they are outside standing by to welcome us home and give hugs to anyone willing to accept. Today, they were occupied with making hand crafted toys out of mud. The collection ranged from cages for monkey, cell phones, handguns and even airplanes, cars and much more.

 

While some may not consider this a day of rest or relaxation…if  you live on my block and walk my shoes you’d see this is just what the doctor ordered. Time to get down and get dirty with the locals, time to be taught by them, celebrate with them and amuse yourself with them.