Video is Uploaded

I have a great wireless connection here in London, so I've been able to upload the promised videos.

I also uploaded them to a youtube page, so that might be the place for one-stop viewing: http://www.youtube.com/user/MartinConnellsj.

Close Up

Here's a picture of the mpingo wood crucifix given to me on my departure.

Here's to Loyola High School

I spent this morning catching up on a few New Yorker magazines – I’ve gotten to the March 30th issue to give you some notion of what my life has been like these last months. I also toured Loyola High School here in Dar es Salaam. This school has a national reputation for its excellence—and this in just fourteen years of existence. You see, until recently rote memorization of facts in preparation for the national examinations has been the order of the day, but from its very start Loyola High School has been devoted to understanding rather than simple memorization. There are over a thousand students.

It’s an impressive campus located in the Mabibo neighborhood. The specific site used to be called Mabibo Farasi because of the horse-breeding estate at its center (farasi being the Kiswahili word for horse); it is now known as Mabibo Loyola because of the school, which replaced the estate. Don’t be fooled by “horse-breeding estate”; the school was located here because, as the written history in the school’s student handbook states, “The Jesuits wished to offer quality education for those with the ambition to study but are not able to afford such education.” Admission is based entirely on merit. The benefactions of many in the States have allowed a number of poor but worthy students seek their academic fortunes here.

I had a chance also to meet with Fr. Karongo, SJ, the present headmaster. He gave me some things to think about, shared with me some of the school’s materials, and introduced me to some of the school personnel. (Incidentally, the portrait of the school's first headmaster, Fr. Dick Twohig, SJ, of the Detroit Province, hangs in the headmaster's office.) At breakfast Fr. Georges Kimonge, SJ, the school’s bursar, gave some very good and wise counsel. The Jesuits here at Loyola High School and their colleagues are obviously running a great school benefiting so many; I look forward to learning from them as I make my way in Dodoma.

(The video starts first with the Jesuit community and then goes to the playing field before going to the various "blocs.")

Caught in the Crosshairs

As a reminder and for new readers, this is the beginning of the tale.

Departure from Dodoma

Apologies for the screwed up chronology of these posts. One thing I didn't mention was the visit to my room by Sossy before I left. He asked me if I had room in my luggage (I over-packed like you wouldn't believe!). Whereupon he presented me with a gift from the community, a crucifix hand-carved from a single piece of wood by a parishioner.

Back in D'Salaam

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.

A Tough Time Ahead

This is what the maize looks like now -- there's been insufficient rain.