Welcome! Karibu!

This blog ("web log") is compiled by Sister Patrice Colletti, SDS to share the stories of our four Sisters who sojourn in Tanzania this summer, June- July 2011. The information below is from their emails; we've edited it for clarity.

Blogs typically go in "reverse chronological order", with the most RECENT posting at the top. So, as you read along, you're reading "backwards" in time, with the most recently received and posted information first.

You can also receive these postings by email! This is an option you can select, but isn't required. Enter your email address where it says FOLLOW THIS BLOG BY EMAIL to set up your email to automatically get a copy of the posting each time a new one goes up. Then, you can read it on your email. You are always welcome to come here to read it as well!

Questions on how this works? Please, contact S. Patrice Colletti at patricecolletti@sbcglobal.net.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Bibi Margaret and Life in a Drought Area

Here's a picture of Bibi Margaret (right, blue shirt)
 The water shortage is severe. Many hours are spent collecting water. It is carried by hand, on the head, on bicycles, or whatever way it can be! The convent has one of the only working wells in the area.

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Traditional Initiation for Children

On Friday, July 8, 2011 the children of the village return from a month long experience of initiation in the bush. According to custom, the children cover their faces during the celebration until they are given a coin.
There was much celebrating beginning with Mass for the Catholic children. (Both Christian and Muslim children participated in the initiation experience together. Boys and girls were in separate locations.
Local brew also flowed freely for the adults. Sr. Maxensia would take a sip for all of us, but Sr. Jeanette did get to hold the bucket of brew.
The boys were circumcised and both boys and girls were taught tribal traditions, customs, and respect.) We were introduced to the Muslim village elders who coordinated the initiation experience for the children.
For each boy a guide pole is made. We were honored with Sr. Maxensia to be given the guide pole by one family.
During the initial round of visiting, those who had just completed the initiation seemed to be practicing being patience. Later in the afternoon and during the weekend they were joyfully playing in their new clothes.

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Soon to head for Dar...

Sisters Jeanette and Ellen are finishing up their time in Tanzania and soon will journey to Dar es Salaam to connect with their fellow Salvatorians from "Encounter Tanzania." Then, they will together fly back to the US, via Amsterdam, arriving in Milwaukee on (or near!) Saturday, July 16, in the evening. The group will be brought from the airport to the SDS-M Pro House via the St. Anne's van, and from there, exhausted but happy to be home, will go to their very own beds!

This note from Jeanette offers a brief summary:

For the first time I was able to download Update easily here in Tanzania. The computers here in Masasi have been working very well for us. The only problem is we have been here for only short periods. We had no computer access in Lupaso and Makleni. Fr Jim Wikert, the new pastor in Lupaso was considering going to an internet cafe in town until he can get internet set up at his home. We will be here overnight and start off for Mtwara tomorrow morning. I hope all is well with you in Milwaukee. We will be home Saturday evening.
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