A Month in Tanzania: Part 1

Swahili … the national language of Tanzania

Swahili is flat-out cool. My most commonly used phrases are:

English: “Thanks very much.” “You’re welcome.” “How are you doing?” “Fine.”
Swahili: “Asante sana.” “Karibu.” “Jambo or Mambo.” “Poa.”

Gotta love bucket showers!

Our old squad leaders gave us a heads up on what to expect for bathing in Africa … the bucket shower. It is literally a bucket with water in it, and you use a smaller bucket to pour water on yourself. I made the mistake the first couple days of using the freezing tap water for my bucket instead of asking our cooks to heat it up over their fire. Learned my lesson! I will take a hot bucket shower any day over a cold Central American running water shower!

Oh my goodness! A rat just ran over my feet!

Oh yes. We are in Africa. I was taking a bucket shower one night, and I guess I poured too much water over myself, because a huge black rat sky-rocketed out of the drain. It ran over my feet and ricocheted against the walls, and then darted back into the drain. I normally don’t let out a high-pitched scream, but I definitely did that night.

Tenting in a bedroom

Former World Racers frequently mentioned that tents are a back-up, and you may only tent a month or two on The Race. Well, for me, that has not been the case; I have tented in Months 2, 3, and 6 thus far. I have become quite savvy at whipping out my camping gear and turning it into my little apartment. Michael Kolins, you would be proud! Living in a tent for three months wasn’t bad because no one can invade my space!

The squatty potty

Note: Some of you all may be slightly offended by the following, but it is real life, my apologies. At first, I disliked the squatty potty so much I was tempted to drink less so I didn’t have to urinate as much during the day! Figuring out your ideal squat position takes time and good quad muscles, but once I got used to it by the second week, it became normal. More than just me have missed the hole or accidentally gotten sprayed!!! It is actually hilarious to think about in retrospect!

TIA … This is Africa.

Time is valued quite differently in Africa … and Central America, for that matter. It is not surprising to hear Africans tell us Americans to “Be free,” or ask, “Why do you worry so much about time, my friends?” A 2-3 hour church service could turn into a 9 hour service depending on when people arrived and how the Holy Spirit guides the service. When a bus is supposed to pick you up at 6 AM to take you across the country, don’t be surprised if it shows up at 1 PM instead. If the pastor says there is supposed to be door-to-door evangelism at 10 AM, don’t be surprised if he shows up at noon and says there isn’t morning ministry. TIA, baby.