The pen calls to me again. Well, really the keyboard and free and fast internet, but does that sound romantic, I ask you? So, if I remember correctly, I left off quite awile ago in Tanzania. Now we are in another cradle of civilization...Egypt. But, first and formost, I want to say that it was very difficult to say "kwa heri" after 2 years in TZ. We made some wonderful friends and came to appreciate another wonderful culture. And, living in the village is so different than living in Dar. So, we did close a chapter of a never-to-be-forgotten book and turned the page to another country and culture but on the same continent, yet vastly different. And, our role is different. We are now tourists, not residents. Egypt gives way to so many images ... read more

Situated across TZ to the west on Lake Tanganika is Gombe Nat'l Park. It is here where Jane Goodall did her research in 1960 on Chimpanzees. She was the first to do so and as a result of her observations, we now have multi-generational information on several families of much studied chimps. Her discoveries led to documented accounts of behavior, habitat, survival, and the need for protection. Geneticly, they are 98% of us or we of them. Goodall was correct when she said, "Chimpanzees are so like us." They have such a complex brain which allows them to solve problems, plan ahead, use tools, have feelings, and learn. As with all travel in TZ, getting there is not half the fun. It's a 3 hr plane ride across the country from Dar. At this time ... read more

While accomplishing our real reason for being at Bob's site...that of doing an HIV/AIDS workshop at Gare Secondary School, which went very well, we made a discovery worth featuring on the Discovery Channel - Convent Bats. Over a thousand bats inhabit the trees between the church and the convent at Kongei. These fruit bats are large with a wingspan up to 24". They fly out for a nightly forwray of ripe fruit (in season now pears, apples) flying directly over Bob's house on the hillside. A shadow, then a flap of wings, and they disappear into the night sky. But, in the daytime after Mass they are dangling, squeeking, bundles of hair. Mothers are nursing their young upside down and fathers are stretching their fingerwings and settling down for a long day's night sleep. They ... read more

It can be discouraging when you witness just how much there needs to be done and then where to begin, but sprinkled into the mix are moments when you see first hand that things are being done...and by Tanzanians. The Usambara Sisters, a TZ RC religious order, do many great things. They are very active in our area with providing schools, hostels, vocational training, spiritual guidance, and now micro financing. We were among 120 village women when they received their certificates (very important to TZ) and their first bank book. They havean incoming-generating project of growing pine seedlings which will encourage more tree planting and help the earth - one tree at a time. This project is being done on St. Theresa's church property with access to water and the road and walking distance to ... read more

Once upon a time in a far off land on a dark and stormy night...No, that is not right. We are never out after dark!! But, here is the real story. This week we wanted to have Fr. Clements and Stefano over for dinner...a typical American menu...pizza (allbeit vegetarian), beer or coke, and brownies. We had a nice visit and they were so appreciative of the Monstrance sent from our Carmel Mission Parish to St. Theresa's Parish. When given to the congregation after Mass, everyone clapped and the women did their uluations...sounds of joy! The church has never had one and has always had to borrow one from Lushoto, not very convenient. As I'm sure I've said before, we have found Tanzanians to be very religious. In our village about 1/3 Luthern, 1/3 RC, and ... read more