Farewell to Mazinde Juu

Another long spell has gone by without me updating! This will be my
final post, since I leave tomorrow to go back to the States.
Thanksgiving was a very touching and entirely unforgettable experience
for me this year. The Wednesday before, we were getting a tour around
Father Damian's second primary school, Kongei. In the back area of
the school, there was a chicken coop and section for turkeys, which
Nikki and I briefly noted that we'd be eating tomorrow for
Thanksgiving dinner. Sister Christa, who was giving us the tour of
the school, immediate sprung into action, walking into the coop and
pulling out a turkey by the throat!
"Oh, no, it's ok! We don't need a turkey! Thank you, but we're
fine!" Nikki and I tried to tell her, but she had the turkey
upside-down by the legs faster than we could say "gobble gobble".
Nikki and I were stunned, and she continue to clutch onto the clucking
and disgruntled turkey for the remainder of our tour.
When we got to Father Damian's van to ride back, Sister Christa came
back out with the turkey, some rope and a large machete. On the sight
of the machete, Nikki squealed, and hid her head, and I simply looked
away, although my heart was pumping. Luckily, they did not slaughter
the turkey there, but they tied it up with rope and put it in a box in
the back of the van. We again tried to convince them that we did not
need a turkey, but the turkey was a token of their appreciate for all
we've done for Father and for the schools of Tanzania. We knew it
would be highly insulting not to take it, so we gave hugs of thank you
and piled in the car to go back to Mazinde Juu, the turkey fidgeting
and whining the entire way.
Because of Nikki and myself, Mazinde Juu was able to prepare its very
first Thanksgiving meal ever! Beside the ill-fated turkey, they made
soup, potatoes, rice, beans and all other sorts of goodies that helped
make me a little less homesick! Upon presentation of our cooked
turkey friend (it was roasted with neck intact), we grimaced slightly,
but quickly discovered that it was probably the best Thanksgiving
turkey we have ever had. The nuns were unfamiliar with Thanksgiving
and its history, and after we explained and had a blessing, Father
Damian said that it was one of the nicest meals he had had in quite
some time and from this year on, Thanksgiving would become a regular
holiday at Mazinde Juu.
It is time for me to fly back to the States tomorrow, therefore comes
a time of major reflection and a roller coaster of emotion. I'm
excited to spend time with my friends and loved ones, as well as
having access to the amenities that I have taken for granted, but at
the same time, I have experienced the birth of an entirely new family
in Tanzania. No longer will I wake up at 5am to sunrise and the
sounds of roosters and exotic birds. No longer will I be starting my
day with the jovial singing of the girls at mass. No longer will I be
able to look out the window and see misty mountains reaching above the
clouds. No longer will I be greeted by cows, goats and chickens
passing my way. In a way, it's as though the fairy tale has come to
an end. My experience in Africa was far beyond just a practicum, it
has reshaped the landscape of my entire life. Those I have met here
may not have many possessions, but they have given me the world, and I
cannot express enough gratitude.
I must thank everybody who has made this trip possible for me, in
particular Miriam, Melanie and Carla. Thank you for deeming me worthy
of this experience. Thanks to my parents for their undying love and
support, and thanks to all my other friends and loved ones back home
who followed me in spirit along the way (you all know who you are!).
And lastly, a special thank you to Father Damian and the Sisters of
Mazinde Juu. You have changed my life and I will carry a part of you
in my heart forever. Thank you for all you've done for me, Nikki,
Nazareth College and the students of St. Benedict's and Mazinde Juu.

Mungu Ibariki
(God Bless)
Josh

Comments

[Jill]

Can't wait to hear more stories Josh! We need to get together! - Jill