Jesuits and Astronomy

Folks know that Jesuits have a long history with astronomy. It was among the things that opened the imperial court up to us in China in the 17th century. The Vatican Observatory is in our custody. 

Knowing this history, I asked folks if they had any telescopes sitting in closets, not being used. Two friends in Santa Barbara bought a new, state-of-the-art telescope, which the students enjoyed. Well, now there is a Jesuit who is passionate about astronomy -- so passionate that he’s built an observatory on campus.

You can tell that Jim Strzok, SJ, is an engineer. 

Uji

Uji is porridge, made from either maize flour or millet flour. It’s a common breakfast. The students are served uji after 6am Mass (yes, 6am!). They have something more substantial at tea time (around 10am).

Flora and Fauna -- Domesticated, Mostly

You’ll see here that the school grows much of its own food, especially vegetables. In addition to vegetables (sukumawiki [between kale and collard greens], mchicha [like spinach], onions, and tomatoes), they also grow sunflowers for oil and peanuts for sale.

 Brother Soreng still takes care of trees including an orchard (which suffered from neglect while he was away for three months visiting his family in Ranchi, India).

Here are the ashok trees he planted near the dorms in order to break the wind:

The grove of mwarubaini trees (also called neem trees) that brother planted is doing well:

And now for the fauna:

The progeny of Moshi, who replaced my beloved Chui

Not watch dogs but rather fire-fighting dogs

They work at night, so they have every right to sleep during the day

Rush Hour in Ihumwa Village

Maji ni uhai

Water is life. But as you’ll see, some people struggle to find it.

It’s been a few years...

After three years I’ve reopened the CHP to post some visits from my recent visit.

Here are some of views of the environs of the campus.

The campus boundary road

Millet

My favorite tree on campus 

Sunset over the chicken coop and rabbit shed

It’s been a few years

I just visited Dodoma and thought I’d share some pictures and videos.

Only some of the students were at school; the others were on break. The students at the school are preparing for national exams. They’ll take some time off after the exams. No pictures of them studying, but you’ll see some of the boys at play.