Ng'ombe Wamefika!

The cows have arrived!

This is a great "going away gift" for me because the agricultural aspect of our project is important to me because it will help us to be self-sufficient.

The cow shed is being built with help benefactors of the Upper Midwest Jesuits and my Connell cousins, and the funds for the livestock (not only the five cows we've started with but -- soon -- pigs, chickens, and rabbits were provided by my siblings and friends).

Moo!


This last picture foretold what was to follow. Those are two students who are staying on during the break because they'll be attending a Catholic youth congress here in Dodoma. I enlisted their help when the cows ran this afternoon. There is one, Crystal by name, who is high-strung -- if she hears any unfamiliar noise, she bolts. This afternoon the other followed her, ending up near the Jesuit residence, where Moses and Methodius were eating with us.

I say it foretold what was to follow because Crystal bolted this evening -- REALLY BOLTED. Our Maasai cow tender and his friend who had JUST arrived to start the job raced after her, but after an 1.5 hours and darkness falling failed to get her. We've reported the missing cow to the village, and will check tomorrow.

(Incidentally, that's Crystal in the first picture looking a little on edge.) Wish us luck on the capture!