These Are a Few of my Favorite Things...

(with definitions included!)

17 February 2010
Our Front Porch – a place where neighbors, friends, and housemates accumulate in the cool breeze of evening, sharing stories, quiet, prayers, laughter, and experiences. Also provides an excellent place for back massages and listening to the cows moo!

Frozen Azam – Azam (pronounced a-Zam!, at least in my head!) is by-far the best ice cream brand in Tanzania. No contest. They make a real-juice packet that comes in a variety of flavors. If frozen, these provide a nutritious and deliciously cold pick-me-up any time of the day or night, ‘magically’ cooling you off (or so I make myself believe). Best part: we can get them for 500Tsh (about 40 cents) at snack bar after school, or 300Tsh if we buy our own to freeze at the market. Gotta love it!

The bargain section at Shoppers on Sunday morning – Shoppers is the closest thing you’ll get to a one-stop grocery here in Tanzania. And on Sunday after church, it’s THE place to be if you’re in the mission community! It’s tough to get to via public transport, but we’re lucky enough to catch a ride from some friendly co-workers at the school – something I am eternally grateful for. I’m likely to see several students and their families, HOPAC teachers galore, and many SIL friends, roaming up and down the aisles preparing for the week ahead. But, more importantly, it’s a great time to visit, catch up, and hear the latest news. Is this what Jesus talked about when he mentioned the “marketplace?” The best part of the store, though, is where everyone bee-lines to first. It’s the bargain section, which sometimes actually has a real bargain! My best find yet has been real Karo corn-syrup from the States for 900Tsh… unbelievable. Also, one week we found Nutri-grain bars for 500Tsh each. I think we bought them out. Ever since then, these same bars have been available for 1500Tsh each… which I refuse to pay. They sure were good while they lasted, though…

Our Kitchen – seems to be the hang-out place of Tembo House. Regardless of the weather, the day, or the time, chances are someone will be making something... and others will be in there visiting. It’s not uncommon to see us sitting on the counters munching on pineapple, walking over to wash our hands, and then munching on pineapple again (without even realizing it) as we continue a conversation about our day, about God, about our kids, about the ants, or about the kids we want to have some day.

Gas Cooker (yes, these devices are really called COOKERS here!) – one of the best purchases we’ve ever made, this handy little self-lighting set of burners makes sure we can eat when the power goes off. It also features a mini-burner in the middle of two larger ones, which I have lovingly named “ the s’more cooker.” We have yet to make s’mores (thanks, Marie’s aunt, for sending graham crackers!)… but I eagerly await this day as a great one! Assuming, of course, our pink marshmallows don’t drip into the cooker and make a mess.

kerosene lamps – We had one of these when I was growing up, and I always thought it was cool. I never realized the extreme significance of them, though, till I came to the land of little electricity. When we call Tanesco (the power company) about our luku (electricity) being out, and they assure us we shouldn’t worry ma’am, not worries ma’am… it will be on by 6pm… and we look at our watch to realize it is 6:03pm… it’s nice to have some backups in place in case, just by chance, they might not be telling us the truth.

The following don’t quite make my list of “most favorites,” but are definitely a close second:
My classroom – though I spend a lot of time here, it really is a great place to be. If you need a nap, there’s cushions and a carpet… if you need a good book, there are plenty. And one of my favorite parts includes the AC in the corner; assuming, of course, there is power!!!

Our spare bedroom – People have tried living there for real, but it’s just too noisy. However, as a place for people passing by, it’s a haven… and a wonderful opportunity for us to play hostesses! Tembo House (House of the Elephant) is in the perfect location for people coming and going in Dar… at the right price. And we love the chance to visit, spend time with friends, and catch up with people we’ve grown to love and hold dear in our few months here in Tanz. Karibu!