I arrived this evening in Dar, kindly schlepped here by an employee of the contractor at OLQP. It's a drive of a little less than six hours between Dodoma and Dar. One drives through Morogoro on the way -- the Morogoro region is really very, very lovely. The Lutheran Junior Seminary, where I'll study Kiswahili when I return in late August, is located just south of the city.
We left from the OLQP site. They're starting to lay blocks for the dormitory buildings -- things have progressed during my week here. It is wonderful to see this -- and to see Sossy's delight.
Last night I went with a diocesan priest on sabbatical at the Jesuit parish to one of the neighborhoods. One of the small Christian neighborhood communities had a Mass. It was a moving experience -- the parish choir sang, and the neighborhood was filled with incredible music. I was introduced again, and got all mixed up -- saying asanta sana (thank you) when I meant to say habari (hello). The folks enjoyed my confusion, and so did I. Sodas and peanuts (a popular snack here) were served after Mass.
Monday night we celebrated Bro. Vincent's birthday. (He is the gardner for OLQP, and though there is not yet a garden there are hundreds of saplings waiting to be planted as soon as the heavey equipment has left the site). The volunteers came over for the night as well as a lay colleague from St. Ignatius Primary School and his wife. It was a delightful evening. Here are some pictures from the evening. One of Bro. Vincent and in the backround a volunteer, Martina from Bavaria. The other of the whole group of us.
