Newly arrived to Tanzania

Hello everyone,

I continue to have a hard time with internet access. I don’t know when I will be able to upload any pics or videos—I may give my supervisor who is returning soon to the US, a copy of pics, videos to share there in the US.

Today was the best because I really was able to hang out with some of the local orphans. The boys I met today were great and told me folk stories, we sang, and we had a chance to ask questions of each other. They are very small for their ages due to malnourishment and lack of adequate medical attention. We told them that our office is a place for child advocacy and that they are always welcome. My supervisor told them I will be their friend and advocate. They really seem curious about me but we do get along. Speaking of the office – today we had it cleaned and the title put on the building. I am also going to have my own office! Yay!

There are really many missionaries here and ironically, as most of them are white and seek to be here in Africa, some would look down on Black Americans like my boss and I. Hmmm…

Anyways, I really have so much to share and I hope I can let it come out so that you can know about all these really amazing going ons in the world.

LoveChristie

Sent 4/6/09:
Hi everyone, this is the CORRECT mailing address for me--we just set it up today!Christie Johnson
The Ark Foundation of Africa
P.O. Box 651
Kigoma, Tanzania

Today was a day impeded by the intermittent electricity, no running water, and local officials who possibly wanted a bribe -- well, it is just a gut feeling we felt. However, things on the ground are becoming clearer for me. I feel better, less emotional, and more familiar with my surroundings. Thank you for all the well wishes. I really do hope to post photos soon. Now I am working on that work visa.I hope to spend my birthday in Uganda! More details to follow on my trip to UG!

love,
Christie
Sent 4/5/09:

Dear Friends & Family,

I am having a more difficult time than anticipated adjusting. I feel a bit isolated. I cannot really receive text messages, which, to say the least, is disconcerting. However, I do live down the road from this hotel with breathtaking lake views, http://www.laketanganyikabeachhotel.com/, which opened up only last week. This is where I am able to now access the internet, although verrry slowly. Hence, I am not sure whether or not I will be able to share photos with folks for a while.

It is heartwrenching to see the plight of the orphans here. However, this is my mission to assess the service provisions to orphans, identify gaps, and help transform official policy and local capacity to address such gaps. I hope to have much more to say on this later. Perhaps I can write up some notes when I am not on the clock at the cafe.

I really do hope that folks can check in on me from time to time as it will be hard for me to call and receive text messages. I am still acclimating. My boss is leaving on Wednesday to the U.S. and I will have a lot to do on my own -- including fly to another locality!

I really do hope to be in touch soon,
love
Christie

Sent 4/3/09:

Hello my friends and family,

This is my first time to sit down at an internet cafe. I flew to Dar Es Salaam (after layover in Dubai, which is sooo beautiful by the way) and spent two nights with a wonderful lady and her 7 children, the youngest of which is 17yo. She and one of her daughters, who is one year younger than me, traveled together alll day by bus and by walking into the city. It was really the hottest city I have ever been in and my sweat literally dripped off of me! I only spent one day in town so I was unable to get a great observation of the city. I flew in today from Dar to Kigoma, which is right on lake Tangenika. My new home overlooks the water, which is breathtakingly beautiful. However, it will be something to get used to as I do not yet speak the language and must communicate in Kiswahili. Soon I will be left rather independently to fetch my own things from the town and cook and care for myself. There are many refugees here and thus it is a hotbead of UNHCR and various aid groups -- including the Columbia University school for Aids Research -- who knew. For now I don't know anyone yet. I am also referred to as muzungu (white person by local children on the road) which I will have to grit my teeth and get over. It is going to be a trying time, but I am sure I will have better updates later. I have been having a hard time receiving calls--although Esther was able to call me, and not able to receive text messages (although I can receive some local ones). I must get it sorted out soon so I can stay in touch with my peoples!

Even though my internet is slow and requires a walk into town, please do try and keep in touch.

love,
Christie

Originally posted: Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 6:44pm