You Don't See That Everyday!

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We've all been laughing at the kids comments and quotes as we are watching them experience a different culture and way of life here in Africa! Garrett's infamous daily quote is: "Well, you don't see that everyday!" but the funny thing is, he says it every day!

You're always seeing something new when you drive down the streets here in Arusha. Something, that catches your eye, makes you go "hhhhhmmmmm" , somthings make you laugh and some things make you cry. There are times when your patience is tried and there are time when you learn what life is really all about to begin with. You always come away with an interesting story no matter what you do. You often feel as if your life just flashed before your eyes as the traffic tends to come too close for comfort and you see things you never thought you would see.

We've all made new friends downtown at the local store fronts, the vendors who are there all the time, the normal smiling faces that begin to recognize you and know that you like the short little bananas rather than the long green ones, or who remember that you bought 3 bushes of potatoes last week, so surely you need another bushel this week. The funniest saying I guess Ive heard, is " aww mama stop here, Looking is free!" ( I'm so glad, I think.. as I smile my way through)

We love going down to Maffi alley and looking through all the talented carvers and jewelry makers and the things that they have for sale.. we have had several Bible studies down in this area and as a result have new Christians down there to go and visit on our trips down town.

My hardest day, by far, was seeing a small little baby on the street just laying out on the side walk in a bed of fabric and plastic bags.. Brent had run in to the market to fetch us some fruit and as I turned around looking at the people passing by, as I always like to do, the little movement caught my eye from the corner of my window.. could it be?? was it?? as I watched in disbeleif, I began to get angry, sad, scared all at once and unsure of what to do... Brent went and stood by the baby and asked around the area, but no one seemed to know where the mother was... then after looking and waiting for awhile.. here she came running up, grabbed the baby and off she went... just as quickly, gone into the masses and crowds of people rushing through the city. and the frustrating thing is, there's nothing you can do. It just tears at your heart... the sadness of the poverty and the filth of the city sometimes is a little shocking. to say the least.

On the light, humorous side, There's always an interesting saying on the front and back of each Dalla dalla you pass by.. (buses) Always fun to see. One day I saw a KFC sign with a picture and everything, just teasing you...with crispy fried southern chicken, but theres no such thing here in this country and you know it! Then the wheel barrels carrying everything from a car to a heap of grass so big no one can see over or around it as it runs down the road... The man with the cluster of live chickens in his hand holding them upside down from the feet. Then there's the ever entertaining street vendors, who just won't take no for an answer, & who come up to your window in the car selling everything from year old magazines and newspapers to braclets and carvings. Life in the city can be hectic and crazy. Probably even overwhelming for the incoming & unaware tourist or visitor.

We've been trying to teach the kids to keep their eyes and hearts open to see the people of Tanzania. To see the needs, to pains, the struggles, as well as the contentness, the happy faces, the wonderful spirit of these great people. There is always something we can learn from the people we are surrounded with! One of our greatest lessons in Africa is that you have to always have a sense of Humor to get through the day!

Hope you're all having a wonderful week!
Love from our House to Yours,
Julie

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