Today we all (minus Ron) headed to the mall for some shopping...well not exactly a mall. There is not a Target or a large mall you can go to and buy everything at once! Most of the stores are actually very small fronts. You tell the person behind the counter what you are interested in buying, and they bring different samples of what they have up to the counter for you to see. You make your selections and then begin the bargaining process. Even the stores that have "set" prices are willing to budge a little bit when they are told it is for an orphanage.
The first store we went to was the book store! We were very excited to buy some books in Kiswahili. We were able to find some really great children's books for 1,000 shillings, which converts to less than a dollar. We also bought many other story books, learning books, and Bibles! We left with two large bags!
Upon leaving the book store we went to a store to buy fabric for the cushions that will go on our long benches in the living room. We found one that was perfect, but it was out of stock so they are ordering more for us that should be in next month. Our home also has lots of windows, so we purchased the fabric for our window coverings and some pillows to make the bench more comfortable! We are excited to start putting up the window coverings later this week! We want to make sure that the orphanage truly feels like a home for these children, cozy and welcoming.
We went down the road a little further and ordered the foam for the cushions. It was an interesting stop because we were parked by an open air market where we could watch the shoppers and eat our lunches on the bus.
Next it was time to hit the kitchen store! We need to fully stock the kitchen. We were able to do that pretty well between two different stores. We are still in need of plates and bowls, but both stores were out of the type we wanted. We hope to be able to buy them later this week. We did buy pots, pans, cups, glasses, silverware, cooking utensils, baking sheet, trash can, rice cooker, can opener, storage containers, and much much more! It will be very fun to unpack it all in to the kitchen tomorrow!
There was a little fun stop today at a local coffee shop that is very Americanized. Most of us ordered frappuccinos or another tasty treat. It really helped cool us down while riding on the hot bus.
Between shops in Arusha today Elivia was mistaken for a rock star. She was approached by a man trying to sell her something, who asked if she was Riana. She replied no, with a laugh, and he asked her age, which she said was 52 (she is a teenager)!! He told her he was 52 also...and then asked if she might be related to Riana, a cousin or neighbor!? Again she said no. The street sellers are very persistent here and he was eager to sell her something and kept talking to her until she entered the coffee shop.
Corrinne also had an interesting experience last night at the Lodge where she was approached by a family who wanted to take a photo with her. She wasn't sure why but obliged them. Then they called to friends who also ran over to take pictures with her until Shannin noticed Corrinne feeling a bit uncomfortable and called her away. We are not sure what prompted the photo op, but think it may be her blond hair. Many people here have not had many opportunities to see a white person before and even less likely to have seen a blonde!! :)
Back at the property today the local men we have hired were still digging away at the soon-to-be fish pond. Ron stayed back to supervise. What a great surprise when we returned from shopping to find it almost done! The entire area has been dug, and tomorrow they will just need to make it deeper!!!! WOW!
We also stopped by the to make a payment to the company that has dug the well. We discussed plans for making the water accessible to our neighbors. Juma suggested that we pay some of the locals to dig the trench for the piping to the outer gate; it will give them a sense of ownership. After discussing this with Gabriel, they are going to organize the neighbors who will dig it for FREE! They will be able to have fresh water available and are eager help!
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