Into My New Home

After a few weeks of orientation and getting adjusted to life in Tanzania, I have finally moved into my new home at Mzumbe.  It took a few weeks for them to prepare it, but last friday morning I arrived to find a freshly painted house that was clean and ready for me to move in!

As I arrived to the school, the headmaster, Mr. Najawa , escorted me to my house.  I entered to find it empty, but shortly after about 30 Mzumbe students came to deliver my new furniture, some kitchenware, food, an electric cooker, a refrigerator and some other household items.  It was a very warm and surprising welcome.

Once I got the furniture arranged, and some last minute cleaning was done, I was able to take in my new surroundings.  The house is quite big (a little too big for one person, but I think that in future years there will be more than one occupant or volunteer here once I leave).  There are three bedrooms, a spacious living room, a toilet room, a shower room, and a nice large kitchen.  Outside my front door is a large porch that overlooks the stunning Uluguru Mountains.  That will be a nice place to sit and read in peace.  I do have some animal guests, as well, with many roosters, chickens and a cat outside in my yard.

It is quite exciting to finally be moving into my new home, however it will be a difficult adjustment at first, as I’m sure there will be many challenges ahead like cooking meals, getting to know my neighbors, household maintenance, pest control(!!) etc.  Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be much more settled in and comfortable with life at Mzumbe and can solely focus on my task of teaching the students and getting more involved with my community.

(My Front Porch)

(Living Room)

(Kitchen)

(Bedroom)

(View from my front door)