With a decent nights rest behind us, we met Harran and Mohamed at the Slipway for breakfast and we practiced our Swahili words. Shortly, we found ourselves in front of the hotel helping Mohamed load our luggage, and off we went for our day’s trip to Iringa. And what trip it was!
The city of Dar es Salaam was busy, as were all the other smaller towns we passed on our way. Some people were dressed in Sunday clothes for church; many rode bicycles with loads on their backs or behind them; others were walking along the sides of the road. It was clear that all were busy with what is probably a typical Sunday for them.
On our way we had stops to “check the tires.” A little thinking will help you figure this out. We also stopped for a delicious lunch consisting of white rice or pasta, a beef and carrot dish, baked chicken, a banana dist and spinach. It was a delicious lunch.
After lunch we entered Mikumi National Park. I knew that I really was in Africa when we began seeing elephants, giraffes, impala, and baboons either in small groups or along the road. This was very exciting for me. These animals live free and share their habitat with the people of Tanzania.
When we finally arrived in Iringa, we went to the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church where we were guests for dinner and our overnight.
Our day was long and tiring, but filled with new insights and new friends and most importantly the knowledge that this is only the beginning and that, when we reach Ipalamwa tomorrow, we will embark on an incredible journey in the hope of making a difference.
Eloise

Thought For The Day:
“Do not go where the path may lead to, instead go to where there is no path and leave a trail.” (Emerson)