Centre Update- By Charmaine


Well, here we are, safe and sound at the Sunrise of Life-Tupendane Residential Centre. It is so great to be back. I arrived in Nairobi late Friday night, the same time Kathryn and Stephen arrived in Kilimanjaro. They got to the centre late Friday night, while I spent that in Nairobi. Early Saturday morning it was off to the airport again, this time to catch the Riverside Shuttle right to where I belong. Katie and Stephen met me at Impala Hotel, along with Neema and Kanai. For those who these names mean nothing to, Neema is our wonderful manager, and Kanai sits on the board. The two are both very devoted to Sol, and we are happy to have them on our Tanzanian team. The reunion at the centre was full of joy. Not much has changed; the kids have aged a little, but then again, haven’t we all? I also was able to meet our five newest children here at the centre: Paul, Praygod, Forget, Michael and Ema. Already they’re teaching us new words in Swahili, and in turn, we give them the English word. Seeing as (at least for me) our Swahili is about the level of a 5-year-old, it’s perfect. Katie and Stephen are off to the Kilimanjaro Airport this morning to pick up Stephen’s sister, Kristen. She’s the 4th of 9 volunteers that are expected in the next two weeks. On Saturday, I’ll go to town to pick up volunteer number 5, Aletta. Next week, Ashley and Amy are expected to arrive, and the following week, we will be full with 9 when Nicole and Kim arrive. It will definitely be a full house, with
13 people spread over 4 bedrooms, 1 shower and 1 bathroom. But not to worry- it’s all a day in the life. This week, we will finish the 4th bedroom in the house, fixing the window, putting in bunk beds, buying mattresses and sheets, and making sure that the blankets are clean and ready. Mornings are exceptionally cold here (around 10 degrees Celsius), so we have to warm blankets ready. As well, we’re hoping to get the last tiles laid in the kitchen, and some small things fixed up. Bigger projects will be started when the group of volunteers are here- we’re looking at centre improvements and new chicken houses. Stay tuned for those updates in the coming weeks! Neema just poked her head into the door, with fresh bananas. Nothing beats a fresh, tree-ripened banana from Tanzania. Later, she and I will be off to town, to pick up some supplies for the volunteers. Well, that’s all for this morning! If you are interested in sponsoring any of our projects, you can donate online at 
www.sunriseoflife.com. Just click on the Donate button and follow the steps. As well, we ask you to please remember all of us here, and the volunteers that will be travelling in the upcoming weeks, in your thoughts and prayers.
Siku njema! Have a good day!

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