Today we went to visit Sister Maxcensia and the two novices in Makulani. Father Deonatus drove. We went out into the fields to see exactly what the situation is like for which they say they need a tractor. I measured the width of the furrows and took photos. When they told us that this year they did everything by hand it is almost unbelievable.
We talked at great length about the possibility of camels (Editor's note: to serve to plow and as work animals that can survive in the drought. This is a solution proposed by Heifer International Tanzania http://tinyurl.com/3fjtd5t ). They are aren't too wild about the idea since last year they got rid or their cow and goats in Makulani because there is no land for them to graze. Tonight we are at least going to look at the heifer website.
We talked again about a tractor with treads. (Editor's note: We have a lead on a possible donation of a tractor, but it has "treads" not "wheels and tires.") Their questions now are, Patrice, if your friend would ever really consider giving them a tractor with treads, how would it get to Makulani or Tunduro? The only tread tractor they have ever seen have been on big construction site; these tractors are moved from placer to place on a flatbed. They could not afford to pay for a flatbed. If they got a tractor with treads, it would have to stay in Tunduru where the biggest farm is located (300 acres), because they would have no way to move it to Masasi and Makulani. If it broke down, they would have no way to get it to the fathers' garage in Masasi, or to any other repair place. They also would have no way to have drivers trained in how to use this kind of a tractor and how to care for it.
We can talk about this when I get home. That's the end of my tractor talk from here. I don't expect any
response on this now.
Yesterday for my "English conversation" I engaged my students in conversation about qualities of leadership. I was so proud of them Again, I engaged them in a process whereby they prioritized their qualities, etc. Here is their list of leadership qualities:
* Good behavior, or behavior which gives good example
* Good health
* Have a vision to look at a problem with the help of others
* Have a capacity for leadership
* Hard working
* Has good relationships
* Cooperates with others
* Can keep a confidence
* Is a good listener
* Has good manners and is polite
* Is humble
* Is mature
I also had them talk about their "wishes" which was also very interesting.
Tonight we are expecting the members of Encounter Tanzania to arrive at the Fathers' compound. If it is not too late, we will go over to say Hello! We understand that they will be here for a few days, but I think they are going some place every day!
That's all for now!
love,
Virginia
