My Flowers... and Baba wa Taifa

Some of you may remember when I talked a couple months ago about spending my Sunday afternoon pulling weeds, spreading manure, and planting new flower seeds in the boxes in front of our hostel. Well, after months of watering and patient care, there is something to show for all the effort! Just this past week the flowers that did come up (the ones i am smelling here) were in full bloom. overall, I think I had about a 15 or 20% success rate with flowers coming up and looking pretty, but that is why i am going to try another planting next week! just need to find some more manure...

(i also want to make note of the shirt i am wearing in this picture. it reads:
31st annual Grandma's Marathon Finisher; Duluth , Minn. June 16, 2007.
ok, it is a lie, but i was just excited to find a shirt from Minnesota at the market in Songea!)

here is a picture of my small herb garden, too. These worked great. the best yield was the dill, parsley, and cilantro. i haven't cooked with them yet, but it is fun to walk by them every day and feel like i have accomplished something :)

Yesterday was yet another Tanzanian National Holiday, so there was no class :) it was the anniversary of the death of the first president of the country, Teacher Julius Nyerere. He is very beloved by everyone here. This picture can be seen in almost every little shop around Songea, in our dining room in Hanga, and also many offices. At first it was a little strange to see the former president everywhere, but in time I have come to like the picture. i think i will try and find one to bring back with me and hang in my room...

Baba Wa Taifa (The Father of the Nation)

Anne and Lennart took the opportunity of another free day to play cards and play practical jokes on me while i spent most of the day reading letters, books (All The Pretty Horses), and watching movies on my iPod. it was a relaxing day.

Today it was back to teaching, and this weekend we are off to Imiliwaha to visit the Bennies who are living there and celebrate some of the nuns taking vows. should be good time. look for pictures from Imiliwaha next time. once again, thanks for reading.