Chalice: Notes from the field...

Another busy day!  A number of activities were going on today, including home visits, distribution of Days for Girls (reusable feminine hygiene) kits for new mothers, and a presentation on lactation and baby health by one of the nurses in our group.  For those of us not involved in these activities, a visit to a Chalice circle group garden was organized. We enjoyed a lovely ride in the countryside before arriving at our destination. The dirt road going to the garden was narrow and had too many potholes for the bus to pass safely. We would have to walk!  Along the way we saw a man working hard to break large rocks into smaller ones.  This is one example of the many things we saw being done by hand. Our hosts were very proud of their garden patch. We could see an abundance of vegetables growing including cabbage, corn and onions. We were all treated to a nice large carrot before heading back to the bus!

Today many of Chalice's field workers from across Tanzania gather at St. Norbert parish.   They recognize our Canadian team and approach to say hello. I recognize the gardener from Father Cino's house, and the field worker from the first site where we presented Days for Girls (reusable feminine hygiene kits). She said she missed me, that touched my heart. We formed many small groups of 3 Canadians and 4 Tanzanians and we shared ideas, concerns and we especially wanted to affirm them in their efforts and work. Most of us then went to the market with a local priest who is one shrewd bargaining partner. Many bought material and then proceeded to the section of sandals and belts made by the Maasai herdsmen. Talk about shopping local!  While most were at the market, others remained with the field workers to participate in the day's training.  For example, one of our team members who works in radio facilitated a workshop on report writing. In the afternoo

Treasure the wisdom of old age. Learn from elder people and be wise. ~ unknown   Today, we are at the Kinosa Katoliki in Songea. We will be meeting with elders and doing various activities with them. I am moved by the glimmer in their eyes, the loving handshakes and embraces, as though we were their own relatives coming to pay them a visit.  They participate in the activities with much enthusiasm.  I join a group that will enjoy a presentation of traditional cooking. As they prepare the food on their outdoor cooking stations, they sing and dance. They are so happy to share their knowledge with us. Another group focuses on exercises done with rubber bands. The elders seem to have a wonderful time, as do each of us who give individual assistance where it is needed. This turns out to be a very amusing and beneficial session. We meet two gentlemen who have such a positive outlook regardless of their physical disability. Unable to walk, they must