Week 4: May 17-23

Dear Family and Friends,

It's been a very reinforcing week with many people using/sharing their talents and others benefitting from those gifts:

Mwangaza's Andrea using a panga (small sword/ large knife) to trim a branch into a handle for his shovel, later using it to spread "gravel", made from the lava of Mt. Meru's eruption many years ago, across the walkways and parking area. Andrea is a master carpenter with the panga, as the handle fit perfectly with no nails or screws needed to hold it in place and so smooth he used no gloves yet received no splinters during his work.

Do any of the rest of you '60s folks remember Mother Earth magazine? Mike's subscription ran out years ago (just after he left the commune) but we received a copy from Brother-in-Law Richard in January '09, and passed a bread recipe from within to Annemarie, our daughter in Copenhagen, in August. She recently tried it and was reinforced by Yvan, her French husband who knows good bread. Undoubtedly Mother E. would be proud to know that her recipe is now being used in Africa, the bread made by Sharon in a propane oven and enjoyed by the Mwangaza staff, some of whom are now wondering if it can be made in brick ovens heated by charcoal. Perhaps we will soon know.

The banda's (gazebo) roof was in need of repair; although the metal is still in good shape, the thatch needed to be replaced. 2 talented fundi (craftsmen) were called, bunches of palm sections ordered, the old thatch removed and wood framework repaired, new thatch tied and tacked into place, and it's now being finished, as they trim the edge. Mike was tempted to climb up and show his roofing skills, but is somewhat limited on this particular "shingle" style.

And Yes, we have been busy with mentoring and learning also, not just watching others and taking pictures. Another school visit was made Tuesday morning, with teachers selected for the first seminar week getting a preview and assignments so that all will be prepared and focused when arriving June 13th. We two have been blessed in our teamwork with John and Salome; we left home only 4 weeks ago this afternoon, but feel as if we have been working together with them for a long time.

Meanwhile, Dr. Shoonie, Jim Talarico, and Linda Minnick were invited to present the Mwangaza model and programs this week to the ELCA and ELCT leaders gathered for a "consultation" in Chicago. Considered "grass roots" and recently called a "hybrid", Mwangaza's Partnership for Education continues to explore new cooperative options in support of secondary teachers and students in Tanzania.

And finally for this week, Mwangaza's grounds and facilities were filled with activity and enthusiasm all day Friday, with 100+ high school students from a number of area schools here for a 1-day Junior Achievement conference. The Mwangaza team/staff did a great job of serving/supporting the students, chaperones, facilitators, judges, and members of the press.

Peace,

Mike & Sharon