oh what a week!

It is been a week since i have last written. And for a week i have been in Imiliwaha. We traveled the long journey from Dar el salam to Imiliwaha with numerous complications. We left DAR at 4 am with an eta of 6 pm. We didn't get to Imili until 1230am! Our van ended up getting a flat and we had to replace it on the side of the road. And then a few hours later the same tire blew out entirely. We had to go to a gas station and get a replacement. This would have been an easy enough task if any of the workers knew how to change a tire. We sat at that gas station for 4 hours while the workers tried to replace, and finally some of us (not me!) took over and did it ourselves.

But we are here in Imiliwaha now and it has truly been a life changing few weeks. There are over 200 nuns who live in this compound. The nuns here run everything, cook all thier own food, run their own shops etc. There is a jewelry maker, a candle maker, there is a health clinic, a flour machine.

My first day here i worked at the orphange. There are 47 children ranging in age from 6weeks to 13 years. It was quite overwhelming as the children have no toys besides some crayons and blocks. When i first arrived with my friend Grace there were a dozen toddlers just wandering around the building unwatched. We started to play with them. There were so bright and happy. I found myself throughout the day in awe of their quick wit, hardy laughs, and beautiful hearts. I have visited the orphange once more (today) and got to interact with some of the older kids (7-9) as well. There were just as sweet. Because none of them can speak english and my swahili is nil, there is a huge language barrier. But a shoulder ride, a hug, a smile has a language we both can understand. One of the ladies, Barbara, is a volunteer nurse at the orphange and is staying in the room next to me. she is from Switzerland and the love and care that i see her give to these children is amazing. She is wonderful lady; a ray of sunshine to a rather dark place.

WHen i am not working at the orphange i can be found at the corn mill. Where i grind corn in a machine and it comes out as flour. It is quite a boring job, especially after 3 days, but Nick (our instructor) is hilarious and keeps it fun. There are four workers at the mill- 2 boys and 2 girls. One's name is John and Nick has set us up to be married! the ceremony was yesterday at 2pm at the corn mill factory and there were many in attendance. I wore capris and a smelly tshirt, and i don't think John had/has showered in weeks! But it was all in good fun, and we took pictures of the magical moment.

the nuns here are great! they sing and dance with us at dinner every night and usually stay up afterwards and play cards or talk with us. One in particular, Sr. Varellia (sp?) is hilarious and reminds me of a rapper. Before we knew her name, my friend Beth and i referred to her as "G-unit." Even now, although i know her name i find myself calling her that in my head.

Tomorrow there is a big celebration. Everyone in the town has been decorating the streets. There is a huge festival with lots of singing and dancing. I look forward to seeing everyone outside having a good time. It will truly be an experience.

We leave for Hanga on Wednesday and will be staying in the Abbey there. Hopefully i will get to write again. But there is only one computer for over 300 people so i don't know if that will fly.

Know i am having a great time and trying to absorb as much as i can so i can tell you everything when i return.

Love always,
MaryAlice