In the Crosshairs of Providence

Monday, August 5, 2013

Ordination Celebration

One of the principal reasons that I traveled to Tanzania was for the ordination of Cyriac Francis Malasi, who was the "clerk of works" as the buildings were being constructed at St. Peter Claver HS. He worked hard with the Tanzania Revenue Authority to get exemptions from taxes, saving us a lot of money. Beyond that, he was a generous, kind companion to live in community with.

That's Malasi in the center; Rwimo, the other ordinand, is on the left.

I also had the chance to visit with Malasi's parents, whom I'd gotten to know over the years.

One of the amazing graces of the entire time was when the father of a student whom I had asked to leave SPCHS in order to get a new start elsewhere came up to me thanking me for the care I had shown his son and the family. The following day, I spent about a couple of hours as a guest in their home enjoying their company. Below is a picture of Christian's father and his little sister, Nora, who attends our primary school in the neighborhood.

I was happy to have the chance to visit with two of my favourite people: Martin Waweru, SJ; and Sr. Immaculata, SCIC.


Martin took over the clerk of works job from Malasi and also taught mathematics; Immaculata was the first school nurse.

We had some great entertainment, including a dance by the students from the traditional dance club at Loyola High School Dar es Salaam and by two of the Jesuit volunteers.

The celebration continued into the evening at the Jesuit residence, where the volunteers entertained us again -- and where we danced to some Kikuyu songs, too.

We could have danced in style. This shop, now closed, is just outside the gates to the Jesuit community:

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Domestic Fauna

In my rush to post the other photos, I neglected to post photos of animals. A brief update: The cows are doing well and producing lots of milk. A bull was purchased (and he is a bull -- huffing and pawing the ground with his hoof when I approached the cow shed), and he comes from good milking stock, so the progeny of him and the cows we purchased mean even more milk in the future!

The pigs are a bit of a disappointment -- they are having small litters. The problem in Tanzania is horrible in-breeding among both pigs and goats.

There's a move afoot to start the poultry project.

Mzee Mwegoha is a friend whom I hired as the agriculture teacher, but he's brought so many other gifts as well!

Their mother needs to be bacon -- too few piglets in the litters!

A good mama!

Fortunately the campus is large, so while the grass is dry, there is a lot of it.

Moshi is a great hunter of rats and other vermin -- but still not my beloved Chui.

This kitten promises to be a good hunter, too.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Kigamboni

There's not a better place to relax. I'm not a big fan of Zanzibar (they kill Christians there); this is a great alternative: beautiful white sand beaches, great ocean breezes, crystal clear water -- all just a hop from the busy city center of Dar es Salaam.