Merry Christmas!

My first Christmas away from home, and it was in Africa. As hard as it was to be away from my family, it was equally as exciting to share it with my new one. I woke up at 5:00am to begin making Cinnamon Rolls, a first for my Tanzanian Family. I have never in my life made them before and yet here I am, In Africa, making cinnamon rolls. One of the girls from the village came at 6 to help me prepare them. Ever since I made the m&m cookies, they all want me to show them how to bake. (A Tanzanian version of sweets is basically just bread) So Tumpe and I began our work in the kitchen. The other staff woke up early to start deep cleaning, because we were having Wzungu (multiple white people) guests for Christmas. We ran out of water again this week, and had just gotten it back the day before, so we hadn’t had a chance to clean the past week. I really appreciate America, and the chances of running out of water are slim to none. 

A friend of Bibi Kay’s had made school bags for the children for Christmas, so we stuffed them with paper and coloring supplies. Kayla (A girl from America who lives in Njombe, and volunteers at Sunrise occasionally) and her family were coming and they brought gifts for the children. The boys each got hats, and a baseball, and the girls got Tutus and head bands. I placed all the gifts under the tree while my TZ family was laughing at me the whole time; Courtney and her crazy American ways. One thing that I have to get used to, living in Africa is constantly being laughed at. It’s not in a mean way, they just think that the things are do are funny, because it’s different, and when I try to speak Swahili they laugh, but they love that I am trying, and children love that I am an mzungu, I inspire lots of adorable giggles. 

When the children woke up they were also put to work. It was time to clean the yard, clean their rooms, pack their bags, (they are going to their families for ten days) and take showers. Everyone was busy doing something, all before 7AM.  I am proud to say that the cinnamon rolls were a success; a little lopsided and deformed, but the taste was amazing and everyone enjoyed them. 

Tumpe and I had made sugar cookie dough the day before for decorating cookies with the kids. Now it was time to make shapes. We didn’t have any cookie cutters so we were just cutting out whatever we felt like. I was trying to show them how to make a star, or a Christmas tree, but they were intent on making their own designs, which is totally fine and made it more our authentic African-American Christmas. The first batch of Christmas cookies consisted of arrows, letters, bottles, spatulas, hearts, a Christmas tree and star, a ring, and a candy cane; doesn’t really get much better than that.

The whole day was full of excitement and work and lots of fun. Kayla’s family brought fake snow, which the kids loved! They brought crafts, and games, and new toys, and tattoos.  We had a special lunch, I bought meat so we cooked it in a red sauce, and had it over rice; a typical Tanzanian Christmas meal. Everyone was having so much fun, and loving all the Wzungu in the house. 

After lunch we decorated cookies. The whole concept was baffling to them, but once they got started they loved it. The different colored frosting, the sprinkles, the candy, all new things to them! I think they enjoyed eating them with all those things on top, just as much as they enjoyed making them. We had extra cookies that we sent them home with them for their families. 

After the excitement of the cookies, we ended with gifts. We had the kids sit around the tree and then we passed out gifts. On the count of three, they opened their gifts! It was so exciting for all of us, their laughter and joy at getting new things was contagious. The girls couldn’t figure out the tutus, so at first they were putting them on their heads. The boys’ caps are nice, but I think they could use some Oregon Duck ones. 

After all the excitement it was time to send the kids home; lots of kisses and hugs to go around, and Merry Christmas’. I was kind of sad to see them go, I know I will see them around the village, and in church next week, not to mention its only ten days but it’s not the same of course.

We had a great Christmas and now I am in Njombe to relax and take a few days to myself. All by myself. After being around 15 people or more a day, I am not sure I know how to be alone anymore. Hoping to skype with my family soon, unfortunately the internet is never reliable!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Tanzanian Style

 “I want to live so that I am truly submitted to the Spirit’s leading on a daily basis. Christ said it is better for us that the spirit came, and I want to live like I know that is true. I don’t want to keep crawling when I have the ability to fly.” –Francis Chan, Forgotten God

I made a Christmas tree out of green construction paper, complete with a paper star, and lights. I thought this is the best I am going to get in my first African Christmas. However, Corrinne and I went to a friend’s house, and they let me have a tree to take home.

If everyone didn’t already think I was crazy when I made the paper tree, I know they do now.  The look on their faces when I brought the tree home was priceless. I could clearly see what they were thinking; it was written all over their faces, “What the heck is this crazy white girl doing? She cut down a perfectly good tree, brings it in the house, and puts it in water.” I explained it was an American Christmas tree, and they all nodded and smiled, and helped me bring it in, all the while wondering about my mental state.  Earlier in the week, before I knew we would get a real tree, we made Christmas ornaments. The kids each drew a picture on a piece of paper with their name and we taped it to the paper tree. We also made snowflakes, which the kids were very excited to do. Heck, I was excited. There is nothing like making random cuts on a folded piece of paper, and then opening it to find a unique design. 

The next day I made paper streamers (red and green) and began decorating the tree while the kids were at school. I took all of their ornaments off the paper tree and put a string through to hang on the real tree. I also made some candy canes to hang and an angel for the top.  Our African –American Christmas tree was complete. Now to wait for the approval of my Tanzanian family. 

When the kids got home and came into the house they just paused in awe. Nobody said anything for a while, they just came over and carefully examined the tree; each kid seeking out their ornament. They smiled at me with twinkles in their eyes, and said, “This, very good Christmas tree.” It is quite possibly the worst Christmas tree that I have ever seen; it’s dying already, all the ornaments are paper, its branches are all lopsided and smashed from being in the truck, and yet it is the best Christmas tree that I have ever seen. It’s my new families first, and knowing that they love it, means the world to me. Whenever we have people over they laugh, and comment on our tree, but I know that they all love it. They love the crazy white girls African-American Christmas tree. Our perfectly imperfect tree. 

This week has been full or frustrations. My first week alone, so of course I am faced with things, like management, and discipline. Trying to decide how we will do the shamba, (little money, lots of work to be done) to one of the kids keeps running off and not telling anyone where he is going. Things that I have no experience dealing with, and yet here I am, still learning and now it’s time to take it all on. I  am trying to breathe, and love, and learn, and grow, and hope that the decisions I am making are the best I can make. I feel so brand new (because I am, one month and counting) and now I have people checking in with me, asking my permission for things, wondering if we can change the menu this week, the kukus (chickens) are now laying 8 eggs a day so can we stop buying them, the kids are on break so what do we do with them all day. All things that to be quite honest I have no idea about and yet now I have to decide what needs to be done, how to delegate tasks, and who goes where when. God is reminding me, in a gentle way, that I need him. I am here because this is where he wants me, lean on him, share with him in my joy and struggles, have faith that he will show me the way. 

This week I made dinner for 15 people. We had spaghetti, with sauce that I made from scratch, and cheesy breadsticks, also made from scratch. Not to totally brag or anything, but it was amazing. I felt like a real mom, or something. I am making breakfast for the kids 4 times a week, but this had some time and effort put into it. I am also learning to master the oven. You see we have a stove where you have a fire, and so there is no temperature gage to tell you that you are now at 425 degrees so you have to pay attention. Also the first batch might cook for 10 minutes, but the next batch only needs 5 minutes. 

It’s kind of like driving here. You have to keep your eyes on the road at all times, because right now the path may be smooth, but in a minute you have to avoid holes, and dips, and chickens, or people. It forces you to be an even better driver than in the states. I mean honestly, in the states you know that the road is going to be smooth, you know that there is room for another person to pass, you know that the chances of chickens crossing the road are slim, so you can relax, and enjoy the ride. I was thinking about what I miss most from America, and besides the obvious (friends, family, pets) I miss paved roads! Never ending smooth roads, and driving on the left side of the car and road. I had a dream last night that when I got home from Tanzanian, my parents had bought me a car with the steering wheel on the right side, I was not happy. (Mom and dad, don’t buy me a car like that please, love you!)  

I am learning lots of things about the culture here from my new Tanzanian friends. I learned that there is a thing called a bride price, which means when a man wants to marry a woman; he must go to her father and ask how much. The father will then give a price and the man must pay whatever the father says. (The bride, getting none of the money) So I have been informed that for a mzungu woman (white woman) the price will be much higher. My dad could be making some serious money over here, selling me to the highest bidder and all. I told some of my Tanzanian friends that my parents will be coming in May(ish) and they can speak with him then. LOL. Maybe my parents could get their trip paid for by selling me to a Tanzanian husband. 

Even with all of the frustrations, I am happy. I have started jogging in the mornings, and it’s so peaceful. I am not a jogger but apparently the thing to do when you come to Tanzania is become one. (For the Americans) Tanzanians think we are strange for jogging around for no apparent reason, but they smile and wave as I pass. My dad asked if I was out running lions. I told him I need the practice, safety first!

I thought that when I came to Tanzania I would become more mature, and grown up, and yet I have never acted more like a child, and I love it. Dance parties, are now a daily ritual, coloring, playing games, spinning in circles till you fall down, and laughing daily all make up my life in Tanzania, and I hope it never ends.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Home Sweet Home

“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers, or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

-Luke 14:12-14

As I pull into the orphanage in the rickety old truck, I hear eleven beautiful voices saying, “Court-ta-ney! Court-ta-ney!” I am home, after two days of being away, and dropping Corrinne off in Njombe, I am back. I get out of the truck and instantly eleven hugs are in store for me. This is my life. I have eleven children. It amazes me how quickly I have fallen in love with them. How can you not? Yes, having eleven kids has its moments, but I love them, and that love is real, and that love is powerful. They are warming up to me quickly, and I cannot help but feel the same way.

I still can’t grasp that I am living in Africa. This is my home, and I have fallen in love with it. I love how much like home it is, and how much like home it is not. I love the people, their infectious laughter and kindness is humbling. They are so giving and so rich in life, my heart swells for them. This place will change my life. It already has in less than a month; I can’t imagine how I will feel after one year. Plus I am getting my temporary residency permit (good for 2 years) so who knows? ;) I am very excited to share this life with my parents, to watch them fall in love like I have and to get to experience it with people whom I love. 

It scares me at times, the unknown. What does God have in mind for my life? How is it going to look? Is this forever? Am I okay with that? Are their bigger plans for me in the USA? ??????????? And then I have to remember to breathe, and let go, because he is in control. He knows what he wants to do with my life, what plans he has, and I have to learn to trust. Learn to let go of control. I’m not meant to have it, and honestly, what a relief. God has the control; he will work things out, in his time, in his way. I just get to wait, and live in Africa, and have eleven children whom I love (I know I am suffering) and cherish these moments, because God only knows what the future holds. 

I love that when I am driving down the road and I pass by children I hear, “Mzungu! Mzungu!” or “White person, white person!” Sometimes I even hear it from adults. I am kind of a big deal, let’s be honest it’s true, but here it’s even more true. I am one of a kind. Just like all of us are, but here, I really feel it. Now Corrinne has left me too, making me the resident white person in Uhekule. I have had a crash course, and now its sink or swim time. I am determined to make this work, and work well. I want my time here to be as meaningful for the people I interact with, as it is for me. 

I am trying to bring my American Christmas to Uhekule, I will do a special blog on that later, but I am so excited. It’s incredibly hard to be away from my family over the holidays, but I am equally as excited that I get to spend it here. Where you ask? In Africa, because that is where I live! 

We ran out of water this week, from weds to sun. We made a trip to a “watering hole” and filled buckets to bring back….however that meant no showers. It made me appreciate the people here so much more, seeing as they have to do this multiple times a day. 

If you would like to send things to me my address is:

Courtney Hohensee

Sunrise Children’s Home

P.O. Box 746

Njombe, Tanzania

Ideas to send:

Tuna or Salmon packets

Beef Jerky

Sunscreen (Ziploc bag in case it opens)

Pickles (lol) If only!

Or anything else that strikes you fancy!

 Letters would be a blessing to receive as well. :)

If you would like to send things to the kids, you can contact me Via Email @ C.Hohensee@yahoo.com and we can discuss good things to send. 

Thank you all for your love, support, prayers. I appreciate it!!! And i can not thank you enough!

Lots of Firsts

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

 -1 Chronicles 29:14

I wake up at 5:20 AM because it’s my turn to do breakfast duty. We are having bread, fruit, and eggs today. I go into the kitchen and turn on the lights so the kids who are on breakfast duty will know I am ready. I start slicing bread, cutting up onion and pepper for the eggs, and cracking eggs.  I mix the ingredients together (minus the bread) and pour them into a pan. Each kid gets a slice of bread, a piece of fruit, and a slice of egg for breakfast. All the kids come in and start eating. It’s my chance to tell them good morning and check their school uniforms. After they eat they all go brush their teeth, do their chores, and head to school.

If it’s Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, we’ll be working in the shamba (field). If it’s a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, we’ll be deep cleaning the orphanage. Sometimes the kids come home from school for lunch (3 times a week) and then head back to school.

They get home around 4 and start their chores. They must water the garden, bring in wood for the stove, and get their laundry off the line. At 6, they start to take showers, and at 7 we eat dinner. After dinner the kids do their chores, brush their teeth, and then we go and tuck them in. (sing a song, tell them we love them and Jesus loves them, and do prayers) Then we go to bed so we can wake up and do it all again. 

I am amazed by the beauty that is here. I still have frequent moments of “I am in Africa!” I am not sure when it will ever truly sink in. The longer I am here the less I notice that I am one of the only white people in the village. (Soon to be the only white person, because BBK left, and Molly and Corrinne are leaving this week) There are different reactions people have to us; most of the time we either fascinate babies, or make them cry. The older people love us and just want a chance to meet us, or walk with us, or show us off. Kids are intrigued by us, but only the brave ones will come and talk to us, (otherwise they stare until we make eye contact then they run). 

This week I had a few “firsts”; Intense back breaking, muscle building, shamba work, the same kind of washing clothes by hand work, and attending a funeral for a two year old boy.

It’s heart breaking and leaves you at a loss for words when someone loses a two year old suddenly. And even worse because you will never know what it he had. Corrinne, Molly, and I went to the funeral. The women go in one place and the men in another. We sat with the mother of the baby, and her mom and family. They were in good spirits, but the sadness was in their eyes. However this unfortunate circumstance gave us a chance to really connect with people from the village. Show them that we really care, and want to know them. 

I already miss washing machines, and it’s been only 3 weeks and I have only done one load.

I officially know all the kids’ names, and have some sort of connection with each one. I am really excited about it because they are like my kids! In fact one of the boys was holding my hand and says, “We are your kids yes?” Of course they are! I have eleven children….. Yea, eleven! In January we hope to have around twenty.  

There are 5 boys and 6 girls and they have separate rooms (obviously).  We have 3 staff members; Mekio, Jeni, and Regina.  Regina sleeps in the boys room, and Jeni with the girls. Everyone does a little bit of everything, although me and Corrinne are wanting to set up official job descriptions. I have never done a “management” type job, it’s interesting to be learning these skills here. Corrinne is a great teacher, and obviously a wonderful manager.  I am preparing for my 4-5 weeks here without any other American volunteers. I am pretty confident I can handle it. :)

 

Swahili is coming along slowly. I am picking up new things everyday which is exciting. Plus I have to get my numbers down seeing as I am going to be doing the grocery shopping by myself for a while.

We ran out of water this week, there hasn’t been as much rain as there should be and so there is no water. We have places we can go to get water, which is good; we just don’t have any at the orphanage. 

Christmas is coming, and I am really excited. I have some fun things planned for the kids! Today I made our super awesome, paper Christmas tree; complete with cut out lights, a star on top and fake presents underneath. The kids will be making ornaments and snowflakes today! On Christmas eve we will be decorating cookies! It’s going to be hard being away for the holidays but I am excited to share it with my new kids. ;) 

Thank you all for your prayers, we all appreciate it, and they are much needed.

The kids:

Boys- Hosea, Elisha, Elia, Ima, Goodluck

Girls-Tumpe, Elenesta, Jeneti, Eliza, Ziada, Priska