Last Day In Iringa

Today is our last day in Iringa.  It has gone so fast. 

I’ve learned that if I go back to the same people in the market to buy my fruits and vegetables I get a better deal each time.  They see me coming and a big smile comes on their faces.  Maybe they are thinking, ‘Here comes that wazungu and we will make some money today.’  My problem is that I buy too much stuff and then have to carry it home.  It’s a 15 minute walk.  A large pineapple, 2 kilos of carrots, 1 kilo onions, 2 kilos tomatoes, etc all add up.  Remember that 1 kilo is 2.2 #’s.  Then if I stop at the grocery and buy anything I add to the weight.  I’m getting a work out.  If we stayed longer I would have good biceps.  I am learning to cook the way the Tanzanian’s do by starting with fresh tomatoes and make spaghetti sauce, beans, etc. The secret to some of their sauces is ginger.

 

Coke Delivery to the Stores

My Pinapple, Mango, Melon Man

Part of the Market

It has been a very rewarding experience and we plan to come back again.  If we can help improve the lives of a few people it will be so worth the time.  I do feel we are getting more than we are giving.  I’m learning to appreciate the simple things in life and the slower pace and thank God for all He has given me.

 This will be the last blog until we get home on Sunday, Oct. 25.  We leave for Dar es Saalom tomorrow morning and board our plane Saturday afternoon for Minneapolis.  We fly Ethiopian Airline from Dar to Addis Ababa, Ethiopian, then on to Rome and DC.  Then home to MPLS.

 Thanks for your prayers and the comments many of you have left on the blog.  It’s so good to hear from home.

 

Karen