WE WENT SHOPPING!!

Today is Wednesday and it has been a wonderful day.  In fact, this has been a busy and fun week so far.  We have been busy in the office which makes me feel useful .  We have gotten lots of things done and of course now as the time grows near to leave, we have to make sure we "wrap" things up.  It seems unfair that now that I FINALLY know what I am doing most of the time, I should be leaving.  Pole sana (that means "so sorry" in Swahili). 

John and Addy Mhekwa

Some pots and pans and Mzungu tootsies

You have read about our friend John and his wife Addy who were recently married.  Several of us who know John went together to buy a wedding present for him.  I was going to bring something from home but then it is hard to know if it is something that they can use here or not.   It is hard to know what they might need and what they already have.  Don't want to bring something all the way here and have it not be appropriate.  

 So after much deliberation, I decided to bring the money and buy something when I got here and had a chance to visit with Addy and see what she might like.  Also things are inexpensive here.  I told John that I had brought money to buy them a present and would like to go with them to pick something out.  They were so pleased at the thoughtfulness and were excited to think of what they might get.  It took them three different consultations to finally decide.  They went from something that they might dream of getting to something that they really needed and would have fun spending the money on.  

So, today was shopping day.  John and Addy had gone to the market and looked for things for their house and kitchen and made a list with prices to make sure that they would not overspend the money that we have brought.  You can see from the pictures that we had fun looking at all the possibilities from silverware to thermo cooking containers that everyone uses to prepare food for the day.  Addy bought mugs that had roses on them and said "Love" in red script.  She got plastic plates and cups for everyday because she already has better "china".  They got a colorful woven mat for the floor in their living room. 

No wasted space in this duka!

They bought serving spoons and trays and cooking pots. It was such fun to see all the things that we were able to get for them.  It was like a bridal shower in one stop!  When we were done, the man at the duka packed everything in a huge box, tied it and lifted to his shoulders and carried it for several blocks to where our car was parked.  What service!  As a professional shopper, I was in heaven!  To be able to see all the useful things they had selected and know that they would use them warmed my heart.  I know my friends who helped contribute will be thrilled as well!  If you are reading this, you know who you are!

  John and Addy came to our apartment after shopping for dinner.  We had a lovely time.  I made beef stew and it turned out great. 

The only thing I made that was not such a hit with Addy was jello.  She watched it jiggle and couldn't quite bring herself to try it.  John ate it and even liked it but could not coax Addy into eating it.  No jello in Tanzania.  I had brought it from home.  

 After dinner we spent time looking through a large coffee table book about Minnesota, talking about our seasons and snow and what people like to do.  Such a terrific evening.  Such good friends.  

Final Acounting!