Nov 13--Greetings from Tanzania

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Greetings from Tanzania are very different than in the States. People spend more time saying hello and will often hold the other person's hand for the entire greeting. Even for someone coming from "Minnesota nice" and who has visited "Friendly Fridley," it took me a while to get used to the greetings. People are genuinely glad to see you and often will wave and say "Jambo" or "Habari" in passing. I've always felt welcomed just walking down the street.

Only men are seen holding hands with each other in public. I haven't noticed any male/female couples and women holding hands in public. Coming from the States where the exact opposite is true it is odd at first but then becomes genuinely natural. The men who are holding hands are friends and are usually in a conversation with one another. I've watched people talking to each other and they seem so happy to be together. Do we just not notice that in the states or do relationships here in Africa where the poverty would make life seem miserable to us not affect those relationships? The other day I was sitting on the dala dala (local transportation) and in front of me were two teenage boys who seemed so glad to have each other's company and so comfortable with each other. It was incredibly beautiful. The beauty we see here is not only in the animals and landscape on safari but on people's faces and the way they talk to each other.

When the work day is over in the States we throw off our work clothes and put on our hoodies and blue jeans but in Africa the women leave their jobs dressed to the nines. I've attached some pictures of the nannies who after nine to fifteen hour shifts manage to put on their best, lift their heads high and travel home. I like to call this group of pictures...Nannies on the Catwalk. Notice that Andrea from Canada...another volunteer... has a North American attitude for fashion. There is so much beauty in this country everyday.

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Comments

[Elizabeth Skinner]

Beauty
Thank you for the wonderful update and message! Soon it will be Thanksgiving. We in our family are so thankful for you Olivia, Tom and Anne. God be with you and may your last few weeks in Africa be filled with wonder and grace. I am so excited to see you all upon your return. We would like to have you over for a very special dinner when you are up to it!!! Stay safe and may God's love be with you every minute! Peace of the Lord. The Skinner Family

[Deb Thorp]

Thanksgiving
You have made some profound comments on the differences between US and Tanzanian cultures. May you take the best of both worlds with you as you journey forward in life. This Thanksgiving, we will keep you in our thoughts, thankful that you have had the courage to spend this time in Africa and that you have shared it with us through this blog.