Today we finished our work at the school then changed and dressed for the concert. Many parents and kids came, the entire school and community board, all teachers and the head of education for the entire region - the kids sang together several songs including the tanzanian national anthem in swahili, and building bridges. Both Chris Redmond and Justin Bruck played violin together and solos, Nic White sang while Jeffrey Endler played guitar and I heard cheers of "safa" (cool!). We showed the water power peace movies and highlights from the week, when I saw Justin and my picture on the screen, smiling on the bench commissioned that sits in the center of school peace garden- was highlight of my trip. The bench says in loving memory of Christine Bruck, and next to it sits a rock with a footprint painted with happy toes, which matched my own - toenails painted different colors with polka dots. Christine started that and to think it will inspire thousands of kids here!
Justin told me he wants to come here every time we come and this has been echoed by all the kids. When I found one in tears at dinner being comforted by other kids at first I though they were sick. Instead I learned they were sad to say goodbye to kids and some true friends made Update
Had to pause the last blog entry because we were ata wedding and they brought out the Tanzanian traditional decorated (dead) goat- the one where the bride and groom cut togetherand feed each othera piece. Can't really describe the look on kids faces! But won't forget that soon
Then they made an exception and let us lead gift giving early as we were so tired, John carried the wrapped china set and I led all the kids up with Heidi and Cora in the rear - they had music on so we had to sortof dance are way up with a lot of cheering and laughter. Once we all shook hands with bridal party we lined up and sang the tanzania national anthemin swahili, first to bridal party but when the whole hall stood up cheering (250people or so), they wanted us to begin again! Grace Cavanagh did a great job sort of leading song along knowing all or most of words. I lip synced and hid behind kids as best I could. Now sleep
Tomorrow half of us are going to church services and into Masai village and other half to market then lunch at Mr Kahembe house then a hike down a volcanic crater. The 2 groups will meet at 5 for sunset over Lake Babati -our last night here.
During concert, every student introduced themselves. Without fail - each one thanked the community for giving them the most amazing experience of their lives or the best summer they ever had. They all want to come back! I think this is a special group - they have supported each other and a whole school halfway round the world. We definately need to find time to present the highlights movie we showed today, Chris Martin made one already! and I am dying to see Lise photographs of the week.
LalaSalama (good night)
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