Our first weeks in Dar

It seems weird to say, but we've already been in Dar es Salaam for nearly 2 whole weeks (sometimes that seems like a long time and sometimes I can't believe that it's JUST been 2 weeks).  Anyway,  we all arrived safely here in Tanzania last weekend and since it's been a sort of whirlwind of activities.  The first day we spent getting small tours of Dar and just sort of adjusting to the time change (we're 8 hours ahead here) and acclimating to the environment.  On our first Friday here we were introduced to our host families for the first time.  We were all waiting around in the church with the hosts before we actually met them and it felt like a middle school dance (everyone was too nervous to go and talk to people on the other side of the room).  Anyway, to make a long story short, my host family is awesome (more on them in a later post).  I have just always felt so blessed at the hospitality that has seemed second nature for all of the people that I have encountered from other cultures.

I was really nervous leading into that first weekend away from the group and with the host family but everything turned out alright.  I have heard it described as the "longest weekend of you life" by previous SSTers but it turned out to be fairly fun if not exhausting.  After the weekend it was soo nice to see the rest of the group here.  I can now understand what everyone is talking about when they mention the great friendships they make on SST.  Just seeing someone who is experiencing similar things is enough to make you best friends.

As for our weekly schedule, we keep pretty busy.  I normally wake up at 5:15 in the morning to shower and be ready by 6:00 or so to get my first of two daladalas (Again, more on transportation in a later post) on the way to the church where were have Swahili class.  After class, we find lunch on our own usually and then head to the University of Dar es Salaam for a lecture about Tanzanian culture or history or head over to the SST Unit House for some much needed time to unwind.  I usually get back to my host house at around 6:00 or so in the afternoon, making for a very long 12 hour day!  I've been struggling to have enough energy in the evenings to be socail with my family but it has been going well, and they understand the stresses of being in a new culture can take their toll.  Weekends will be a mix of education/recreational activities with the group and some family time usually reserved for Sundays.


Anyway, I hope this post has wetted appetites for more news.  I'll make sure and post some more specifics soon!