Finally some internet...

Well now that it has been days without an update, I hope people have not lost hope in my updates. Please tell me people are still checking this! Internet here is just far from reliable - the power comes are goes, I just finally found the internet place in our little town of Tengeru, and the other internet place is a bit of haul and a daladala ride away. Anyway. Yeah, kinda funny - the power is officially shut off on Tuesdays and Fridays, by the government. We have a generator for us, but that means no internet in town, just in Arusha. Bummer.

So the last few days. Not much has happened, so I will spend more time uploading some pictures instead of describing the nothingness. Basically got sick, super dizzy and nauseous but never puking, so I didn't go to placement Wed or Thurs, just stayed in bed and became homesick. Not so good. Friday finally felt well enough to go to St. Lucia, and was just a little saddened because I don't feel useful at all. Tobadina, the nurse there, just gives us random household chores to do, most of which she redoes herself a little after we do it. I think she just tells us to do things so we are out of the way. Maybe when there are less volunteers, there will be more to do.

Oh, I guess something more did happen. The new patient at St. Lucia did pass away Tuesday night after we left. She was just too sick and weak. Garrett, another volunteer, helped move her body on Wednesday. So sad, as is unnecessary to state. It was very hard on Friday going into the patients' room and seeing the now mattress-less bed where she had been on my first day. I was surprised the mood was not more somber, but I guess they are a bit used to it here and must continue regular care. Very overwhelming for us fresh-off-the-boat volunteers.

So, not sure how to proceed from there, but anyway. After feeling a little disappointed at placement, came back home and many people left for the weekend for a safari. I was going to go, but couldn't commit with being sick. Then saturday I went to town with some girls who were leaving, and learned the art of market bargaining. Very exciting. Got a couple of things for good prices, so I was happy. Then spent Saturday night talking to people and trying to make popcorn, but to no avail. Today it was pouring, so we spent most of the day just relaxing and playing cards, until now coming to use internet.

Sorry this is so sparse, I just have little time and want to post pictures. The picture above, because John asked, is a picture from my balcony view, so you can get an idea of how pretty it is here and what it looks like. Lots of trees and corn basically. I'll do that, then see what time is left. If nothing else, I'll be back hopefully sooner than usual, with more details. Sorry to be so brief - it's like there is so much to say, I don't know how to say it.

Know that I am safe and happy, just a little homesick, but that is to be expected. Missing you! Love, Kendra