Mwisho ya Mwaka

It's been a long time, folks, and I'm reaching the end of my first of two years in Dodoma. It's very strange how quickly the time goes by, especially when we always seem to be engrossed in our work at school and life in the community. Since September life has had many gifts and joys along with struggles too. Let me start with those struggles. Working in the computer lab sure has its challenges; it's always an uphill battle to supervise students and keep enough computers working when the students are sneaking in flash drives and downloads full of viruses. Luckily I have the best coworkers imaginable; Faith and Cleophas are fun, hardworking computer masters and we work really well together. We dream of a networked lab system where all the computers can be connected to a server, but for now we are making do with the stand-alone computers we have. It's been a hard lesson to accept the slower pace of work and life, but I know it's forming me in a way that no other experience could. Other struggles include taming my "inner-bear" which can be grumpy and nasty if I let it, especially early in the morning. During our October retreat we assigned each other spirit animals and mine was, indeed, a bear. My community mates noted how I'm often a caring, cuddly, easy-going guy but I can also be a growling grizzly if I don't express myself in a healthy way. Practicing healthy, open, vulnerable expression with an entire community is tough but I'm finding it a good exercise in self-awareness. 

Being goofy on our October retreat in beautiful Rhombo, near Kilimanjaro

September, October and November has flown by, I can hardly believe it's December already! These months have been blessed with retreats with the community, lessons with the students, and lots of exams at school. I added to my teaching load when a new class of students arrived for their two-month orientation; Becca and I have been teaching them English lessons. I've really enjoyed these courses because it's with a brand new set of students with a new subject other than what I've been teaching before. It's funny how teaching something really helps to understand it on a deeper level; I've never thought so carefully about grammar and structure as I do when I'm teaching. The same goes for music; I've started teaching trumpet to a few students and they're picking it up so quickly. It's exciting to see them improve and I enjoy sharing my love for music and trumpet with them.

The students in German club have really stepped up their game lately. We meet two or three times a week and they are really mastering some topics like greetings, telling time, and some basic sentences. I enjoy these lessons so much because they're so informal; we meet when we can, students come because they want to learn, and we chat and joke a lot throughout the lessons. They organized an AMAZING end-of-the-year party that sent us home looking forward to continuing after the December holiday. 

Dancing at the German club party 

Again, the link to our German club video! https://youtu.be/E13gUJkQgu0

I've been celebrating the end of the year in many different ways. Besides the German club party, there have been lots of other parties at school to celebrate with staff and students. The school held a massive talent show where students sang, danced and acted their hearts out. Graduation for the fourth-years was a lot of fun and a big success and the year closed on a good note. These days we're saying goodbye to Mary and Victoria with many lovely meals, parties, and nights out with friends and communities. It's sad to see them going but we're also looking forward to a new year with a new volunteer, Katie, who will be joining us in just a few weeks! We'll be leaving for Dar Es Salaam soon to accompany Mary and Victoria on their way home and to pick up Katie, Rob and Patrice (new volunteers to Dar Es Salaam). I'm looking forward to the holiday, resting at home after our trip to Dar and spending time with my host family, religious community friends, and teacher friends. I think some students will visit too, so it will be nice to see them outside of school. Next time I write will probably be once school has started in January, so let me wish you a merry Christmas, a happy new year and any other holidays you might be celebrating these days. I pray you see the blessings of every day and embrace the joy of the season! Be well and God bless

Peace & love,

-Ryan-

One of my favorite views of Dodoma, overlooking the stadium, mosque, and the rock-hill near our house